The Amazon Rainforest covers more than 60% of the total area of Peru. In this extensive area, it is possible to visit different natural reserves protected by the Peruvian government including the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, the Tambopata National Reserve and the Manu Reserve.  The Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve is located in the Iquitos region while the other two are located in the Madre de Dios region.

If you are planning to visit the Amazon Rainforest you should know that you will need a yellow fever shot which needs to be received at least 10 days prior to going there. The Peruvian government recommends a yellow fever shot if you are going to be in the jungle at 7500 feet above sea level or lower. There is risk of malaria in Iquitos and Madre de Dios, but it is not a required vaccine.

Insect repellents with permethrin can be only used on top of your clothes, tent, or sleeping bag (Never use it over your skin). Insect repellents containing Diethyltoluamide (DEET) can be used directly on your skin for a long period of time unless you are allergic. If you are going to the jungle, you should carry insect repellent at all times with you.

Most of the people going to the jungle are there to observe wild life and the local tribes. This is going to be possible only if you choose the right trip for the time you have. If you want to go observe wild life and you only have three or four days, it is better to visit a lodge in Tambopata or Pacaya-Samiria because animals are most accustomed to people and it is easier to observe them. If you have seven or eight days in the jungle, it is better to go to the Manu Reserve because you will have more time to sit in a hidden spot for a few hours and wait until animals show in more on a natural setting. The farther you go; the more difficult it will be to observe wildlife in short periods of time. If you are going to observe local tribes, you will need at least four days in the Tambopata area or three days in Pacaya-Samiria. If you decide to visit a local tribe, please make sure you bring useful gifts such as books, notebooks, or clothes (locals are very poor). Also, most of the locals sell their handcrafts and purchasing something is a great help for them. Manu and Pacaya-Samiria are the less visited reserves.

In the jungle, you will find different types of lodges. You will find lodges with no electricity and no hot water (hot water is not always needed because the jungle is usually pretty hot.) Most of the lodges offer full meals and others only offer breakfast. Some lodges include a visit to a local tribe or day excursions to magical spots such as the Monkey Island or the Lost Coccha Lake. Please make sure you book the correct lodge for you and what you are looking for.

The easiest way to get to Tambopata is by plane. The plane will take you to Puerto Maldonado in about 35 minutes from Cusco. If you are going to Pacaya-Samiria, you will need to take a plane to Iquitos. This ride takes about 2 hours from Lima. A bus is not recommended because of the long trips (a day or even more) and bad conditions of the route. If you would like to visit the Manu Reserve, you should contact a tour operator because they usually arrange private transportation.