|
| 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) |
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