As the largest rainforest in the world, the Amazon’s size is difficult to convey. Encompassing over eight countries and 2.7 million square miles – about 40% of South America – it’s a place of near-mythical status and, if you’re fascinated by the natural world, there’s a good chance you’ve dreamed of going one day.
Visiting the Amazon rainforest is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, yet its sheer size and diversity can make it difficult to know how best to explore. While the appeal of the Amazon’s natural beauty and wildlife are obvious, there’s plenty of culture and history to be found too. And, if you’re interested in adventure, there are also lots of activities that will get your blood pumping.
With that in mind, here are 10 of the best things to do in the Amazon rainforest.
1. Hiking
One of the best ways to experience the rainforest is to hike through it. But obviously, given the Amazon’s near-unfathomable size, independent hiking isn’t recommended. On guided hikes, there are all kinds of trails, so whether you’re looking for an epic multi-day trek or a more gentle morning walk, there’s plenty of choice. Many routes wind through areas where you can get close to animals, too, and national parks and wildlife reserves tend to have unprecedented biodiversity, as well as good facilities.
But there are other reasons why a guided tour is a good idea: not only do they increase your chances of spotting wildlife without disturbing the natural habitat, but your experienced guides will share facts and fascinating trivia as you go. Why not think about a night hike too? Hiking under the cover of darkness reveals a secret world of nocturnal creatures – and listening to the symphony of nighttime sounds that echo through the forest is an unforgettable experience.
2. Canoeing and kayaking
Another wonderful way to immerse yourself in the wild world of the Amazon is to traverse its intricate waterways. Just as there are countless trails crisscrossing through the rainforest, rivers weave peacefully through the region too. Kayaking or canoeing along these tributaries can give you a unique perspective on the beauty of this untouched wilderness, and allow you to further appreciate its remarkable biodiversity.
There are all kinds of kayaking and canoeing excursions and, as you navigate through narrow rivers and paddle through sparkling lagoons, you can explore more hidden corners of the rainforest. You’ll be surrounded by dense foliage, giving you an excellent chance of spotting birds and land animals, as well as water-based wildlife. Keep an eye out for black caiman, anacondas, giant otters, pink dolphins, piranhas, and the elusive Amazonian manatee.
3. Bird watching
Whether you’re an experienced twitcher or a total rookie, bird watching is one of the most exciting and rewarding things you can do in the Amazon rainforest. There are over 1,500 bird species found within the South American jungle – with new species being discovered every year. The diversity of the birds here is simply staggering, and on a bird watching tour you can expect to see all kinds of exotic species.
Some of the birds you’ll be looking for include toucans, macaws, parrots, and hummingbirds, although, of course, there are hundreds of different species. Keep your eyes peeled for the hyacinth macaw – the largest flying parrot in the world – as well as the prehistoric-looking hoatzin, colourful king vulture, and Amazon kingfisher. Many bird watching tours involve hiking, boat rides, and canoe trips to reach more obscure corners of the jungle, so it’s also a great way to explore.
4. Canopy tours
For a unique perspective on this incredible ecosystem – and to experience the rainforest in the same way as its inhabitants – you might want to consider a canopy tour. Sticking to the forest floor means your viewing options are limited, but heading into the treetops allows you to observe birds, monkeys, and other wildlife from above, as well as admire the plants that are unable to grow in the dark layers below.
There are several ways you can explore the canopy. The first is along walkways, which often lead to observation platforms offering panoramic views of the forest. These tours are best in the early morning, when the animals are most active. Alternatively, you can go climbing, scaling up and down trees and spotting wildlife, without disturbing or damaging the living spaces. Or, if you fancy something a bit more thrilling, why not go ziplining?
5. Search for pink dolphins
The Amazon River and its many tributaries teem with life, and one of the most enchanting animals found in these waters is the Amazon River dolphin. Also known as the pink dolphin due to their rosy hue, these fascinating mammals are found in the rivers of Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela, and seeing them in their natural habitat is something you’ll remember for years to come.
Dolphin spotting tours are usually offered in riverboats small enough to traverse these winding rivers, although you can join canoeing and kayaking dolphin spotting tours, as well as swimming tours. Like marine dolphins, Amazon River dolphins are curious creatures, and they often swim right up to boats and swimmers to investigate. In Amazonian mythology, pink dolphins are symbols of good luck and, on many tours, you’ll learn about local folklore and traditions too.
