Protecting One of the Most Diverse Areas on Earth
The western Amazon harbors the greatest known richness of species on the planet and offers millions of plants and animals a refuge from climate change.

To stop protecting this habitat would be to turn our backs on the thousands of species who depend on a healthy forest for survival.

How We Protect Wildlife
Direct habitat protection: creating conservation areas and helping manage forest lands sustainably for the sake of wildlife
Ensuring that wildlife has a place to live and strive is central to our work.

We partner with local governments, individual landowners, indigenous communities, and others to create a network of protected lands in Peru and Bolivia for the purpose of conservation.

We also work in the buffer zones of major conservation areas (such as national parks) to strengthen forest-friendly land management practices and protect them against external threats.

Creating conservation corridors to connect vital areas for species’ survival
We protect landscapes with an eye toward the big picture of connecting tracts of protected areas over time, magnifying our impact for biodiversity conservation.

Our impact goes beyond the boundaries of the conservation areas we help create.

We work in the vast land between conservation areas to ensure connectivity among them. In other words, we ensure animals can move across uninterrupted patches of tropical forests, which is vital for species preservation.

Stopping threats to the homes of wildlife
An important way we help wildlife survive is to detect and stop threats before they destroy entire ecosystems within the Amazon rainforest.

We use the technical tools of our Monitoring of the Andean Amazon Project (MAAP) and our Southwest Amazon Drone Center to analyze, monitor, and work with local authorities to stop deforestation happening on the ground right now.

Using camera trap technology to track biodiversity
Camera trap technology enables us to document wildlife presence, abundance, and population changes, particularly in the face of deforestation and habitat destruction.

We deploy camera traps all throughout the western Amazon, at our research stations and at multiple conservation areas we help manage. We have deployed over 100 camera traps and gathered over 10,000 photos and videos of more than 40 species of mammals and birds.

Many of the species captured on camera have an endangered status (Near Threatened or Vulnerable) according to the IUCN Red List, including jaguars, giant anteaters, giant armadillos, white-lipped peccaries, tapirs, and pale-winged trumpeters.

Peruvian Amazonia (Spanish: Amazonía del Perú), informally known locally as the Peruvian jungle (Spanish: selva peruana) or just the jungle (Spanish: la selva), is the area of the Amazon rainforest included within the country of Peru, from east of the Andes to the borders with Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil and Bolivia. This region comprises 60% of the country and is marked by a large degree of biodiversity. Peru has the second-largest portion of the Amazon rainforest after the Brazilian Amazon.

Extension
Most Peruvian territory is covered by dense forests on the east side of the Andes, yet only 5% of Peruvians live in this area. More than 60% of Peruvian territory is covered by the Amazon rainforest, more than in any other country.

According to the Research Institute of the Peruvian Amazon (Instituto de Investigaciones de la Amazonía Peruana, IIAP), the spatial delineation of the Peruvian Amazon is as follows:

Ecological criteria: 782,880.55 km2 (60.91% of Peruvian territory and approximately 11.05% of the entire Amazon jungle).
Hydrographic criteria or basin criteria: 96,922.47 km2 (37,421.97 sq mi) (75.31% of Peruvian territory and approximately 16.13% of the whole Amazon basin).

Lowland Jungle
The lowland jungle (in Spanish Selva Baja) is also known as Omagua region, Walla, Anti, Amazonian rainforest or Amazon basin. This ecoregion is the largest of Peru, standing between 80 and 1,000 meters above sea level. It has very warm weather with an average temperature of 28 °C, high relative humidity (over 75%) and yearly rainfall of approximately 260 cm (100 in). Its soils are very heterogeneous, but almost all have river origins. Because of high temperatures and high rainfall, they are poor soils with few nutrients.

The jungle contains long and powerful rivers such as the Apurimac, Mantaro, Amazon, Urubamba, Ucayali, Huallaga, Marañón, Putumayo, Yavarí, Napo, Pastaza, Madre de Dios, Manu, Purus, and Tigre. The Apurimac River is the source of the Amazon River. The Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, the Allpahuayo-Mishana National Reserve and the Tamshiyacu Tahuayo Regional Conservation Area are within the forest.

Highland Jungle
The highland jungle (in Spanish Selva Alta) is also called Rupa-Rupa region, Andean jungle, ceja de selva. This ecoregion extends into the eastern foothills of the Andes, between 1,000 and 3,800 m above the sea level. The eastern slopes of the Andes are home to a great variety of fauna and flora because of the different altitudes and climates within the region. Temperatures are warm in the lowlands and cooler in higher altitudes. There are many endemic fauna because of the isolation caused by the rugged terrain of the area.

