Understanding the Seasons in the Amazon

What is the best season to visit the Amazon?

This is a common question we get from most people that are visiting the lodge for their first time. The simple answer to this question is ANYTIME. There is no time that is better for visiting the jungle than any other. There is a wet season and a dry season. Each have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, but one is not better than the other.

 

 

Seasons

The wet/dry season differs within the Amazon basin depending how far south/north, east/west you are. In the upper Amazon basin around Iquitos, Peru, we have a bell curve of water level in the Amazon River by Iquitos (see graph), which peaks the end of April. Water level is determined by melting snow and glaciers in the Andes Mountains, especially from the huge glacial mass in central Peru known as the Cordillera Blanca. 

Water Level Monthly Average

Click image for expanded view

 The water from the snowmelt takes some time to flood the Amazon basin around Iquitos, so we start to see the seasonal flooding of the lower ecosystems of the Amazon forest in late March, reaching its peak of flooding by late April.

As the seasonal flood spreads through the forest, the probability of rain increases due to evaporation/condensation. In April and May, we may have 65% chance of rain at some point during the day (usually late afternoon), while in September and October the daily probability of precipitation falls to about 35% (usually late afternoon storm).

 

 

Impacts of wet & dry seasons on Activities

During the high-water season, we have more boating and canoeing excursions, and during the peak of most flood years only terra firme ecosystem is good for hiking. During the peak of the dry season some species, such as pink dolphins, migrate out of the Tahuayo River and excursions by boat and canoe are more limited, however, hiking opportunities are improved.

To see regular updates on water levels in our area please follow our Facebook posts.

Effect on our lodges

  • Due to Andean summers becoming longer and hotter, we have had seasonal floods exceed the average water level in each of the past 15 years, with two devastating floods in 2012 and 2015, which impacted native communities, regional agriculture and even flooded homes and businesses in Iquitos city.

  • Only once have we had issues conducting tours during the flood season. In 2012 the main lodge was flooded, and we built a temporary lodge for our guests in high forest. After having some parts of the main lodge flooded again in 2015 we re-built the main lodge much higher, to withstand any conceivable flood. The research center lodge is on higher ground, but it was also flooded in 2012 and 2015, although it was closed only for a few days. With the improvements to our lodges we have been able to always stay open and continue operating tours throughout the bad flood years, while the other 90% of lodge operators in Iquitos shut down.

  • Dry conditions in August-November can also occasionally have impact if the level of water in the rivers get too low. If the rivers get too low, it takes longer to get to the main lodge and can be a laborious process to get to the remote research center lodge. On a few occasions we came close to temporarily closing the research center but that has not yet happened.

Reserve Your Trip Today
Have a Question?
Reserve Your Trip Today
Have a Question?

Erika

Our time in the jungle was an absolute highlight on our trip to Peru! Truly amazing! …Again, we had the most wonderful time. Almost more than words can say. The jungle and the Tahuayo Lodge hold very special places in our hearts and CAN NOT WAIT to return. Thank you again for offering such an amazing trip.

Renee

Our trip was INCREDIBLE. The lodge was great, the food was amazing, and the staff were all so friendly. We loved our stays at the B&B, the main lodge, and the ARC.

Tia & Paula

It was incredible and a trip of a lifetime Paul! My sister Paula and I had an amazing time and loved everything — your facilities and staff are top notch and I want to come back with my husband and daughters!!

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.