🇵🇪 At last, I’ve arrived at the Amazon rainforest—the Earth’s lungs, as my childhood textbooks so aptly described. This place has always been a distant and mysterious dream of mine, and finally, I had the chance to hold the ever-elusive sloth 🦥, an animal I’d longed to see for years.
Itinerary: Lima ✈️ Iquitos
On the first day, we opted to stay in the vibrant town of Iquitos rather than plunging straight into the heart of the Amazon. It was a wise decision to acclimate ourselves before venturing deeper into this lush, untamed wilderness.
Hotel 🏨: Hilton Iquitos
Worried that once inside the rainforest, encounters with wildlife might be unpredictable—and fearing I might miss out on seeing a sloth—I arranged through the hotel for a local guide to take us by boat into the jungle in the afternoon. Our destination? A nearby village where locals keep and care for various small animals, including the legendary sloth 🦥.
D2️⃣: Hotel Ceiba Tops Lodge
This is the only lodge nestled deep in the rainforest that offers hot water, air conditioning, and even internet access 🛜—a surprising luxury amidst the wilderness! The lodge provides three meals a day, which surprisingly exceeded our expectations in both taste and quality.
Early in the morning, the lodge arranged a comfortable bus to pick us up and transport us into the heart of the rainforest. Each group of guests is assigned an English-speaking guide for the entire tour—a fantastic touch that ensures smooth communication and enriches the experience 👍.
Reaching the deeper parts of the Amazon rainforest is quite the adventure. First, we took a scenic bus ride to the dock, followed by a thrilling one-hour boat journey along winding rivers to arrive at our cozy lodge. In this lush paradise, full mosquito protection is absolutely essential—it’s your best defense against the tiny but persistent jungle residents.
💁🏻♀️ Activities available in the rainforest:
1️⃣ Chasing Pink Dolphins on the Amazon River
Imagine chasing playful pink dolphins as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant hues. These enchanting creatures often circle near you, their movements graceful and mesmerizing. How did dolphins end up in the Amazon? Originally ocean-dwellers, they adapted over time to thrive in freshwater, evolving smaller bodies suited to their new environment.
Watching the sunset reflect off the river’s surface while surrounded by nature’s beauty is nothing short of breathtaking.
2️⃣ Exploring the Tropical Rainforest by Boat
Every day, our knowledgeable guide takes us to different spots within the rainforest, searching for its incredible wildlife. Here, animals roam freely, unconfined by captivity, making each encounter feel truly authentic. While some sightings may require patience, our guide’s keen eye helps spot hidden wonders quickly—sloths lounging lazily in trees, parrots perched high above, crocodiles lurking silently, frogs camouflaged among leaves, towering ancient trees, and even snakes slithering through the underbrush.
With binoculars in hand, we marvel at the diversity of life around us.
3️⃣ Fishing for Piranhas
Fishing for piranhas is both exhilarating and educational. Known for their razor-sharp teeth, these fish are relatively easy to catch in the Amazon River. Our guide not only assists with the fishing gear but also shares fascinating insights about each catch—explaining what type of fish it is, whether it’s edible, and if it poses any danger. Some of the piranhas we caught even made it onto our dinner plates, adding a unique twist to our culinary experience.
4️⃣ Nighttime Stargazing and Rainforest Exploration
As night falls, the rainforest transforms into a world of mystery. Equipped with mosquito repellent (essential for nighttime excursions), we venture out with our guide to discover nocturnal creatures and those hiding in the shadows of towering trees. The starry sky above is breathtaking ✨, offering a perfect backdrop to this unforgettable experience.
One of the highlights of the trip was how personalized it became. Our guide would ask us what we most wanted to see and tailor our adventures accordingly. When we expressed our desire to see sloths 🦥, he took us to visit a local friend who raises baby sloths. Holding these adorable creatures felt like stepping into a dream—they were impossibly cute, and we couldn’t help but wish we could take one home! This magical moment perfectly rounded out our Amazon rainforest adventure ✌🏻.
