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Sunset over the Amazon, top river cruise experience

Best Things to Do in Amazon River

Iconic Attractions & Hidden Gem Travel Experiences

Amazon River

The Amazon River is the world’s largest by volume, starting in Peru and flowing 4,000 miles east to the Atlantic Ocean. The surrounding rain forests are among the world's most diverse ecosystems, home to thousands of plant and animal species. Not only this, but most of the forest is navigable by medium and small river cruises.

Top Amazon River Experiences

  • Seeing the European influenced city of Manaus, carved out of the dense jungle.
  • Visiting local villages and meeting the isolated communities.
  • Marveling at the wildlife, from enormous butterflies to curious monkeys roaming the canopy.
  • Going a river cruise through the heart of the jungle, and listening to the night animals while falling asleep.
  • Birdwatching in the most biodiverse rainforest on the planet. 

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Things to do in Amazon River - Expert’s guide

1. San Francisco Village/Jungle Community

Two Local Amazonian boys wearing traditional dress along the Amazon river

Stop by the community of local villagers, the San Francisco Jungle community who have been living in the Amazon for generations. Most Amazon tours visit the schoolhouse - the children will greet you with warm smiles. They love visitors! There is also a local women’s arts and crafts market. This is a great place to support the locals buying gifts for your friends and family!

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2. Jungle Exploration

Exploring the Amazon River and Jungle

Located near the Marañon River, enter the “black water” stream and learn about the ecosystem. Early morning or late evening visits are best, when the wildlife are active. On land, learn about the ecosystem of the Amazon, the local villagers, and the medicinal purposes of the plants.

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3. Pacaya-Samiria Reserve

Red Macaw at Pacaya-Samiria nature reserve on Amazon river cruise

If you’re interested in birds, this is definitely an Amazon attraction you shouldn't miss. Pacaya-Samiria Reserve is home to over 450 birds - and that’s only what’s accounted for! Other wildlife in the reserve includes: over 100 species of mammals, 130 species of reptiles/amphibians, and various plants. Primate lovers will enjoy a stop here as well, since 13 primate species live in the Pacaya-Samiria too. This reserve is the largest wetland reserve in the world.

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4. Island of the Iguanas

Also located near the Marañon River is the Island of the Iguanas. If you’re on the lookout for iguanas, this is the place to be! The island is a popular spot for catch and release fishing. Make sure to watch for Piranhas, where you can see them up close!

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5. Rio Ucayali

Giant green water lilies in Rio Ucayali along the Amazon River

The Rio Ucayali is a great place to see the wildlife along the Amazon River. Keep an eye out near the shores and by the boat, looking for gray river dolphins and Amazon pink dolphins. This area is surrounded by rainforest, with opportunities to see birds, monkeys and sloths hanging around. Giant water lilies are also found here. In the evening when dusk is nearing, be on the lookout for fishing bats.

See top Amazon River Cruises »

6. Ubos Lake

Piranha in Ubos Lake on the Amazon River

Travelers looking to catch their dinner (literally) can do this at Ubos Lake. Some tours offer a stop at this lake, home of piranha fishing. On lucky days, visitors can catch piranha (red-breasted, white or black) to later enjoy for dinner.

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7. Yanayacu/Pucate Rivers

View of Amazon river turtles from an Amazon river cruise

Another fun nature option, the Yanayacu and Pucate rivers divert into creeks and lagoons, filled with biodiversity. Some of the beauty has to be seen up close. Some Amazon tours offer kayaking and/or stand up paddle boarding to really get a feel for the beauty of the Amazon.

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8. Swim with Dolphins

For those looking to get into the water, some tours offer an opportunity to take a dip in the Peruvian Amazon. There is a chance to encounter the Amazon’s pink dolphins. Even if there are no dolphin sightings, it gives visitors a unique way to experience the Amazon.

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9. Monkey Island

Young monkey on branch in Monkey Island nature reserve along the Amazon River

Another close up wildlife opportunity along the Amazon River is Monkey Island. This private reserve was created by a Non-profit dedicated to saving the monkeys that are often traded in local markets. Once they are in the reserve, they are able to live a freer life, protected from human predators.

See top Amazon River Cruises »

10. Native boras Community at Momon River

Sunset over the Amazon river

Originally from the Colombia border, the Native Boras community migrated south to live on the Momon River. Customs and cultural traditions have been kept alive, and some tours offer the opportunity to visit with this community to experience the traditions. When they are dancing, they like to paint their bodies. Experience the festivals and ceremonies at their ceremonial palace.

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Amazon River Tours Reviews & Ratings

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Jamie R.
·
2023-12-10
Written on
Responsible Travel Company Reviews by Responsible Travel
We just returned from a wonderful 3-week trip in Ecuador that included Quito, Amazon jungle, touring down the Andes to Cuenca, and Galapagos cruise.
We just returned from a wonderful 3-week trip in Ecuador that included Quito, Amazon jungle, touring down the Andes to Cuenca, and Galapagos cruise. Our travel agent Alvaro did an excellent job helping us plan our trip - he was very knowledgeable, patient, and kind. All our guides were excellent, special shout-out to Christian, Sergio (aka Mike Tyson), and Pablo. Our favorite experiences were the Napo Cultural Center in the Amazon, biking/hiking at the Cotopaxi and Chimborazo volcanoes, and cruising the Galapagos.
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Ruth
·
2023-12-04
Written on
Brazilian Amazon by Boat
Time on the charter boat at Manaus area.
Lark.
·
2023-10-11
Written on
Brazilian Amazon by Boat
An amazing trip - highly recommended!

The river, tour leader, nature and wildlife were fantastic!
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Jessica S.
·
2023-09-24
Written on
Responsible Travel Company Reviews by Responsible Travel
Alvaro helped me and my husband plan our honeymoon trip to Ecuador and it was amazing!
Alvaro helped me and my husband plan our honeymoon trip to Ecuador and it was amazing! Our guides were very kind and knowledgeable. We learned not only about the area and history, but also about current events and daily life. We got to see beautiful mountains, the Amazon, artistic murals, and historical landmarks. The food was delicious and healthy. In the Galapagos we learned about wildlife and had many up close experiences with the animals. We felt very welcomed everywhere we went, and we can’t wait to come back for another adventure in Ecuador!
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Mathew S.
·
2023-07-17
Written on
Responsible Travel Company Reviews by Responsible Travel
We had the most amazing trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
We had the most amazing trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the initial interaction and Alvaro all the way through to our last day - everything was flawlessly planned and executed. Alvaro put together the perfect itinerary for us, and was always available during the course of the trip, and managed to change our plans at the last minute during our trip.

All of our guides, drivers, tour operators, etc. were excellent - special mentions to Chris and Alejandro!

Ecuador is a spectacular place to visit. I would highly recommend a trip - from the volcanos, cloud rainforest, jungle, Galapagos Islands, and the wonderful people.

Thanks again Alvaro for planning such an epic visit!
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Estefania
·
2023-06-28
Written on
Responsible Travel Company Reviews by Responsible Travel
Thank you very much for the experience
Thank you very much for the experience I loved Ecuador the beaches and animals in the Galápagos are unforgettable, Gratitude Responsible travel for the operation made my vacation the best and in paradise it was a joy to know half the world.
It cost!
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