Explorama Lodges
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Explorama is a network of lodges near Iquitos, ranging from luxurious to rustic, including the Amazon Conservatory of Tropical Studies (ACTS) and it's canopy walkway. 2-8 day itineraries using 1 or more lodges.
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The Ceiba Tops Lodge |
The Explorama Lodge |
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CEIBA TOPS, the newest of Explorama’s lodges, opened in 2000, is located on the banks of the Amazon River just 40 km (25 mi) from Iquitos. Ceiba Tops offers the comforts of home, air conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, in the most luxurious of Amazonian Rainforest settings. At Ceiba Tops, elaborate gardens, a swimming pool, water slide, hammock house and the Esmeralda lounge all complement the surrounding exotic environment and you can even stay in touch with your home via free WiFi Internet. Ceiba Tops is perfect for stays of one or more nights. For families, connecting rooms are available or you can upgrade your Amazonian Adventure by choosing the Presidential, Ministerial or Junior Suite. A special Full Day excursion to the Canopy Walkway is available for Ceiba Tops guests staying 2 or more nights. Explore the myths, mysteries and magic of the world’s most exotic jungle, and then step from the tropics into the air-conditioned comforts of Ceiba Tops.
This luxury lodge now has courtesy WiFi Internet service in all public areas, so you can send your e-mail while swinging in a hammock or in a lounge chair by the pool on your own laptop. Public telephone and internet service are also available in our public booth at normal hotel rates. At Ceiba Tops they are converting the rooms that are closest to the river into a large open air terrace attached to a game room with billiards and ping pong, etc. and also a small gym with exercise bikes and walking machines, all with great views of the river on one side and the rain forest on the other side. 
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. 2023 PRICE PER PERSON IN US$: 3 days/2 nights : 1-4 people = $627. Single supplement $ 60.00 Ceiba Tops Monday Special
- 3 Days / 2 Nights Day 1 - Monday / 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 rooms with air conditioning 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 forest. Lunch, Dinner Overnight Ceiba Tops Day 2 - Ceiba Tops Morning boat ride, spotting for dolphins, to visit a small village of Yagua Indians where your guide will explain the 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 stopping along the way to see the immense Ceiba tree for which the lodge is named. Originally a Franciscan mission, Indiana has grown into a large river community with its own market, high school and small hospital. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight Ceiba Tops Day 3 - 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 may vary due to local conditions.* 2023 RATES Per Person in US$: $480.00 per Person. Single room supplement US$ 60.00 IMPORTANT: Additional night at Ceiba Tops can be added after the “Monday Special” program for $150 per person per night. Single supplement $30 per single per night. 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 2023: US$880.00 per person (Minimum 02 people for this program) Single supplement: US$120.00 extra nights can be added. The "Ceiba Tops & Canopy Walkway" Special begins any day of the week. 5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS CEIBA TOPS WITH CANOPY WALKWAY & LODGE EXCURSIONS
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 private rooms with air conditioning provide Amazon adventure in comfort. Afternoon hike in the beautiful primary rainforest reserve surrounding Ceiba Tops that includes many huge trees festooned with epiphytes. After dinner your guide will take you on a short walk to a small lake where caiman can be spotted at night and you can find some of the insects and frogs that produce a cacophony of sounds after dark. ………………Lunch, Dinner Overnight Ceiba Tops DAY 02 - CEIBA TOPS / EXPLORAMA LODGE / CEIBA TOPS 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. You will also visit a Yagua “cocamera” or communal building and your guide will explain the Yagua 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 visit a clinic run by an American doctor for local residents and if it is a week day, a library for rural schools. You will also stop at a river home near the lodge where the owner has a “corner store” and sugar cane rum and molasses factory where horses are used to turn a sugar cane press. Return by boat to Ceiba Tops. