The Amazon Research Center Experience

Bringing Science to Life

The Amazon Research Center Lodge (ARC) is formally recognized by the organization CONCYTEC (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación) as an official Research Institution. CONCYTEC is the official Peruvian governmental organization in charge of generating and promoting the scientific and technological development of Peru. For many years, the facilities of the ARC have offered unique opportunities for scientists, students, and interested travelers to participate in scientific investigations in the Amazon Rainforest. Dozens of scientific publications have been generated on subjects ranging from anthropology to forestry to zoology

The location of the lodge is in more pristine, undisturbed forest. It is the only existing man-made structure in the million acre ACRCTT conservation zone. The nearest human habitation is over 15 km distance. The ecological diversity and species diversity is greater than that found at the main lodge, although from each lodge one can find a number of interesting species not found at the other lodge. 

History

 

The Amazon Research Center (ARC) Peru Lodge was launched in 2007, as a long-term conservation initiative undertaken in consultation with government offices in Iquitos, Yale University’s School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, the Missouri Botanical Garden, Chicago Botanical Garden, and the Tahuayo River communities Comite de Gestion.

The ARC is within a national conservation reserve, the Area de Conservacion Regional Comunal Tamshiyacu Tahuayo (ACRCTT). It is a 1 million acre (445,000 ha) uninhabited reserve. A Rapid Inventory study by the Field Museum, as well as other independent studies have described the ACRCTT as having the greatest biodiversity yet documented in a lowland Amazonian forest. Over 100 species of non-volant mammals, 16 species of primates and over 600 species of birds have thus far been documented.

Trail Grid

The centerpiece of the ARC research facilities is the Trail Grid system. Located behind the Research Center Lodge, it contains approximately 52 miles (84 km) of trails spread over more than 1000 acres (2200 ha) and slicing through four different ecosystems. It is the largest scientific trail system offered in the Amazon. Many more miles of trails radiate out from the grid. Twelve species of primates have significant populations on the grid. Some 50 additional species of mammals are found, including apex predators such as jaguar and puma. While about half of all research takes place at the ARC on the trail grid, other research opportunities utilize the many lakes and rivers, native communities downriver and other unique ecosystems found near the main tourism lodge. Click here for a map of forest ecosystems represented on the trail grid.

Active Research Projects

Wildlife population study – inventory of population data on key species. The data collected includes date, time, species, GPS location, nearest grid coordinate, group size, perpendicular distance from the nearest individual of the group to the trail, distance surveyed, and transect code.

Camera traps are used to collect data on many terrestrial species and attempts are now ongoing to explore drone camera technology on arboreal species.

Primate Research – Current research on primates is helping to safeguard the Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo’s spectacular primate fauna: 16 species representing every South American primate family and spanning the continent’s range of body size. Primate census of the trail grid was initiated in 2007 and continues to the present time. Students and tourists can choose to assist in the census or in habituation of particular social groups of each of six large-bodied species of monkeys.

Saki Monkey Project

Saki Monkey Project – Together with biologist Janice Chism we are investigating a possibly undescribed species of saki monkey that lives in flooded forests along the Tahuayo River. Since 2008 we have been observing 4-5 groups of sakis which live in the area covered by the trail grid at the Tahuayo River Amazon Research Center. We are trying to put together a photographic atlas of the sakis so we can document how many individuals are in each group, the identity of these individuals and any demographic changes in the groups (such as birth of babies, departure of maturing offspring, or changes in male or female membership). We are also trying to document the facial patterns of these monkeys because this is how we will figure out whether they are a new species or one that is known to science but hasn’t been reported in this area before

 

All our guests who visit the Research Center are invited to participate in this research by sharing any photos you are able to take of the saki monkeys.

Our biologist Malika Gottstein works fulltime on the project observing saki groups in the trail grid and along the rivers around the Tahuayo River Amazon Research Center. Sakis are among the least studied monkey genera worldwide and the exact species classification, as well as ecology and behavior are not yet known. Our research projects seeks to resolve the taxonomical uncertainty of saki monkeys in the Northern Peruvian Amazon by conducting genetical and morphological analysis of the saki population. We are first to investigate feeding ecology of the Monk Saki, as well as movement patterns and social grouping.

Would you like to help? If you have an opportunity to photograph these monkeys we would really like to know the following:

When did you take the photo?

We will need the month, day and year the photo was taken.

Where did you take the photo?

If you are on the trail grid, the coordinates of the nearest grid node are fine (for example, D19, or between B5 and B6). If you have a GPS unit with you and can get a reading that is also great. If you see the sakis while you are on the river again a GPS reading is ideal. It is often easier to get a good reading on the river than in the forest. No GPS? Ask your guide for helpful landmarks.

How many sakis did you encounter?

Your guide will be really helpful here as well. Guides often see monkeys that we miss.

 

Extra Credit Points

Was there anything that struck you or your guide as interesting or unusual about this encounter? For example, were the sakis hanging out with another species of monkey or maybe having a fight with another group of sakis?

Do we have permission to use your photos

By taking part in this project and supplying us with the photo we assume you are willing to allow us to use the photo in our research. Are you also willing for us to publish your photo in a scientific paper? If you give us permission to publish the photo we will always credit you as the photographer. Thank you for being willing to participate in this project. Your photos will be enormously helpful to us in figuring out which species of sakis are in this area and following the demographic changes in our study group when we can’t be there ourselves.

