The Amazon

We recommend that you visit your doctor or a traveller’s medical centre for current information specific to those countries and places that you will be travelling through. As a general guide we recommend the following: Yellow Fever - especially for jungle areas, Hepatitis - Both A and B (twinrix), Typhoid, Diphtheria, Cholera, Rabies and Tetanus.

For some states of Brazil (generally in or around the Amazon Rainforest), it is compulsory for all travellers to have been vaccinated against Yellow Fever. It is also compulsory for all travellers to have had a vaccination against Yellow Fever if entering Brazil through the following South American countries:  Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela. If travelling to Ecuador from a country with risk of yellow fever, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required.

The risk of malaria is present throughout the year in the Amazon. Malaria precautions are essential. Avoid mosquito bites by covering up with long sleeves and long trousers especially after sunset, using insect repellents on exposed skin and, when necessary, sleeping under a mosquito net. 

The Amazon Rainforest spans 9 different countries in South America - Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and of course Brazil which contains 60% of the Amazon Rainforest. The currency used will depend on which country you are visiting the Amazon from. In Brazil the unit of currency is the Brazilian Real (BRL); in Peru it is the Peruvian Nuevo Sol (PEN); in Colombia the Colombian Peso (COP) is used and in Ecuador the unit of currency is the US Dollar (USD).

Although the climate is generally hot and humid year-round (averaging 30-35°C), it can be surprisingly cool at night or on the river. Most of the time, light clothes such as shorts, T-shirts and sandals are suitable, but for hikes in the rainforest you should also have a long sleeved shirt, long trousers, light coat, good supportive footwear such as trainers or hiking boots and items such as small torch or flash light, binoculars, water and personal effects. We recommend packing the following:

• Daypack

• Light rain coat or rain poncho

• Sun hat

• Swim suit

• Sun block

• Sunglasses

• Binoculars

• Insect repellent

• Long sleeved shirt

• T-shirt

• Trainers or hiking boots

• Sandals

• Socks & underwear

• Long trousers & shorts

• Lightweight towel

• Torch or flashlight plus spare batteries

• Camera in dry sack with spare batteries & memory cards

• Electrical adaptor plug

• Water bottle

• Personal medicines

• Small first aid kit 

In Brazil the main language is Portuguese, while in Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador the main language is Spanish. There are, however, as many as 330 indigenous languages in and around the Amazon Rainforest, which makes this area one of the most linguistically diverse regions in the world. 

A high level of fitness is not required for the majority of Amazon tours, although conditions tend to be hot and humid when walking through the rainforest.   

Yes it is generally safe to travel to the Amazon. The main dangers are natural ones as the Amazon is home to several predatory animals such as black caiman, jaguar, cougar and anaconda but sightings are very rare. In the river, electric eels can produce an electric shock that can stun, while some piranha are known to bite. Various species of poison dart frogs found in the Amazon secrete toxins through their flesh and the Amazon is home to a number of venomous snakes. Don’t let these put you off as most wildlife is afraid of man and animals will keep their distance unless threatened! Malaria, yellow fever and Dengue fever can also be contracted in the Amazon region which is why we recommend taking precautions such as wearing long sleeved shirts and trousers and the use of insect repellents.

When visiting the Brazil Amazon a pre-arranged visa for Brazil is not required for citizens of the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, European Union and South Africa. However, for citizens of Australia, the United States and Canada a pre-arranged visa is required and can be applied for within 90 days of entering the country. The first arrival in Brazil must take place within 90 days from the date the visa was issued. Please contact your local Brazilian embassy for details on how to apply for a visa and allow a minimum of 6 weeks for the visa to be processed by the Brazilian consulate. For other nationalities please visit the website of the relevant consulate. When travelling to the Peruvian, Bolivian or Ecuadorian Amazon, a pre-arranged visa is not required to entre Peru, Bolivia or Ecuador for citizens of Australia, United Kingdom, The United States, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand, European Union and South Africa. For other nationalities please visit the website of the relevant consulate.

Chimu has a range of Amazon tours, either lodge based or cruises that range from 3 days to 8 days.

Amazon tours tend to be quite inclusive with accommodation, meals, transport, guides and activities all included. Generally the only additional expenses will be drinks, laundry, tips, souvenirs and maybe internet if it is available.