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight Ceiba Tops DAY 03 - CEIBA TOPS Early morning birding. Morning boating excursion to “Neiser’s Reserve”, an open air rainforest animal sanctuary for different types of rainforest dwellers like coatis, anaconda, sloth, parrots, monkeys and toucan. Afternoon boating excursion along the Amazon in search of either of the two species of freshwater dolphin, pink and gray, found in the river. There will also be an opportunity for fishing to see the some of the incredible diversity of fish found in the Amazon River where more species exist than in the entire Atlantic Ocean. You will use a simple pole and line for catching piranhas as well as learning how to throw a cast net. Those who catch fish will be able to try them for dinner! Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight Ceiba Tops DAY 04 - CEIBA TOPS / CANOPY WALKWAY / CEIBA TOPS Today’s full day adventure departs Ceiba Tops by speedboat at 6am. You will travel down the Amazon and up the Napo River to the small Sucusari Stream which leads to the ExplorNapo Rainforest Reserve and ExplorNapo Lodge. After breakfast, there will be a short 45 minute hike in pristine forest 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, an adventure for all ages. After lunch at ExplorNapo you will visit the ReNuPeRu Ethnobotanical Garden where over 240 species of medicinal and useful plants are tended by a shaman and his assistants. Your guide will translate while the shaman explains many of the local uses of these plants and the spiritual healing that is practiced together with the medicines derived from the plants. Return to Ceiba Tops in time to enjoy the pool or hammocks before dinner. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight Ceiba Tops DAY 05 - CEIBA TOPS - IQUITOS In the morning, you will go by boat to the town of Indiana. Originally a Franciscan mission, Indiana is now the political capital of this area of the Amazon. From Indiana you will take motorized moto-rickshaws to cross a paved land bridge connecting the Amazon and Napo Rivers to the market & trading town of Mazan, capital of this region on the Napo River. Mazan is especially interesting at this time of day as the early morning market has a variety of products and produce that come from the surrounding forest villages. From Mazan you will return to Indiana, look for interesting topiary as you get close to town, and then travel by boat back to Ceiba Tops. Afternoon journey back to Iquitos and on to the airport. Breakfast, Lunch (if departure flight allows) Due to the everchanging nature of the rainforest, day-by-day activities may vary in order, due to weather, trail or river conditions. 2023 Price per person double occupancy in US$: 1019. Single supplement = $120 They have kayaks at all three of the lodges now. Guests are welcome to take them out to paddle in the vicinity of Explorama Lodge or ExplorNapo on their own. They ask that guests stay on the main tributary at each of the lodges and of course everyone has to use a life vest. Since Ceiba Tops is located directly on the Amazon River, the current is too strong to paddle, so we take the kayaks by open boat to a nearby black water tributary and kayak there. A great kayak trip is between the ACTS Field Station and ExplorNapo. The limiting figure is water level on the stream. Right now it's impossible to kayak there as the water level is low on the Napo River but from approx. March or April to July you can always kayak from ACTS to ExplorNapo. It takes less than an hour at a steady pace downstream but longer if you stop along the way. It's an easy kayak trip, all downstream. |
Originally built in 1964 and located in an extensive Primary Rainforest Reserve 80 km/50 mi down the Amazon River from Iquitos, Explorama Lodge has undergone a facelift for its 45th anniversary. The 55 typical palm-thatched jungle lodge rooms now have private bathroom facilities! But don't worry, the Lodge has maintained its romantic atmosphere with kerosene lamps and torches for lighting, mosquito-netted beds, including accommodations for couples, and covered walkways to the Tahuampa Bar and Hammock House where you can relax surrounded by a myriad of rainforest sounds. Explorama Lodge offers a variety of adventures including the Seven Bridges Trail walk and a special Full Day excursion to the Canopy Walkway.
Explornapo LodgeOn the Napo River, 160 km (100 mi) from Iquitos, 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. Shower and toilet facilities adjoin each house. The recommended 5 day/4 night program, including two nights at Explorama Lodge, provides the opportunity to take special rainforest treks and excursions into the surrounding primeval forest in an area named by scientists as the “Biodiversity Capital of the World”. You can even stay in touch with your home via FREE WIFI Internet.
Opened in 1993, ACTS (Amazon Conservatory of Tropical Studies) provides a research station for scientists in the rainforest and an opportunity for layman to share in their discovery. The large, thatched buildings are identical in construction to those found at ExplorNapo 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 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.