Within the Amazon rainforest there are several other types of forest but they all have one characteristic in common: abundant rains. Over the course of a year, a portion of tropical forest will receive between 1,500 and 3,000 mm of rain. This creates the typical tropical atmosphere of a rainforest, with an average temperature of around 24 °C or more.

If you’re backpacking through South America, there are probably a few adventures on your travel hit list: hiking to the top of Machu Picchu, roadtripping through Bolivia’s Uyuni Salt Flats and trekking through the Amazonian jungle. You’ll certainly earn your adventurer’s gold badge for each, but nothing (seriously NOTHING) will top a jungle tour through the world’s largest rainforest and the many surprises that lie within.

As you probably already know, the Amazon Rainforest is massive. So much so that you can book an Amazon trek in one of four (yes, you read that right – four!) countries: Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia and Colombia. I chose Colombia because Amazon treks there are still relatively new. And being a “go hard, or go home” kind of girl, I equated that to it also being the most raw and rugged Amazon tour on the market. The fact I naively glossed over is that this would also make it the most challenging. So much so that I’d even be inclined to quit my first night in.

You, on the other hand, are reading this very post, which means you’re clearly a lot more sensible. You want a sense of what you’re actually signing yourself up to. So here is the full lowdown on my jungle trek through the Colombian Amazon – from the good to the bad to the ugly. Everything you need to know to book the Amazon adventure that’s right for you.

As I mentioned earlier, you can choose from a number countries for your Amazon jungle adventure. So the first step is to decide where you want to go most. I’d recommend building your trek into a more complete travel itinerary in one specific country you’ve been dying to visit. Why not start your trip in the middle of the rainforest but finish it relaxing on white sand beaches? Then, decide how long you think you’ll last in the jungle (two nights? one week?) and under what type of living conditions. Either way, you’ll be roughing it, but more developed tours somewhere like Brazil will offer slightly more luxe options. Once you’ve narrowed it down to which country you’d like to visit and how many days you’re prepared to trek, it’s time to find a reputable tour agency. Reputable is the key word here, because you’ll literally be going into the wild and you’ll want a guide you can really trust.

We arrived in Leticia (the Colombian hub for Amazonian treks) at the height of that steamy afternoon heat. The trip began by stripping our bags to the bare essentials: a change of clothes for when we inevitably got drenched, a few pairs of clean knickers / underwear, some basic toiletries and some handy jungle kit (i.e. a headlamp, a safety whistle and a sturdy rain jacket). We’d be carrying everything (including our hefty bottles of water) on our backs for the entire duration of the trip so we minimised as much as we could. Once packed, our expert tour guide Carlos, who literally grew up in the Amazon jungle, handed us a pair of wellies which would soon become our besties. After a refuel of rice and beans, it was straight into the bush for our first three-hour trek at sunset. But with so much foliage it gets dark really early in the rainforest. So before we knew it, we were relying on our trusty headlamps to prevent from sinking in anaconda-infested waters and making it to basecamp alive.

Legs shaking on arrival, Carlos helped us newbs set up camp, from collecting firewood for our evening meal to setting up our hammocks and overhead tarps to protect us from mosquito attacks (or any other jungle critters for that matter). This even included hanging our wellies off makeshift wooden poles to prevent spiders and snakes from crawling in overnight.  I warn you now – DEET or no DEET – you will be eaten alive in the Amazon. Always wear long sleeves (just power through the heat and humidity), apply mosquito repellent regularly and remember that your very itchy experience will soon make for killer dinner party conversation.

An Amazon River Cruise is an amazing adventure that can be done in many different ways and on just about any budget. In this article, we look at how we traveled on the Amazon on a backpacker’s budget and at some more options for exploring this mighty river. The Amazon River cuts across South America making its way through three different countries; Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. A massive variety of animal species live in the Amazon rainforest surrounding the river. Cruising on the Amazon you may have a chance to see tamarin monkeys, three-toed sloths, scarlet macaws, Amazon River dolphins, caimans, giant otters, and much more. Go on a cruise that will take you to explore the jungle and visit villages deep in the heart of the forest seen by a few others.

