Amazonia Expeditions Tahuayo Lodge & Research Center Lodge
Required Reading & Preparation/Packing List 2025

Over the past 40 years, we have learned that it is important for people to be well-prepared for this trip. Please carefully review the following information. Please also remember to share this with all travelers in your group

Important Information

Basic Requirements

No vaccinations are required: Your Tropical Disease Free Experience | Amazonia Expeditions

A valid passport is required and expiration date must be 6+ months from your departure from Peru

Please bring 2 photocopies of your passport picture page

There are no visa requirements for most countries but please check the requirements from your country

Iquitos Arrival Information

Upon arrival at Iquitos Airport pick up luggage (there are carts to use for free if you like) and walk through the only door to exit the airport. Our staff will be waiting for you just outside with our uniforms and a sign of our logo. Once you are outside our staff will help you with your bags and take you straight to your transportation. Please do not let others (besides our staff) handle your baggage unless you will be paying them.

Flights

Please remember to send us your flight information both arriving AND departing Iquitos as soon as you have it available. Without this information we will not be able to pick you up at the airport. For each flight, please include all the following: Date, Times, Airline, Flight Number.

Hotel

If pick/drop off is from a hotel in Iquitos, please share with us your hotel name and address. We will let you know the exact pickup time. We also offer our bed & breakfast (private hotel) service in Iquitos city. See: Vista Amazonica

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend the purchase of a travel insurance policy. To purchase good travel insurance (US travelers only), see: AIG Travel Guard

Please note that if airlines cancel your flight and rebook you to a time that does not match our boat schedule, you must pay the cost of a private speedboat (r/t 280 nautical km is $600 USD)

Excursions

Excursions are planned upon your arrival to the lodge after discussion with your private guide. Your guide will take into consideration things like current weather conditions, water levels, and animal activity patterns.

Notes on our Lodges:

Our lodges on the Tahuayo River are not resorts, nor hotels, but comfortable lodges, suitable for adventurous travelers wishing to experience the Amazon Rainforest. A few things to remember during your stay at our lodges:

  1. In order to reduce our impact on the environment, rooms will be changed with fresh towels and sheets every other day. However, we are glad to provide changes every day upon request; please just let the lodge manager or your guide know.
  2. Please do not bring any traces of food in your cabin as it will attract insects and/or other wildlife from the rainforest to your cabin. Any snacks should be kept very well sealed inside plastic bags.
  3. Please make sure to keep your doors closed and turn off all lights when not in use.
  4. Hot/Warm water is usually available for showering. However, please, remember we must generate all our own electricity with solar panels. Please try to limit warm water use to no more than 5 minutes at a time. We do usually have hot (or at least warm) water available, however, if we have too many consecutive rainy days… hot water will be limited.

Share your adventure with us!

If you post photos or videos during/after your trip, please share with us using the hashtags #AmazoniaExpeditions or #TahuayoLodge and tag us @Amazonia.Expeditions this really helps us out and we love to see the photos from everyone’s trips!

Required Preparation Reading:

  1. Read over your itinerary, our website, www.perujungle.com especially the history, mission, and Tahuayo lodge webpages
  2. Please read over our frequently asked questions: FAQ’s
  3. Review this blog about biodiversity: Biodiversity in the Amazon
  4. Diary of an Amazon Jungle Guide: Amazing Encounters with Tropical Nature and Culture. Books available for shipping in the US, Canada & Europe.
  5. Please read through: Safety | Amazonia Expeditions

Additional Preparation

  1. Please review: Amazon Rainforest Travel: 10 Items to Pack for the Peruvian Amazon · Amazonia Expeditions (perujungle.com)
  2. Recommended books: Top 4 Wilderness Guidebooks for the Amazon Rainforest
  3. Join our email list to receive any important updates regarding your trip. Sign up using the following link: Amazonia Email List
  4. Follow us on social media for more daily news/updates (optional): Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Payment Information

Option 1 – Zelle:

Regions Bank

Amazonia Expeditions

Email: [email protected]

Option 2 – Bank Transfer

Account holder: Amazonia Expeditions Inc

Account number: 655466347123447

Account type: Checking

Routing number: 084009519

Bank name and address: Column National Association 108 W 13th St, Wilmington, DE 19801, United States

SWIFT/BIC: TRWIUS35XXX

Option 3 – pay by WISE

What is Wise? Wise (formerly TransferWise) is a financial technology company that provides online money transfer services. It focuses on offering low-cost, transparent money transfers. To try & sign up for WISE click here.

Already have a WISE account? Click here for our WISE Payment Link.

Option 4 – Check:

Amazonia Expeditions

10305 Riverburn Dr

Tampa, FL 33647

Note: The balance due amount is net payable to us and all bank remittance charges (overseas bank charges or inter-mediator bank charges) shall be paid by the remitter. The payment should be credited in our account net of the final balance due invoice amount.

