The Amazon River in South America is the largest in the world. The Amazon has the greatest watershed area, number of tributaries and volume of water of all. It is 4,000 miles long and travels through Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia and Venezuela. The greatest portion of the river runs through Brazil. The Amazon feeds tropical rain forests in which millions of plants and animals live. The vast Amazon River area offers opportunities for rain forest excursions, fishing, canopy exploration and river cruises where visitors can learn about and enjoy this mighty river.
One of the best ways to get up close and personal with the Amazon is to sign up for a rain forest excursion. The Amazon Basin is home to dense rain forests with trees that may reach 200 feet. There is a dense canopy, so not much sunlight reaches the forest floor, resulting in little underbrush. The rain forests are full of animal life, including jaguars, deer, monkeys, crocodiles, snakes, macaws, pink dolphins, butterflies and otters. On a rain forest excursion, knowledgeable guides lead you on a tour through the forest, pointing out interesting wildlife and instructing visitors on the importance of conservation.
Piranha, with their razor-sharp teeth, are known for their aggressive and dangerous nature. You may not know, however, that piranha are actually good to eat. They are even more fun to catch. Sign up for a piranha fishing trip to see these Amazonian fish in action. But be careful when removing the hook as their teeth can cause serious harm.
The rain forests in the Amazon have a fascinating ecosystem and their canopies are inhabited by animals of all kinds. In Peru, check out the Canopy Walkway, where hanging bridges and walkways meander through the canopy 115 feet in the air. The Canopy Walkway lets visitors interact more closely with canopy wildlife like sloths, harpy eagles, macaws and monkeys. They may also get a closer look at the lush vegetation of the canopy. These towering walkways, however, are not for those afraid of heights.
Taking a cruise down the Amazon provides an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy all that the mighty river has to offer. There are many operators to chose from, with different itineraries for all interests and price points. Many of these tours provide instruction and information on the natural environment, including wildlife, plant life and indigenous peoples. Cruising the Amazon is convenient and comfortable, with cabins and amenities. There are often excursions for swimming, fishing, birdwatching and hiking.
