Visiting South America and not exploring the great Amazon is like going to the Louvre and not seeing Mona Lisa. It’s a completely unique experience that will leave a tremendous impact on the way you perceive the world. Being deep into the wilderness, surrounded by thousands of different animal and plant species really helps you understand and appreciate the diversity of life on Earth.
If you’re thinking of booking a river cruise to see one of the most popular destinations in South America, we’ve compiled a list of things you need to know if you wish to explore the largest rainforest in the world.
You Need a Guide
It might seem like a great idea to wander around the rainforest alone or with friends, but this is something you should avoid as it might get really dangerous. After all, if you have a guide by your side, he or she will be able to teach you everything you need to know about this wildlife you’ve stepped into. Not to mention that guides are educated and skilful professionals who know where they should and shouldn’t go and which animal should be approached in which way.
Try the Multi-day Hike
There is no better way to truly get to know the Amazon rainforest than with a multi-day hike. You will enjoy walking through virgin parts of the rainforest where guides will create paths with machetes. It might wrongly think that hiking in the jungle could be easy as it’s not the mountains, but keep in mind that Amazon heat can be pretty exhausting and the raw nature is not always merciful to humans.
Exploring by Boat
You will probably hear that a lot of the Amazon can be explored on foot, but it will not be an as nearly fulfilling experience if you don’t explore it by boat. After all, how else should you explore rivers? This way, you will see river dolphins and amazing floating villages which have their unique culture that will astonish you.
Combine Day and Night
When you start researching options for the Amazon cruise, you will notice there is really an endless number of companies that will take you on this journey. But, make sure you explore the jungle during the night as nature is very much awake. One of the ways to combine day and night jungle experience is with a several-day cruise, such as Aqua Amazon Cruises. These type of cruises will provide you with a holistic experience of the jungle.
Avoid Scams
Yes, it’s very easy to say that you should avoid scams but can you really recognize it with something you’ve never done in your life? Well, the first thing you should do is to avoid amateur tour guides which offer you really low prices and those which have only one or two online reviews. Always choose reputable tour companies that have plenty of online reviews. More importantly, never book a tour with a person who approaches you on the streets.
Vaccines
Many people will decide not to get vaccinated before going to the rainforest as they consider it completely unnecessary. However, keep in mind there is a risk of getting various diseases, such as yellow fever and tetanus. Make sure you check with your doctor which vaccinations he or she thinks are necessary.
Mosquitos
Don’t even think about going into the Amazon if you don’t have a strong repellent with you. If you’re buying the mosquito repellent in your country, buy the one that is effective against malaria mosquitos. Every day before you get dressed, spray it on your entire body and also over your clothes.
Clothes
Don’t think that just because it will be pretty hot, you should wear shorts and T-shirts in the rainforest. The best option is to cover up your entire body, regardless of the season, to keep it safe from mosquitos and other animals. Also, don’t forget to bring your waterproof jacket in case of a rainstorm. Most tour operators will provide you with gumboots so you will not have to bring them from home.
Conclusion
You will probably explore the Amazon only once in your life, so it’s crucial you do it right. Make sure you are well-prepared for your adventure and bring everything you will need. If you’re unsure whether there is something else you need to cover besides things on our list, you can always check with your tour operator.
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