At ExplorNapo, student style rooms near the river have been taken down and they are replacing them with individual cabins with private bathrooms, solar energy, hot water and a deck with a great view of the Sucusari Stream. 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. 2023 PRICE PER PERSON IN US$:3 days/2 nights Explorama Lodge : 1-4 = $566 Single Room supplement $ 50.00, extra nights = $130 per person, double occupancy with $25 single supplement Explorama + Canopy Walkway - 4 days/3 nights
3 day Explorama program + a day to visit the canopy walkway 2023 PRICE PER PERSON IN US$:4 days/3 nights Explorama Lodge : 2-4 people = $803, minimum of 2 people. Single supplement = $75 7 Day Combination Program
Day 1 - Iquitos - Explorama Lodge Reception at your hotel or airport 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. This trail is traversed by open boat during high water months! Lunch, Dinner --------------------- Overnight Explorama Lodge Day 2 - Explorama Lodge Morning hike along the "Bushmaster Trail" where scientific studies by the Missouri Botanical Gardens have found one of the world's highest biodiversity of trees per square hectare. 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 -----------Overnight Explorama Lodge Day 3 - Explorama Lodge - ExplorNapo Lodge After breakfast, a boat ride down the Amazon and up the Napo River to the ExplorNapo Reserve and ExplorNapo Lodge. Afternoon hike through primary, terra firme rainforest. 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. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ---------- Overnight ExplorNapo Lodge Day 4 - 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 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 ----------Overnight ExplorNapo Lodge Day 5 - ExplorNapo Lodge - Ceiba Tops Morning boating 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 private rooms with electricity and air conditioning 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 -------- Overnight Ceiba Tops Day 6 - Ceiba Tops Morning visit to the neighboring Yagua Indian Community, an explanation of their native culture, blow gun demonstration and a chance to purchase or trade for their crafts. Afternoon hike in the beautiful primary rainforest reserve surrounding Ceiba Tops where many huge trees are festooned in epiphytes. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ------------- Overnight Ceiba Tops Day 7 - Ceiba Tops - Iquitos Your choice of open boat 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. Breakfast, Lunch (if departure flight permits) *Due to the everchanging nature of the rainforest, day-by-day activities may vary due to local conditions* Price 2023: US$1518.00 per person (Minimum 02 people for this program) Single supplement: US$160.00 
Ceiba Tops was fantastic! The food was good, accommodations very comfortable and the staff was very helpful. We were able to fish for piranhas, visit local villages and schools, and walk on the canopy walkway. They were flexible enough yet had things planned for us as well. We loved it. I would highly recommend Ceiba Tops to others who want the Amazon experience. We talked to some who were staying at the Explorama Inn and it was a little too rustic for them. They were envious of our 24 hour electricity and lovely swimming pool at Ceiba Tops! Thanks for all your help to make it possible. We might contact you in the future because I noticed you arranged trips to Galapagos as well and that's on our "bucket list". - Diane "We had a great trip. The weather was good most of the time. We enjoyed the lodge -particularly the pool. The food was very good and the guides were great. Overall it was a terrific trip." Joel Explorama Programs include the following:
* All accommodations and meals in Explorama's rainforest lodges, * Self-service potable water at all lodges, * Privately owned transport over land and water, * Airport arrival and departure transfers. Arrival after 4pm requires the first night in Iquitos with transfer to Explorama's lodges the following morning. (We can take care of Iquitos hotel reservations.) * Local bilingual naturalist guides who accompany each guest throughout their program, * Personalized variations in length of stay and itinerary to suit individual interests, * Entrance fee to the Canopy Walkway on ExplorNapo & ACTS . * Bar service, laundry, airport tax and airline tickets are NOT included in the tariff. Payment Information:
* Full payment is required 35 days prior to arrival date. * Prices are subject to change without notice. * Cancellations received in writing up to 30 days before arrival will not be charged. Cancellations received in writing from 29-07 days prior to arrival will be charged a US$100.00 cancellation fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations made 06 days or less before arrival nor for cancellations not received in writing. Discounts: * Children under 2 years & under: free of charge * Children 3-11 years: 30% discount on all programs Transfers to and from lodges:
Boat transfers to the lodges depart Explorama's dock daily at 1:30pm, connecting from mid-day flight arrivals to Iquitos on flights such as Lan Peru, La 2380. Please plan your arrival to Iquitos at least 1 hour earlier to meet this departure. Earlier or later boat transfers to Ceiba Tops can be arranged for a fuel surcharge of US$50.00 per confirmed reservation (not US$50 per person). Boat transfers to other Explorama Lodges cannot be made after 1:30pm. Boat transfers from our lodges to Explorama's dock in Iquitos arrive daily at 3:00pm. Please plan your departure flight no earlier than 5pm. Earlier or later boat transfers from Ceiba Tops can be arranged at a fuel surcharge of US$50.00 per confirmed reservation (not per person). If you stay in a hotel prior to departing to Explorama's lodges, plan on departing Iquitos at 1:30pm. If you would like to plan an earlier departure from Iquitos, let us know. A US$50.00 surcharge will apply (per reservation, not per person). |