Primate Species

Please view our Primates page for more information about all of the species of primates in this region, but below is a list of primates you can see: 

Monk saki

In addition to the Monk Saki, the ACRCTT possibly has another species of saki monkey not known in the area. The saki populations around our Tahuayo River Amazon Research Center are the subject of our fulltime ongoing research project. Both morphs of saki monkeys can frequently be found around the ARC. Sakis live in family groups of 2-7 individuals, have small home ranges and only move short distances. They are very shy and cryptic, but can often be observed resting at the river side or during their early morning activity hours in the trail grid behind the ARC.

 

Pygmy Marmoset

Cebuella pygmaea

 

Tamarins

Saguinus fuscicollis and Saguinus mystax

 

Titi Monkeys

Callicebus cupreus

 

Squirrel Monkeys

Saimiri macrodon

 

Saki Monkeys

Pithecia monachus

 

Capuchins

Cebus albifrons and Sapajus macrocephalus

 

Red Faced Uakari

Cacajao calvus ucayalii

 

Red Howler Monkey

Alouatta seniculus

 

Woolly Monkey

Lagothrix lagothricha poeppigii

 

Black Spider Monkeys

Ateles chamek

Additional ongoing research projects are investigating pygmy marmoset feeding mutualism, pink dolphin social behavior and native community resource use. Recent research has also focused on describing new species of poison dart frog, harlequin toad, damselflies and caddis flies, snail species rapid inventory (possible new species and genera), archaeology (age of first settlements), pygmy squirrel ecology, Bald Red Uakari ecology (one of the rarest primates in the world, living only in the Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo Conservation zone and reserve buffer zone), manatees, soil ecology, carbon dioxide exchange in palm swamp ecosystems, and bird diversity.

Novel research proposals are invited.

Amazonia Itinerary – 4 days 3 nights – Amazonia’s Mini Experience

Download Sample ItineraryBook Your Trip

Day 1 – Arrival to Iquitos & Transfer to Tahuayo Lodge

 

Important: You can arrive to Iquitos in the morning or early afternoon (before 2pm); we start when you arrive.

  • Airport or hotel pickup - Our staff will pick you up on arrival from the Iquitos Airport or directly from your hotel in Iquitos City. Land transfer from airport (30 min) to our office/dock complex in Iquitos City. Note: If you will be staying in Iquitos before/after your trip we also offer accommodations in Iquitos city. See: Vista Amazonica
  • Transfer to Tahuayo Lodge - speedboat transfer (note--is up to 4 hours) up the Amazon River, then the Tahuayo tributary to our lodge.
  • Arrival to Tahuayo Lodge - Arrive to the Tahuayo Lodge. Lodge orientation & meet with guides. Afternoon excursion (if morning arrival) and evening excursion of your choice.

 

Days 2, 3  at the Tahuayo Lodge

Amazonia’s main lodge on the Tahuayo River is not a resort, nor a hotel, but a rustic lodge, comfortable for adventurous travelers. Cabins are private, and all have private bathrooms. Explore from the lodge with your private guide in and around the Tahuayo Reserve. We offer fully customizable itineraries and excursions day and night. To get you started, here is a list of some of our more popular activities:

  1. The Canopy Experience – Experience the Tree Giants & Canopy of the Amazon Rainforest. Completely rebuilt in 2019, our NEW Canopy Experience allows you to explore 6 canopy platforms and zoom through the rainforest on 4 ziplines more than 100 ft above the rainforest floor.
  1. Igapo/varzea Forest Exploration – Explore the Igapo forest with your guide in search of wildlife. Search for beautiful birds, primates such as pygmy marmosets, night monkeys, howler monkeys, and other wildlife.
  1. Tahuayo River Exploration – Go by boat with your private guide to explore the Tahuayo River. Here you can spot colorful birds (macaws, tanagers, hawks) sloths, neotropical river otters and monkeys along the riverbank.
  1. Cultural Visit –Learn about life in the local communities and about the work of our nonprofit organization Angels of the Amazon. You can visit the Hospital we built and support or the schools we built (and are continuing to build).
  1. Tahuampa (flooded forest) Excursion – Canoe in and around permanently flooded forest around either Tabano Lake or Traves Lake, with a vast diversity of wildlife. Search for the spectacular hoatzin (one of the world’s most interesting and unique birds), black caiman, horned screamers, wattled jacana, giant fishing spiders, giant ficus fig trees and much more.
  1. Frog Valley (Terra Firme) – For this full-day excursion, you will ride a motorboat up the Rio Blanco to visit terra firme (never flooding) ecosystem. Hike through the dense forest searching for beautiful little poison dart frogs, harlequin toads, marmosets, leaf cutter ants and more.
  1. Dolphin Search – Explore nearby oxbow lakes searching for the incredible Pink Dolphins of the Amazon Rainforest. Swimming is possible in some lakes. Note: we do NOT feed or disturb the dolphins in anyway.
  1. Birding – early morning birding along the Tahuayo River. With over 600 species, our region has a higher count of bird species of any site in lowland Amazon Forest.
  1. Fishing – Head by boat early in the morning or late afternoon to fish for the Piranha, Pacu, Vampire Fish, and other species.
  1. Night Excursions – Go for a night hike to search for scorpions, tarantulas, snakes, and other nocturnal wildlife. Explore by boat on the Tahuayo or Blanco River; here you can search for caimans, snakes, and frogs. If you are in the mood to relax….enjoy the constellations while you listen to the jungle symphony all around you.
  1. Anything else you want to see or do? Just ask. Your trip is fully customizable.

