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The best time depends primarily on you. The Amazon is consistently rainy and hot, so weather plays only a small role in your deliberations. However, the different seasons do determine what sort of wildlife you are most likely to see, and it is these preferences as to what you want to see and general convenience that should form you final decision. For a better clue, see our seasonal guide.

Rainy and hot are perhaps the best two terms to describe the Amazonian weather. Naturally, it is best to dress accordingly.

For more details, see extensions. There is a plethora of additional trips available. Ecuador is an ideal jumping of point for the Galapagos Islands, well-known as a laboratory of evolution. In Peru, one can visit the marvellous Incan ruins and Cuzco. The Pantanal provides excellent opportunities to view wildlife in Brazil. And in Venezuela, the Gran Sabana and Salto Angel are definitely worth a visit.

It is best to take smaller sized tours numbering 15 people or less. This is because you are bound to receive better treatment in hotels and will have less people blocking your view. Smaller groups also put less stress on the animals and the environment. The only downfall is that it is a lot harder to avoid people you dislike.

The next step is to decide what level of activity you want to engage in. Soft adventures are usually relaxed and consist of floating down the Amazon in a comfortable riverboat, stopping ever so often to visit secluded villages and jungle lodges. Other activities include canoe trips and forest walks. For the more active, there are hard adventures that can consist of any combination of hiking, trekking, rafting, and kayaking. These adventures can be intense, and one might even have to take up a fitness program in preparation.

Sadly, most Amazonian hotels and boats are ill equipped to handle the demands of the handicapped, but the journey is still possible.

If you have allergies or are vegetarian it is recommended that you inform airlines 72 hours in advance and cruises 30 days in advance. You may have to inquire if such services are available.

While telephoning is relatively easy in the larger Amazonian centres, it can be close to impossible in more remote areas. Most countries do have International Direct Dialling, but in the end it may be easier to just buy a telephone card. These are easily found at post offices, newsstands, pharmacies, and other concession stands.

Security in Amazon isn’t a problem yet. Just use common sense and keep important documents in a money belt.

We have put together a list on what to bring, but the decision is up to you. Just remember, you will most likely have to carry your own luggage to the lodge, so pack lightly and avoid bringing useless articles that will weigh you down.

Yes, but it is necessary to get the permission of the tribe first. It is also important that you enter with an indigenous guide or friend of the group. In Brazil one also needs to permission from FUNAI to enter tribal lands.

For 12,000 years the indigenous peoples have been an essential part of Amazonian life. Sadly, these tribes are often discriminated by settlers, tourists, and even their own government. It is important to remember when visiting these various tribal groups to respect their culture. This means that one should never degrade, demean, insult, or patronize local groups. If you intend to visit tribal lands, make sure to ask and obtain permission. This can be difficult at times, but always remember to maintain a respectful and tactful attitude. Money may also be required, but never resort to bribery. Also be sure to pay properly for any services rendered by tribal peoples. Behave on tribal lands as you would on private property. And lastly, if you have cold or disease, avoid visiting tribal lands. Some indigenous groups may have low immunity to outside diseases, so what may seem like only a mild case of the flu could kill tribal peoples. For more information, visit Survival International’s web site. To find out more about tribal groups in general, visit our indigenous peoples page.

Studies have shown that tours can stress animals and lead to declining populations. Additionally, the increase of 4WD vehicles and high-powered motorboats has caused higher levels of pollution and environmental degradation. However, because only pristine forests and plentiful animal populations can attract tourists and income, tourism provides greater incentives to preserve the environment

The best ways are to avoid hunting, fishing, eating endangered animals, and buying tourist trinkets made from animal products. The Amazonian animal population is over-hunted as it is, and engaging in such activities increases the pressures. Also travelling in smaller groups tends to put less stress on the environment and her animals. Additionally, avoid feeding or teasing wild animals

The Pantanal is by far the best place for viewing wildlife even though it is not technically part of the Amazon. Still, the little excursion is worth your while, and you are sure not to be disappointed. If you are reluctant to leave the forests of the Amazon, then you success will depend on the experience on your guide.

While the Pantanal can provide some excellent birding opportunities, your best bet is with a rainforest lodge. When taking different lodges into consideration, one should choose that has access to a lake and canoes, canopy walk or tower, and a macaw lick. The lodge should also be located on protected lands and have plenty of trails traversing through various types of forest. Some examples of good birding lodges include La Selva, Sacha Lodge, and Kapawi Lodge in Ecuador, and ExplorNapo Lodge, Manu Wildlife Centre, and Tambopata Research Centre in Peru.

Just cautious. The majority of snakes in the Amazon are non-poisonous, and those who are rarely bite humans. One can easily prevent snakebites by wearing loose cloths, sturdy shoes, and retiring under a mosquito net at night.

In the unlikely case that you are bitten, do not attempt to cut or suck out the venom. This will only make matters much worse. The best thing is to place a crépe bandage over the wound and evacuate to the nearest medical facility.

To prevent diseases such of rabies from entering your system, one should hold the wound under rather while scrubbing with soap for five minutes. Afterwards, soak the wound in spirits and rush off for medical help.

Long loose fitted clothing with the addition of insect spray is perhaps the best deterrents for insect bites. At night, one should sleep under a bed net or in an enclosed air-conditioned room.

Risks are minimal in the Amazon. Of course the much feared piranhas and electric eels inhabit the waters, but you are much more likely to drown than ever succumb to one of the creatures. It is best to listen to local advice on the best swimming locations, and to wear shoes on the beach to prevent some parasite infections. While in the water it is possible to attract some uninvited parasitic guests, but even this is unlikely. However, if you begin to have any unusual symptoms, it is advisable that you visit doctor upon your visit home.

The yellow fever vaccination is required for some parts of the Amazon, and the typhoid and hepatitis shots are recommended. One should also stock up on anti-malarial tablets. click for more info

While most lodges and boats keep some sort of first aid kit at hand, these are usually ineffective at handling serious cases. Therefore, you would have to be evacuated to the nearest health centre.