Iquitos/Amazon (5D)
This Iquitos Amazon tour is exploration of the Amazon River, the world’s greatest river and its fascinating tributaries. The Explorama Cieba Tops jungle lodge is an ideal place to explore this mighty wonder of nature. The Explorama Cieba Tops tour program is a unique immersion into the Amazon rainforest environment and the plants and animals that live below the forest canopy and those that live above it, via an exciting 115 foot high Canopy Walkway.
CLIMATE & SEASONS:
A unique feature of the Amazon rainforest surrounding Iquitos is its lack of a specific rainy or dry season. There is a “High Water” period from December through May which is caused by the melting of snow as the Andean summer begins and from the rainy season in the upper jungle. The “Low Water” period begins in June and ends with the rising waters in November. While the water level can fluctuate more then 45 feet, the warm and humid climate remains relatively constant throughout the year, giving this area its botanical category of “Ever-wet Tropical Forest”. Normal daytime highs are 88° F and nighttime lows are 72°F.
Itinerary
Iquitos/Amazon (5 Day)
DAY 1: LIMA - IQUITOS - CEIBA TOPS LODGE
Reception at the airport or hotel, brief city orientation and transfer to the dock. Twenty-five mile journey down the Amazon River to Lodge where private rooms with air conditioning provide Amazon adventure in luxury. Afternoon hike in the beautiful primary rainforest reserve surrounding the Lodge that includes many huge trees festooned with epiphytes. Later, take a dip in the pool. 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. Overnight Lodge. (B,L,D)
DAY 2: CEIBA TOPS LODGE (Yagua Indian Community)
Early morning birding excursion. Morning boat ride, spotting for gray and pink Amazon River dolphins, to visit a small village of Yagua Indians where your guide will explain their culture. There will be an opportunity to see some of the local crafts and for a demonstration of the use of the blowgun which some of the Yagua elders still use for hunting. Afternoon excursion to the neighboring town of Indiana, originally a small Franciscan mission, it is now a large river community with its own market, high school and small hospital. Weather permitting, enjoy a beautiful Amazonian sunset on the river. Overnight Lodge. (B,L,D)
DAY 3: CEIBA TOPS LODGE (MONKEY ISLAND)
Early morning birding. Morning boat excursion to “Monkey Island”, a private reserve where more than five species of tropical primates including small tamarins, saki, titi and large woolly monkeys are protected. 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. Overnight Lodge. (B,L,D)
DAY 4: CEIBA TOPS LODGE (CANOPY WALKWAY)
Early morning departure from the lodge 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 The Lodge in time to enjoy the pool or hammocks before dinner. (B,L,D)
DAY 5: CEIBA TOPS LODGE - IQUITOS - LIMA
Boating or walking excursion to further enjoy the rainforest surrounding the lodge, or time to relax at the hammock house or enjoy the pool and lodge gardens. Afternoon journey back to Iquitos and on to the airport for return flight. (End of Services). (Lunch can be taken at lodge if departure flight allows) (B,L)
Key: (B)reakfast, (L)unch, (D)inner
Pricing and Details
PRICING
TRIP COST: (per person)
$655 Explorama Ceiba Tops (5 Days - 2 passengers)
$570 Explorama Ceiba Tops (4 Days - 2 passengers / omits "Monkey Island" excursion)
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Price includes: Bilingual english guide, airport/river transfer to/from Lodge, all meals (as noted).
Not included: Internal airfare (will be quoted with trip proposal), personal expenses (tips and gratuities, alcoholic beverages, medical or travel insurance, laundry, airport taxes, etc.).
Single Supplement (hotel/lodges): Trip cost is based on twin shared hotel accommodations, a single supplement charge is assessed for those traveling alone or preferring single hotel/cabin accommodations.
