The Amazon, 2nd; The Bradt Travel Guide

by Roger Harris and Peter Hutchison

• ISBN13: 9781841620701
• ISBN10: 184162070X
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Trade Paper
• Copyright: 2003-05-01
• Publisher: Bradt Travel Guides

Summary

The Amazon is one of the most exotic, mythical, and famous regions of the globe and the ultimate destination for explorers. Much of the region remains incompletely charted, while the discovery of new species in the Amazon jungle makes it the best place on earth to observe the wonders and diversity of evolution first-hand. A detailed, illustrated natural history section is dedicated to the secret life of Amazon plants, animals of the "Emerald Forest", and the water world of the river basin. Under constant battle against commercial encroachment, travelers are advised how to keeping their own impact on The Amazon to a minimum with guidelines on eco-tourism. A thorough background on the indigenous tribes and settlers helps provide a complete understanding of the region's peoples.

Author Biography

Roger Harris is a natural history expert and expedition leader throughout the Amazon region. He reides in Cary, North Carolina. Peter Hutchison is a travel writer, journalist, and tour leader who specializes in Bolivia. He lives in London.

Table of Contents

Introduction	xi
PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION	1	(182)
History and Background	3	(26)
The Amazon	3	(5)
Amazon history	8	(16)
Conservation in the Amazon	24	(5)
Practical Information	29	(40)
Preparations and planning	29	(5)
Getting there and away	34	(4)
How to go	38	(9)
What to take	47	(3)
In Amazonia	50	(5)
The people	55	(3)
Sleeping and eating	58	(4)
Transport	62	(4)
The Amazon from source to mouth	66	(3)
Mounting your own Expedition	69	(14)
Planning an expedition	69	(13)
Is it worth it?	82	(1)
Health and Safety	83	(16)
Health	83	(12)
Safety	95	(3)
Further Reading	98	(1)
Natural History	99	(62)
Origins of the Amazon River Basin	99	(6)
Amazon flora: the secret life of Amazon plants	105	(12)
Animals of the emerald forest	117	(35)
Waterworld	152	(9)
Indigenous Tribes and Settlers	161	(22)
Origins	161	(1)
Beliefs and customs	162	(1)
Indigenous tribes today	163	(6)
Waves of settlers	169	(14)
PART TWO COUNTRIES OF THE AMAZON	183	(266)
Venezuela	185	(26)
Facts and figures	185	(7)
Getting there and away	192	(2)
Communications	194	(1)
Caracas	194	(5)
The Venezuelan Amazon	199	(10)
National parks and wildlife reserves	209	(2)
Colombia	211	(26)
Facts and figures	211	(8)
Getting there and away	219	(1)
Communications	220	(1)
Bogota	221	(4)
The Colombian Amazon	225	(9)
National parks and wildlife reserves	234	(3)
Ecuador	237	(38)
Facts and figures	237	(9)
Getting there and away	246	(2)
Communications	248	(1)
Quito	249	(6)
The Ecuadorian Amazon	255	(15)
National parks and wildlife reserves	270	(5)
Peru	275	(50)
Facts and figures	275	(8)
Getting there and away	283	(2)
Communications	285	(1)
Lima	286	(4)
The Peruvian Amazon	290	(32)
National parks and wildlife reserves	322	(3)
Bolivia	325	(32)
Facts and figures	325	(8)
Getting there and away	333	(2)
Communications	335	(1)
La Paz	336	(3)
The Bolivian Amazon	339	(4)
National parks of the north	343	(10)
National parks of the eastern lowlands	353	(4)
Brazil	357	(62)
Facts and figures	357	(12)
Getting there and away	369	(1)
Getting around	370	(1)
Communications	371	(1)
Passing through Rio	372	(1)
Manaus: gateway to the Amazon	373	(11)
Travelling the Brazilian main stream	384	(1)
Jungle tours and lodges	384	(8)
National parks and wildlife reserves	392	(1)
Towns and villages west of Manaus	393	(8)
Towns and villages north of Manaus	401	(1)
Towns and villages downstream of Manaus	402	(3)
South from Manaus	405	(4)
To Guajara-Mirim and Bolivia	409	(3)
The Transamazonica Highway	412	(7)
Guyana, French Guiana and Suriname	419	(30)
Guyana	419	(10)
French Guiana	429	(9)
Suriname	438	(11)
Appendix 1 Embassies and Consulates	449	(2)
Appendix 2 Language	451	(6)
Appendix 3 Further Reading	457	(8)
Index	465