The Peruvian Amazon rainforest
To the east of the Andes is the gigantic Amazon rainforest that covers as much as half of Peru's total area. The most spectacular flora and fauna of the earth can be found in this area.
In the south of the country lies the wonderful Tambopata national reserve. Sailing over meandering jungle rivers, you will no doubt come face to face with caimans, monkeys, giant otters and perhaps the predator of South America: the jaguar! On the famous clay licks you can see hundreds of colorful macaws gathering daily. Manu national park is the largest protected nature reserve in Peru and a true paradise for every bird and nature lover.
In northern Peru, two powerful rivers, the Ucayali and the Marañon,merge, forming the Amazon, the largest river in the world. At the confluence lies the Pacaya-SamiriaNature Park. This park consists of primary rainforest and numerous waterways and lakes where it is teeming with animal life. In the forest you will find several monkey species, including the beautiful golden lion monkey, larger animals like the tapir and more than 300 species of tropical birds. The area is ideal for exploring with an Amazon cruise.
Not far from where the Rio Mayo flows into the Rio Huallaga are the little-visited mountain and lowland rainforests of Tarapoto. A cacophony of sounds is caused by tropical birds, howler monkeys and insects. There are wonderful boat trips and walks to make. In the area is also the town of Lamas where jungle Indians live who still honour their traditions. Although they live in the lowlands, their costumes are more similar to those of the highland Indian than those of rainforest peoples.
