3-Day Amazon Rainforest Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Amazon Rainforest tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaAmazon Rainforest travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Day Iquitos Amazon Jungle Itinerary, incl. Rainforest Lodge and River Excursions

  From a jungle lodge base in Iquitos, daily excursions reveal Amazon treasures. Visitors tour Fundo Pedrito wildlife farm, meet Yaguas indigenous people, and marvel at a 160-foot ancient Ceiba tree. Activities include canopy walking, piranha fishing, and watching pink dolphins in the Amazon River.

  

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  • Day 1

    Iquitos to Amazon Lodge

    Arrive at Iquitos airport before 8 AM to make the most of your first day. Getting to your jungle lodge takes about 2 hours total. You'll travel by vehicle to the port, then take a boat ride along the Nanay River into the Amazon. A recent visitor shared: "Swimming in the Amazon, ziplining in the jungle, nature hikes, animal sanctuaries... the hotel grounds are wonderful and the staff is super attentive." Pack just what you need and focus on quick-dry clothing since the humidity never lets up. Your afternoon starts with a guided canoe trip to spot wildlife. When night falls, you'll go on a walk to find tarantulas and other nocturnal animals. Remember to pack a good headlamp and closed-toe shoes that can handle muddy conditions.

    
  • Day 2

    Full Amazon Immersion

    Wake up at 4:30 AM for the best bird watching. The morning chorus of birds is unlike anything you'll hear elsewhere. After breakfast, you can climb the lodge's 26-meter observation tower and try the zipline course. A guest commented: "We felt very safe doing the activities and our guide shared fascinating knowledge about the area." In the afternoon, try your hand at piranha fishing and look for pink dolphins on the Amazon River. If you want to see dolphins, go between 3-5 PM when the water is usually calmer. Make sure to drink plenty of water. As one guest put it: "The juice was always very refreshing and simply amazing in the jungle heat."

    
  • Day 3

    Final Morning & Return

    Start your last day with a jungle walk to see a massive 500-year-old Ceiba tree. Standing 160 feet tall, it shows just how incredible the Amazon really is. You'll check out at 12:30 PM, have lunch, and leave at 2:30 PM. Book your flight for after 6 PM to allow enough time for the hour-long river trip back to Iquitos.

    

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• 3 Days in Amazon Rainforest, incl. Puerto Maldonado and Tambopata Reserve

  Puerto Maldonado and Tambopata National Reserve showcase their riches over 3 days. Two nights at Superior Lodge enable multiple guided excursions including Lake Sandoval exploration, canopy walks across 7 hanging bridges, and nighttime wildlife viewing along Madre de Dios River.

  

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  • Day 1

    Puerto Maldonado to Amazon Lodge

    Your journey starts with a morning pickup from Puerto Maldonado airport, followed by a 30-minute boat ride on the Madre de Dios River. Pack light and stick to quick-dry clothing since humidity levels often exceed 60%. A recent visitor shared: "The boat transfer gives you your first real taste of the jungle, but keep your camera in a waterproof bag as afternoon rain showers are common." You'll reach the lodge around midday for orientation and check-in. A useful tip: ask for a room away from the generator since electricity runs on limited hours. After lunch you can join a nature walk near the lodge. The trails get muddy so you'll appreciate the rubber boots provided. The day wraps up with a river canoe trip at dusk. Bring a reliable flashlight to spot night animals and take some time to look at the stars. On clear nights the southern constellations put on an amazing show.

    
  • Day 2

    Tambopata National Reserve

    Be ready for an early start with breakfast at 6 AM before heading to Lake Sandoval in Tambopata Reserve. The walk to the lake is tough, covering 3 km through humid jungle conditions, but you'll see plenty of wildlife. Visit between 7-9 AM for the best chance to spot giant river otters. In the afternoon you can try the canopy walk, which uses 98-foot towers linked by hanging bridges. Let your guide know if heights make you nervous. The night walk is optional but it's a great way to see different wildlife than during the day.

    
  • Day 3

    Return to Puerto Maldonado

    The lodge has a strict 11 AM check-out with boats leaving at 10:30 AM. You'll spend most of the morning getting packed and ready for transfer. Before your flight take a quick stop at the Butterfly House. It only takes about 15 minutes but offers excellent photo chances. If you're flying out give yourself at least 2 hours before departure since river transport times can vary.

    

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• 3 Day Colombia Itinerary, incl. Bogotá and Caño Cristales

  The natural wonders of La Macarena unfold over 3 days from Bogota. Visit Caño Cristalitos on day 1, Los Hoyos and Los Pianos on day 2, and Mirador Caño Piedra on day 3 before returning to Bogota.

  

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  • Day 1

    Bogotá to La Macarena

    Book the earliest flight from Bogotá to La Macarena between 6-7 AM. The flight takes about 1 hour. Pack light since small aircraft have strict weight limits. After arriving, you will drop your bags at La Fuente Hotel before starting your adventure. A 25-minute boat ride on the Guayabero River takes you to your first stop. Wear quick-dry clothing because you will get splashed. A 30-minute walk leads to Caño Cristalitos where you can swim in crystal-clear natural pools. Bring water shoes since the rocks can be slippery.

    
  • Day 2

    Full Day at Caño Cristales

    Get an early start to make the most of your day. After breakfast take a combined boat and 4x4 trip to reach Caño Cristales. You will spend 6-7 hours exploring different sites including Los Hoyos, Los Pianos and El Paso de la Danta. Want the best photos of the famous red algae (Macarenia clavigera)? Visit between 10 AM and 2 PM when the sun is brightest. You cannot use sunscreen here to protect the ecosystem. Bring long sleeves and a hat instead.

    
  • Day 3

    Mirador Caño Piedra and Return

    On your final morning you can choose between two excursions based on weather and permits: Mirador Caño Piedra or El Bajo Lozada. Both spots show you where flat savannas meet the Serranía de La Macarena mountains. Try to visit in the morning since afternoon flights to Bogotá are more reliable. The small airport in La Macarena often has weather delays so it is smart to plan extra time.

    

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