Peru Tours
Brazil Tours
Argentina Tours
Chile Tours
Ecuador/Galapagos Tours
Venezuela Tours
Bolivia Tours
Costa Rica Tours
Panama Tours
Guatemala Tours
Uruguay Tours
Africa Tours
Australia Tours
New Zealand Tours
Activities in Other Countries

Phone: 800-232-5658 or
1-512-443-5393
email

Blog - Jim's Thoughts

Peru Tours and Travel

Suggested Packages / Amazon / Cusco / Lima / Lake Titicaca / Arequipa / Nazca
Trujillo & Chiclayo / Chachapoyas / Trekking / Multisport / Rafting / Biking

Explorama Amazon Lodges in Peru

The Ceiba Tops

Located 40 KM (25 Mi) downriver from Iquitos on the Amazon River, Ceiba Tops is the newest and most modern of the Lodges owned and operated by EXPLORAMA. Individual palm-thatched cottages, each with a private porch, overlook the main Amazon River. All twin-bedded screened units have lights, air-conditioning and ensuite bathroom with hot water. Garden walkways lead from each cottage to the El Toucan Bar, the Hammock House, the Patio, the Mariposa Dining room and the swimming pool, at the center of our village. Guided tours allow you to venture on treks through primary (virgin) rainforest reserves, hike to the historic Napo River, and boat trips to neighboring villages and Lake Victoria Regia. Internet access is now available.

The Explorama Lodge

The Lodge, established in 1964, 80 KM (50 Mi) down the Amazon, is deep in primary rainforest and offers two-day or longer excursions. Romantic kerosene torches and lamps illuminate palm- thatched houses containing 10-17 private sleeping rooms. Covered connecting walkways lead to the Tahuampa Bar, the Dining Room, the Sun Porch and two Hammock Houses. Showers & toilet facilities adjoin each house. A variety of treks are offered, including the Seven Bridges Trail.

Explornapo Lodge

On the Napo River, 160 KM (100 Mi) from Iquitos and in the Sucusari Nature Reserve, the lodge allows you to enjoy our privately owned Plant & Animal Reservation, as well as visiting the adjoining Amazon Canopy Walkway, the longest treetop walkway in the world. The adventure gives you the opportunity to live in an authentic Amazon river style with palm-thatched houses, kerosene lighting, open-hearth cooking, and rainforest surroundings, while still providing excellent room, shower and toilet facilities. The recommended 5 day/4 night program, including two nights at EXPLORAMA LODGE allows you the opportunity to take special rainforest treks and excursions into the surrounding primeval forest in the area named by scientists as the "Biodiversity Capital of the World".

The Canopy Walkway is an experience unequaled in the rainforest! At a height of over 35 meters (115 feet) and extending for 500 meters (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 the longest canopy walkway in the world.
Maintained by the Peruvian Foundation CONAPAC, the Canopy Walkway has extended research into an area where little is known and so much is left to be discovered. Excursions to the Canopy Walkway are included for guests staying at ExplorNapo Lodge, ExplorTambos, and the ACTS Field Station. A Full Day expedition is also available to the Canopy Walkway for guests staying at Ceiba Tops or Explorama Lodge for two or more nights.

The ReNuPeRu Ethnobotanical Garden, located adjacent to ExplorNapo, is a teaching garden for the medicinal and useful rainforest plants of the area. The garden is tended by a local shaman and his apprentices who are always interested in explaining to visitors the uses of some of the over 240 species of plants now preserved in the garden. Many of these organic remedies are used in modern medicine and many more may be utilized in the future. Neighboring primary rainforest trails make it possible to view additional valuable plants in their original habitats.

Ceiba Tops - Basic Program - 3 Days / 2 Nights

Day 01 - IQUITOS - CEIBA TOPS- Reception at the airport, brief city orientation and transfer to the Explorama dock. Twenty-five mile journey down the Amazon River to Ceiba Tops where individual cabins with electricity and private baths begin your Amazon adventure. Afternoon hike in the beautiful primary rainforest reserve surrounding Ceiba Tops including 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 forest. Lunch, Dinner

Day 02 -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. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 03 - CEIBA TOPS- IQUITOS Your choice of morning walking or boating excursion to further enjoy the rainforest and Amazon River. Afternoon transfer to Iquitos and to the airport. Breakfast, Lunch (if departure flight permits)
Due to the everchanging nature of the rainforest, day-by-day activities are subject to change due to weather, trail or river conditions.

