Canopy Tower Tour in the Amazon Rainforest

Climbing a hundred foot tower in order to view the rainforest  from a bird’s eye view can be intimidating, especially if one is afraid of heights. The Canopy Tower Tour was our third rainforest excursion into the jungle.

We began our thirty minute trek through the jungle to the tower in the late afternoon. The humidity continues to rise throughout the day, making the afternoon the most uncomfortable time of the day. Our favorite guide, Alfredo, was upfront leading the way.

Even knowing ahead of time that the tower would bring us above the canopy, it was still an impressive site. The top of the tower can only hold 8 people comfortably, so we went up in two groups. We decided to go with the second group because we knew every minute that passed the sun would be lower in the sky and the heat at the top of the tower would be more bearable.

I’m not sure if waiting made much of a difference. It was HOT up there! The climb up was easy, the trickiest part was getting through the latch top of the final platform. Even with the sun beginning to set, this was the hottest I had been during our entire stay.

I have no idea why my sister and brother in law do not appear to be melting in their picture like we were.

The view was stunning. We were supposed to be looking for toucans, but I was so hot I just kept drinking my water, appreciating the beauty but wondering when we could climb down out of the sun.

I was so happy that the sun was beginning to set, but then I couldn’t stop thinking about the bullet ants coming out and possibly climbing on the handrails of the very steep stairs we had yet to climb down. I mentioned it to everybody, but nobody seemed to care but me. This was the only excursion where the heat was really getting to me. I told the others that I was going to climb down and that I would meet them at the bottom when they were ready.

As I climbed down through the hatch, Alfredo whistled from the ground, meaning it was time for everyone to come down. My ant fear was unnecessary, as I didn’t need to use the stair rail on the way down.

As we began our hike back to the lodge I told my husband, “Please don’t talk to me. I’m hot, crabby and miserable right now. I’m not mad at you, but I just can’t be nice and talkative. I need a shower and a drink. Talk to Sherri and Phil.” He asked me if I was going to be able to make it back to the lodge. I said, “Yes,” and focused on getting myself back and to the cool water in the shower.

When we got back to the lodge my sister asked me what I wanted to do. I said, “I’m taking a shower and then I want to go to the bar!” She said, “That sounds like a good plan!”

I felt fine once I was able to cool back down. Even though I felt like I was sitting in an oven, I did enjoy seeing the rainforest from that vantage point. I was happy that we had chosen this excursion and I was happy that it was over. The only disappointment I felt was in not being able to spot much wildlife when we were at the top of the tower. Looking back, I should have climbed down one level so as not to be in the direct sunlight. I believe I would have been able to cope with the heat better and been able to spend more time actually trying to spot animals.

That evening we bought drinks at the bar and then headed upstairs in the lodge to listen to a lecture on jungle animals and the data the lodge’s scientists were collecting. It was a great, relaxing way to end the day.

As always, wishing you happy travels and fantastic adventures in this thing called life.

(All pictures are available for purchase as Fine Art or Digital Downloads at full resolution through Alamy. If you see something you like, click on the link. If you are unable to find it, use the Contact Me page and I will make sure the image is available.)

More Rainforest Expeditions

Mammal Clay Lick Hike

Amazon Rainforest Hike

Hiking Through the Amazon Rainforest to Oxbow Lake

Top Three Causes of Death in the Amazon

Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick

Night Hike in the Amazon Rainforest

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