 

Day 4 - Return to Tahuayo Lodge & Return to Iquitos

  • Depart the Amazon Research Center in the morning en route to the Tahuayo Lodge. Search for wildlife along the way.
  • Speedboat transfer (note--is up to 4 hours) back to Iquitos.
  • Arrival back to Iquitos – transfer to airport or hotel

 

(Note: Your flight should depart Iquitos appx. 5:00 pm or later this day. If you have an earlier flight we can usually be flexible, but please ask us first).

End of the Trip.

__________________________________________________________

 

Land Cost

Total Cost for the above itinerary 4 days 3 nights: USD $895.00 per person

Includes all costs in Amazon

  • All land and water transfers
  • Lodging
  • Buffet meals
  • Private guide
  • Canopy Experience
  • Private guided excursions customized to your needs and interests
  • Gear such as jungle boots
  • Unlimited purified drinking water
  • *New* hot water is available for showering. Remember we must generate all our own electricity with solar panels. We do usually have hot (or warm) water available, however, if we have too many consecutive rainy days… hot water may be limited.
  • *New* fans are available for all cabins
  • Free Wi-Fi is available (StarLink Internet)
  • All fees and taxes, such as: entrance fees, conservation fees, port taxes, etc.

 

Optional expenses only: soda, beer and alcoholic drinks, souvenirs, tips, laundry, camping not included unless otherwise noted.

 

Reserve now

Reservation is confirmed with a deposit of USD $100.00 per person.

Payment can be made using any Credit Card or PayPal (we cover the 3% service charge).

  1. Click on this link: Book your trip now
  2. Once you have reviewed our terms & conditions page click the blue PayPal button to proceed.
  3. Enter your name into the description.
  4. Enter total payment amount (ignore quantity).
  5. Once payment is complete we will send you a confirmation email, preparation list and more information.

>>> 

GUEST CODE OF CONDUCT: Guests are expected to abide by a code of conduct that shows respect to indigenous 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 in their natural setting. 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.

Amazonia Itinerary – 6 days 5 nights – Amazonia’s EcoTour

Download Sample ItineraryBook Your Trip

Day 1 – Arrival to Iquitos & Transfer to Tahuayo Lodge

 

Important: You can arrive to Iquitos in the morning or early afternoon (before 2pm); we start when you arrive.

  • Airport or hotel pickup - Our staff will pick you up on arrival from the Iquitos Airport or directly from your hotel in Iquitos City. Land transfer from airport (30 min) to our office/dock complex in Iquitos City. Note: If you will be staying in Iquitos before/after your trip we also offer accommodations in Iquitos city. See: Vista Amazonica
  • Transfer to Tahuayo Lodge - speedboat transfer (note--is up to 4 hours) up the Amazon River, then the Tahuayo tributary to our lodge.
  • Arrival to Tahuayo Lodge - Arrive to the Tahuayo Lodge. Lodge orientation & meet with guides. Afternoon excursion (if morning arrival) and evening excursion of your choice.

 

Days 2, 3  at the Tahuayo Lodge

Amazonia’s main lodge on the Tahuayo River is not a resort, nor a hotel, but a rustic lodge, comfortable for adventurous travelers. Cabins are private, and all have private bathrooms. Explore from the lodge with your private guide in and around the Tahuayo Reserve. We offer fully customizable itineraries and excursions day and night. To get you started, here is a list of some of our more popular activities:

  1. The Canopy Experience – Experience the Tree Giants & Canopy of the Amazon Rainforest. Completely rebuilt in 2019, our NEW Canopy Experience allows you to explore 6 canopy platforms and zoom through the rainforest on 4 ziplines more than 100 ft above the rainforest floor.
  1. Igapo/varzea Forest Exploration – Explore the Igapo forest with your guide in search of wildlife. Search for beautiful birds, primates such as pygmy marmosets, night monkeys, howler monkeys, and other wildlife.
  1. Tahuayo River Exploration – Go by boat with your private guide to explore the Tahuayo River. Here you can spot colorful birds (macaws, tanagers, hawks) sloths, neotropical river otters and monkeys along the riverbank.
  1. Cultural Visit –Learn about life in the local communities and about the work of our nonprofit organization Angels of the Amazon. You can visit the Hospital we built and support or the schools we built (and are continuing to build).
  1. Tahuampa (flooded forest) Excursion – Canoe in and around permanently flooded forest around either Tabano Lake or Traves Lake, with a vast diversity of wildlife. Search for the spectacular hoatzin (one of the world’s most interesting and unique birds), black caiman, horned screamers, wattled jacana, giant fishing spiders, giant ficus fig trees and much more.
  1. Frog Valley (Terra Firme) – For this full-day excursion, you will ride a motorboat up the Rio Blanco to visit terra firme (never flooding) ecosystem. Hike through the dense forest searching for beautiful little poison dart frogs, harlequin toads, marmosets, leaf cutter ants and more.
  1. Dolphin Search – Explore nearby oxbow lakes searching for the incredible Pink Dolphins of the Amazon Rainforest. Swimming is possible in some lakes. Note: we do NOT feed or disturb the dolphins in anyway.
  1. Birding – early morning birding along the Tahuayo River. With over 600 species, our region has a higher count of bird species of any site in lowland Amazon Forest.
  1. Fishing – Head by boat early in the morning or late afternoon to fish for the Piranha, Pacu, Vampire Fish, and other species.
  1. Night Excursions – Go for a night hike to search for scorpions, tarantulas, snakes, and other nocturnal wildlife. Explore by boat on the Tahuayo or Blanco River; here you can search for caimans, snakes, and frogs. If you are in the mood to relax….enjoy the constellations while you listen to the jungle symphony all around you.
  1. Anything else you want to see or do? Just ask. Your trip is fully customizable.