2010 PRICE PER PERSON IN US$: 3 days/2 nights : 1-4 people = $385, 5-9 = $355, 10-14 = $335.
Single supplement $ 60.00, extra nights = $115 per person, double occupancy with $30 single supplement

Special full day excursion to canopy walkway : available for guests staying 2 or more nights at Ceiba Tops - add $150 per person, minimun of 2 people.

Explorama Lodge - 3 days / 2 nights

Day 01 - IQUITOS - EXPLORAMA LODGE - Reception at the airport, brief city orientation and transfer to the Explorama dock. Fifty mile journey down the Amazon River to Yanamono Stream where Explorama Lodge is located. Afternoon hike along the "Lake trail" through lowland rainforest which is seasonally flooded. During the high water season, this excursion is done by canoe! Night walk or canoe ride to enjoy the sounds of the rainforest and stars of the Southern sky. Lunch, Dinner

Day 02 - EXPLORAMA LODGE - Morning walk along the "Bushmaster Trail", where scientific studies by the Missouri Botanical Gardens have found the world's highest biodiversity of trees per square hectare. Your guide will point out many plants used in medicine today and many that we may use in the future. Afternoon canoe trip along the Amazon in search of either of the two species of freshwater dolphin found in the river and a chance for an afternoon swim. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 03 - EXPLORAMA LODGE - IQUITOS Morning walk along a local Amazon River trail with stops along the way to visit the local "ribereños" or river people, visit a river school, see the local sugar cane rum factory and visit our resident American medical doctor in her clinic sponsored by the Rotary Club. Transfer back to Iquitos for your departure flight to Lima. Breakfast, Lunch (if departure flight permits)
Due to the everchanging nature of the rainforest, day-by-day activities are subject to change due to weather, trail or river conditions.

2010 PRICE PER PERSON IN US$:3 days/2 nights Explorama Lodge : 1-4 = $365, 5-9 = $325, 10-14 = $315. .
Single Room supplement $ 50.00, extra nights = $100 per person, double occupancy with $25 single supplement

Special full day excursion to canopy walkway : available for guests staying 2 or more nights at Ceiba Tops - add $150 per person, minimum of 2 people.

Canopy Walkway Weekend Special

Day 1 - Iquitos - Ceiba Tops - ExplorNapo Lodge
Reception at the airport or hotel and transfer to the Explorama dock. Twenty-five mile journey down the Amazon River to Ceiba Tops where your Amazon adventure begins. Afternoon transfer by boat on the Amazon and Napo Rivers to the ExplorNapo Rainforest Reserve and ExplorNapo Lodge. Afternoon hike through primary, terra firme, non-flooding rainforest including a visit to the ReNuPeRu Medicinal Plant Garden adjoining the lodge. 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.
Lunch, Dinner Overnight ExplorNapo Lodge

Day 2 - ExplorNapo Lodge
Early morning birding excursion. Morning hike to the Canopy Walkway, a suspended bridge spanning over 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 there is time to observe a 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 Napo tributaries spotting for sloth, birding and having a try at fishing for piranha.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight ExplorNapo Lodge

Day 3 - ExplorNapo Lodge - Iquitos
Early morning birding by boat or foot. Morning excursion to visit some of the local river people called "ribereños" whose houses and schools are seen along the river. They will be pleased to show you their simple way of life dominated by the movements of the mighty rivers that surround them. Early lunch and start on your return to civilization by boat on the Amazon and Napo Rivers back to Iquitos. Transfer to the airport or hotel. Breakfast, Lunch

Due to the everchanging nature of the rainforest, day-by-day activities are subject to change due to weather, trail or river conditions. Bring rain gear and sunscreen as for all Explorama Rainforest programs.

Rates: 2010: US$480.00 each. Single Supplement US$50.00
"Weekend Special": programs only depart on Friday and Saturday.

*Luggage Restriction on "Weekend Special": one (1) small-medium sized bag per person.

