Amazon Rainforest

About the Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon Rainforest is the largest rainforest in the world and covers 5,500,000 km2 (2,123,562 sq mi). Sixty per cent of the rainforest lies in Brazil, covering over 40% its landmass, with the remainder lying in Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana, The rainforest also lies in the largest river basin in the world, and represents over half of the total rainforest left in the world.

Climate

Within the forest, the conditions that keep it flourishing - very high temperatures and humidity – make it harsh for humans.

Flora and Fauna

The forest has an amazing diversity of wildlife: it is thought to hold the largest collection of living plants and animal species in the world. One in ten known species lives in the Amazon rainforest.

Tourism

Development within the forest, including a number of dam building projects, has threatened and upset the delicate structure of the forest and its wildlife, meaning the forest is slowly dying. For this reason, trips to the Amazon rainforest are popular to explore the ecosystems of the forest to understand it better.

Activities

There is a wide variety of activities available in the Amazon rainforest. These can include exploratory trips designed to take in the wildlife at its best, whether this be by rafting or kayaking along the river or hiking through the jungle on foot or up in a treetop canopy on suspended walkways. Tours with local shaman who explain the properties of the plants which grow in the forest, as well as the cultural history of the rainforest are also popular. There are also a host of gardens, ecological parks, wildlife parks and more to experience the natural wonders that abound in the Amazon Rainforest.

Warnings

Vaccinations for malaria, dengue, hepatitis and yellow fever are recommended several months before the trip. Travelers should avoid drinking tap water or eating raw foods. Take rainproof clothing, sun cream and insect repellant.