 

Days 4, 5 at the Amazon Research Center

Depart the main lodge in the morning en route to the Amazon Research Center (ARC). Search for wildlife along the way. The Research Center is more remote and about 2 hours up-river from our main lodge. It is formally recognized as a research institution by Peru’s national science council, CONCYTEC (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnologia e Innovacion Tecnologia). Cabins are private, simple, and comfortable, all have shared bathrooms. Sample activities from the Research Center:

 

  1. Explore the Trail Grid - We have over 75 km of hiking trails from the research center, most of the trails are laid out in a grid to facilitate the scientific collection of population data (In the rainy season these may become canoe trails). The trails go through several varieties of igapo ecosystems, including bajial, high and low restinga as well as palm swamp ecosystem. We can see many different species of monkeys, including brown and white capuchins, saki monkeys, titi monkeys, woolly monkeys, sometimes uakaris, as well as giant tayra weasels and tamandua anteaters. Data collected from camera traps also reveal a high density of jaguar and other predators live here, but these are rarely seen.
  1. Cochas - Boating the various lakes and rivers from the research center we often see caiman, anaconda as well as the highly endangered Giant River Otter.
  1. Hiking to Lake Yarina - Full day hike where we can see hoatzins on their nests, blue and yellow macaws and caiman. One night camping may also be available (must be booked in advance)
  2. Citizen Conservation & Science Excursion – Take photos of Giant River Otters and share with us so we can send to the Frankfurt Zoological Society data base, which monitors the population of these endangered species in the Amazon basin. Individuals can be identified by the unique color patterns on their necks.
  1. Night excursions – Trail Grid night hike, explore Tahuayo River by canoe or boat.

 

Day 6 - Return to Tahuayo Lodge & Return to Iquitos

  • Depart the Amazon Research Center in the morning en route to the Tahuayo Lodge. Search for wildlife along the way.
  • Speedboat transfer (note--is up to 4 hours) back to Iquitos.
  • Arrival back to Iquitos – transfer to airport or hotel

 

(Note: Your flight should depart Iquitos appx. 5:00 pm or later this day. If you have an earlier flight we can usually be flexible, but please ask us first).

End of the Trip.

__________________________________________________________

 

Land Cost

Total Cost for the above itinerary 6 days 5 nights: USD $1295.00 per person

Includes all costs in Amazon

  • All land and water transfers
  • Lodging
  • Buffet meals
  • Private guide
  • Canopy Experience
  • Private guided excursions customized to your needs and interests
  • Gear such as jungle boots
  • Unlimited purified drinking water
  • *New* hot water is available for showering. Remember we must generate all our own electricity with solar panels. We do usually have hot (or warm) water available, however, if we have too many consecutive rainy days… hot water may be limited.
  • *New* fans are available for all cabins
  • Free Wi-Fi is available (StarLink Internet)
  • All fees and taxes, such as: entrance fees, conservation fees, port taxes, etc.

 

Optional expenses only: soda, beer and alcoholic drinks, souvenirs, tips, laundry, camping not included unless otherwise noted.

 

Reserve now

Reservation is confirmed with a deposit of USD $100.00 per person.

Payment can be made using any Credit Card or PayPal (we cover the 3% service charge).

  1. Click on this link: Book your trip now
  2. Once you have reviewed our terms & conditions page click the blue PayPal button to proceed.
  3. Enter your name into the description.
  4. Enter total payment amount (ignore quantity).
  5. Once payment is complete we will send you a confirmation email, preparation list and more information.

>>> 

GUEST CODE OF CONDUCT: Guests are expected to abide by a code of conduct that shows respect to indigenous 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 in their natural setting. 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.

Amazonia Itinerary – 8 days 7 nights – Amazonia’s Classic Adventure

Download Sample ItineraryBook Your Trip

Day 1 – Arrival to Iquitos & Transfer to Tahuayo Lodge

 

Important: You can arrive to Iquitos in the morning or early afternoon (before 2pm); we start when you arrive.

  • Airport or hotel pickup - Our staff will pick you up on arrival from the Iquitos Airport or directly from your hotel in Iquitos City. Land transfer from airport (30 min) to our office/dock complex in Iquitos City. Note: If you will be staying in Iquitos before/after your trip we also offer accommodations in Iquitos city. See: Vista Amazonica
  • Transfer to Tahuayo Lodge - speedboat transfer (note--is up to 4 hours) up the Amazon River, then the Tahuayo tributary to our lodge.
  • Arrival to Tahuayo Lodge - Arrive to the Tahuayo Lodge. Lodge orientation & meet with guides. Afternoon excursion (if morning arrival) and evening excursion of your choice.

