Voluntourism

Amazonia Expeditions offers opportunities for community service as part oboy-paintingf our charitable outreach program as well as assistance in scientific field research. Our service programs are designed to inspire participants by contributing their time, knowledge, skills and labor to help make the world a better place. Our volunteers have come away with personal growth and the reward of contributing meaningful work in this remote wilderness and foreign culture – enriching their lives for the better.

Our diverse selection of service projects includes everything from low-skill labor to high skill medical or dental care. Community service projects can range for a day or two, to a week, to several weeks in length. Community service can be just a part of a regular tourist program or one’s entire trip can be devoted to a service project. To qualify as a full internship a minimum of a few weeks to several months may be required.  Following are some examples of service projects that one may select:

Biological field work

Be a part of our on-going scientific research programs in the Amazon. We have both in-house research programs led by staff biologist Andy Bicerra as well as periodic research led by visiting scientists and professors. See more about our Research Center experience here.

Community Low-Skill Construction

There are several short-term community construction projects that are perfect for school groups looking to add community service as part of their tourism program. Wood and other material is bought and prepared in Iquitos city and volunteers sand the pieces assemble them and paint them. Construction projects can include trash and recycling bins, school desks and chairs, library shelves, etc.

Language Workshops

English is an international language of commerce and business and even children in remote native communities have a keen desire to learn some English.  In the cities of Peru, it is required for all students to take English, but this requirement is lacking in the simpler education offered to rural communities.  We need volunteers with a knowledge of Spanish and an interest and ability to teach English to offer workshops lasting a week or more.  Workshops can be offered in the afternoon, complimenting a regular tourism program in morning and evenings.

Health Care Services

Internships at the rural clinic are available for volunteers wishing to stay a minimum of two weeks.  Short term medical workshops or clinics, including dental extraction clinics are also available for volunteers with proper health related training and degrees.

More about our community programs can be seen on our foundation’s website www.angelsoftheamazon.org

Please send us a message at [email protected] for more details or to answer any questions.

Estefani Mishel Maytahuari

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

Leyner Arian Ijuma

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

Julio Pacaya

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

Claudio Huayllahua Sánchez

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

Hersog Chavez Yuyarima

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

Lander Juan Peña Ramirez

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

Aladino Jr. Hidalgo

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

Jhony Hidalgo

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

Sila Hidalgo

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

Welister Perez

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

Javier Anibal Alván Arévalo

Javier has worked at the Amazonia Expeditions lodges for 10 years, starting as a young teenager as an assistant in building repair, then moving up to motorboat pilot, then camping assistant and assistant guide, and after passing his guide exams with high grades was promoted to head guide in 2014. Javier is also our Canopy Zipline specialist and has taken professional certification classes in Costa Rica. Javier is also a fishing specialist and is beloved by families with children.

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.