Reception at your hotel or airport and transfer to the Explorama dock. Fifty mile journey down the Amazon River to Yanamono Stream where Explorama Lodge is located. Afternoon hike along the "Lake Trail" through lowland rainforest which is seasonally flooded. This trail is traversed by open boat during high water months!
Overnight Explorama Lodge. (L,D)
Morning hike along the "Bushmaster Trail" where scientific studies by the Missouri Botanical Gardens have found one of the world's highest biodiversity of trees per square hectare. Your guide will point out many examples of native plants used as remedies by local people. Afternoon canoe trip along the Amazon in search of either of the two species of freshwater dolphin found in the river.
Overnight Explorama Lodge. (B,L,D)
After breakfast, a boat ride down the Amazon and up the Napo River to the ExplorNapo Reserve and ExplorNapo Lodge. Afternoon hike through primary, terra firme rainforest. Evening excursion by open boat along the Sucusari Stream in search of caiman and to enjoy the night sounds and stars of the Southern sky.
Overnight ExplorNapo Lodge. (B,L,D)
Morning hike to the Canopy Walkway, a suspended bridge spanning 500 meters (one-third of a mile), connected by tree platforms and reaching a height of over 35 meters (115 feet) above the forest floor. Here there is time to observe a part of the rainforest rarely seen by man but accessible without any type of climbing skill or equipment. Afternoon excursion to a black water oxbow lake formed when water from the Napo River became separated from the main flow of the river. These lakes are often covered with giant Victoria Regia water lilies and can offer a view of the elusive Hoatzin bird.
Overnight ExplorNapo Lodge. (B,L,D)
Morning boating excursion along one of the Napo tributaries spotting for sloth, birding and fishing for piranha. Also a chance to visit some of the local river people called "ribereños" whose houses are seen along the river. Afternoon boat trip back to Ceiba Tops where private rooms with electricity and air conditioning begin your return to "civilization". On the return trip you will pass the town of Francisco de Orellana, where a statue is erected to the intrepid explorer who in 1542 at the mouth of the Napo River became the first European to see the Amazon River.
Overnight Ceiba Tops. (B,L,D)
Morning visit to the neighboring Yagua Indian Community, an explanation of their native culture, blow gun demonstration and a chance to purchase or trade for their crafts. Afternoon hike in the beautiful primary rainforest reserve surrounding Ceiba Tops where many huge trees are festooned in epiphytes.
Overnight Ceiba Tops. (B,L,D)
Your choice of open boat ride or hike for the morning or a chance to relax in a hammock and enjoy the sounds of the surrounding rainforest. Transfer to Iquitos by boat and bus to the airport for your departure to Lima.
(if departure flight permits). (B,L)
Due to the everchanging nature of the rainforest, day-by-day activities are subject to change due to weather, trail or river conditions.
Departures: Daily, all year
Tour includes: All city and river transfers.
2023 Prices per person in US$:
$1462 in double room. Single supplement: $160
CLIMATE AND SEASONS
A unique feature of the rainforest surrounding Iquitos is its lack of a specific rainy or dry season. There is a high water period from December through May which is caused by the melting of snow as the Andean summer begins and from the rainy season in the upper jungle. The low water period begins in June and ends with the rising waters in November.
While the water level can fluctuate more then 45 feet, the warm and humid climate remains relatively constant throughout the year, giving this area its botanical category of "Everwet Tropical Forest". Normal daytime highs are 88° F and nighttime lows are 72°F.
WHAT TO PACK
Keep your baggage to a comfortable minimum
Without fail, bring a valid passport.
Pack light, drip-dry cotton or safari clothing, including one long-sleeved shirt and sweater.
Hiking shoes or sneakers, (jungle trails are frequently muddy), plastic raincoat or poncho.
Include insect repellent, toilet articles, sunglasses, sunscreen, a wide brimmed hat, binoculars and small flashlight.
And finally, don't forget a camera with plenty of film to capture the memories of your Amazon Adventure.