 

Days 2, 3, 4 at the Tahuayo Lodge

Amazonia’s main lodge on the Tahuayo River is not a resort, nor a hotel, but a rustic lodge, comfortable for adventurous travelers. Cabins are private, and all have private bathrooms. Explore from the lodge with your private guide in and around the Tahuayo Reserve. We offer fully customizable itineraries and excursions day and night. To get you started, here is a list of some of our more popular activities:

  1. The Canopy Experience – Experience the Tree Giants & Canopy of the Amazon Rainforest. Completely rebuilt in 2019, our NEW Canopy Experience allows you to explore 6 canopy platforms and zoom through the rainforest on 4 ziplines more than 100 ft above the rainforest floor.
  1. Igapo/varzea Forest Exploration – Explore the Igapo forest with your guide in search of wildlife. Search for beautiful birds, primates such as pygmy marmosets, night monkeys, howler monkeys, and other wildlife.
  1. Tahuayo River Exploration – Go by boat with your private guide to explore the Tahuayo River. Here you can spot colorful birds (macaws, tanagers, hawks) sloths, neotropical river otters and monkeys along the riverbank.
  1. Cultural Visit –Learn about life in the local communities and about the work of our nonprofit organization Angels of the Amazon. You can visit the Hospital we built and support or the schools we built (and are continuing to build).
  1. Tahuampa (flooded forest) Excursion – Canoe in and around permanently flooded forest around either Tabano Lake or Traves Lake, with a vast diversity of wildlife. Search for the spectacular hoatzin (one of the world’s most interesting and unique birds), black caiman, horned screamers, wattled jacana, giant fishing spiders, giant ficus fig trees and much more.
  1. Frog Valley (Terra Firme) – For this full-day excursion, you will ride a motorboat up the Rio Blanco to visit terra firme (never flooding) ecosystem. Hike through the dense forest searching for beautiful little poison dart frogs, harlequin toads, marmosets, leaf cutter ants and more.
  1. Dolphin Search – Explore nearby oxbow lakes searching for the incredible Pink Dolphins of the Amazon Rainforest. Swimming is possible in some lakes. Note: we do NOT feed or disturb the dolphins in anyway.
  1. Birding – early morning birding along the Tahuayo River. With over 600 species, our region has a higher count of bird species of any site in lowland Amazon Forest.
  1. Fishing – Head by boat early in the morning or late afternoon to fish for the Piranha, Pacu, Vampire Fish, and other species.
  1. Night Excursions – Go for a night hike to search for scorpions, tarantulas, snakes, and other nocturnal wildlife. Explore by boat on the Tahuayo or Blanco River; here you can search for caimans, snakes, and frogs. If you are in the mood to relax….enjoy the constellations while you listen to the jungle symphony all around you.
  1. Anything else you want to see or do? Just ask. Your trip is fully customizable.

 

Days 5, 6, 7 at the Amazon Research Center

Depart the main lodge in the morning en route to the Amazon Research Center (ARC). Search for wildlife along the way. The Research Center is more remote and about 2 hours up-river from our main lodge. It is formally recognized as a research institution by Peru’s national science council, CONCYTEC (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnologia e Innovacion Tecnologia). Cabins are private, simple, and comfortable, all have shared bathrooms. Sample activities from the Research Center:

 

  1. Explore the Trail Grid - We have over 75 km of hiking trails from the research center, most of the trails are laid out in a grid to facilitate the scientific collection of population data (In the rainy season these may become canoe trails). The trails go through several varieties of igapo ecosystems, including bajial, high and low restinga as well as palm swamp ecosystem. We can see many different species of monkeys, including brown and white capuchins, saki monkeys, titi monkeys, woolly monkeys, sometimes uakaris, as well as giant tayra weasels and tamandua anteaters. Data collected from camera traps also reveal a high density of jaguar and other predators live here, but these are rarely seen.
  1. Cochas - Boating the various lakes and rivers from the research center we often see caiman, anaconda as well as the highly endangered Giant River Otter.
  1. Hiking to Lake Yarina - Full day hike where we can see hoatzins on their nests, blue and yellow macaws and caiman. One night camping may also be available (must be booked in advance)
  2. Citizen Conservation & Science Excursion – Take photos of Giant River Otters and share with us so we can send to the Frankfurt Zoological Society data base, which monitors the population of these endangered species in the Amazon basin. Individuals can be identified by the unique color patterns on their necks.
  1. Night excursions – Trail Grid night hike, explore Tahuayo River by canoe or boat.

 

Day 8 - Return to Tahuayo Lodge & Return to Iquitos

  • Depart the Amazon Research Center in the morning en route to the Tahuayo Lodge. Search for wildlife along the way.
  • Speedboat transfer (note--is up to 4 hours) back to Iquitos.
  • Arrival back to Iquitos – transfer to airport or hotel

 

(Note: Your flight should depart Iquitos appx. 5:00 pm or later this day. If you have an earlier flight we can usually be flexible, but please ask us first).

End of the Trip.

__________________________________________________________

 

Land Cost

Total Cost for the above itinerary 8 days 7 nights: USD $1595.00 per person

Includes all costs in Amazon

  • All land and water transfers
  • Lodging
  • Buffet meals
  • Private guide
  • Canopy Experience
  • Private guided excursions customized to your needs and interests
  • Gear such as jungle boots
  • Unlimited purified drinking water
  • *New* hot water is available for showering. Remember we must generate all our own electricity with solar panels. We do usually have hot (or warm) water available, however, if we have too many consecutive rainy days… hot water may be limited.
  • *New* fans are available for all cabins
  • Free Wi-Fi is available (StarLink Internet)
  • All fees and taxes, such as: entrance fees, conservation fees, port taxes, etc.

