Wondering if it’s worth visiting the Peru Amazon in March?
Famous for its unprecedented levels of wildlife, rare animals like the Jaguar and Pink River Dolphin, as well as its massive winding rivers – the Amazon is one of the most thrilling destinations to visit in all of South America. As we head into March, we are still very much in the heart of the wet season for this region, although it has its own unique advantages compared to the earlier rainy months.
In this comprehensive guide we’ll explore everything you need to know about visiting the Peruvian Amazon in March. 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 March?
Marking the start of the autumn season for Peru, here in March the Amazon is covered in bright green foliage and thick vegetation after several months of rain. This also makes it much easier to navigate deeper into regions like the Tambopata National Reserve by boat, where we can search for Anacondas, go Piranha fishing or see native Monkeys species and Sloths hanging from low branches. The end of March is also the beginning of the birthing season for many Amazon animals – where baby Coati, Sloths and Giant Ant Eaters can sometimes be spotted with some luck.
March is also a peak low season month for travel around the Peruvian Amazon. While the usually popular destinations like Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado are filled with tours other times of the year, March is a lot quieter – making jungle tours excursions feel much more authentic where you’ll see much fewer groups. As well as better availability of tours and being able to book last-minute with more ease, Peru as a whole tends to have cheaper flights and hotels during the low season month of March.
Advantages Of The Amazon In March:
- Optimal for heading deeper into the Amazon by boat due to higher river levels
- Beautiful and thick Amazon vegetation
- Possible to see baby animals such as Monkeys, Sloths and Giant Ant Eaters
Disadvantages Of The Amazon In March:
- Rainfall is still heavy in March, so it’s important to pack accordingly and allow flexibility during your rainforest tours.
Everything You Need To Know About Visiting The Peru Amazon In March
The Weather For The Peru Amazon In March
March is a peak wet season month for the Amazon Rainforest, and here in Peru it’s no different. Heavy showers can often appear with little warning in the jungle, so it’s vital to bring either rainproofs or a poncho during your time here. They don’t usually last that long before the sun reappears – however there’s no fixed pattern either since the Amazon operates under its own rules. It’s also important to bring a high DEET spray since Mosquitoes and other insects are more active around these times.
Temperatures remain at some of their hottest during the year in March when skies are clear, and as such you’ll want to wear comfortable and breathable materials during your jungle treks. Bringing sunscreen out with you in your daypack is vital even if it’s cloudy, since the weather can change fast, and is also localised to different regions – and a short boat ride could bring us into an area that’s full of clear skies.
Packing List For The Peru Amazon In March
Below you can see everything you will need for your visit into the Amazon in March.
- Breathable layers for hikes during the daytime.
- Long hiking trousers (important to avoid any bites from insects).
- High quality hiking boots for your jungle expeditions.
- Swimming gear.
- A poncho or rainproof coat (rains are still frequent and heavy in March).
- 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 (it’s very easy to get burnt if skies clear up during tours).
- Mosquito repellant.
- 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 March
Explore More Remote And Pristine Rainforest By Canoe
Given March is firmly within the wet season, major rivers and tributaries of the Peruvian Amazon remain at their very highest levels. This means canoe excursions can take travelers deeper into flooded forests and virgin jungle, which is otherwise much harder to access during most other months of the year. Not only is this ideal for really getting off the beaten path, but also great for observing wildlife like Monkeys, Kingfishers and all kinds of Peruvian tropical Birds such as Macaw Parrots and Kingfishers.
Try Your Hand At Traditional Amazonian Fishing
Fishing activities and excursions offer a completely unique way to experience the Peruvian Amazon. Accompanied by native local guides, here you’ll head deeper into the flooded jungle forests to catch the famous Piranhas – while on more specialised trips you can even catch Arapaima or Catfish. This is especially worthwhile to do during your 3 Day Tambopata Jungle Tour, where travelers often spot other mammals and birds along the quieter waterways.
Search For Native Pink River Dolphins
One of the most incredible animals to spot within the jungle, Pink River Dolphins are actually easier to spot than you would think most months of the year – and especially near Iquitos and within the nearby major tributaries. However the Amazon in March provides unique opportunities to spot these unusual species in quieter and more intimate settings, such as along smaller rivers where it’s sometimes possible to see both Pink River Dolphins and Grey River Dolphins on a single trip.