Amazon River Cruises

Explore the Amazon on a large luxury purpose-built riverboat with comfortable cabins, excellent cuisine and expert naturalists and well qualified staff. On many cruise you get to meet indigenous communities and learn about their way of life, kayak down Amazon Tributaries, go on day & Night Hikes through the the rainforest with expert naturalists and a chance to spot wildlife including sloths, otters, capybaras, and maybe even a jaguar fish for piranhas, see and maybe even interact with pink river dolphins, learn about the conservation efforts on the river. Expect to pay a premium price for a luxury cruise.

Amazon Brazil River Cruise

On our Amazon Cruises we explore the Amazon region around Manaus in Brazil. Cruises in Brazil are known for going much deeper into nature then cruises in surrounding countries such as Peru and Ecuador. Our cruises can be booked for three days and up. We also offer customized cruises of two weeks or longer.

Best Time for Brazil Rainforest Cruises

All year round it is possible to do our Amazon rainforest cruises. The rainy season runs from December to May each year. All year round it is possible to see different animals only in the rainy season it is just a little bit easier to spot them.

Hop aboard a riverboat and experience the Amazon in style. Led by Amazon Reserve naturalist guides, your cruise will include daily excursions by motorized skiff designed to reveal the exotic wildlife that calls the rainforest home — with any luck you’ll spot sloths, toucans, or pink dolphins! And, with plenty of time for exploration in Pacaya–Samiria National Reserve, you’ll have the chance to experience the jungle up close. The cuisine on board is regional and provides a unique and delicious window into local culture. Gain a rare glimpse of how life “on the river” is lived and experience the magic of the Amazon on this riverboat adventure.

San Francisco-based artificial intelligence organization Others conscious artificial intelligence, which has been making commotion about supplanting cell phones with its remarkable gadget, has at long last sent off its creation. Artificial intelligence Pin from Compassionate computer based intelligence is a small wearable gadget that comes in two sections. It is a square gadget with a battery pack that attractively connects to any piece of article of clothing. Sympathetic man-made intelligence is established by previous Apple creators Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno.

As per the startup, the wearable pin is here to supplant the cell phone. The gadget doesn’t have a screen and clients can interface with it utilizing their voice, hand movements, and a blue laser projector. The creators guarantee that it is an independent gadget and programming stage worked from computer based intelligence. The gadget comes in three tones – Obscuration, Lunar and Equinox. The gadget is valued at $ 699 (about Rs 58,212) and furthermore accompanies a $25 (about Rs 2,082) month to month membership.

What is the man-made intelligence Pin?
The gadget has two pieces – a PC and a battery supporter. The battery supporter drives a little battery that is inside the fundamental PC, and this is the way it accomplishes an entire day’s battery duration. This permits clients to trade the battery whenever they exhaust the battery duration. In the expressions of the producers, this is a ceaseless power framework that permits clients to run their simulated intelligence Pin however long they need.

For protection, the gadget has no wake words consequently it isn’t tuning in or recording generally. Basically, it does nothing except if the client draws in with it. The commitment on the gadget accompanies voice, contact motions, or the laser ink show. The gadget additionally accompanies its own availability incorporated squarely into its Altruistic Organization which is associated by T-Portable. It runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset which makes it an inconceivably quick gadget. For notices, it accompanies a guide to tell clients at whatever point it has something for them, for example, messages from contacts or the conveyance status of food or taxis showing up.

It is to be noticed that the gadget doesn’t have any applications, Accommodating’s operating system runs on computer based intelligence encounters that are on the gadget and on the cloud. As indicated by the creators, the operating system comprehends the client’s requirements and picks the right artificial intelligence to carry out the role. This is momentous as clients will never again look, download applications or oversee them. This is additionally on the grounds that the AIs included are spilled on request at an amazing pace.

How really do utilize the man-made intelligence Pin?
During the item demo one of the organizers, Imran Chaudhri demonstrated the way that the gadget can play music from voice orders and the player’s controls are projected onto the center of his hand. To play the following or past tracks, it just took Chaudhri a couple of basic movements, for example, shifting the hands to the sides, and to get back to the home screen he essentially needed to close his palm.

With regards to cameras, the computer based intelligence Pin accompanies a ultrawide RGB camera, profundity sensor and movement sensors. It likewise has a unique speaker that makes an air pocket of sound that can be truly ‘cozy or uproarious’. Another feature is the Trust Light, a pointer fabricated straightforwardly into the computer based intelligence Pin’s equipment through a committed protection chip. The Trust Light demonstrates when its feedback optical and sound sensors are dynamic guaranteeing full straightforwardness and information security. The computer based intelligence Pin additionally keeps it from being taken advantage of which implies in the event that it is genuinely messed with, it would require reclamation from Accommodating to reestablish its capabilities.

