As one of the most unusual and unique destinations in the world, the Peruvian Amazon seems like a cool place to take the kids. But since this immensely diverse rainforest isn’t a usual tourist destination, is it even possible to vacation there with the family?
The short answer is yes, but in this article we go into much more detail about why it’s an incredible place to take your family on vacation. We also share what you can expect to see and do on a family Amazon vacation, as well as where to stay. So if you’d like to take your kids to see monkeys, tarantulas, and some of nature’s other crazy creations, be sure to read until the end.
Is the Amazon Jungle a suitable destination for families?
The Amazon Jungle isn’t just ‘ok’ for families to visit, it’s one of the best destinations you could possibly take your children, no matter what age. This incredibly biodiverse corner of the world, with vibrant flora and fauna bursting from the canopies, ensures a vacation filled with nature, adventures, and lots of wildlife encounters. In other words, the Amazon allows you and your family to experience the world in a way you’ve never experienced before. Best of all, not only are you sure to have tons of fun and make everlasting memories together as a family, but you are also sure to leave the Amazon with a whole new understanding of and appreciation for our precious planet. Let’s take a closer look at the reasons the Amazon is such a fantastic family destination and show you what you could have to look forward to as a family!
Nature in the Amazon Jungle Peru
A visit to the Amazon is an opportunity to not only observe our natural world at its most beautiful but to become a part of it. With an expert naturalist guide by your family’s side at all times, you will have endless opportunities to discover and learn new things about the Amazon such as its fascinating ecosystem, how it’s being protected and conserved, and even which plants produce drinkable water!
With young kids, the guide’s information is delivered in a way that’s fun and engaging, allowing them to learn important things about nature and living harmoniously amongst it just as well as the adults. But no matter what age you are, spending quality time with nature, especially in a place as special as the Amazon, will be a nourishing and enriching experience for the whole family.
Wildlife in the Amazon Jungle Peru
The Amazon is bursting with so much life, from small creepy crawlies to colorful birds of paradise and mischievous monkeys. When visiting, you get to encounter all of the jungle’s most famous residents more intimately than ever before. Most visitors have the pleasure of seeing dozens of different kinds of beautiful birds including macaws, toucans, and kingfishers flying above the canopy, as well as capuchins, marmosets, howler monkeys, and even sloths hanging in the treetops.
You will also spot many of the Amazon’s smaller and more elusive residents including tree frogs, toads, scorpions, tarantulas, and caiman. Lucky visitors might even catch sightings of capybaras, pink river dolphins, tapirus, ocelot, and jaguars. With their innate sense of curiosity and fearlessness, your kids will love meeting all of the Amazon’s wildlife. It will show them just how magical and diverse their Earth is, and give them a greater appreciation for the planet they live on.
Adventure in the Amazon Jungle Peru
The Amazon is one of the most adventurous places you can take your children for many reasons. Firstly, it’s a remote part of the world cut off from civilization, requiring those that visit an adventurous journey deep into the heart of the jungle. Secondly, it allows you to see and experience the world like never before as you explore the jungle and discover its diverse array of plants and wildlife.
But the biggest reason the Amazon is one of the most adventurous places to take your children is the fun and exciting activities and excursions it enables you to have. Imagine walking on wobbly bridges among the jungle canopy to watch monkeys swing around you, kayaking through the mangroves to see what creatures lurk within the water, and visiting local community markets. These are just a few of the many activities that could be included in your family Amazon visit.
What family-friendly activities are there in the Amazon Jungle?
Birdwatching and the Chuncho Macaw Clay Licks
Birdwatching isn’t usually considered a fun kids activity, but when the birds you’re able to spot include rare and colourful species like macaws and toucans, it might just become their favourite activity. One of the best places to birdwatch is the Chuncho Macaw Clay Licks in Puerto Maldonado where the dazzling birds of paradise cling to the clay rocks in large numbers.
