PeruNorth's musings on events & destinations in Northern Peru, Amazonia ... and beyond. Detailed tour reviews.
Peru is home to three species of otter: the South American Sea Otter (Lontra felina), found along Peru’s extensive coastline; and the Neotropical (Lontra longicaudis) and Giant Otters (Pteronura brasiliensis) found in Amazonia.
Here are nine key facts about these Giant Amazon Otters, and how you can incorporate them in a Peru visit.
With almost two thirds of Peru being classified as being within Amazonia, there are numerous entry points to the ‘selva’. However, the two most popular starting points for a Peruvian Amazon adventure are the cities of Puerto Maldonado in Southern Peru, and Iquitos in the North.
A common question, then, is which one is ‘better’. An understandable, but very tricky, question!
For most visitors to Peru’s Amazon region, the pleasure of encountering flora and fauna - and local inhabitants - in the company of a naturalist-guide is sufficient. But for those of a scientific bent, there is the opportunity to get hands-on with some conservation-oriented research, during a stay at the Rio Amazonas Research Station.