6. Meet indigenous communities
The Amazon isn’t just home to wildlife. Around 400 different tribes live within the rainforest, and while each has its own cultural identity, all are deeply connected to the forest, and an excellent example of sustainable living. Many indigenous communities have lived on the same land for hundreds of years, though sadly, in many cases, they have no legal rights, and land grabbing for cattle grazing and mining is widespread and violent.
If you’re interested in understanding the different cultures of the Amazon, why not arrange a visit to an indigenous community? There are many reputable tour companies that provide responsible and ethical tours where you can see how locals live, learn from their customs, and enjoy an immersive, educational, and eye-opening experience. As well as learning about the rainforest itself and tribal customs, you may also get to participate in activities like craft-making, dance, and storytelling.
7. Visit the Meeting of Waters
While the Amazon basin is located in eight countries, most of it is in Brazil. So, if you’re exploring the Brazilian Amazon, visiting the Meeting of Waters – or Encontro das Águas – is definitely something to add to the itinerary. The Meeting of Waters is the confluence of two great rivers: the Rio Negro and the Rio Solimões, which is the name of the upper stretches of the Amazon river.
The waters of the Rio Negra are, like the name suggests, a deep, inky black, while the waters of the Solimões are milky brown. Due to differences in water properties and current speeds, the waters stay separate, like oil and vinegar, and the unusual effect is considered one of South America’s greatest natural phenomenons. Sailing over the Meeting of Waters allows you to admire incredible views of the swirling water – and it’s also a favourite spot for Amazon river dolphins!
8. Survival training
If you’ve always wondered how you’d fare if you were lost in the wilderness, why not make the most of your beautiful yet inhospitable surroundings and find out? One of the most exciting and rewarding things you can do in the Amazon – if you’re looking to test your limits – is survival training. During these intense experiences, you usually spend at least one night in the jungle…but don’t expect any fancy accommodation; a hammock and mosquito net is about as luxurious as it gets!
You’ll be exploring the rainforest in its most authentic form, and learning how different tribes manage to not only survive, but thrive, in this hostile environment. Your guide will show you the most important survival skills, from making a shelter and finding food and water to recognising medicinal plants and dealing with wild or poisonous animals. Some survival skills, like learning how to make a bonfire with matches or a lighter, may come in handy out of the rainforest too!
9. Sustainable stays
Like the idea of spending a few nights in the rainforest but don’t fancy a gruelling survival experience? Why not treat yourself to a sustainable stay? There are all kinds of eco-lodges available, and these facilities allow you to really immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of the rainforest. While some still require you to be comfortable with a degree of rustic living, most have hot showers, flush toilets, and even WiFi, so you can share your photos with friends and family.
Plus, these eco-lodges are built from salvaged materials from the jungle and are designed to minimise environmental impact. Many of the lodge companies are also involved with conservation and community-driven initiatives, so they’re a great way to support ethical causes too. If you’re an eco-conscious traveller seeking an immersive rainforest experience, and you’d like to contribute positively to the local community, then a sustainable stay might be for you.
10. River cruise
If you like the idea of traversing the winding waterways of the Amazon but aren’t sure about travelling on a canoe or kayak, what about a river cruise? Just like ocean cruises, river cruises are wonderful ways to explore, and you usually get to see far more than you would if you stayed on land. River cruise boats are much smaller than traditional cruise ships, yet large enough to be comfortable, and there’s something for most budgets.
You can navigate the widest stretches of the Amazon River, as well as the quieter tributaries, spotting all kinds of aquatic life, plus birds and animals that live close to the fertile river banks. Many cruises also include hiking, tree climbing, swimming, visiting indigenous communities, and marvelling at the Meeting of the Waters – so this is a great way to tick off a whole bunch of Amazon activities in one go! The soft breeze as you sail and sensational jungle views are just another bonus.
Final thoughts…
Exploring the Amazon rainforest is on many people’s bucket lists, and for good reason. Not only are some of the world’s most fascinating creatures found here, but the size, beauty, and biodiversity of the rainforest are awe-inspiring.
If you enjoy pushing yourself and are happy to rough it, there are all kinds of raw rainforest experiences to enjoy, from survival training and night hikes to multi-day treks, where you sleep in the wilderness.
But if you prefer a degree of luxury while travelling, there’s just as much choice; cruise down the river in a river boat, stay in a comfy eco-lodge, or enjoy day hikes from your lodgings. However you decide to explore the world’s greatest rainforest, there’s a good chance its pristine beauty and serenity will leave you speechless.
Have you always wanted to visit the Amazon, and are you tempted by any of these experiences? Perhaps you’ve already visited the rainforest and have your own suggestions for the best way to explore? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.