The Amazon Tour

The Amazon River (Rio Amazonas) is the largest river in the world by volume, with greater total river flow than the next eight largest rivers combined, and the largest drainage basin in the world. It is also the second longest river in the world. The Amazon passes the largest city in the peruvian rainforest, Iquitos, with perhaps three hundred thousand people. Iquitos has long been a major port in the Amazon Basin. It is surrounded by three rivers: the Nanay, the Itaya, and the Amazon. The city is generally considered the largest in the world that cannot be reached by road, only by airplane or boat, with the exception of a road to Nauta, a small town roughly 100km south. Most travel within the city itself is via bus, motorcycle, or auto rickshaw (mototaxi, motocarro or motokar). Transportation to nearby towns requires a river trip via public motorised boats.  Iquitos was known for its rubber industry through the first decade of the 20th century, and there are still great mansions from the 1800s, including the famous Iron House (Spanish: Casa de Fierro), designed by Gustave Eiffel.

Day 1: Iquitos - Explorama Lodge

Reception at the airport or hotel, brief city orientation 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. During the high water season, this excursion is done by open boat! Night walk or open boat ride to enjoy the sounds of the rainforest and stars of the Southern sky.
Overnight Explorama Lodge
(B, L, D)

Day 2: Explorama Lodge

Early morning birding excursion. Morning walk along the "Bushmaster Trail", where scientific studies by the Missouri Botanical Gardens have found the world's highest biodiversity of trees per square hectare. Continue on to visit a small village of Yagua Indians where your guide will explain their culture and how it has been affected by the passing of time. There will be an opportunity to trade for or purchase some of their local crafts and for a demonstration of the use of the blowgun which some of the Yagua elders still use for hunting. Afternoon boating excursion in search of sloth, found in Cecropia trees at the water’s edge, and the two species of freshwater river dolphin, pink and grey, found in Amazonian waters.
Overnight Explorama Lodge
(B, L, D)

Day 3: Explorama Lodge - Canopy Walkway - Explorama Lodge

Early morning departure from the Lodge by boat to the mouth of the Napo River where in 1542, the intrepid explorer Francisco de Orellano, became the first European to discover the Amazon River. Continue on the Napo River to ExplorNapo Lodge for breakfast. Hike to the spectacular Canopy Walkway spanning over 500 meters (one-third of a mile), connected by tree platforms, and reaching a height of over 35 meters (115 feet) but accessible without any type of climbing skill or equipment. After lunch, visit the "ReNuPeRu" Ethnobotanical Garden where over 240 medicinal plants are cultivated by a local shaman who will explain the nature of Amazonian natural healing and the uses of some of the plants. Return to Explorama Lodge in time to relax in the hammock house or at the Tahuampa Bar before dinner.
Overnight Explorama Lodge
(B, L, D)

Day 4: Explorama Lodge - Iquitos

Morning walk along a local Amazon River trail stopping at a "ribereños" house, corner store and sugar cane rum factory. Afternoon return to Iquitos and on to the airport or hotel.
(B, L)