Top Reasons to Go

The River: The Amazon River is a natural choice for adventures, but it is best explored on an organized tour.

Wild Things: Peru's Amazon Basin has more than 50,000 plant, 1,700 bird, 400 mammal, and 300 reptile species. Bring your binoculars.

Sport Fishing: Anglers can test their skills on dozens of river fish, including the feisty peacock bass.

Nature Lodges: Staying at a jungle lodge is almost obligatory when visiting the Amazon Basin if you really want to experience the rainforest.

Cruising: An Amazon River cruise to Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is the most comfortable, though expensive, way to explore this vast wilderness.