Full Packing List

Documents to bring with you

Two copies of your passport picture page–this is an entrance requirement for the reserve. Important: passports must be valid for 6 months after your visit. No visa is required for citizens from most countries.

Clothing for the Jungle

Daytime high temperatures are 80-88 F | Night temperatures are 70-78 F

  • Long and short pants
  • Long-sleeved shirts and tee shirts
  • Rain gear (poncho or rain jacket)
  • Hat with a brim
  • Swimsuit
  • Comfortable footwear or flip-flops.
  • High socks for boots
  • Canoe enthusiasts like reef walkers or water moccasins.
  • Boots: We provide rubber boots in various sizes available to you free of charge (it is essential to use our boots to help prevent the spread of amphibian chytridiomycosis disease, spread from microscopic soil particles from foreign forests). Guests are not permitted to wear their own boots while hiking in the forest…no exceptions.

Other things to bring

  • Sunblock (you are close to the equator where there is less atmospheric protection from UV)
  • Insect repellent
  • Canteen or water bottle (Water stations are found throughout the lodges where you can refill)
  • Binoculars
  • Flashlight with spare batteries (or headlamp)
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Personal toiletries
  • Small battery-operated fan (optional)
  • Daypack
  • We provide three meals a day but if you like to snack between meals please bring some snacks in zip lock bags. Please make sure all snacks are very well sealed or insects will be attracted to your room.
  • It is not necessary to bring mosquito nets. We provide mosquito nets on all beds.
  • It is not necessary to bring towels. We provide towels in all rooms.

Money

  • Needed for optional purchases such as souvenirs. US currency is suitable for all of that, but make sure your bills are in virtually new or mint condition. 
  • Please remember to bring sufficient cash to cover optional expenses such as laundry, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, souvenirs, and tips.

Guest Code of Conduct

Guests are expected to abide by a code of conduct that shows respect to local people, the environment, wildlife, staff and fellow guests. Please note the five bullet points below.

  • The staff of Amazonia Expeditions treats all guests with respect and kindness and management expects that guests will also treat all staff, native people and fellow guests with appropriate respect and will not tolerate abusive behavior on the part of its guests.
  • Although raising one’s voice, or yelling, may be considered the norm in some cultures, it can be perceived to be very rude by local standards. Raising one’s voice in anger may result in your guide or other staff members feeling uncomfortable in your presence and may affect the overall quality of your trip. In Peru using vulgar, abusive language is a criminal misdemeanor. We reserve the right to remove you without refund if you engage in abusive behavior.
  • It is part of our ethical mission to not handle or disturb wildlife. If you are looking for a selfie holding wildlife, then this is not the trip for you!
  • Soliciting drugs or sex or any other unethical demands from the staff or indigenous people will result in arrest and criminal charges.
  • Inappropriate behavior may result in the guest being directed to leave without refund or if deemed excessive, with forced removal by local police and a criminal complaint.
  • Traveler understands that wilderness travel has inherent risks and agrees to hold Amazonia Expeditions and all its employees harmless and free of liability for any harm, injury, illness or death. Traveler further agrees that any disputes arising from the trip must be resolved through binding arbitration handled by the Better Business Bureau of West Florida. 

What Our Guests Are Saying

★★★★★

“This was a life changing experience for which I am grateful. As a woman traveling alone, I felt welcomed, safe and respected at all times. The hospitality and lodgings were welcoming and  comfortable. The food was delicious. The staff were extraordinarily kind . I felt fortunate to have had Julio as a guide. I was deeply impressed by his ability to see and hear animals and birds. I also appreciate his sense of humor. The environment is spectacular ,the lodges are comfortable, but it is really the people and  all that they do. I will always remember and treasure it.”

Leslie B. - July 2024

★★★★★

We has an amazing time here. Everything (food, activities, accommodations) was exactly as advertised, and exceeded our expectations. The whole staff was extremely friendly and welcoming. The food was delicious! Our guide, Sila, was the absolute best. She was so knowledgeable about everything related to the area and we learned so much about the culture, wildlife and animals here. She made every activity really fun and I always felt really safe.  She went above and beyond in every way possible, and really made our experience lovely. I would definitely recommend this company to anyone I know looking to schedule a trip to the Amazon.

Jennifer H. - June 2024

★★★★★

We had such an amazing time, the lodge was awesome, Fernando, our guide, was amazing and so knowledgeable. He made our experience so great. I would 100% recommend this lodge to anyone wanting to seek an adventure. Facilities were always clean and  all of the staff was so nice. 10/10 experience and we hope we get to come back one day.

Garret H. - July 2024

★★★★★

This experience was absolutely amazing. I can’t thank the staff, guides and chefs enough. We saw so many incredible animals, had a ton of fun exploring the jungle trails and I learned so much about the indigenous cultures of the amazon. I especially loved fishing, swimming, making blow darts and the experience of living at both lodges, being fully immersed in nature. Thank you all so very much.