Ceiba Tops Canopy Walkway Special

DAY 01 - IQUITOS - CEIBA TOPS
Reception at the airport or hotel, brief city orientation and transfer to the Explorama dock. Twenty-five mile journey down the Amazon River to Ceiba Tops where private rooms with air conditioning provide Amazon adventure in luxury. Afternoon hike in the beautiful primary rainforest reserve surrounding Ceiba Tops that includes many huge trees festooned with epiphytes. After dinner enjoy local flute or guitar music at the "El Tucan" Bar or the guides are always ready to relate some of the many legends of the Amazon forest.
Lunch, Dinner Overnight Ceiba Tops

DAY 02 - CEIBA TOPS
Early morning birding excursion. Morning boat ride to visit a small village of Yagua Indians where your guide will explain their culture and how it has been affected by the passing of time. There will be an opportunity to trade for or purchase some of their local crafts and for a demonstration of the use of the blowgun which some of the Yagua elders still use for hunting. Afternoon boating excursion in search of sloth, found in Cecropia trees at the water’s edge, and the two species of freshwater river dolphin, pink and grey, found in Amazonian waters. Weather permitting; enjoy a beautiful Amazonian sunset on the river.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight Ceiba Tops

DAY 03 - CEIBA TOPS / CANOPY WALKWAY / CEIBA TOPS
Early morning departure from Ceiba Tops by boat to the narrow motorcar crossing connecting the Amazon and Napo Rivers to continue by boat to ExplorNapo Lodge for breakfast. Hike to the spectacular Canopy Walkway spanning over 500 meters (one-third of a mile), connected by tree platforms, and reaching a height of over 35 meters (115 feet) but accessible without any type of climbing skill or equipment. After lunch, visit the "ReNuPeRu" Ethnobotanical Garden where over 240 medicinal plants are cultivated by a local shaman who will explain the nature of Amazonian natural healing and the uses of some of the plants. Return to Ceiba Tops in time to enjoy the pool or hammocks before dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight Ceiba Tops

DAY 04 - CEIBA TOPS - IQUITOS
Boating or walking excursion to further enjoy the rainforest surrounding Ceiba Tops, or if you prefer, time to relax at the hammock house or enjoy the pool and lodge gardens. Afternoon journey back to Iquitos and on to the airport or a local hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch (if departure flight permits)

Due to the everchanging nature of the rainforest, day-by-day activities may vary due to weather, trail or river conditions.

Price 2010: US$600.00 per person (Minimum 02 people for this program) Single supplement: US$90.00
5 day package: US$695.00 per person (Minimum 02 people for this program) Single supplement: US$120.00

(itinerary for extra day on 5 day package= Early morning birding excursion. After breakfast board boats to continue down the Amazon River to the rustic Explorama Lodge and hike the "Bushmaster Trail" where scientific studies by the Missouri Botanical Gardens have found the world's highest biodiversity of trees per square hectare. Continue on to visit a small village of Yagua Indians where your guide will explain their culture and how it has been affected by the passing of time. There will be an opportunity to trade for or purchase some of their local crafts and for a demonstration of the use of the blowgun which some of the Yagua elders still use for hunting. After lunch walk along a local Amazon River trail stopping at a "ribereños" house, corner store and sugar cane rum factory. Return by boat to Ceiba Tops.)

The "Ceiba Tops & Canopy Walkway" Special begins any day of the week.

Similar 4 and 5 day "Explorama Lodge and Canopy Walkway" Special available for $30 less per person double occupancy

EXPLORNAPO LODGE - 5 Days / 4 Nights

Day 01 - IQUITOS - EXPLORAMA LODGE - Reception at the airport and transfer to the Explorama dock with a brief city tour on the way. Fifty mile journey down the Amazon to Explorama Lodge in large aluminum speed launches. Afternoon hike along the "Lake Trail" through lowland rainforest which is seasonally flooded. During the high water season, this excursion is done by canoe! After dinner, there is a chance to visit the Lodge's "Bar Tahuampa" where local musicians play guitar and flute music or guides will also be pleased to have you invite them to relate some of the local legends. Lunch, Dinner

Day 02 - EXPLORAMA LODGE - EXPLORNAPO LODGE - After breakfast, a boat ride down the Amazon and up the Napo River to the 250,000 acre Amazon Rainforest Reserve and Explornapo Lodge. Afternoon visit to the ReNuPeRu Ethnobotanical Garden located next to Explornapo Camp 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 canoe along the Sucusari Stream in search of caiman and to enjoy the night sounds and stars of the Southern sky. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 03 - EXPLORNAPO LODGE - Morning hike to the Canopy Walkway, a suspended bridge spanning 500 meters, connected by tree platforms and reaching a height of over 115 feet above the ground. Here you observe 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. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 04 - EXPLORNAPO LODGE - EXPLORAMA LODGE 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 back to Explorama Lodge 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. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 05 - EXPLORAMA LODGE - IQUITOS - Morning walk along a local river trail to visit a local Yagua Indian Village where you may purchase or trade for local crafts, see the local sugar cane rum factory and visit our resident American medical doctor in her Rotary Club sponsored river clinic. Afternoon river transfer to Iquitos and transfer to the airport for yur departure flight. Breakfast, Lunch (if departure flight permits)
Due to the everchanging nature of the rainforest, day-by-day activities are subject to change due to weather, trail or river conditions.

