The Peruvian jungle is an almost mythical place and an incredible destination for a family adventure vacation with unparalleled wildlife diversity. Visiting and taking tours in Tambopata will be a fantastic experience for your children. But how can you make this experience the best of their lives?
Pack Light Clothing
The jungle is one of the hottest areas, so it’s important to keep this in mind when packing your suitcase. For this climate, it’s best to bring light, loose, and comfortable clothing, as well as a lightweight fleece for cooler nights. When starting your hikes, we recommend wearing a hat and trekking shoes or boots, as you may encounter mud.
Mornings can be cold, especially near the river, so it’s advisable to bring a windbreaker. Also, it’s always recommended to wear shoes at all times, as you could get injured by any objects or little creatures around.
Involve Children Before Traveling
Getting children prepared in advance for their trip will greatly enhance their experience. There are numerous books, guides, games, and websites that inform the little ones about the tropical jungle environment and its inhabitants that they will encounter on their journey.
Continue this process during the trip by testing their knowledge and asking them questions during their stay in the jungle. Good guides with experience working with children are an invaluable resource and will keep your kids engaged by teaching them about local flora and fauna, as well as culture and conservation.
Slow Down the Pace on Hikes
Traveling to the jungle can be demanding for any traveler, and even more so for children. Therefore, plan your itinerary to explore at a slower pace that is suitable for younger travelers without moving too much.
A full day of exploration is too much for all children, except the strongest ones. Therefore, we recommend scheduling your longest activity in the morning when temperatures are cooler, and wildlife is active.
Then, conclude your morning activities before lunch and follow local customs by taking a nap during the hottest part of the day. Add another short activity in the afternoon for you and your little ones to relax before dinner.
Consider Boat Tours
One of the best experiences for both young and old is boating. The Peruvian jungle has several beautiful lakes filled with flora and fauna, so we recommend considering a tour of Lake Sandoval. From this point, a specialized guide will accompany you at all times to answer all your questions.
This allows children to navigate the jungle, stay cool and relaxed, and spot the fauna and flora in this stunning place. Don’t forget to take many photos, as your children will want to remember this incredible experience.
Interact with the Local Population
Any visit to the tropical jungle with children should include a visit to a local village or town. The people of the Peruvian jungle are very friendly and family-oriented, so interacting with them can open up authentic cultural interactions significantly.
Therefore, we encourage you to, whenever you have the opportunity to visit local people, approach them and talk to them about their customs in a respectful and friendly manner. This way, the little ones will learn by your example.
Book a Lodge with a Pool
Often, accommodations in the jungle do not have the necessary amenities for you and your little ones, so we recommend choosing an ecolodge that offers relaxation areas for both adults and children.
For example, a pool is an essential way for children to cool off and have fun. Sitting by the pool to watch the children swim also allows parents to relax, read, and enjoy each other’s company. At Sotupa, we offer bungalows with a private pool, which is part of our common areas for all our residents to enjoy, along with other amenities for the whole family.
With these family travel tips, you can enjoy the experience of visiting the Amazon jungle! This impressive place has a lot to offer to all its visitors, so don’t think twice and start your journey.
