The Amazon rainforest, located along the borders of Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Guyana, Venezuela, French Guiana and Suriname, holds more than half of the world's remaining rainforests. Covering an incredibly large part of South America, over 1.4 billion acres, the Amazon is home to 350 different people groups, encompassing over 350 million individuals, as well as millions of species of plants and animals. Because of its expansive selection of plants over such a large area, the Amazon is thought to contribute to world's air quality, making this area as valuable as it is beautiful.

Unfortunately, deforestation has dramatically reduced the Amazon rainforest's size, leading to concerns over local and global consequences for plants, animals and people. With many species yet to be discovered, the Amazon remains a highly intriguing vacation and research spot, with many guided tours through the forests and rivers available today. Because of the high density of dangerous animals, it is recommended that anyone wishing to visit the Amazon on vacation choose a guided tour, led by regional professionals.

When & Where To Visit

With the most territory in the Amazon controlled by Brazil, this country is a frequent destination for those hoping to visit the rainforest. Many festivals and celebrations are held through Amazon bordering countries, making a stop in town as exciting as the rainforest itself. Due to extreme seasonal conditions, it is recommended that visitors to the area avoid the rainy season, which typically falls during January to June.

Activities & Attractions

The rainforest is home to 2.5 million insect species, over 1,000 types of birds, 40,000 types of plants and over 400 types of mammals. The mighty Amazon River, the second largest in the world serves as the aquatic habitat to over 2,500 species of fish. Many tourists visit hoping to catch a glimpse of some of the following rainforest inhabitants:

• Spider Monkeys
• Sloths
• Anteaters
• Toucans
• Piranhas
• Anacondas
• Jaguars

Must-see places include the Brazil Manaus Lake Janauari Ecological Park, the huge Adolpho Botanical Gardens, and the Caratinga Biological Station.

Lodging

If you are setting out on an expedition, take note of the fact that remote areas lack good hotels. However, in bigger cities, like Manaus and Belem, there are plenty of appropriate hotels. You can also avail the services of multi-lingual staff here. One of the best ways to explore the area is to set out on a boat trip. You can hire local boats and the services of a specialized guide.

Transportation

Each country where the Amazon rainforest occupies an area, deals with how people can visit and get to it. They have devised convenient ways to make it easy for people to experience the safe areas of the Amazon rainforest as a part of small tours. Contact a tour company in your country of choice for detailed information on how to travel through the rain forest.