Wondering if it’s worth visiting the Peru Amazon in January?
Known for its beautiful Macaw Parrots, the elusive Jaguar and countless other incredible jungle species, the Amazon Rainforest is one of the very best places to include on your itinerary around Peru. While January marks one of the heaviest rainy season months, this comes with several unexpected perks – such as quieter and more authentic tours, more lush landscapes, as well as a better chance of spotting certain species.
In this comprehensive guide we’ll explore everything you need to know about visiting the Amazon Peru in January. This includes why you should visit, the advantages and disadvantages of this month, as well as the very best things to do. We’ll also answer your most frequently asked questions in our FAQ section.
Is It Worth Visiting The Peru Amazon In January?
January is a very interesting time to visit the Peruvian Amazon, as it’s near the peak of the wet season. While the extra showers may put some off, the upside is that the jungle scenery will be at its most beautiful and vivid green. Flowering plants and fruit trees attract more exotic birds and insects, while higher rivers allow us to venture deeper by boat into the more remote flooded forests to spot wildlife such as Monkeys, Sloths, Pink River Dolphins and Black Caiman.
The other benefit of a visit this month is that the majority of January is low tourist season (aside from the first week of the month due to New Years celebrations). This means that there will be less groups on any trail with you which allows for a more authentic experience, and also more chance of spotting the more elusive species – making it one of the very best times to visit the Peruvian Amazon. You can also book your tours or flights to Puerto Maldonado without so much notice in advance, which is great for the more spontaneous travellers.
Advantages Of The Amazon In January:
- More authentic and quieter jungle hikes
- Thicker green scenery
- Best for spotting bird and insect species
Disadvantages Of The Amazon In January:
- Heavy showers can be expected
- The first week of January can still be busy given it’s the New Years season
Everything You Need To Know About Visiting The Amazon Peru In January
The Weather For The Peru Amazon In January
While the Amazon is wet year-round, January certainly sees an increase in rainfall. Falling right within the peak of the wet season (which begins in October and lasts until April), there’s more chance of frequent heavy showers. However it’s important to know that these are often short-lived and intense, meaning that the sun usually comes out quickly after. Bringing waterproofs is necessary for this reason, and also a spare change of clothes in your daypack in case you get overly wet.
The Peru Amazon in January is also part of the summer season, and as such warmer temperatures can be expected when heading into the jungle. It’s important to bring a high quality sunscreen to prevent sunburns (we suggest at least a 30+ SPF lotion), as there may be extended time spent out in the sun. The combination of higher rainfall and warmer temperatures does also increase the presence of insects like Mosquitoes, so a strong repellant should also be brought.
Packing List For The Amazon Peru In January
Below you can see everything you will need for your visit into the Amazon in January.
- Breathable layers for hikes during the daytime.
- Long hiking trousers.
- High quality hiking boots (good tread is essential since paths may be muddy and slippery).
- Swimming gear.
- A poncho or rainproof coat.
- Spare t-shirts or vests in your daypack.
- A jumper for the evenings if temperatures temporarily drop during showers.
- Pyjamas for comfortable sleep.
- A hat to avoid sunburns.
- High SPF sunscreen.
- Mosquito repellant (especially important during January as it’s a peak wet season month).
- A hand towel.
- A reusable water bottle for longer treks.
- A day pack to hold everything you need (such as extra layers and other items).
- A quality camera or mobile phone.
- A portable power bank.
- Any personal medications.
The Best Experiences To Enjoy In The Peru Amazon In January
Visit The Remote Salt Licks Of Puerto Maldonado
Famous for their rich salt concentrations, Salt Licks (collpas) are located deep within the rainforest near Puerto Maldonado – and are a vital food source for many exotic species that live in the area. When visiting the Amazon Peru in January it’s possible to see hundreds of Native Amazon Birds Species like Macaw Parrots and Parakeets flock to the area, while other sites are famous for the gathering of larger mammals like Tapirs and Jaguars.
Enjoy Unforgettable Night Jungle Excursions
While the rainforest comes to life at night any month of the year, the Peru Amazon in January (and much of the wet season) truly explodes with wildlife activity. Choruses of insects and birds can be heard as we walk through the jungle, and rare Frog species of the Amazon are easier to spot during tours – such as the Poison Dart Frog and the Milk Frog. On boat rides we can also spot large Black Caiman as their eyes mirror back the light of our headlamps.
