If you are planning to see the majestic scenery of the Amazon, you may wonder if it is the right time to visit this place. The answer depends on several factors. In today’s article, we will share all you need to know when is the best time to visit Amazon rainforest.
How Many Days Do You Need In The Amazon Rainforest?
For the best time during your visit, staying for about three days is a good idea. When deciding to explore the Amazon rainforest, you can pick from places that fit your budget or go for a fancier experience.
For example, if you head to Puerto Maldonado, you might like this Tambopata Jungle Adventure Tour for 4 days. This tour is only $448.72 per person, or even lower when you use these TripAdvisor deals at the Checkout.
Of course, you can extend your stay and explore more of the rainforest. We suggest you visit different regions or countries with diverse ecosystems and cultures. That’s a part of sustainable tourism that positively impacts local people and our planet.
Best Time To Visit Amazon Rainforest
The best time to visit the Amazon is during its low-water season, June to November. During this time, the water levels in the rivers start going down, bringing lots of fish, rare pink dolphins, and many other animals closer together in one area. They are unique experiences as a wildlife party!
Being the most chosen tourism activity in the Amazon River, fishing should be on your go-to list. If you feel highly adventurous, try piranha fishing with a local guide.
During the best month to visit Amazon rainforest, go for forest walks because the jungle trails are easier to see, so you can explore deeper into the rainforest.
This period is perfect for land-based activities like trekking, hiking, climbing into the canopy, bird-watching, and spotting all kinds of wildlife.
The weather is generally good with less rain, though heavy showers can still happen. There are fewer mosquitoes, and temperatures range from 78°F to 104°F.
Meanwhile, July is busier due to the Brazilian school holidays, and August is quieter with fewer visitors.
To Cut Costs
If you’re looking for a cheaper option, the best times are April, May, September, or October. During these months, you can avoid higher prices and big crowds.
Visitors may get closer to the treetops and flooded forests in April and May, but spotting water-based animals like dolphins needs more luck and patience.
Meanwhile, it’s more challenging to see animals living in the trees in September and October.
To Avoid Crowded Time
When is the best time to visit the Amazon rainforest without fighting the crowds? The answer is from November to April. It comes with a greater chance of heavy rainfall and warmer temperatures, which some people may not like.
The temperatures range from 91.4°F to 71.8°F during this period.
Worst Time To Visit The Amazon Rainforest
There’s no wrong time to visit the Amazon rainforest. However, regarding the ability to navigate all seasons, many people would consider high water months (the December – May period) the worst time to travel to the Amazon. It is when the water levels rise up to 7m in some parts of the Amazon Basin.
Speaking of advantages, during this time, lakes, rivers, and creeks became very deep and easy to navigate by boat. It’s a fantastic time for water-based activities like canoeing, kayaking, and taking a cruise. Also, you can swim in the blackwater creeks and observe aquatic life.
However, there are some downsides. The jungle trails tend to flood during this time, making hiking and trekking more challenging. The weather is slightly cooler and wetter, but it’s still warm.
Temperatures vary from 73°F to 86°F, and there are more mosquitoes. Traveling this time means expecting heavy rainfall and high humidity levels.
One positive aspect is that heavy rain leads to fruit growth, which attracts animals and signals the beginning of their mating season. So, if you’re keen on seeing birds, monkeys, and other exotic species, this is still a good time.
But what makes it the worst time to visit is that December marks the start of Brazil’s festive season, which lasts through February. That means higher prices and bigger crowds, especially in January and February when the celebrations are at their peak.
Therefore, you must plan well in advance during this period, but even then, prices can be quite high.
Places To Visit In The Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon rainforest is enormous and covers nine countries in South America: Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. Each of these countries has its own incredible places to visit and things to do in the Amazon.
Here are some of the popular spots that suit the theme of World Tourism Day 2023:
- Manaus, Brazil: It’s the biggest city in the Amazon and where lots of people start their rainforest adventures. There are the Amazon Theatre, the Adolpho Lisboa Market, the Meeting of Waters, and more. Let’s join tours and cruises to explore the nearby forests and rivers.
- Iquitos, Peru: Iquitos is the largest city in the Peruvian Amazon. It has authentic old buildings from the colonial and rubber-boom times, like the Iron House, the Belen Market, and the Quistococha Zoo. It’s also an excellent place to start tours and stays in lodges that take you into the rainforest.
- Puerto Maldonado, Peru: Visit this small town in the southern Peruvian Amazon. It is famous for unique wildlife like macaws, monkeys, jaguars, and caimans. This place is surrounded by eco-lodges, reserves, and parks, making it the ideal spot for ecotourism.
- El Coca, Ecuador: This small town is in the Ecuadorian Amazon and is known for its oil industry and river port. It’s another starting point for tours and jungle cruises to admire the forests and rivers nearby.
- Yasuni National Park, Ecuador: Here is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve covering more than 9,000 square kilometers in the Ecuadorian Amazon. There are numerous bird species, mammals, reptiles, and plants here. Further, this place is home to many indigenous groups with their languages and traditions.
See more: Ecotourism In Costa Rica
Is It Safe To Visit The Amazon Rainforest?
The safety of traveling to the Amazon rainforest depends on several factors, such as where you’re going, when you’re going, who you’re going with, and how careful you are.
As we mentioned, the rainforest stretches across nine countries in South America, and safety can vary in parts of the Amazon. Some areas may be more prone to crime, violence, or political instability than others.
Therefore, it is advisable to listen to what local authorities and experts say and be sure to take precautions to stay safe while exploring.
Packing Time!
To sum it up, the best time to visit Amazon rainforest depends on what you’re looking for in your adventure. The best time overall is from June to November, while the cheapest time is during the shoulder seasons in April, May, September, or October. Finally, the least busy time is November to April.
Whether you travel during the low-water, shoulder, or high-water season, the Amazon rainforest promises a unique and memorable time for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
