Eight animals to look out for on Amazon River trips

2 June, 2016

If you’re about to set off on one of our exciting and exhilarating Amazon River trips, you’ll probably be trying to learn all about the Amazon in preparation.

Knowing a little bit about the environment, the animals and the culture of the Amazon can be a huge advantage and will help you to make the most of your Amazon adventure. To help you get started, here’s a list of eight of the most beautiful animals you’re likely to see on Amazon cruises.

Amazon River Dolphins

One of the most common animals spotted on Amazon River trips is the Amazon River Dolphin. During the high water season the pink dolphins swim throughout the flooded forest, hunting and playing in the water.

Piranha

Piranhas are one of the most legendary and feared of the Amazon River species, thanks to their sharp teeth and voracious appetite for meat. A lot of Amazon River trips offer piranha fishing as an excursion, giving you the chance to get up close and personal with these Amazonian predators.

Monkeys

There are lots of monkey species in the Amazon Rainforest including tamarin, howler and spider monkeys. Your best chance of spotting them is probably during the high water season when the flooded waterways allow easier access to the jungle’s interior and raises boats higher to the canopy.

Manatees

The Amazon manatee is found living in freshwater habitats across the Amazon River basin. Though its numbers are in decline due to hunting and threatened habitats, it is still possible to spot manatees on Amazon River trips and excursions.

Anaconda

Found in the shallow waters of the Amazon, the Anaconda spends most of its time submerged with just its nostrils above the surface. If you want to spot an anaconda, ask your guide what to look out for, but never approach one on your own.

Caiman

The black caiman is the largest predator in the Amazon ecosystem, preying on a variety of fish, reptiles, birds and mammals. As they’re nocturnal, you’re most likely to spot a caiman on a specially organised night-time excursion.

Toucans

Toucans are one of the most instantly recognisable Amazon animals and their call can be heard throughout the forest. However, as they stay high up in the canopy you’re unlikely to spot them without the help of binoculars.

Giant otter

Unlike the otters we’re used to, giant Amazon otters can grow up to two metres from head to tail, and are one of the top predators in the Amazon.

Andre Robles

Is an expert in everything South America, his passion for the region and exploring off the beaten path makes his travel writing both useful and interesting. He has written for several mainstream publications and you can read his guides on Ecuador, Peru, the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon. Andre is also an accomplished photographer and has been recognized as one of the best wildlife photographers in the region, his photos have been featured in National Geographic and other journals. As a travel agent Andre specializes in curating unique experiences, crafting tailor made itineraries and helping visitors make the best of their vacation, always putting the experience first