Visitor information

For complementary information see Amazon FAQ.
Land
Stretching 6448 km (4007 miles) across 6 countries and through a forest system larger than all of Western Europe, the Amazon is truly a marvel to be seen. The river has approximately 15,000 tributaries, 12 of which are over 1,600 km in length. At some places the Amazon can stretch to over 65 km in width and can run as deep as 91 meters. The Amazon is Earth’s biggest fresh water ecosystem draining over 7 million km2 of land. It also claims the title of most diverse ecosystem with the world’s highest diversity of birds, plants, and insects. It also is home to the largest remaining primary tropical woodland, as well as half the world’s rainforest. For more information, see geography.
 
Climate
The Amazon is generally wet and hot without much variance. However, there are times that are wetter and hotter than others, and thus effecting water levels and insect populations. The year is divided up into three seasons: high water, low water, and in between. For more information, see our seasonal chart.
 
Countries

Bolivia
Probably the hardest of the countries to reach, making transportation into Bolivia quite expensive. But once there, it is one of the cheaper Amazonian counties in which to travel. The tourist industry has only recently jumped forward to provide opportunities such as hiking and rafting trips in the low lands as well as in the Madidi, Manuripi Heath, and Noel Kempff National Parks. It is also possible to connect to the main leg of the Amazon by way of the Grande-Mamorè-Madiera river system.
 
 
Brazil
Considered the heart of the Amazon, Brazil has the greatest variety of opportunities to offer. She is also quite expensive in comparison with her neighbours. It is easy to arrange trips through the forest and out to secluded forest lodges. In addition to the endless opportunities, Brazil is also home to the greatest number of indigenous groups. However, one must obtain permission from the FUNAI before traversing into tribal villages, an adventure in itself. It is also possible to explore the forest roads that provide a glimpse into the frontier life of Brazilian settlers in the Amazon.
 
Ecuador
Ecuador provides the easiest access to the Amazon by way of road and plane. It also relatively expensive. Lodges are easily accessed from various lowland centres including Coca, Misahaulli, and Tena. From these points one can also arrange various adventure tours and meetings with indigenous groups. Ecuador is also the ideal jumping-off spot to the Galapagos Islands.
 
Peru
The country is home to Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado, both considered great starting points for Amazon exploration. For Iquitos there are direct flights from Miami which make these lodges, only a few hours away from Iquitos, much more accessible than those around Puerto Maldonado. It is also possible to arrange trips from Pucallpa into the central Amazon region. It is best to arrange white water kayaking and rafting trips from Cuzco.
 
Venezuela
Venezuela is perhaps the most developed of all the Amazon countries, and yet her forests are relatively untouched. Tourism is at an early stage of development, but there is a good selection of floating hotels, river adventure trips, jungle lodges, and visits to indigenous groups.
People
It is estimated that 20 million people live in the Amazon. These people are often divided into two groups: indigenous populations and settlers. This includes the 400 indigenous tribes, gold miners, cattle ranchers, rubber tappers, and forestry workers.
 
Languages
Spanish is predominant throughout most of the Amazonian countries, with the exception of Brazil whose state language is Portuguese. Other languages include Quechua, Quicha, Aymará, and about 170 indigenous languages and dialects.
 
Visas

Passports must be valid for at least six months from date of entry. Also make sure to check with the embassies for updated visa information. The following are 90-day visa requirements of Amazonian countries:

Country US UK Can Aus NZ SA Fre Ger Neth Jap
Bolivia
 - - - - - - - - - -
Brazil
 + - + + + - - - - +
Ecuador
 - - - - - - + - - -
Peru
 - - - - + - - - - -
Venezuela*
 - - - - - - - - - -
(‘+’ required, ‘-’ not required)
* Visas required for overland entrance

 
 
Food and Water
Only drink purified or bottled water. The tap water will only lead to a nasty stomach ache and several days of bed. It is also essential to drink plenty of water. With hot temperatures, heat exhaustion can happen. Naturally, water isn’t the only drink available. Fruit juices made from guaranás, guanabanás, cupuasás, maracuyas, and camu-camus provide a refreshing taste of the tropics.

The Amazon is known to provide such delicacies as wild iguana and palm grubs. But if the adventure of trying these exotic foods does not appeal to you, do not fear. Most lodges of reasonable quality provide good western-style food. For those wishing to taste more aquatic delicacies, tambaqui, dorado, and silver dollar fish are probably the best options. Piranhas are also a favourite and are best in a sort of soup. Remember to never eat threatened or endangered wildlife, such as the tapir, river turtle, and peccary. This will only perpetrate the spread of over hunting even more.

 
Health

Immunizations are recommended, and the yellow fever vaccine is even required for travel in some parts of the Amazon. Check with a local health official at least two week prior to departure for updates. To avoid getting sick the US Centre for Disease Control recommends:-

  • Don’t eat food purchased from street vendors.
  • Don’t drink beverages with ice.
  • Don’t eat dairy products unless you know they have been pasteurised.
  • Don’t share needles with anyone.
  • Don’t handle animals (especially monkeys, dogs, and cats), to avoid bites and serious diseases.
  • Don’t swim in fresh water. Salt water is usually safer.

For more information check out CDC's page Health Information for Travelers to Tropical South America.

Health care is rather limited in the Amazon, and if you need immediate medical attention, an emergency evacuation may be necessary. This coupled with the already expensive costs of treatment can add up into a burdensome debt. Because of this, it is recommended that you take out some sort of comprehensive insurance in the case such an unfortunate event occurs.
 
Security

Although the robbery rates in the larger capital cities can be quite high, one is unlikely to encounter any such danger on the Amazon itself. Still, there are a few common sense rules that any traveler should follow:

  • Carry a money belt for important documents and excess cash.
  • When in town, try to stay in crowded areas. If this is not possible, take a cab.
  • Never enter indigenous territory without permission and an indigenous guide or friend of the local tribe.
  • Women should avoid travelling alone in remote areas
 
Local Time
Country Hours Behind GMT
Bolivia 4
Brazil 3-5
Ecuador 5
Peru 5
Venezuela 4
 
Currency
The US dollar is by far the best currency have when travelling in the Amazon. While most costs are prepaid for in tours, you will need money for airport taxes, drinks, meals, souvenirs, and tips. One may want to invest in the security of travellers’ cheques, although these can be difficult to cash in out of the way places. The other alternative, ATMS, is becoming increasingly common through the Amazon. Always keep important documents and extra cash in a money belt.
 
Tipping
Although tipping practices vary across the region, one most often tips airport porters, hotel staff, and restaurants. On average, one is expected tip about 10% of the bill.
Taxis
Taxis are quite common throughout the Amazon, although in some cases the “taxi” might be a sort of a converted motorcycle rickshaw. As expected, prices and quality vary throughout the region, and safety normally isn’t a problem. Tipping is usually not required, although some drivers might try to pressure you into it. Always remember to set an agreed price before a journey to avoid being ripped off or having you luggage held for ransom.
 
Electricity
Bolivia 220 volts, 50 cycles/La Paz -110 volts
Brazil 127 volts in Manuas/110 or 220 elsewhere
Ecuador 110/220 volts
Peru 220 volts, 60 cycles/Arequipa – 50 cycles
Venezuela 110 volts, 60 cycles
 
Departure Tax
Bolivia $20 (stay less than 90 days)
  $90 (More than 90 days)
Brazil $36 (often included in ticket costs)
Ecuador $25
Peru $25
Venezuela $21
  $39 (stay over a month)