Amazonas is located in northern Peru, more than 2 thousand meters above sea level, and is one of the country's twenty-four departments Amazonas shares borders with Cajamarca, La Libertad, San Martín, Loreto, and Ecuador. Since is located in the heart of the Amazon rainforest and the Amazon River, the majority of its territory is covered in tropical forest.
One of its most notable qualities is that Amazonas is one of Peru's least inhabited departments, ranking fourth behind only Ucayali, Loreto, and Madre de Dios. This area is called this after a long process that happened before it became a department in the 20th century.
This region's geography is diverse, including high and low jungle, Andean ecosystems, and even tropical dry forest zones. Its temperature is generally warm and humid, therefore rain occurs frequently throughout the year.
However, during the dry season, there are only sporadic drizzles, and the temperature in the highlands might drop to two degrees Celsius on the worst days. Nonetheless, it never ceases to impress with its picturesque landscapes and tourist attractions.
On the other hand, it is essential to understand that Amazonas has much to do with Spaniards coming to South America to conquer it. Francisco de Orellana, a Spanish conqueror, discovered this area around the 1530s.
On September 5, 1538, the Spaniards named it "La muy noble y leal ciudad de San Juan de la Frontera de los Chachapoyas." (The magnificent and loyal city of San Juan on the Chachapoyas frontier." This title was used to describe Chachapoyas, underlining its significance and fidelity to the Spanish crown.
You can go to Amazonas by flight, which is the most comfortable and fastest option. Latam Airlines offers this route from Lima, Chiclayo, Cajamarca, and Tarapoto. Even though is not an international airport, there are available flights and the local government is considering ampliate it.
Another option for getting to this location is by land public transport; however, while less expensive, the trip can take up to 25 hours, depending on where you take this service from. There are the following routes:
Via Chiclayo:
The Lima-Chiclayo-Chachapoyas journey lasts 24 hours.
The Chiclayo-Lambayeque-Chachapoyas journey lasts 9 hours.
Via Cajamarca:
It is considered one of the two most beautiful routes to reach the Amazonas department due to its impressive landscapes and great diversity.
Via Tarapoto:
We recommend the route for adventure and ecotourism fans. It lets you travel from Lima to Tarapoto, which takes 25 hours, and then from Tarapoto to Chachapoyas.
This path takes you from the Amazon to the Andes. It goes through stunning Andean vistas and mystical woodlands where you'll see how nature changes.
Amazonas is within the Amazon region climate is quite variable. On the coldest days, the temperature can drop to 2 degrees Celsius. In the Amazon Jungle, it can reach 40 degrees. The department has both high and low rainforest areas, it also has Andean mountain ranges.
Most of its territory is covered by dense jungle foliage. It is warm and humid in lowland jungle areas, while in the Andean zones, it is cold and humid. The best months to visit this location are May and October.
This area has an array of activities to do, we’ll show you some. Valera district houses Gocta, Peru’s tallest waterfall, and one of the highest in the world. This waterfall features more than 700 meters of continuous waterfall plunge.
Kuelap is the most visited tourist and archaeological site in the Amazonas department. It is known as the Kuelap Fortress and is an architectural masterpiece from ancient Peru.
This castle had 420 circular houses made of fine stone blocks and mud cement, surely one of the most important of the period.
It includes government buildings, religious structures, and ceremonial places. It even includes houses showing its relevance to this civilization. Its defensive structure is evident by walls that extend up to 20 meters in height.
Another attraction is visiting the local indigenous people communities in Amazonas. It shows the region's rich cultural heritage that lets you immerse in their ancestral customs. You can learn about their crafts using raw materials and survival strategies as you’re supporting their economic development
You can also have unforgettable experiences with the locals such as tasting great local food made with fresh and unique ingredients because these flavors represent the region's variety.
Gastronomy in Amazonas
Certainly, Peruvian cuisine is among the most excellent in the world. Lomo Saltado and Ceviche are popular dishes in the world's most luxurious restaurants. Still, this time, let us explore the beautiful Amazon jungle.
The Peruvian jungle also has its unique delights, such as Juane, which is prepared from chicken, rice, hen, and eggs wrapped in bijao leaves, Tacacho with Cecina and Chorizo, and Patarashca, which are among the most well-known and popular. More unique foods include Suri, a palm worm eaten on skewers, Sopa Zarapa cooked from turtle flesh, and huge Amazonian ants. Are you willing to try these?
If you are thinking of having your next vacation in Amazonas, then make sure to know all the details so that your long-awaited vacation is the best of your life and make your visit to Peru an experience you will never forget. Click on this link to see Viagens Machu Picchu's special offers on travel packages to Peru and start planning your vacation in the land of the Incas!
