Educational
Program Rainforest/Jungle:
Itinerary
Day 1
After clearing customs in Lima Airport look for our staff
member holding up a sign with our logo. You will then be
taken to a hotel in Lima (Usually Hotel Melodia).
Day 2
Transfer back to the airport. Fly to Iquitos.
Speedboat to lodge. First we travel on the Amazon
River. Here we can see many marsh birds as well as
small native villages that dot the river banks. Then we
go up a smaller tributary, the Tahuayo River, which leads
to the Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo Reserve. We arrive at the jungle
lodge by lunch. Orientation to the lodge, includes
assigning cabin bungalows, research laboratory and library,
dining hall and other facilities. The lodge was rated as
one of the "ten best wilderness lodges in the world"
by Outside Magazine. Evening excursion by boat to see caiman
crocodiles and tree boas.
Day 3
Daily itinerary can vary according to the group's interests,
weather conditions, etc., but here is a sample:
Before breakfast birdwatching along riverbank ecosystem.
After breakfast hike through forest to see manakin lek and
pygmy marmoset habitat. Then ascend into canopy onto
platforms and use ziplines to travel to various canopy platforms.
After lunch visit blackwater lake to swim with pink dolphins
and use hydrophonic technology to listen to the sounds made
by marine species. It was here that Sy Montgomery
studied the pink dolphins to write her two books about these
fascinating freshwater mammals. After supper evening excursion
to see nocturnal birds such as potoos, nightjars and owls.
Day 4
Before breakfast visit to butterfly colpa, where these colorful
insects swarm to feed on marine sediment deposits.
After breakfast hike in terra firme ecology to study plant
diversity including trek to frog valley to see poison dart
frog conservation and breeding study project. After lunch
visit to native riberenos village to learn about their culture
and native participation in the agronomy conservation
project. After supper a native shaman will perform a ceremony
of good luck and good health at the lodge.
Day 5
Before breakfast birdwatching in varzea ecology. After breakfast
hike through forest to identify medicinal plants. After
lunch canoe into a blackwater lake to observe monkeys, nesting
hoatzin birds and horned screamers. After supper evening
excursion to view boat-billed herons and night herons.
Day 6
After breakfast a day long trip, first by boat, then trekking
into the forest's interior, to see a lake with giant lily
pads, tropical fish and electric eels, forests with
monkeys and sloths; lunch by a cascading waterfall.
Swimming in a pool under the waterfall Late afternoon visit
to the native artisania market. Return to the lodge for
supper. After supper discussion of native oral histories.
Day 7
Before breakfast birdwatching
in a cocha (lake formed by a river meander). After breakfast
by motorized boat up the Tahuayo River to see macaws, parrots
and monkeys living in habitat by the river's edge. After
lunch put on mosquito repellent for hike into aguajal
ecology (swampy forest) to see the unique flora and fauna
of this ecosystem. After supper farewell fiesta.
Day 8
Before breakfast, fishing
for piranha. After breakfast hike to see giant kapok trees.
Monkeys may be seen along the way. Afternoon return to Iquitos
by boat. Brief tour of Iquitos city and markets,
such as the "witches" marketplace. Transfer to
airport. Fly Iquitos-Lima-USA.
We are in a
region of unrivaled biodiversity, so there is a lot to see
and do, and longer trips of 10-14 days are a possibility
as well.
Itineraries can be customized to particular fields of study
as well: native culture, ecology, art & music, Spanish
language immersion, etc.
Trip extensions to Cusco, Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley
of the Inca and/or Lake Titicaca are also possible.
Cost for school groups
About $2000pp, includes all air, starting from any city
in the USA
$1095pp, without air
Cost includes all land in peru, transfers, lodging, meals,
guided excursions, entrance fees, tourist taxes, port taxes,
laundry, gear, etc.
The only expenses not included are Peru airport taxes.
The only additional expenses would be entirely optional
and would be: bar bill, souvenirs, optional tips at your
insistence only.