The train from Machu Picchu to Cusco is a beautiful journey through the Sacred Valley of Cusco Peru. To book train tickets you must enter the website of the only 2 companies that provide the service: Peru Rail or Inca Rail. Aguas Calientes station is located in Machu Picchu Pueblo, s / n, Barrio Las Orquídeas (next to the Artisan Market of Aguas Calientes).

Train from Machu Picchu to Cusco
There are two companies with authorization to travel the train from Machu Picchu to Cusco: Peru Rail and Inca Rail, each one with different services.

PERURAIL
PeruRail operates a total of five different train types that connect Machu Picchu with the outside world and operate from Aguas Calientes train stations.

Expedition
It is the most affordable service to get to Machu Picchu. It offers comfortable wagons with panoramic views and windows in the roof. The traveler has access to tourist information and a small snack.

Vistadome
This is one of the most popular trains for travelers. The car is completely glass and has panoramic windows. The traveler will have an impressive view of the landscape, be comfortably seated and enjoy a delicious breakfast. The seats are very comfortable and the transport has air conditioning and heating. The service is unbeatable and the tourist enjoys an unbeatable experience.

Hiram Bingham
The Hiram Bingham train is a luxury service. Each car has 42 seats. They are similar to those of the famous Orient Express. The presentation is incredible. This transport is considered one of the best in its class. It has elegant decoration and upholstery. The train has four wagons, two wagons – dining room, a wagon – bar with observatory and a kitchen car. Inside the train there is free bar, music, hostesses and various services. The price includes breakfast, lunch or dinner. The trip lasts about four hours.

INCA RAIL
This train company offers four different service classes.

The Voyager Machu Picchu Train
In the tourist service the Inca Rail offers wide panoramic windows, comfortable seats and a delicious drink and snacks. In the executive service offers comfortable seats with tables and panoramic windows. The car has a capacity for 60 passengers. It also offers snacks made without preservatives, organic and natural drinks to choose.

Inca Rail offers the following services:

The Voyager Premium & Lounge
The Voyager Door to Door
The Voyager
First Class and The 360°
This service offers more comfort. It has been designed for travelers who like to travel relaxed and enjoying the landscape. The car has space for 30 passengers with very comfortable and spacious seats. It also has a Peruvian library that could take advantage of reading the way to Machu Picchu. Gourmet food is served, the car is finely decorated and has a spectacular service.

The Private
The First Class
The 360°
Benefits of traveling by train from Machu Picchu to Cusco
Do not worry, if you’re still not entirely convinced to consider this alternative for your trip. Next, we will mention the 5 main benefits of traveling by train from Machu Picchu to Cusco:

Most travel by train
90% of tourists who enter the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu travel by train. From there, you can appreciate the extraordinary landscapes without experiencing the fear of being affected by altitude, steep roads and heavy rains. In addition, the last train station to Machu Picchu is located in the town of Aguas Calientes, very close to the Inca construction.

You will save time
Traveling by train from Machu Picchu to Cusco gives you the possibility to make your trip in a single day, if you consider it convenient. Do not worry about your transfer to Aguas Calientes since it will take you two hours to get to that location. In this way, you can use the time you spend in visiting the other tourist attractions that are in the city of Cusco Peru.

Your luggage will be lighter
It requires a large luggage to make a Inca path trip to the Inca citadel, it is necessary to have tents, warm clothes, water, energy bars, flashlights, among other things. Quite the contrary, it happens when choosing an exclusive train to be transported to the sanctuary because the only thing you will worry about is to enjoy a true luxury experience in Cusco.

You will feel very comfortable
The exclusive trains to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu will offer you comfort. In this way, you will be able to appreciate the wonderful Andean landscapes, with good background music and getting to know other people, many from abroad, who, like you, long to reach the Inca fortress soon. In addition, all the services of this transport are of a great level.

You will travel with style
Make sure you choose the best train from Machu Picchu to Cusco and you will get a great luxury experience. When entering this type of transport you will be impressed with its great design, gourmet lunch, music shows and a large beverage menu. Because traveling is not synonymous with getting dirty with mud and getting out of breath, at least it is not if you replace the walks with the exclusive trains.