 

Optional expenses only: soda, beer and alcoholic drinks, souvenirs, tips, laundry, camping not included unless otherwise noted.

 

Reserve now

Reservation is confirmed with a deposit of USD $100.00 per person.

Payment can be made using any Credit Card or PayPal (we cover the 3% service charge).

  1. Click on this link: Book your trip now
  2. Once you have reviewed our terms & conditions page click the blue PayPal button to proceed.
  3. Enter your name into the description.
  4. Enter total payment amount (ignore quantity).
  5. Once payment is complete we will send you a confirmation email, preparation list and more information.

>>> 

GUEST CODE OF CONDUCT: Guests are expected to abide by a code of conduct that shows respect to indigenous 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 in their natural setting. 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.

Amazonia Itinerary – 10 days 9 nights – Amazonia’s Extended Tour

Download Sample ItineraryBook Your Trip

Day 1 – Arrival to Iquitos & Transfer to Tahuayo Lodge

 

Important: You can arrive to Iquitos in the morning or early afternoon (before 2pm); we start when you arrive.

  • Airport or hotel pickup - Our staff will pick you up on arrival from the Iquitos Airport or directly from your hotel in Iquitos City. Land transfer from airport (30 min) to our office/dock complex in Iquitos City. Note: If you will be staying in Iquitos before/after your trip we also offer accommodations in Iquitos city. See: Vista Amazonica
  • Transfer to Tahuayo Lodge - speedboat transfer (note--is up to 4 hours) up the Amazon River, then the Tahuayo tributary to our lodge.
  • Arrival to Tahuayo Lodge - Arrive to the Tahuayo Lodge. Lodge orientation & meet with guides. Afternoon excursion (if morning arrival) and evening excursion of your choice.

 

Days 2, 3, 4, 5 at the Tahuayo Lodge

Amazonia’s main lodge on the Tahuayo River is not a resort, nor a hotel, but a rustic lodge, comfortable for adventurous travelers. Cabins are private, and all have private bathrooms. Explore from the lodge with your private guide in and around the Tahuayo Reserve. We offer fully customizable itineraries and excursions day and night. To get you started, here is a list of some of our more popular activities:

  1. The Canopy Experience – Experience the Tree Giants & Canopy of the Amazon Rainforest. Completely rebuilt in 2019, our NEW Canopy Experience allows you to explore 6 canopy platforms and zoom through the rainforest on 4 ziplines more than 100 ft above the rainforest floor.
  1. Igapo/varzea Forest Exploration – Explore the Igapo forest with your guide in search of wildlife. Search for beautiful birds, primates such as pygmy marmosets, night monkeys, howler monkeys, and other wildlife.
  1. Tahuayo River Exploration – Go by boat with your private guide to explore the Tahuayo River. Here you can spot colorful birds (macaws, tanagers, hawks) sloths, neotropical river otters and monkeys along the riverbank.
  1. Cultural Visit –Learn about life in the local communities and about the work of our nonprofit organization Angels of the Amazon. You can visit the Hospital we built and support or the schools we built (and are continuing to build).
  1. Tahuampa (flooded forest) Excursion – Canoe in and around permanently flooded forest around either Tabano Lake or Traves Lake, with a vast diversity of wildlife. Search for the spectacular hoatzin (one of the world’s most interesting and unique birds), black caiman, horned screamers, wattled jacana, giant fishing spiders, giant ficus fig trees and much more.
  1. Frog Valley (Terra Firme) – For this full-day excursion, you will ride a motorboat up the Rio Blanco to visit terra firme (never flooding) ecosystem. Hike through the dense forest searching for beautiful little poison dart frogs, harlequin toads, marmosets, leaf cutter ants and more.
  1. Dolphin Search – Explore nearby oxbow lakes searching for the incredible Pink Dolphins of the Amazon Rainforest. Swimming is possible in some lakes. Note: we do NOT feed or disturb the dolphins in anyway.
  1. Birding – early morning birding along the Tahuayo River. With over 600 species, our region has a higher count of bird species of any site in lowland Amazon Forest.
  1. Fishing – Head by boat early in the morning or late afternoon to fish for the Piranha, Pacu, Vampire Fish, and other species.
  1. Night Excursions – Go for a night hike to search for scorpions, tarantulas, snakes, and other nocturnal wildlife. Explore by boat on the Tahuayo or Blanco River; here you can search for caimans, snakes, and frogs. If you are in the mood to relax….enjoy the constellations while you listen to the jungle symphony all around you.
  1. Anything else you want to see or do? Just ask. Your trip is fully customizable.

