Where is the Best Place to See the Amazon?
As with all things seeking the title of “best,” the answer tends to be subjective. The Amazon Rainforest is spread across 9 South American countries, so there’s many options. Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana are all a part of the rainforest. However, finding the best place to see the Amazon depends on the traveller’s plans. Have clear expectations and knowledge of the area you’re visiting, and you’ll have a great experience in the Amazon.
Popular Countries to See the Amazon
Brazil
Covering 60% of the country, most of the Amazon Rainforest is located in Brazil. This land, though largely intact, has been affected drastically by deforestation, reducing the rainforest size by over 13%. Manaus is a popular jumping off point for the Brazilian Amazon. A variety of tour operators are available, but since it’s so commercialized, the forested areas are less pristine, unless you venture deep into the Amazon.
Ecuador
Lonely Planet Writes, “While Ecuador’s borders contain a mere slice of the Amazon, the rainforest here is diverse, with quiet blackwater lagoons, raging chocolately rivers, dense tree canopies and flooded forests.” They also recommend the Kapawi Ecolodge, which is the home base for Gondwana’s tour of the Amazon. Beyond lodging, this region of the Amazon boasts exotic animals like pink river dolphins, toucans and howler monkeys, just to name a few!
Peru
Teeming with wildlife and cultural history, Peru is an excellent choice for adventure travellers. Birds, butterflies and orchids are especially renowned in this region. Beginning in Cusco for a trip to Machu Picchu and continuing to the Amazon’s Manú National Park is great for those who want to have it all in one trip. However, being the country with the 2nd most land covered by the Amazon, there are many options for entering the rainforest in Peru.
Before You Travel to the Amazon, Consider…
Sustainable Travel & Eco-Friendly Tours
With Gondwana, sustainability and our guest’s needs come first when we travel.
Travel With an Open Mind
Part of adventure travel is learning to adapt and go with the flow when conditions are tough. The Amazon is a pristine rainforest with wild animals, not a petting zoo, so there’s no guarantee that you’ll see every animal on your bucket list. Similarly, being in such remote locations with unpredictable weather, conditions aren’t guaranteed to be perfect. However, if you appreciate the beauty in nature, everything from a beetle to a rainstorm can seem like magic.
Visit Ecuador With Gondwana Ecotours
Though seeing the Amazon in any country is an extraordinary experience, we admit to having a slight bias. Our fascination with Ecuador is based on the reasons above, but Gondwana’s trip has both a natural and cultural focus. Gondwana president, Jared Sternberg’s experience volunteering with the Achuar tribe created a lasting relationship that continues today. This insider access gives guests knowledge of how indigenous tribes interact with nature, as they have for thousands of years.
Join our Tour and Discover the Ecuadorian Amazon!
Sunset on the Amazon River
