All About Amazonia
The Amazon Rain Forest, also known as Amazonia comprises the largest and most species-rich tract of tropical rainforest in the world. The rainforest gets its name from the Amazon River, the life force of the rainforest. Formed during the Eocene era, the Amazon Rain Forest has aptly been nicknamed as the “Lungs of our Planet”. This is because 20% of earth’s oxygen is produced by the Amazon rainforest. The density of the foliage is such that the forest floor is almost completely dark. Less than 1% of sunlight manages to make it through the dense trees.
The Amazon Rain Forest is spread over nine nations which includes Brazil, Peru, Colomiba, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. Since 60% of the rainforest is contained within Brazil, the best option for tourists to explore the Amazon Rain Forest is to either arrange flights to either Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado, or Cusco in Peru or from Manaus in northern Brazil.
Amazon Rain Forest experiences tropical climate, thereby resulting in hot and humid climate throughout the year. The climate here cannot be specifically categorised into seasons.The average annual temperature in this region is 27°C. Though precipitation varies, it rains constantly throughout the year. For tourists, the months between March and June are the most highly recommended for Amazon Rain Forest explorations.
Encompassing an area of 5,500,000 square kilometres, tourists should understand that it is very difficult to list down ‘things to do’ in the Amazon Rain Forest. Also, it would be difficult to know and explore all of them. A good starting point can be the Brazilian national parks in the region. Some of them are:
Mamiraua: Made of flooded forests, this is probably one of the most beautiful stretches in the entire Amazon rainforest. Tourists planning a visit here first have to go to City of Tefe, in the Amazonas State. Explore the towering Amazon with a canoe or just trek in the marked trails for tourists here.
Salto Angel Waterfall: Located in Colombia, this is one among the biggest waterfalls in the world. The opportunity of enjoying the breathtaking view is reason enough to visit these falls where more than half mile of water free falls.
Cantao State Park: The Amazon Rain Forest begins from this state protected area. Located in Tocantins, Brazil, the Cantão State Park depicts the transition between the Cerrado ecosystem and the Amazon rainforest.
Tumucumaque Mountains National Park: Created in 2002, this park happens to be the biggest tropical forest protected area of the world. This park is best accessed from Macapa or Oiapoque.
While visiting the Amazon Rain Forest, there are some precautions which visitors should exercise:
• Listen to and follow your guide closely.
• Avoid feeding wild animals as it might result in dangerous situations both for you and the animals.
• Limit conversation and instead enjoy the sounds of the rainforest.
• Wear comfortable shoes.
• Drink lots of fluids as it is easy to become dehydrated in the tropical weather of rain forests.
• Due to the humid climate, forests are a breeding ground for mosquitoes. It is highly advisable for tourists to wear full-sleeved clothes. Also keep a mosquito repellent handy.
The Amazon rainforest is now an endangered area. It will require the efforts of all of us to restore it to perfect health. A visit to the Amazonia would make the tourist get a full understanding of how important they are for us.
So go hiking, swimming, canoeing or photographing the rich flora and fauna of the renowned Amazonia.
