My own time in the Amazon

I have been lucky enough to visit the Amazon several times, in both Ecuador and Peru. Some of the moments that have stayed with me:

• Watching macaws and parrots gather at clay licks deep in the rainforest, trees and riverbanks suddenly full of colour and noise.
• Drifting in a canoe alongside pink river dolphins, quietly sharing the water with them as they surface and disappear again.
• Listening to local guides explain the extraordinary medicinal qualities of the plants around us, with knowledge passed down through generations.
  
• Spotting tarantulas sitting quietly in their burrows during guided night walks and realising just how much more there is to see after dark.
  
• Hearing peccaries crashing through the undergrowth and realising just how alive the forest is, even when you cannot see what is moving.
• Falling asleep to the constant chorus of insects, being woken by distant thunder, and experiencing downpours that soak you to the skin, with the humidity meaning your clothes never quite dry out afterwards.

One of the most impactful parts of my time there has been staying in Indigenous community‑run lodges and meeting the people who call the rainforest home. Welcoming visitors and sharing their rainforest is one of the ways these communities can help protect it for future generations. Where possible, I always recommend lodges that are led by Indigenous communities or that work closely with local communities, so that your stay supports both conservation and livelihoods.

Spending time there left me with a deep sense of connection and a strong passion to protect these environments, not just for them, but for all of us: we all depend on the health of the rainforest, whether we see it in person or not.

Those journeys are a huge part of why I am so passionate about Latin America today and why I talk about the Amazon so much when planning trips.

Why add the Amazon to a Peru or Ecuador itinerary?

The Amazon can feel far away and logistically complicated, but in both Peru and Ecuador it can actually slot in very naturally. It can of course be added to itineraries in other Amazon countries too, but in terms of routing and overall costs, Peru and Ecuador often work especially well.

Here is why I often recommend including it:

1. The contrast is incredible- One day you are exploring highland markets, Andean villages or Inca sites. A relatively short journey later, you are travelling by canoe, surrounded by dense forest, listening to the sounds of the jungle and looking for wildlife from canopy towers or forest trails. That change in pace and environment adds a whole new dimension to the trip and, for many people, ends up being one of the most memorable parts of their holiday.

2. It fits neatly into the route, with or without extra flights.
In both Peru and Ecuador there are well‑connected gateways to the rainforest, so an Amazon stay can be added with just a few extra nights rather than needing to redesign everything from scratch. Stays usually start from as little as 2 or 3 nights, which is often enough to get a  feel for the rainforest if your time is limited. In some areas there are also options to reach the rainforest entirely overland, which can appeal if you would rather minimise internal flights. Some of these journeys, although long, can offer very rewarding scenery.

3. There is a real range of comfort levels.
An Amazon stay does not have to mean “roughing it”.
There are :Simpler lodges for those who are happy with a more rustic experience as well as very comfortable lodges and small riverboats.

I can help match the style of lodge or boat to how you like to travel and the wildlife you most hope to see.

3. It adds depth and meaning
Time in the rainforest gives you a very different perspective on the region. You come away with a stronger sense of how people live, how closely they are connected to their environment and why protecting these ecosystems matters so much.

Who is it right for?
In my experience, an Amazon add‑on works particularly well for:

1. Couples or solo travellers who enjoy nature, a slower pace and the feeling of being connected to the natural world and away from busy urban life. Most activities are explored in small groups with expert local guides, which also makes it a great option for solo travellers who like company and structure.
2. Families with older children or teens who are curious about wildlife and  are happy to embrace a bit of adventure.
3. Wildlife enthusiasts, especially those already visiting the Galápagos. If you are travelling all that way to experience its incredible wildlife, it makes perfect sense to also experience the flora and fauna of the Amazon while you are in the region.
4. Photographers, from keen amateurs to serious enthusiasts, who will appreciate the changing light, the variety of wildlife and birdlife, and the chance to capture life on the river and in the forest from dawn through to night walks.
5. Anyone who wants to balance iconic highlights (like Machu Picchu or the Galápagos) with time somewhere quieter and more immersive.

Together, we can look at what you enjoy, your comfort level and how much time you have, then decide whether an Amazon stay is the right fit.

How I help clients plan their Amazon stay

Because I work with trusted local travel partners, have stayed in several different lodges myself and have included the Amazon on many itineraries for clients over the years, I can:

1. Talk through which areas and styles of property might suit you best.
2. Build the Amazon into your Peru or Ecuador itinerary in a way that flows well and makes good use of your time and budget.
3. Recommend lodges that are Indigenous community‑run or that work closely with local communities wherever possible, so you benefit from their knowledge, stories and hospitality, enjoy excellent wildlife‑spotting with guides who really know where to look and know your stay is supporting the people who live there.
4. When I design trips, I draw on that first‑hand experience and local expertise to help you choose the right region and lodges, and to travel in a way that is both rewarding and respectful.

If an Amazon adventure is on your wish list, or you are just starting to think about a trip to Latin America and are curious as to whether a trip to the Amazon could be right for you, please get in touch. I would love to share ideas and help you decide whether adding the rainforest to your Peru or Ecuador itinerary is right for you.