Day and night nature trails
Your expert naturalist guide will lead you on fun and informative nature trails where you will take the time to spot and enjoy close encounters with some of the rainforest’s coolest plant and animal species. During the day, you might get sightings of birds, sloths, and monkeys, while the night is usually best for spotting predatory creatures like snakes and tarantulas.
Caiman hunting
Since the Amazon River is infested with caiman, a smaller but equally snappy friend of the crocodile, most visitors get the chance to spot them on a caiman hunt. This involves a guided boat tour around caiman-populated waters to observe the caiman and a demonstration of how they’re hunted before being released back into the wild.
Canopy climbing and treetop walkways
Many family Amazon experiences include the opportunity to ascend into the rainforest canopy, which reaches as high as 60 meters above the ground, via canopy towers and treetop walkways. Not only does this give visitors a bird’s eye view of the rainforest floor, but it allows them to get closer to the treetop residents — the birds and monkeys.
Piranha fishing
Using simple Amazonian fishing tools and techniques, your naturalist guide will teach you and your kids (no matter how young) how to fish for the toothy piranha. Once they bite, you can reel them in and see their razor sharp teeth up close.
Boat rides and kayaking
Many of the Amazon’s creatures great and small live along the banks of the Amazon Riverm which makes it the perfect place to spot wildlife. Therefore, most family Amazon tours will include boat and/or kayaking trips with your naturalist guide who will help you and your kids spot monkeys, sloths, birds, and even snakes as you sail down the river.
Is the Amazon dangerous for families?
Since the jungle is an unfamiliar place known for its buffet of strange and dangerous wildlife, it’s understandable to worry about your family’s safety when visiting the Amazon. However, all stays and tours are accompanied by expert jungle guides who are highly knowledgeable and extremely experienced with life in the Amazon. They know how to spot potentially dangerous animals from afar, allowing them to ensure you can avoid them where necessary or approach them in a safe and responsible way. Guest safety is always their top priority which means families can feel relaxed and enjoy every moment of their Amazon experience to the fullest.
Is there luxury family accommodation in the Peruvian Amazon?
There are several outstanding accommodations in the Peruvian Amazon that are perfect for families from luxury river cruises to upscale jungle lodges. Below we have shared a few of our favourites. We have only chosen accommodation that features comfortable suites and plenty of amenities, as well as delicious and nutritious food, and high-quality tours with expert natural guides.
The most luxurious place to stay on a family Amazon vacation:
Aqua Nera riverboat cruise
Join a five-star riverboat as you sail along the Amazon River with your family, stopping along the way for epic excursions with the onboard naturalist guide. With amenities including a games room and spa as well as extra spacious suites and meals prepared by a top Peruvian chef, it promises one of the Amazon’s most luxurious experiences.
Aqua Nera
The most educational place to stay on a family Amazon vacation:
The Tambopata Research Center
Give your kids the opportunity to become little scientists, explorers, naturalists, and conservationists at this luxury lodge featuring its very own Amazon research center. Both kids and adults can learn alongside the center’s own researchers to observe animal behaviour, learn about conservation, and discover new species. While the lodges are super luxurious, their inside-outside design allows for a really immersive experience.
The most relaxing place to stay on a family Amazon vacation:
Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion
Boasting 25 luxury cabanas, each hidden in its own private corner of the grounds, the Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion is one of the most relaxing places for families to stay in the Amazon. The grounds stretch for 819 hectares, and each hectare is well-preserved to support and promote the habitats of its local wildlife.
Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion main lodge (photo by Inkaterra Hotels)
Secure your family Amazon vacation now
From the activities to the accommodation, now you know everything you need to take the next step in securing your family Amazon vacation. Our expert Amazon travel planners will create the perfect Peruvian Amazon itinerary that not only meets your unique family needs but also features the Amazon’s very best experiences. Get in touch with TLA today by messaging us here or calling +1 855 217 9045.
