Earth’s greatest container of wildlife, the Amazon Jungle stretches across eight country borders and is larger than the forests of the Congo and New Guinea combined. The Amazon Jungle contains one-fifth of all the world’s freshwater, covers 40% of the South American continent, produces over 20% of the world’s oxygen, and is home to one-tenth of the world’s species. There are more species of fish in the Amazon River than in the entire Atlantic Ocean.
The Amazon River, running as the vein of life through the wilderness, is the planet’s most voluminous and second longest after the Nile. Once flowing in the opposite direction, the Amazon could have linked to the Congo River in Africa when the continents were joined on Gondwanaland. The force of water exiting the Amazon is so high it stretches 125 miles out to sea. This enabled early sailors to drink freshwater from the ocean before sighting the South American continent.
At current rates of deforestation, estimates predict 55% of The Amazon Rainforest could be gone by the year 2030. This is not simply a local concern, as scientists have linked the Amazon with the state of the global environment as a whole.
You can also head to TourTheTropics.com to see a list of the top jungle lodges in South America, which have been selected for guest satisfaction, sustainability, comfort, and wildlife.
Visiting The Amazon Rainforest
To visit The Amazon Rainforest you can stay at a number of lodges that operate tours into the surrounding wilderness. Generally, tours operate a set itinerary and lead small groups of tourists with an Amazon guide who will teach you about the rainforest and its wildlife. One of the favourite tours in the Peruvian Amazon is the Tahuayo Lodge 150 km from Iquitos, Peru, which offers private guides and a chance to experience the diverse Tamshiyacu Tahuayo Reserve.
Ecuador is another favorite area to experience the rainforest.
See more Ecuador Amazon Tours here.
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A favorite cruise is the Manatee Cruise in Ecuador’s Amazon, which offers expedition tours to different areas of the rainforest and a chance to explore the incredible Yasuni National Park. Both of these tours are recommended, however, there are many others to choose from. We have written some articles to help you with choosing an Amazon tour to ensure you get the most out of your visit to one of Earth’s most remarkable places.
