When planning a travel to the Amazon jungle, a lot of questions rises as, when to go the Amazon rainforest? Or what is the best time to travel the Amazon?
The Amazon is the major river in the world with 7,062 km long. It flows from the south Peruvian Andes (Arequipa) into the Atlantic Ocean. Its drainage basin, with an area of approximately 7’000,000 km2 (2’700,000 sq mi), is the largest in the world, covers nine territories: Peru, Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela and, French Guiana.
The Amazon rainforest contains uncountable species, most of them still undescribed. It Is home of pink river dolphins, grey dolphins, manatees, sloths, jaguars, harpy eagles, birds and butterflies. The Amazon has around 40,000 plant species, 2,400 freshwater fish species, and more than 370 types of reptiles.
The Amazon jungle has an equatorial climate, generally hot and humid, with an average temperature of 26 °C or 78.8 °F, and a natural cycle of two seasons, marked by the level of the rivers: high-water season, rainy season, flood season or simply Amazon winter (in Iquitos, from January to June) and low-water season, dry season or simply Amazon summer (in Iquitos, from July to December).
These two seasons are very important for the diversity of the forest and for the human being. Amazon pre Columbian civilizations and current indigenous people have depended on the rivers and their annual flooding since ancient times, for farming, fishing and other activities.
SO, WHAT IS THE BEST SEASON FOR A JUNGLE TOUR IN THE AMAZON?
As you know, the Amazon has two seasons according by the level of rivers, but this is the rainforest and it can rain all year. However, each season has its highlights.
High-water season or winter (January to June)
In Iquitos and surroundings, the Amazon winter or flood season starts approximately in January and lasts until the end of June. The Amazon river and its tributaries grow progressively, flooding low lands. In May, the Amazon river and its tributaries reaches its highest level. This is a unique landscape of the flooded jungle, nicknamed as the “Jungle of Mirrors”.
During high-river season most of the land is underwater, so is ideal to make short treks, navigate lagoons or get deeper in jungle by boat. During flood season are more mosquitoes, nevertheless there is a better chance of observe animals, due it is possible to get closer to birds and see night monkeys, pygmy marmosets, giant river turtles, dolphins and anacondas.
Low-water season or summer (July to December)
In Iquitos and surroundings, the Amazon summer starts approximately in the end of June or starting of July and lasts until December. The Amazon river and its tributaries descend progressively. Low-river season is an ideal time for activities as fishing and trekking, due boats are not able to get far into the rainforest. Mosquitoes are in decline, but it is required still take precautions at any time of the year.
Besides monkeys, pink and grey dolphins, it is more probably to find capybaras, river otters and migrating birds. Along the shores, it appears white-sand beaches. Beach season corresponds approximately to the months of July, August, September, October, November and the mid of December.
WHAT ABOUT THE TAMSHIYACU TAHUAYO RESERVE?
As you can see, both the Amazonian winter and summer (rainy and dry seasons) are excellent times of the year to visit the Amazon jungle and the Tamshiyacu Tahuayo Reserve. This natural jungle reserve offers wildlife and a virgin jungle throughout the year, being one of the best places for nature excursions from Iquitos, Peru.
The Tamshiyacu Tahuayo Reserve is located in the floodplain rainforest, so in March, April and May, it is very difficult to find solid ground. In these months, activities are generally carried out by boat since it is almost impossible to go on walks.
TRAVEL FOR AN AMAZON ADVENTURE: EXPLORE THE PERUVIAN RAINFOREST
Let’s go on an unforgettable adventure deep in the Peruvian Amazon and enjoy your vacations. Curassow Amazon Lodge, nestled within the Tamshiyacu Tahuayo Reserve, offers comfortable private rooms with bathroom, built in harmony with the jungle.
Explore this wildlife paradise with our expert naturalist guides. Navigate rivers and lagoons, trek through the jungle, and discover the reserve's incredible biodiversity.
Spot fauna like pink river dolphins, monkeys, sloths, river otters, manatees and capybaras. Witness anacondas, alligators and frogs, and listen tropical birds, during a birdwatching tour, from vibrant macaws and toucans to the legendary Harpy Eagle.
Experience the Amazon's rich culture and pristine environment sustainably. Contact us today to personalize your adventure! Check our all-inclusive tours in the Amazon jungle.