2010 PRICE:5 days/4 nights Explorama Lodge/ExplorNapo Lodge : 1-4 people = $950 each, 5-9 = $855 each. Single Room supplement: $ 100.00, extra nights = $98 per person double occupancy with $25 single supplement .

One Week Program

Day 1- IQUITOS - EXPLORAMA LODGE - Reception at your hotel and transfer to the Explorama dock. Fifty mile journey down the Amazon River to Explorama Lodge. Afternoon hike along the "Lake Trail" through lowland rainforest which is seasonally flooded. This trail is traversed by canoe during high water months! Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2- EXPLORAMA LODGE - Morning hike along the "Bushmaster Trail". Scientific studies by the Missouri Botanical Gardens have found the highest biodiversity of trees per square hectare in the world along this trail. Your guide will point out many examples of native plants used as remedies by local people. Afternoon canoe trip along the Amazon in search of either of the two species of freshwater dolphin found in the river. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3- EXPLORAMA LODGE - EXPLORNAPO LODGE - After breakfast, a boat ride down the Amazon and up the Napo River to the 250,000 acre Amazon Rainforest Reserve and ExplorNapo Camp. Afternoon hike through primary, terra firme rainforest. Evening excursion by open canoe along the Sucusari Stream in search of caiman and to enjoy the night sounds and stars of the Southern sky. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4- EXPLORNAPO LODGE- Morning hike to the Canopy Walkway, a suspended bridge spanning 500 meters, connected by tree platforms and reaching a height of over 115 feet above the forest floor. Here there is time to observe a part of the rainforest rarely seen by man but accessible without any type of climbing skill or equipment. Afternoon 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 can offer a view of the elusive Hoatzin bird. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5- EXPLORNAPO CAMP - CEIBA TOPS - Morning canoeing excursion along one of the Napo tributaries spotting for sloth, birding and fishing for piranha. Also a chance to visit some of the local river people called "ribereños" whose houses are seen along the river. Afternoon boat trip back to Ceiba Tops where individual cabins with electricity and private baths begin your return to "civilization". On the return trip you will pass the town of Francisco de Orellana, where a statue is erected to the intrepid explorer who in 1542 at the mouth of the Napo River became the first European to see the Amazon River. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6- CEIBA TOPS - Morning visit to the neighboring Yagua Indian Community, an explanation of their native culture, blow gun demonstration and trading. Afternoon hike in the beautiful primary rainforest reserve surrounding Explorama Inn where many huge trees are covered in epiphytes. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7- CEIBA TOPS - IQUITOS - Your choice of canoe ride or hike for the morning or a chance to relax in a hammock and enjoy the sounds of the surrounding rainforest. Transfer to Iquitos by boat and bus to the airport for your departure to Lima or Miami. Breakfast, Lunch (if departure flight permits)

Due to the everchanging nature of the rainforest, day-by-day activities are subject to change due to weather, trail or river conditions.

2010 PRICE: One week Combination Program : US$995 per person. Single Room supplement: $ 160.00

Birdwatching Special

During 2007 & 2008 Explorama Lodges is sponsoring weekly Amazon Rainforest Birdwatching Holidays. These holidays are led by native Amazonian Naturalist Guides and feature Birdwatching from the Spectacular Amazon Canopy Walkway, the longest walkway of its type in the world. Other habitats that will be visited range from the Amazon River edge to interior black water lakes and from pastures and small open fields to environments deep within the Primary Rainforest. Each program begins upon arrival in Iquitos on any Saturday, on any airline flight, all year long!