Spot The Endemic Pink River Dolphin Species
One of the most popular and rare species to spot in the Amazon, Pink River Dolphins are the only freshwater dolphins species on the planet – and frequent the waters of the Peruvian Amazon. During January river levels rise, making them easier to spot as they move closer towards submerged trees. They are often quite playful and curious, and sometimes will come up to boats for a quick peek.
Experience Breathtaking Rainforest Canopy
Given the wet season already began in November, by January the rainforest is now at its most abundant. Bright green trees surround you from every angle, which can be best appreciated on the canopy walks near Puerto Maldonado. They also bear rich fruits this time of year, which in turn attracts all kinds of exotic Amazon Birds which can be spotted when walking with an expert tour guide.
Our Expert Tips For Visiting The Peru Amazon In January
With January being one of the peak rainy season months, it’s important to prepare properly before you head on your jungle tour. Earlier in this article we covered everything that you will need, however the main items include rainproofs and a poncho, closed shoes, comfortable trekking gear and sunscreen. Mosquitoes and other insects are also more active during these times of the year, so bringing a strong mosquito repellent is vital.
It’s also important to have realistic expectations before your trip starts when visiting the Peru Amazon in January. Slight delays may occur due to heavy rains, however on the flip side there’s a much greater chance of seeing a wide range of wildlife due to the season – such as large mammals, exotic birds, frogs and insects. During your jungle tour, your guide will try their best to find tracks and areas where sightings are best – but also don’t be afraid to ask for them to look for certain species too.
Book Your Amazon Rainforest Tour With Tronco Tambopata Now
Here at Tronco Tambopata, we have many years of experience leading our guests around the Tambopata Rainforest near Puerto Maldonado. Within this area of Southern Peru we can experience some of the highest biodiversity in the entire jungle – where our expert guides will do their very best to help your sight all kinds of rare and exotic animals.
When heading on our Amazon Rainforest tours, you will also have exceptional quality and amenities – including all private transport to and from your hotel in Puerto Maldonado, several nights stay at our jungle lodge, full-board meals and much more. Take a look at our Three Day Tambopata Jungle Tour Now and book in your dream Amazon trip with us.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting The Peru Amazon In January
In this section we’ll now explore the most frequent questions we get about visiting the Peru Amazon in January, as well as anything else you need to know.
Can You Visit The Amazon In January?
Yes you can easily visit the Amazon Jungle in January – and it’s a very underrated month to do so. Within the jungle the extra rainfall brings much greener and more vivid colours, with ripe fruits attracting more birds and mammals. As well as seeing more exotic insects and frogs during night tours, travellers heading to the Amazon in January can benefit from quieter tours with less groups on trails.
What Is The Weather Like In The Amazon In January?
January is one of the rainiest months for the Amazon Rainforest, where heavy intermittent showers can be expected more frequently. It’s important to note that while they can seemingly appear out of nowhere – they often end just as abruptly. Temperatures will also be hot, meaning it’s important to pack good sunscreen, a hat, as well as rainproofs and a poncho for your jungle treks.
What Is The Best Time To Visit The Peruvian Amazon?
This really depends on what kind of experience you want to have when visiting the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest. Those who want clear blue skies and best chances of spotting rare mammals like Jaguar and Tapir will prefer the months between June and September. If on the other hand, seeing a variety of exotic Birds and the rainforest at its most picturesque is your goal – then the months between December and April are best.
Overview Of Exploring The Peru Amazon In January
And that’s all for this guide on visiting the Amazon Peru in January.
Famous for its exotic animal species and unforgettable jungle scenery, the Amazon Rainforest is one of the most impressive regions that you can visit on the planet. Visiting the Amazon in January is perfect for those who want the most lush landscapes, don’t mind intermittent showers, and want to see more exotic bird and insect species during their rainforest treks and expeditions.
Here at Tronco Tambopata, we operate An Incredible Three Day Rainforest Tour here in Tambopata within the Peruvian Amazon. Here you’ll not only have the very best expert tour guides help you spot the most exotic and rare animals, however also have all meals, jungle lodging and private transport all included too.