AMAZON RAINFOREST ON A BUDGET
It is not difficult or expensive to discover Amazonia.
You can access the biggest rainforest on the earth without taking a costly boat cruise, which may have discouraged you for years like myself.
With accessible alternatives such as guided tours by locals, diverse entry points, exploring the wonders of Amazonia has become an achievable and affordable adventure for all nature enthusiasts.
Table of Contents
A 3-Step Guide to an Affordable Adventure
1- Choose the country
There are four countries where you can access Amazonia by taking an internal flight.
Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia.
The most affordable country of all is Colombia.
Brazil, with its major gateway in Manaus, offers a more established infrastructure for tourism, while Peru and Ecuador offer immersive jungle experiences through cities like Iquitos and Coca.
Colombia’s Leticia, situated on the edge of the Amazon River, is perfect for those looking for an affordable yet authentic journey into the heart of the rainforest.
2- Buy a domestic flight ticket to the Amazon access city in this country. You can access Amazonas by taking an internal flight to the following cities. Manaus (Brazil), Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado (Peru) and Coca (Ecuador). Stay the first night here to avoid any misconnection.Even if you arrive in the region without any plans and reservations, you can find a recommendable travel agency to join an excursion or expedition suitable to your budget.
3- Choose your accomodation on the Internet:
Nowadays even the most remote Amazonian accommodation options are available on the internet. Choose a local b&b in a distant village or a lodge in the heart of a rain forest. The further it is from the city, the more promising it is. Booking.com and Airbnb offer very handy map tools.
You may want to spend the first night at the access city to avoid any risk of misconnections. You can also purchase your boat tickets if you need to and move early the next day.
How to Choose Your Accommodation in Amazonia
1- Staying in a Lodge in the Amazon Rainforests: You can choose among a variety of lodges, from basic eco-lodges to luxury or boutique ones. The program offered is similar. They offer you a full board service, sometimes including the costs of excursions and transportation from the access city. Since there will be nothing around the lodge but the jungle, assure that they offer excursions and read the reviews about them. Prefer the lodges offering free canoes to the guests. Check if they provide any towels, otherwise, you may need to bring yours. The food is generally very good. The menu is made of local fish, rice, bananas or yuca and exotic fruits.
2- Staying in a Hotel/Hostel/B&B in the Amazon Rainforests: In some areas of Amazonia, there are remote villages that became little tourist hubs like Puerto Narino in Colombia. They are authentic villages that live on tourism. Locals transform their houses into hostels or b&bs. You can get your excursions from a local tour operator and get your food from local restaurants. This is a much cheaper option than the Lodge stays. You will also save money on transportation, as there will be public boats to arrive in the villages. Ask your hostel’s owner about the options and try to make a plan before your arrival. You can also add one or more night stays at the tribal home stay. Expect a spartan stay.
3- Riverboat: A comfortable way of seeing the Amazon is by riverboat. These range from basic to air-conditioned and luxurious. The vessel serves as your home base; you take excursions in canoes up the smaller channels.
Double-check the zone where you stay if it is malaria-free.
Excursions in Amazonia:
Almost all the excursions are similar, there may be some special excursions specific to where you are, like visiting a close lake or a rehabilitation center for species in danger of extinction.
The most common excursions are:
Jungle Walking Tours, river excursions to observe dolphins, night walks in the jungle, piranha fishing, night excursions by boat to observe nocturnal animals such as caimans and visiting tribal villages and houses.
On the river excursions, you will most probably witness the playful dolphins and have the opportunity to swim in the Amazon River.
During the walking excursions, you will learn about flora, natural medicines and the behavior of the animals in the Amazon Rain forest.
Do not be disappointed if you don’t see many animals because it is very challenging spotting them in the jungle. It is not like South African safari tours that the animals are inside the fenced game reserves and you can spot them without much effort.
In some lodges, wild animals are domesticated and used as tourist attractions. It is a very sad thing to see and not to be encouraged.
The most rewarding thing to do is to get a canoe and row by yourself if there are smaller channels around where you stay.
Best Time to Travel to Amazon Rainforest
Any season has its pros and cons in Amazonia.