Charlotte B. - July 2024

Amazonia Expeditions, Inc., Travel Agency, Tampa, FL

Estefani Mishel Maytahuari

Mishel got her degree in tourism from Nauta Institute in 2016. After working as a guide with other companies, Mishel came to study with Amazonia Expeditions as a training guide in 2023. Mishel was promoted to head guide in 2025.

Leyner Arian Ijuma

Leyner got his degree as a tour guide in 2010 at the Nauta Institute and came to work at Amazonia Expeditions in 2021. He was promoted to head guide in 2023. He has biological field work experience from supporting Nicholas Gardner of the University of Florida who he helped study the adaptations of birds in seasonally flooded igapo forests. Birding is one of Leyner's strongest skills.

Julio Pacaya

Julio finished his studies as a tour guide at the Nauta Institute in 2016 and came to work as a training guide with Amazonia Expeditions in 2021. He was promoted to head guide in 2023. Nature photography and birding are among Julio's strongest skills. Julio is fluent in English and French, as well as his native tongue of Spanish.

Claudio Huayllahua Sánchez

Claudio was born and grew up in El Chino Village on the Tahuayo River. He studied primary school in El Chino and continued his education in Iquitos, earning a technical degree from SENATI Institute. He started working for Amazonia Expeditions in 2014 as a field research assistant with several biologists and as an assistant guide. Claudio was promoted to head guide in 2017 and is our camping and jungle survival specialist.

Hersog Chavez Yuyarima

Hersog first got the idea of becoming a guide after watching the tourist boats going by his village every day. He was fascinated that tourists would come to see his home and he loved the way that the guides he saw did their work. He knew that someday he wanted to be just like them. Hersog studied at technical school for 3 years leaning the basics of guiding. After graduating, Hersog worked as a guide for several years working with Peruvian tourists, later coming to work for Amazonia in 2017. Hersog was promoted to head guide in 2019. He has worked as a field research assistant in the study of the elusive pygmy marmoset. Hersog is known for his sharp eyes and his unique stories about the jungle.

Lander Juan Peña Ramirez

Lander was born in the remote jungle community of Santa Victoria. His boyhood dream was to become to best jungle guide in the Amazon. Lander studied at a local institute for several years where he learned basic English and the foundations of the being a tour guide. Later he worked for several years at other jungle loges as a guide, honing his skills as a survival camping guide. Lander came to work for Amazonia Expeditions in 2017 and along with a strong interest in birding and fishing is also one of our lead camping and survival guides.

Aladino Jr. Hidalgo

Aladino was born and raised in El Diamante Village along the Blanco River and attended school in the community of “Valentin” on the Tahuayo River. During this period, Aladino worked with his father as a trailblazer, assisting primate researchers who came to study at a local field station. Afterwards, he moved to Lima where he worked for several years while studying guiding & English. Upon returning in 2019, he was hired by Amazonia as a field assistant and actively supported researchers studying giant river otters, pygmy marmosets, and various bird species. He then joined Amazonia Expeditions as a guide assistant and was later promoted to head guide in 2022.

Jhony Hidalgo

Jhony was born and raised in El Diamante Village along the Blanco River. He attended primary school in his home village and high school in the community of “Valentin” on the Tahuayo River. Jhony later pursued further studies in Iquitos, where he obtained a guide degree from the Milagro Fe & Alegria Institute. After graduating, he worked at the Amazon Rescue Center in Iquitos (CREA), guiding visitors to the center. In 2021 he joined Amazonia Expeditions as a guide assistant and was promoted to head guide in 2023.

Sila Hidalgo

Sila was born and raised in El Diamante Village along the Blanco River. She attended primary school in Diamante village and high school in the community of “El Chino” on the Tahuayo River. Her family moved to El Chino so Sila could attend high school, as it was the closest village offering secondary education. Later, Sila joined our Angels (AoA) scholarship program to further her education in Iquitos, where she earned a guide degree from the Milagro Fe & Alegria Institute. She completed her internship at Tahuayo Lodge. After graduating, Sila began her career with Amazonia Expeditions as a guide assistant and was promoted to head guide in 2022.

Welister Perez

Welister grew up in the small community of Padre Cocha just outside of Iquitos City. He lived there for most of his life, and later worked at several jungle lodges before starting at Amazonia Expeditions. Welister has proven himself as both a talented jungle man and team player with an eagle eye for spotting wildlife. After several months of training with Amazonia he was promoted to a head guiding position in 2017.

Javier Anibal Alván Arévalo

Javier has worked at the Amazonia Expeditions lodges since 2006, starting as a young teenager as an assistant in building repair, then moving up to motorboat pilot, then camping assistant and assistant guide, and after passing his guide exams with high grades was promoted to head guide in 2014. Javier is also our Canopy Zipline specialist and has taken professional certification classes in Costa Rica. Javier is also a fishing specialist and is beloved by families with children.