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Iquitos & The Northern Amazon :: Peru Travel Guide

   
Iquitos & The North Amazon
Established in 1964, 50 miles down the Amazon River, the Explorama lodges are deep in primary rainforest. On the Napo River, a branch of the Amazon, ExplorNapo provides access to the pristine forest of Explorama´s Sucusari Reserve, as well as access to the adjoining Amazon Canopy Walkway, one of the longest treetop walkways in the world.

This adventure offers the opportunity to live in an authentic Amazon River style with palm-thatched houses, kerosene lighting and open-hearth cooking in a rainforest surrounding. Other options available from ExplorNapo include an overnight adventure staying in ExplorTambo camps which are located in more remote rainforest, as well as staying overnight at the ACTS Field Station.

Opened in 1993, ACTS, Amazon Conservatory of Tropical Studies, provides a research station for scientists in the rainforest and an opportunity for guests to share in their discovery. The large, thatched buildings are identical in construction to those found at Explorama Lodge.

A donation to maintain and protect the surrounding Reserve and Canopy Walkway is included in the tariff for the ACTS Field Station. In addition to the Walkway, extensive trail hikes are available including the “Medicine Trail” used specifically to show the local rainforest plants used in modern medicine as well as examples of native plant remedies which science may use in the future.

The Canopy Walkway is an experience unequaled in the rainforest! At a height of over 115 feet and extending for one-third of a mile, the Canopy Walkway provides a view of the rainforest from the treetops, the best vantage point for observing Amazon wildlife and vegetation.
The Canopy Walkway is accessible to all and requires no special skills or equipment. The suspended walkway is spread between 14 of the area’s largest rainforest trees and is one of the longest canopy walkways in the world.

Map of Peru
Ceiba Tops and Explorer Napo
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Day 1: Iquitos / ExplorNapo Lodge
You are met on arrival at the airport and transfer to the Explorama dock. Journey by boat down the Amazon and up the Napo River to ExplorNapo Reserve and the rustic but comfortable accommodations at ExplorNapo Lodge. Afternoon visit to the ReNuPeRu Ethnobotanical Garden located next to ExplorNapo and tended by a local shaman. This garden is used to show visitors rainforest plants used in modern medicine as well as examples of native plant remedies which science may utilize in the future. Evening excursion by open boat along the Sucusari Stream in search of caiman and to enjoy the night sounds and stars of the Southern sky. (L, D)

Day 2: ExplorNapo Lodge
Morning hike to the Canopy Walkway, a suspended bridge spanning 500 meters (one-third of a mile) connected by tree platforms and reaching a height of over 35 meters (115 feet) above the ground. Here you encounter a “bird’s eye view” of part of the rainforest rarely seen by man but accessible without any type of climbing skill or equipment. Afternoon boating excursion along one of the many Napo tributaries spotting along the way for birds and sloth. A stop is included for a try at river fishing with cane poles or a chance to swim. (B, L, D)

  

Hamadryas Butterfly :: Mason Fischer

  

Ceiba Tops Lodge on the Amazon River - Hugh T. Spencer














   

 

Day 3: ExplorNapo Lodge / Ceiba Tops
Morning excursion to a black water oxbow lake formed when water from the Napo River became separated from the main flow of the river. These lakes are often covered with giant Victoria Regia water lilies and sometimes offer a glimpse of the elusive Hoatzin bird. Afternoon boat trip to Ceiba Tops passing the town of Francisco de Orellana, where a statue is erected to the intrepid explorer who became the first European to see the Amazon River in 1542. At Ceiba Tops air conditioning, a cool pool area and private bathrooms provide the comforts of home in the rainforest. Afternoon hike in the beautiful primary rainforest reserve surrounding the lodge which includes many huge trees festooned with epiphytes. After dinner there may be local flute or guitar music at the El Toucan Bar or the guides are always ready to relate some of the many legends of the Amazon. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Ceiba Tops
Morning boat ride, spotting for dolphins, to visit a small village of Yagua Indians where your guide will explain the local Yagua Indian culture and how it was affected by the arrival of Europeans and the passing of time. There will also be an opportunity to see some of the local crafts and for a demonstration of the blowgun which some of the Yagua elders still use for hunting. Afternoon walking excursion to the neighboring town of Indiana. Originally a Franciscan mission, Indiana has grown into a large river community with its own market, high school and small hospital. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Ceiba Tops / Iquitos
Transfer to the airport for departure. (B, L)Please Note:
Order of itinerary subject to change based on flight
arrivals and/or departures, weather and local conditions.
 
The Amazon Canopy Walkway provides a unique perspective, and sheds some light on life in the crowns of the rainforest - Hugh T. Spencer
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