It will come as a pleasant surprise to most travelers that there are fewer
masquitoes in the middle Amazon than there are in, say, New Jersey in the
summer. Sure, there is rain everyday, but most days are also clear and bright.
Additionally, most animals are wary of humans, and wildlife attacks are very
rare. However, trips on the Amazon should always be undertaken with
knowledgeable guides, who take proper precautions lest you swim with piranha and
caiman (a specie of crocodile).
Camping in the Rainforest
The best way to see rainforest wildlife is to camp out at night and quietly
hike the lush, green trails during the day. The din of traffic, airplanes, and
cell phones is replaced by the sounds of birds fishing for lunch, sloths shaking
the treetops looking for a resting spot, and the echos of the howler monkey’s
cry.
These leisurely, guided hikes offer visitors a balance of lively information
and silence with a serendipitous discovery of the wonders of the rainforest.
Expect to find hidden lakes with giant water lilies and exotic orchids framed by
a tangle of hanging vines. Explore, take pictures, or even stop and fish for
piranha.
Depending on the expertise of your guide, hikes include details about the
wildlife, the plant life, the exotic birds, or the medical secrets of the
rainforest. After hiking, take a dip in the clear water before settling in to
watch a spectacular sunset. At night, the nocturnal wildlife comes alive.
Spotting the red eyes of the caiman isn’t nearly as terrifying as you might
expect. They keep their distance.
Most guided camping excursions include a stop at a traditional native
village, a missionary village, or a local market. Native tribes are
hunter-gatherers who generally demonstrate to tourists the art of making
blowguns and darts. These excursions offer travelers a chance to see the local
economies they are supporting to keep the rainforest pristine.