 

Days 6, 7, 8, 9 at the Amazon Research Center

Depart the main lodge in the morning en route to the Amazon Research Center (ARC). Search for wildlife along the way. The Research Center is more remote and about 2 hours up-river from our main lodge. It is formally recognized as a research institution by Peru’s national science council, CONCYTEC (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnologia e Innovacion Tecnologia). Cabins are private, simple, and comfortable, all have shared bathrooms. Sample activities from the Research Center:

 

  1. Explore the Trail Grid - We have over 75 km of hiking trails from the research center, most of the trails are laid out in a grid to facilitate the scientific collection of population data (In the rainy season these may become canoe trails). The trails go through several varieties of igapo ecosystems, including bajial, high and low restinga as well as palm swamp ecosystem. We can see many different species of monkeys, including brown and white capuchins, saki monkeys, titi monkeys, woolly monkeys, sometimes uakaris, as well as giant tayra weasels and tamandua anteaters. Data collected from camera traps also reveal a high density of jaguar and other predators live here, but these are rarely seen.
  1. Cochas - Boating the various lakes and rivers from the research center we often see caiman, anaconda as well as the highly endangered Giant River Otter.
  1. Hiking to Lake Yarina - Full day hike where we can see hoatzins on their nests, blue and yellow macaws and caiman. One night camping may also be available (must be booked in advance)
  2. Citizen Conservation & Science Excursion – Take photos of Giant River Otters and share with us so we can send to the Frankfurt Zoological Society data base, which monitors the population of these endangered species in the Amazon basin. Individuals can be identified by the unique color patterns on their necks.
  1. Night excursions – Trail Grid night hike, explore Tahuayo River by canoe or boat.

 

Day 10 - Return to Tahuayo Lodge & Return to Iquitos

  • Depart the Amazon Research Center in the morning en route to the Tahuayo Lodge. Search for wildlife along the way.
  • Speedboat transfer (note--is up to 4 hours) back to Iquitos.
  • Arrival back to Iquitos – transfer to airport or hotel

 

(Note: Your flight should depart Iquitos appx. 5:00 pm or later this day. If you have an earlier flight we can usually be flexible, but please ask us first).

End of the Trip.

__________________________________________________________

 

Land Cost

Total Cost for the above itinerary 10 days 9 nights: USD $1895.00 per person

Includes all costs in Amazon

  • All land and water transfers
  • Lodging
  • Buffet meals
  • Private guide
  • Canopy Experience
  • Private guided excursions customized to your needs and interests
  • Gear such as jungle boots
  • Unlimited purified drinking water
  • *New* hot water is available for showering. Remember we must generate all our own electricity with solar panels. We do usually have hot (or warm) water available, however, if we have too many consecutive rainy days… hot water may be limited.
  • *New* fans are available for all cabins
  • Free Wi-Fi is available (StarLink Internet)
  • All fees and taxes, such as: entrance fees, conservation fees, port taxes, etc.

 

Optional expenses only: soda, beer and alcoholic drinks, souvenirs, tips, laundry, camping not included unless otherwise noted.

 

Reserve now

Reservation is confirmed with a deposit of USD $100.00 per person.

Payment can be made using any Credit Card or PayPal (we cover the 3% service charge).

  1. Click on this link: Book your trip now
  2. Once you have reviewed our terms & conditions page click the blue PayPal button to proceed.
  3. Enter your name into the description.
  4. Enter total payment amount (ignore quantity).
  5. Once payment is complete we will send you a confirmation email, preparation list and more information.

>>> 

GUEST CODE OF CONDUCT: Guests are expected to abide by a code of conduct that shows respect to indigenous 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 in their natural setting. 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.

Amazonia Expeditions Custom Itinerary

Download Sample ItineraryBook Your Trip

With Amazonia Expeditions - you can work with our team to build almost any custom itinerary. 

We provide support for large groups including providing a framework for volunteering in Chino Village up the river, doing citizen science work, school field trips, long-term research projects, and more. Below is a sample itinerary for a 10-day long trip that could be a baseline for other similar longer trips. Reach out to our team with your ideas for your trip and we will share how others have coordinated similar trips in the past. 

Day 1 – Arrival to Iquitos & Transfer to Tahuayo Lodge

 

Important: You can arrive to Iquitos in the morning or early afternoon (before 2pm); we start when you arrive.

  • Airport or hotel pickup - Our staff will pick you up on arrival from the Iquitos Airport or directly from your hotel in Iquitos City. Land transfer from airport (30 min) to our office/dock complex in Iquitos City. Note: If you will be staying in Iquitos before/after your trip we also offer accommodations in Iquitos city. See: Vista Amazonica
  • Transfer to Tahuayo Lodge - speedboat transfer (note--is up to 4 hours) up the Amazon River, then the Tahuayo tributary to our lodge.
  • Arrival to Tahuayo Lodge - Arrive to the Tahuayo Lodge. Lodge orientation & meet with guides. Afternoon excursion (if morning arrival) and evening excursion of your choice.

 

Days 2, 3, 4, 5 at the Tahuayo Lodge

Amazonia’s main lodge on the Tahuayo River is not a resort, nor a hotel, but a rustic lodge, comfortable for adventurous travelers. Cabins are private, and all have private bathrooms. Explore from the lodge with your private guide in and around the Tahuayo Reserve. We offer fully customizable itineraries and excursions day and night. To get you started, here is a list of some of our more popular activities:

