South America has the largest rainforest on the planet, and even a few days in the Amazon feel very different from any other trip.
Most trips start in a river town like Manaus in Brazil or Iquitos in Peru, followed by a boat ride to a jungle lodge where the days are spent spotting monkeys, pink river dolphins and giant water lilies. Tambopata and Manu in southern Peru are known for macaw clay licks, where hundreds of colorful parrots gather in the early morning. If you prefer cooler air, the cloud forests around Mindo in Ecuador are full of hummingbirds and orchids, and they are only a couple of hours from Quito.
The rainy and dry seasons change a lot about a visit, since high water lets boats reach deeper into the forest, while low water opens up more hiking trails. It is also worth checking vaccine advice before you go.
