The Vast Amazon

The Amazon River

This is one of the world's largest and densest areas, covering more than 1.5 million square miles. Starting in the Andes, there are several rivers that flow down to make up the Amazon, the longest river in the world and subject of legends and stories. At least 15% of the world's oxygen is produced here, with more than 2,500 species of fish, 1,500 species of birds, and more than 50,000 species of plants.

The Amazon Lodge

Located some 30 miles down river from Iquitos, the Amazon Lodge is close enough for easy access to the city, yet far enough to keep the surrounding flora and fauna untouched by civilization. Set on 2,470 acres of virgin rain forest and built entirely of local materials, the Amazon Lodge can accommodate up to 90 persons. The bungalows are all connected by covered walkways, with twin-bedded rooms and private bath/showers. There is no electricity to scare off the local animals and birds, but plenty of kerosene and gas lanterns. While accommodations are primitive, you will have the basic safety and comfort needed for your visit. The meals are famous at the lodge, and you will have a chance to sample local delicacies. All meals are included while at the lodge, and there is only a modest surcharge for alcoholic drinks. The expert staff are all experienced hands in the Amazon and are eager to share their knowledge with you. But the lodge is only the jump-off for excursions into the jungle, with its flora and fauna, across magnificent lagoons, including visits to nearby Yagua Indian villages, and night caiman hunting. This will truly be a memorable visit and adventure in the Amazon Rain Forest.

Colonial Building In Downtown Iquitos

The Amazon Lodge -2 Days

Day 1 - Amazon - After arrival in Iquitos, take a short excursion through Belen, the "floating city" and then travel by "Ipamacari" (typical river transport) to the Amazon Lodge. Don't be surprised to see playful pink and gray freshwater dolphins along the way. After a briefing during lunch by your naturalist guide, take an afternoon excursion through the jungle to a nearby Yagua Indian village for a blow gun demonstration

Day 2 - Amazon - After an early breakfast, you are free to stroll through the nearby trails and visit the parrots, birds and monkeys, or swim in the river in front of the lodge. At midmorning, return to Iquitos by launch, for your transfer to the airport.

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The Amazon Lodge - 3 Days

Same as the above excursion, but with an additional night at the lodge, and an excursion to the Yarinacocha Lagoon for an opportunity to see white and black capuchins, yellow-billed terns, blue herons, monkeys, and another Indian village. Take a deeper trek into the jungle to see more flora and fauna.

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The Amazon Jungle Camp - 3 Days

Day 1 - Amazon - Enjoy a one hour boat ride to the camp, located on the Momon River, a peaceful Amazon tributary. Designed to harmonize with the rain forest, the Amazon Jungle Camp was constructed with typical thatched huts and solid bamboo siding. An afternoon hike through the rain forest will be led by one of the camp's guides.

Day 2 - Amazon - Take a morning hike through the jungle to a village of one of the local Indian tribes. Test your bargaining skills as you barter manufactured items for Indian handicrafts. After lunch, another guided hike will visit a different area of the rain forest.

Day 3 - Amazon - This morning, visit a group of Bora Indians, with their distinctive bark cloth clothing. After lunch at the camp, return to Iquitos.

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The Explorama Lodge - 3 Days

Day 1 - Amazon - After arrival in Iquitos, enjoy a three-hour boat ride to the lodge, located on a small tributary of the Amazon known as the Yanamono River. The Explorama Lodge offers large palm thatched buildings with individual rooms and separate bathroom and shower facilities connected by covered walkways. The lodge has a 32-year history of providing guests with an authentic experience in primary Amazonian rain forest.

Day 2 - Amazon - During your stay at Explorama, partake in several excursions, including a hike on the "Lake Trail" through lowland rain forest. Also hike on the "Bushmaster Trail" through the higher, non-flooding rain forest. Take a trip to the Manati River, a black water tributary of the Amazon, fishing for piranha, looking for more dolphins and stopping at a neighboring Yagna Indian village.

Day 3 - Amazon - Reluctantly, leave the lodge by motorboat for the return trip to Iquitos.