Recommendations to travel by train from Machu Picchu to Cusco
The Vistadome train of Peru Rail is completely surrounded by panoramic windows that allow you to enjoy the incredible landscapes of the Sacred Valley and the entire journey along the banks of the Urubamba River. And if you did not know, this short train route is considered among the most amazing in the world. Without a doubt it is an unforgettable experience.

If you do not book train tickets in advance, you will have to choose between the remaining services, which are usually the most expensive. Moreover, if you plan to come to Machu Picchu during the high season.
Train tickets sell out quickly, and you will not like having Machu Picchu tickets and not having how to get there, so, book train tickets (roundtrip) immediately after knowing the date you will enter Machu Picchu Picchu.
Although you can climb from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu walking, just next to the train station in Machu Picchu you will find the bus ticket to Machu Picchu and in front of it, the small station where you can board them. Aguas Calientes is a very small town and it will not be difficult to find these places.

Train tickets from Machu Picchu to Cusco
Is it necessary to get these train tickets? If you are doing the Inca Trail or other alternative Machu Picchu treks, we recommend you book this train ticket to return to Cusco. Usually, all trekking operators offer this ticket in their service. but it is very important to ask before booking the trip. In case it is not included, you will need to add your tour to U$ 75 or U$ 85 extra.

Today, there is a new Amazon route from Machu Picchu to Hidroelectrica, and from there, a bus to Cusco. It takes approx 8 hrs by driving. It is a heavy trip but it is the cheapest. This cost service is U$ 15 or U$ 20 approx.

There are a lot of treks to Inca city, but we mentioned the most important and known in Peru.

Exploring the Mystique of Macchu Picchu

Macchu Picchu stands as a timeless wonder, nestled atop the Andes in Peru. This ancient Incan citadel, surrounded by majestic peaks and lush forests, has captivated travelers and historians for centuries. Its enigmatic allure continues to draw millions of visitors each year, intrigued by the mysteries veiled within its stone structures and terraces.

A Glimpse into History

Constructed in the 15th century, Macchu Picchu is an architectural marvel, a testament to the advanced engineering skills of the Incan civilization. Precisely fitted stone walls, intricate water channels, and terraced fields depict the astute craftsmanship and ingenious design of its creators. Despite its ancient origin, the city remained undiscovered by the outside world until 1911 when Hiram Bingham, an American historian, brought it to global attention.

Architectural Marvels and Significance

The site’s layout divides into two major areas: the Agricultural Zone, encompassing terraces for cultivation, and the Urban Zone, consisting of residential and religious areas. The Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana Stone, and the Room of the Three Windows stand as some of the most prominent and enigmatic structures within Macchu Picchu, fostering theories and debates on their precise functions and significance.

Mysteries Shrouded in Myth and Legend

Macchu Picchu’s purpose remains an intriguing puzzle for historians and archaeologists. While some believe it served as an estate for Incan emperor Pachacuti, others speculate it was a religious center or a retreat for the elite. The purpose of the Intihuatana Stone, considered a sundial or an astronomical observation point, remains a subject of debate, adding to the mystique of this ancient citadel.

Experiencing Macchu Picchu Today

Despite the mysteries that enshroud Macchu Picchu, it remains a magnet for global tourists. Visitors can explore the citadel, capturing the breathtaking vistas from the Sun Gate or indulging in a trek up Huayna Picchu for panoramic views. The journey on the Inca Trail leading to Macchu Picchu is an adventure by itself, offering an immersion in history, culture, and natural beauty.

Preservation Efforts and UNESCO Recognition

Recognizing its historical significance, Macchu Picchu was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Preservation efforts are ongoing to safeguard the site’s integrity, ensuring its cultural heritage for future generations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Macchu Picchu stands as an enigmatic marvel, beckoning travelers and history enthusiasts to unravel its mysteries. Its architectural prowess, stunning landscapes, and historical significance make it a destination of unparalleled intrigue and beauty.

Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea

The site consists of an exceptional urban setting encompassing the key natural elements that have shaped and inspired the development of the city: from the highest points of the Tijuca National Park’s mountains down to the sea. They also include the Botanical Gardens, established in 1808, Corcovado Mountain with its celebrated statue of Christ, and the hills around Guanabara Bay, including the extensive designed landscapes along Copacabana Bay which have contributed to the outdoor living culture of this spectacular city. Rio de Janeiro is also recognized for the artistic inspiration it has provided to musicians, landscapers and urbanists.