  1. The Canopy Experience – Experience the Tree Giants & Canopy of the Amazon Rainforest. Completely rebuilt in 2019, our NEW Canopy Experience allows you to explore 6 canopy platforms and zoom through the rainforest on 4 ziplines more than 100 ft above the rainforest floor.
  1. Igapo/varzea Forest Exploration – Explore the Igapo forest with your guide in search of wildlife. Search for beautiful birds, primates such as pygmy marmosets, night monkeys, howler monkeys, and other wildlife.
  1. Tahuayo River Exploration – Go by boat with your private guide to explore the Tahuayo River. Here you can spot colorful birds (macaws, tanagers, hawks) sloths, neotropical river otters and monkeys along the riverbank.
  1. Cultural Visit –Learn about life in the local communities and about the work of our nonprofit organization Angels of the Amazon. You can visit the Hospital we built and support or the schools we built (and are continuing to build).
  1. Tahuampa (flooded forest) Excursion – Canoe in and around permanently flooded forest around either Tabano Lake or Traves Lake, with a vast diversity of wildlife. Search for the spectacular hoatzin (one of the world’s most interesting and unique birds), black caiman, horned screamers, wattled jacana, giant fishing spiders, giant ficus fig trees and much more.
  1. Frog Valley (Terra Firme) – For this full-day excursion, you will ride a motorboat up the Rio Blanco to visit terra firme (never flooding) ecosystem. Hike through the dense forest searching for beautiful little poison dart frogs, harlequin toads, marmosets, leaf cutter ants and more.
  1. Dolphin Search – Explore nearby oxbow lakes searching for the incredible Pink Dolphins of the Amazon Rainforest. Swimming is possible in some lakes. Note: we do NOT feed or disturb the dolphins in anyway.
  1. Birding – early morning birding along the Tahuayo River. With over 600 species, our region has a higher count of bird species of any site in lowland Amazon Forest.
  1. Fishing – Head by boat early in the morning or late afternoon to fish for the Piranha, Pacu, Vampire Fish, and other species.
  1. Night Excursions – Go for a night hike to search for scorpions, tarantulas, snakes, and other nocturnal wildlife. Explore by boat on the Tahuayo or Blanco River; here you can search for caimans, snakes, and frogs. If you are in the mood to relax….enjoy the constellations while you listen to the jungle symphony all around you.
  1. Anything else you want to see or do? Just ask. Your trip is fully customizable.

 

Days 6, 7, 8, 9 at the Amazon Research Center

Depart the main lodge in the morning en route to the Amazon Research Center (ARC). Search for wildlife along the way. The Research Center is more remote and about 2 hours up-river from our main lodge. It is formally recognized as a research institution by Peru’s national science council, CONCYTEC (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnologia e Innovacion Tecnologia). Cabins are private, simple, and comfortable, all have shared bathrooms. Sample activities from the Research Center:

 

  1. Explore the Trail Grid - We have over 75 km of hiking trails from the research center, most of the trails are laid out in a grid to facilitate the scientific collection of population data (In the rainy season these may become canoe trails). The trails go through several varieties of igapo ecosystems, including bajial, high and low restinga as well as palm swamp ecosystem. We can see many different species of monkeys, including brown and white capuchins, saki monkeys, titi monkeys, woolly monkeys, sometimes uakaris, as well as giant tayra weasels and tamandua anteaters. Data collected from camera traps also reveal a high density of jaguar and other predators live here, but these are rarely seen.
  1. Cochas - Boating the various lakes and rivers from the research center we often see caiman, anaconda as well as the highly endangered Giant River Otter.
  1. Hiking to Lake Yarina - Full day hike where we can see hoatzins on their nests, blue and yellow macaws and caiman. One night camping may also be available (must be booked in advance)
  2. Citizen Conservation & Science Excursion – Take photos of Giant River Otters and share with us so we can send to the Frankfurt Zoological Society data base, which monitors the population of these endangered species in the Amazon basin. Individuals can be identified by the unique color patterns on their necks.
  1. Night excursions – Trail Grid night hike, explore Tahuayo River by canoe or boat.

 

Day 10 - Return to Tahuayo Lodge & Return to Iquitos

  • Depart the Amazon Research Center in the morning en route to the Tahuayo Lodge. Search for wildlife along the way.
  • Speedboat transfer (note--is up to 4 hours) back to Iquitos.
  • Arrival back to Iquitos – transfer to airport or hotel

 

(Note: Your flight should depart Iquitos appx. 5:00 pm or later this day. If you have an earlier flight we can usually be flexible, but please ask us first).

End of the Trip.

__________________________________________________________

 

Land Cost

Total Cost for the above itinerary 10 days 9 nights: USD $1895.00 per person

Includes all costs in Amazon

  • All land and water transfers
  • Lodging
  • Buffet meals
  • Private guide
  • Canopy Experience
  • Private guided excursions customized to your needs and interests
  • Gear such as jungle boots
  • Unlimited purified drinking water
  • *New* hot water is available for showering. Remember we must generate all our own electricity with solar panels. We do usually have hot (or warm) water available, however, if we have too many consecutive rainy days… hot water may be limited.
  • *New* fans are available for all cabins
  • Free Wi-Fi is available (StarLink Internet)
  • All fees and taxes, such as: entrance fees, conservation fees, port taxes, etc.

 

Optional expenses only: soda, beer and alcoholic drinks, souvenirs, tips, laundry, camping not included unless otherwise noted.

 

Reserve now

Reservation is confirmed with a deposit of USD $100.00 per person.

Payment can be made using any Credit Card or PayPal (we cover the 3% service charge).

  1. Click on this link: Book your trip now
  2. Once you have reviewed our terms & conditions page click the blue PayPal button to proceed.
  3. Enter your name into the description.
  4. Enter total payment amount (ignore quantity).
  5. Once payment is complete we will send you a confirmation email, preparation list and more information.

>>> 

GUEST CODE OF CONDUCT: Guests are expected to abide by a code of conduct that shows respect to indigenous 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 in their natural setting. 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.