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Amazon Camps And Canopy Walkway 5 Days/4 Nights Daily Departures

Day 1 - Iquitos/Explorama Lodge - Upon arrival, transfer to the dock for a 2 ½ motorlaunch journey down the Amazon to the Explorama Lodge. Afternoon, hike along the "Bushmaster Lake Trail", through a primary rainforest. Overnight at the Explorama Lodge.

Day 2 - Explorama Lodge/ Explornapo Camp - After breakfast, continue by boat to the Napo River, a 250,000-acre Biosphere Reserve, the Site of the Explornapo Camp, nestled amidst a remote rainforest. Afternoon, jungle hike and evening canoe excursion along the Sucasari River. Overnight at the Explornapo Lodge.

Day 3 - Explornapo Camp (Amazon Canopy Walkway) - A morning hike visits the Canopy Walkway, a unique suspended bridge over 100 feet above the ground, along the treetops. This magnificent vantage point offers a spectacular view over the treetops of the rainforest. Later, proceed to Oxbow Lake, covered by giant water lilies. Overnight at the Explornapo Lodge.

Day 4 - Explornapo Camp/Explorama Lodge - Morning fishing excursion for piranha by canoe, along one of the Napo tributaries. Afternoon boat trip back to the Explorama Lodge and visits to the town of Francisco de Orellana. Overnight at the Explorama Lodge.

Day 5 - Explorama Lodge/Iquitos - Morning excursion to the neighboring Yagua Indian Community, where you have the opportunity to observe the daily life of the Yagua Indians. Continue on a 3-1/2 hour boat ride upriver to Iquitos.Upon arrival, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

AMAZON CRUISING

A number of "soft adventure style" cruise ships, including the M/V Amazon Explorer, M/V Rio Amazonas, and M/V Arca, operate out of Iquitos, both down river to Leticia (Tabatinga), and vice versa. There is also an 11-day cruise on the M/V Marcelita from Iquitos to Manaus and vice versa. This cruise operates monthly in either direction. A cruise on the Amazon is the adventure of a lifetime!

M/V Rio Amazonas (16-passenger)

Iquitos To Leitcia Cruise - 4 Days

Day 1, Sunday - Drive from the airport to the dock and board the M/V Rio Amazonas. After a short briefing by the ship's cruise director, lunch will be served. Sail down river from Iquitos passing the town's industrial areas. Enjoy the changing view and the atmosphere on board.

Day 2, Monday - Early morning bird watching and a visit to the "Bora" and "Huitoto" villages for a blow gun demonstration. Later, stop at the town of Pevas, the oldest known Peruvian town on the Amazon. In the afternoon, enjoy a jungle hike through the dense rain forest of the Shishita River area. Night expedition by launch up a small tributary.

Day 3, Tuesday - Morning jungle walk to see the gigantic Victoria Regia water lilies, followed by piranha fishing on a small backwater lake. Afternoon visit to the mission at Lake Caballococha. After sunset, cross the lake to look for caiman and other nocturnal wildlife.

Day 4, Wednesday - Early morning arrival opposite Leticia in Colombia. Debarkation.

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Leticia To Iquitos Cruise - 4 Days

Day 1, Wednesday - Transfer from the airport to Santa Rosa, opposite Tabatinga/Leticia. After a short briefing by the ship's cruise director, lunch will be served. Time permitting, there will be an afternoon shore excursion.

Day 2, Thursday - Take a morning trip by launch up the Ataquari River to fish in a small backwater lake. This afternoon, stop at the remote hospital of San Pablo, with time to browse in the primitive "gift shop" which sells patients' handicrafts. Night cruise up the Mayaruna River to hear the night sounds of the jungle and look for caiman.

Day 3, Friday - After a short stop at the jungle outpost of Pijuayal for a document check, continue up the Ampiyacu River for a visit to Pevas and a group of Yagua natives for trading manufactured gifts for native handicrafts.

Day 4, Saturday - Early morning arrival in Iquitos, in time to transfer to the airport for the flight to Lima.

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Iquitos To Iquitos Cruise - 7 Days

The 6-night cruise departs Iquitos on Sundays and combines the down river and up river cruises for a closer and more leisurely look at life on the Amazon. For passengers on the 6-night cruise, Wednesday morning is at leisure in Tabatinga/Leticia, and different shore excursions are made on the up river and down river segments.

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