Day 01 – Saturday Upon arrival in Iquitos, you will be met and transferred to the Hotel Dorado Plaza, a 5 star hotel in the very center of Iquitos. For early arrivals there will be time to walk to the banks of the Amazon to see your first Amazonian birds. In addition to the ubiquitous Greater Kiskadee and Black Vultures you are likely to see several of the more common seed finches. In the evening both the Plaza de Armas and the "Boulevard" are great places to watch people strolling along and imagine yourself as a great rubber baron. Lunch, Dinner (if arrival flight permits) Overnight Hotel Dorado Plaza

Day 02 – Sunday After breakfast a short bus ride takes you to the Explorama boat docks. A voyage down the Amazon (80 KM/50 mi/1½ hrs) takes you to Explorama Lodge where you will have your first exposure to Amazonian forest birds as you search the camp grounds for the Black-fronted Nunbird and the Thrush-like Wren. Near the stream where the "La Tahuampa" Bar is located you will likely see habituated Sun Bittern. Scarlet and Blue and Gold Macaws, some of which have been coming to the feeding station near the dining room for the Lodge's 40 year existence, will provide some spectacular shots as they fly screaming along the Yanamono and Yanacaño Streams which pass through the Lodge grounds. After lunch you will hike along the "Lake Trail" looking for varzea (flood plain) specialists like the Silvered Antbird and Pale-legged Hornero.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight Explorama Lodge

Day 03 – Monday Before sunrise, take an early morning walk on the Bushmaster Trail in terra firma forest where the highest diversity of tree species of any location in the world has been discovered. With luck, a mixed flock of birds feeding over an army ant column will be found. At times these flocks have over 40 species of birds. After breakfast, you will return to the Bushmaster to hopefully observe Golden-headed and Bearded Manakins on their display leks. During the afternoon, there will be an open boat trip on the Amazon looking for river edge species like the Black-collared Hawk, Capped Heron and three species of Kingfishers. We will also search for both pink and gray freshwater river dolphins commonly found where tributaries of the river meet.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight Explorama Lodge

Day 04 – Tuesday After breakfast, you will board an Explorama boat for a trip on the Amazon and Napo Rivers (80 KM/50 mi/1½ hrs) to ExplorNapo Lodge. The trails in the 250,000-acre reserve surrounding ExplorNapo are innumerable and offer an opportunity for birdwatching in almost every rainforest habitat. This is the best location in the world to see rarities like Nocturnal Currasow and the Black-necked Red Cotinga. This evening you will enjoy an open boat ride in search of caiman and frogs while listening to the night sounds and, if it is a clear night, viewing the overwhelming number of stars of the Southern sky.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight ExplorNapo Lodge

Day 05 – Wednesday Early morning birding. Morning excursion in open boat and hiking 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 boating excursion along one of the Napo tributaries spotting for sloth, birding and having a try at fishing for piranha.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight ExplorNapo Lodge

Day 06 – Thursday Early morning birding walk. Morning hike to Amazon Conservatory Field Station, and 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 there is time to observe a part of the rainforest rarely seen by man. Afternoon excursion along the Medicinal and Useful Plants Trail where your guide will explain the uses of many of the rainforest plants. In the late afternoon you will be up at canopy level when the birds return to roost and to watch the sunset from the treetops. After dark there is the opportunity to rediscover the canopy dwellers at night.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight ACTS Field Station

Day 07 – Friday
Departure to the Canopy Walkway in time to welcome the day from high in the treetops, an unforgettable natural history experience, as mixed species flocks form and their morning chorus begins. Motmots, woodcreepers, antbirds, flycatchers, barbets, toucans and even Red-Throated Caracara add to the cacophony. After breakfast you hike out to the Sucusari Stream and board the boat to Ceiba Tops (120 KM/75 miles/2¼ hrs) where private air conditioned rooms and hot water showers gently ease your way back to civilization. At Ceiba Tops you may see a Great Potoo on the short walk between the boat dock and the main Ceiba Tops building. After lunch, you will visit islands that were formed at different times by the meandering Amazon River forming unique habitats where some species of birds spend their entire lives. Returning to Ceiba Tops you will travel close to the shore where both gray and pink dolphins are often seen, and, with luck, there will be a colorful sunset on the Amazon River.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight Ceiba Tops

Day 08 – Saturday Early morning birdwatching on a short walk to the huge Ceiba Tree for which the lodge is named. Many organisms spend their entire lives in this single rainforest giant. Depending on your departure flight from Iquitos, there may be time for an open boat ride on the channels of the Amazon in front of Ceiba Tops before lunch. Whatever your departure flight, a boat ride will return you to Iquitos (40 KM/25 mi/3/4 hrs) and then by bus you'll be at the airport in time for your departure flight to Lima.
Breakfast, Lunch (if departure flight permits)

Due to the everchanging nature of the rainforest, day-by-day activities may vary due to local conditions.

Rates 2010: US$1,500 per person, single supplement $215.
The Birdwatching Holiday program starts any Saturday.