Spot Exotic Birds Along The Rivers Of The Rainforest
Similar with the Peruvian Amazon in February, March also offers some truly fantastic opportunities for birdwatching – given that the rainforest is at its most lush and full of fruiting trees. Early-morning boat rides and jungle walks are usually best, where we can often spot Macaw Parrots, Toucans, Parrots, Hoatzins and Kingfishers. Those who are more serious about seeing more novel tropical species can do so in Puerto Maldonado, where Paradise Tanagers and the famous Harpy Eagle can be seen with patience and a bit of luck.
Speak directly with our local Tambopata experts and start planning your Amazon adventure.
→Our Expert Tips For Visiting The Peru Amazon In March
Although March is a low season tourist month (like most of the wet season), it’s still worth taking your time to book in advance. While it’s possible to find last-minute tours and adventures, it’s much better to research before your trip to find the very best Amazon tour providers – who can provide the exact type of trip you are looking for. This includes the type of wildlife searches you will undertake, the experience level of local guides, as well as the quality of jungle lodging provided.
From experience, we also highly recommend packing properly before you arrive into the Peruvian Amazon in March. Heavy yet intermittent showers are highly likely during a visit, and as such bringing a rainproof coat, breathable hiking pants and comfortable hiking shoes are all suggested. You’ll also want to bring a small daypack with you during your longer jungle walks and excursions – where extra layers, sunscreen and DEET mosquito spray can all come in handy along the way.
Book Your Amazon Rainforest Tour With Tronco Tambopata Now
Here at Tronco Tambopata, we have many years of experience leading the most unforgettable journeys around the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest. Here you’ll be in the best of hands with our expert wildlife guides, who can help you spot everything from playful Monkeys and Sloths during jungle boat rides, to Tarantulas and Poison Dart Frogs during the late-night rainforest walks.
You’ll also have all amenities and quality services provided within your tour when booking with us. This includes all meals where you can enjoy typical Amazonian cuisine, as well as a stay within our private jungle lodge out within the rainforest. You’ll also have all transport included, both from Puerto Maldonado to our lodge as well as overland journeys by 4×4 and motorised canoe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting The Peru Amazon In March
In this section we’ll now explore the most frequent questions we get about visiting the Peru Amazon in March, as well as anything else you need to know.
What Is The Weather Like In The Amazon In March?
Similar to the months of February and January in the Amazon, March is also a deep wet season month. This means heavy showers can be occasional during trips into the jungle, although clear blue skies can also occur too – it’s the Amazon after all! Most importantly of all is to prepare for everything by packing the right clothes and items during your expeditions, since the weather can be very random and localised in different micro regions.
Where Is Best To Visit In The Peruvian Amazon In March?
Puerto Maldonado is a great option for those who want to see beautiful virgin rainforest, as well as lots of exotic bird and mammal species during treks. Iquitos is best for those who want deeper river travel and to head on a luxury cruise within the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. There are also other lesser-visited areas (compared with the previous two) such as Tarapoto and Pucallpa – however they require thoughtful planning before you set out on a rainforest hike as they are less frequented by tourists.
Is The Peruvian Amazon Worth Visiting In March?
The Peru Amazon has its own particular perks for travellers who visit during March. While we can expect more downpours during our expeditions, we will also get to see the Amazon in its wildest and most lush green landscapes. Exotic Amazon bird species are usually easier to spot such as Toucans, Macaw Parrots and Multicolored Tanagers – while it’s also the start of the season for spotting baby Monkeys, Sloths, Giant Ant Eaters and other mammals.
Overview Of Exploring The Peru Amazon In March
And that’s all for this guide on visiting the Peru Amazon in March.
While there are many incredible places to visit in Peru, the wild Amazon region is often the most memorable for travellers who venture deep into the rainforest on an organised tour. The Amazon in March remains wet as we are still within the peak of the rainy season – however if you keep an open mind then you’ll not only enjoy the landscapes, but also increase your chances of seeing rare birds, young wildlife and overall have a more authentic experience.
Here at Tronco Tambopata, we have many years of experience leading groups around the Tambopata region of the Peruvian Amazon. Check out our Three Day Amazon Tour Now – which includes all wildlife expeditions, your rainforest lodge stay, all meals and private transport during your time here.
Choose from our most popular Tambopata Peru tours and experience the Amazon's incredible wildlife, rainforest and authentic jungle lodges.