The dry season (July to December)
with temperatures between 26 to 40ºC
Pros:
- Best for jungle exploration thanks to the dry terrain.
- Lower levels of water make it more likely to spot caimans
Cons:
- The low level of the river causes the animals on the trees too far to spot.
- The temperature will be higher
The wet season (January to June)
with temperatures between 23 to 30ºC
Pros:
- Best season for river cruises and kayaking. Increased level of water enables you to reach remote locations by boat instead of long hours of walk.
- The rain forest will be cooler due to frequent rain.
- You will be closer to the animals on the trees.
- The colours will be stunning.
Cons:
- You should be especially careful about malaria and dengue as humidity brings more mosquitos.
- The terrain will be very slippy and hard to walk, despite the boots provided by the operators during the excursions.
How Many Days Should You Stay in the Amazon Rainforest?
The ideal length for an Amazon Rainforest adventure is typically 3 to 4 full days. This allows you enough time to fully experience the excursions and activities without feeling rushed.
If you’re planning to explore different regions, consider spending up to 3 full days in each location to make the most of your journey.
Of course, the longer you stay, the higher the cost, so balancing time and budget is key. If you’re short on both, a minimum of 2 full days can still offer a rewarding experience.
Lastly, don’t forget to account for your first night in the access city before heading into the rainforest and to plan your return accordingly.
What to Bring & What to Wear in the Amazon Rainforest
What to Wear in the Jungle
The right clothing is important in the jungle. It can save your vacation—and more importantly, your life!
Don’t freak out—yes, there are mosquitoes, insects, and ants all over the place. It’s their habitat. You just need to protect yourself.
Here are some easy tips:
When packing for the Amazon, opt for earth-toned clothing in shades like brown, beige, and green to blend in with the forest.
Avoid white clothing, as it gets dirty easily and may attract insects.
Lightweight shorts and breathable t-shirts – Ideal for hot, humid conditions.
Long-sleeved shirts and trousers – Essential for jungle walks to protect against insects and sun exposure. Choose mosquito-resistant fabrics. Never wear cotton—mosquitoes can find you!
Long socks – Help prevent insect bites, especially when trekking. You don’t want any insects getting into your trousers!
Never use perfumes or scented creams.
Use insect repellent—even on your clothing—before leaving your room.
Our Life saver shirts
Essential Gear & Accessories
Binoculars – It’s not easy to spot wildlife, especially if you stay only 3–4 days in the jungle. Purchasing a good pair of binoculars can enhance your experience, letting you see hidden animals in the trees or birds flying far away so you don’t miss anything.
Waterproof bag – I never risk getting our stuff wet—ever since the Philippines, when we got soaked on a boat thanks to rain and waves. In the Amazonas, the humidity alone can curl your passport or ruin your stuff, not to mention a canoe tour or sudden rain. We always use these Dry bags, and I recommend you purchase one. They’re economical, safe, and come in different sizes. We also use them at the beach; we take them with us while swimming at public beaches like Rio or San Andrés so we don’t risk anything.
Light raincoat with a hood (kagool) – Essential for all travel during the rainy season. Light and efficient, it doesn’t take up much space and protects you from rain and wind.
Swimsuit – Yes, it’s possible to swim in the Amazon River if you have the courage.
Trekking or walking shoes & sandals – For normal trekking, high trekking shoes are recommended. But if you go deep into the Amazonas and it’s rainy and muddy, they won’t be enough. Don’t worry—most places provide high plastic boots either free or for rent.
Flashlight – Essential for night walks, not only in the jungle but also in the little towns after dinner. Bring a small one, as your phone can run out of battery! I always prefer the kind you can strap on your head so your hands stay free. Click here to purchase one from Amazon.com.
Fragrance‑free sunscreen – The tropical sun in the Amazonas is intense when you’re outside the protection of the giant trees. Choose sunscreen without a scent. Here what we use – ready to order from Amazon.com!
Sun hat – Especially useful on canoes when you’re under the sun for hours. Choose one with neck protection!
Mosquito repellent – A must‑have to keep bugs at bay. I wouldn’t bring it from home; buy one locally, as it’s more suited to the bugs they have there.
Nikon Binoculars
Dry Bags
Dry Fashion - Rains
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