Adventure in the Amazon – from Source to Sea
Over 1.6 million years ago the Amazon was born. Now home to a unique array of wildlife, lush vegetation and tribes, the river and the rainforest attract visitors who are eager to discover all it has to offer.
Bruce Parry has just completed a seven month odyssey travelling down the Amazon encountering illegal miners and loggers whilst living with local tribes. Capturing all in a documentary for the BBC, the show follows the team as they begin their journey from Peru, at an altitude of 5,200 metres, before making their way downstream on their journey to the Atlantic Ocean. Witnessing the day-to-day lives of the local people, taking part in a Brazilian carnival and harvesting coca leaves are just some of the experiences captured in this invigorating series.
Why not experience your own Amazon adventure?
With different areas to suit individual tastes, the Amazon has something to offer everyone. This tropical destination offers spectacular views of the rich canopied land. Home to a rich variety of animals, birds and insects, whichever part of the Amazon you wish to explore, there is a guarantee of catching a sight of the wildlife.
The Pantanal, covering 140,000 sq km to the south of the Amazon is one of the best areas in The Natural Wonders of Brazil invites you to view some of its abundant wildlife. With over 600 types of birds, aswell as anacondas and jaguars, this expanse area of wetland is a ideal place to enjoy your first Amazon experience.
Peru gives you the opportunity to explore the various areas of the Amazon is comfort in an area unspoilt by tourism. Located 150 kms from Iquitos, one of the northern lowland towns of the Amazon, the Pacaya Samira Reserve is only accessible by river a flooded forest covering five million acres at the headwaters of the Amazon basin. This reserve is home to over 450 different species of birds, 100 types of mammal and nearly 250 varieties of fish.
Cruising on the MV Aqua offers an unforgettable journey through this rich landscape. Awaking on the Yanayacu River presents an early morning bird watching excursion, to catch a sight of russet and blue tiger herons, vivid masked crimson tanagers, graceful storks, blue and yellow macaws, and black-headed parrots. Sail on to ‘Jurassic Park,’ a prehistoric-looking swamp where the giant 2-metre diameter lily pads grow.
Ecuador is an ideal part of the Amazon to begin your first experience of this part of the world. Although it has the smallest area of lowland within the rainforest, this region is the most developed for tourism, offering a large choice of lodges to retreat back to after a full day of exploring the forest.
The Sacha Lodge is a private ecological reserve, lying in the heart of the Amazon. Amidst the pristine rainforest, the traditional cabins offer a rainforest experience in luxury. Standing in the observation tower overlooking the jungle canopy presents unparalleled views of this natural wonder. Explore the butterfly house, parrots and canopy walkway or while away the hours listening to the sounds of the wildlife.
About Felicity Baillie
Other articles by Felicity Baillie
Felicity has recently completed her BA Hons Tourism Management degree and has returned to work at Bales after spending her placement year with the company.
Her passion for travel continues after recently returning from Mexico, and spending two weeks in Costa Rica last year. Next on her list is Asia! 