The Amazon Rainforest covers majority of the Amazon Basin in South America. Of the 7 million square kilometers of the basin, 5.5 million square kilometers is covered by rainforest. It encompasses the territory of nine countries. Majority of the rainforest is within Brazil at 60% followed by Peru and Colombia at 13% and 10%, respectively. It represents half of the planet’s remaining rainforests and the largest and most biodiverse stretch of tropical rainforest with 390 billion individual trees belonging to 16,000 species.
The Amazon Rainforest has a bevy of activities that you can indulge in. Here is a look at some of these activities that can make your time at the forest a truly worthwhile one:
1. Go piranha fishing
We all know that piranhas are carnivorous fishes. This time around, you will be the one to feast on them and you will find out how delicious they can be. Some tour agencies offer this activity. The Tamschivacu Tahuavo Reserve is one place where you can do this. Just be careful of your fingers when catching them.
2. Visit Macaw Clay Licks
The Amazon Rainforest is home to the brightly colored parrot species macaw. There are lodges with clay licks that offer great photo opportunities with these smart birds. The Tambopata Research Center houses the largest known clay lick where you can see both a macaw and the larger but elusive tapir.
3. Camping in the Rainforest
If you like some adventure, rainforest camping can give you quite an experience. Nothing can top the experience of hearing the sounds of the animal rainforest. For this activity, you will be accompanied by a private guide.
4. Go bird watching
If you are an avid ornithologists (lover of birds), bird watching can be a great activity to indulge in. There are some lodges in the area that will provide you with a guide for the activity.
5, Hunt for poison dart frogs
The rainforest will surely hop around once you search for poison dart frogs. There are conservation areas in place for the protection of these amphibians.
6. Anaconda spotting
This is best done during the dry season when the water level is down and the anacondas have no other place to hide. This will of course depend on what area of the Amazon you are in. Take note that anacondas are rarely seen but who knows you can get lucky and spot one during your trip.
7. View the constellations
Head over to the center of the rainforest and look up to the Milky Way. Again this is an experience like no other.
8. Take a tour of the Amazon River
The cruise takes you to an opportunity to tour the different sections of the forest. At each stop, you will be accompanied by a naturalist guide who will help identify the animals and plants.
9. Swim with the dolphins
These animals will be just as curious as you are and investigate just the same as you explore their aquatic home.
10. Visit a native shaman
This can give you a cultural experience and gain an understanding of spirits as well as of medicinal plants. Get to know various treatment methods for conditions like colds and insect bites.
These activities will help ensure that you have a worthwhile time visiting the Amazon Forest.
