Peruvian Amazon
Peru's Amazon Basin grants the adventurous traveler access to the magnificent
lowland rainforests of South America and some of the most exceptional wildlife
viewing opportunities on the planet. Choose from several different lodges, each
offering a unique and unforgettable glimpse into this amazing tropical
ecosystem. The Heath River Wildlife Center is the best-located lodge in the world's largest
pristine rainforest. Within easy reach are an excellent macaw clay lick, Capybaras, oxbow lakes with Giant Otters, 480 bird species, and 6 monkey species. Furthermore, it features a healthy population of Tapirs and Jaguars. At the clay lick, visitors have seen up to 260 macaws there at one time, making it one of the best of the world's known licks. A four-hour boat ride
upriver from Iquitos lies Tahuayo Lodge and the Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo Reserve, home
to a multitude of species including pygmy marmosets, pink dolphins, leaf-cutter
ants and multi-colored orchids. The Tambopata Reserve is one of the
best places in the Amazon where one can encounter peccary, macaws and
jaguar. At the Tambopata Research Center, we’ll take walks with
beautiful views of the Tambopata River winding its way down from the Andes. All
of the lodge options offer comfortable cabin-style accommodations and naturalist
guides intimately familiar with local flora and fauna.
REI Adventures shares non-exclusive departures at each lodge. REI
Adventures and our Peruvian partners cannot assume responsibility for any
problems arising from airlines, such as delays or lost luggage.
HEATH RIVER WILDLIFE CENTER - Sample 3-night Itinerary:
Day 1 Journey deep into the Tambopata-Madidi reserve area and experience two different ecosystems of rainforest and lowland savannah.
Day 2 Witness an amazing gathering of brightly-colored macaws and parrots at a clay lick today.
Day 3 Take an excursion to the savannah and spot a nesting site frequented by Red-bellied and Blue and yellow macaws.
Day 4 Return to Puerto Maldonado via the Heath River.
2013/2014 Prices $930 - $1,109
SANDOVAL LAKE LODGE - Sample 2-night Itinerary:
Day 1 Travel to the Tambopata National Reserve and check into the lodge overlooking Sandoval Lake.
Day 2 The beautiful and wildlife-rich Sandoval Lake provides ample opportunities for viewing giant otters, monkeys and macaws.
Day 3 Return to Puerto Maldonado by river boat.
2013/2014 Prices $275 - $532
TAHUAYO LODGE - Sample 4-night Itinerary:
Day 1 Arrive in Iquitos and travel up the mighty Amazon River.
Day 2 Customize your own itinerary with several guided options like birding or visiting a native community.
Day 3 From the lodge, explore a great variety of ecosystems downriver.
Day 4 Spend another day exploring by land or canoe.
Day 5 Travel by river back to Iquitos today.
2013/2014 Prices $995 - $1,295
TAMBOPATA RESEARCH CENTER - Sample 4-night Itinerary:
Day 1 Arrive in Puerto Maldonado and travel by river to our first night's lodging.
Day 2 Continue your journey to the Tambopata Research Center where wildlife is plenty.
Day 3 Observe several species of Macaws, monkeys and birds during your daily outings.
Day 4 Check off your birding list with more opportunities to view amazing Amazon wildlife.
Day 5 Return, by boat, to Puerto Maldonado today.
2013/2014 Prices $845 - $1065
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.
Rates for single travelers vary based on lodge.
Bungalow accommodations with private or shared bath; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; motor-canoe transfers to the lodge; local English-speaking naturalist guides; daily excursions.
International airfare to Peru; alcoholic beverages or soft drinks; guide gratuities; excess baggage charges or insurance of any kind.
REI Adventures standard cancellation policy does not apply to the Amazon Lodges. A special cancellation policy applies which is stricter than the REI policy. A deposit of $400 per person is required for confirmation. $200 of the deposit is nonrefundable from confirmation. Within 90 days, REI Adventures' standard policy applies.
This trip is rated Easy Active [2] and contains a variety of activities ranging from easy day walks to moderate hikes in a warm, tropical climate, canoeing (Tahuayo Lodge only) and swimming. Participants should be in good physical condition and consider beginning a regular exercise regimen 1-2 months prior to departure consisting of walking/hiking, running and/or swimming to prepare for this adventure. The better shape you're in, the more you'll be able to take advantage of the lodges' nature trails and optional activities.
The average temperature in the Amazon Basin is 82°F, with daily highs reaching the low 90s and nightly lows in the upper 60s. During the dry season (May-October), cold fronts from the South Atlantic (freajes) occur once every month or so, causing daily temperatures to drop into the mid to high 50s. As we are in the tropics, rainfall in the lowlands can occur during any month of the year, however, most of the prolonged rainy weather patterns arise during the wet season from November-April.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Peruvian Amazon
The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To obtain maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you choose your clothing and gear for this trip. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.
Weather
The average temperature in the Amazon Basin is 82°F, with daily highs reaching the low 90s and nightly lows in the upper 60s. During the dry season (May-October), cold fronts from the South Atlantic (freajes) occur once every month or so, causing daily temperatures to drop into the mid to high 50s. As we are in the tropics, rainfall in the lowlands can occur during any month of the year, however, most of the prolonged rainy weather patterns arise during the wet season from November-April.
Gear Checklist
- Valid passport
- Airline tickets
- Lightweight, easily washable items for evening wear or when traveling
- Duffel bag (wheels and retractable handle are fine), sturdy and large enough to hold clothing and gear
- Passport security pouch or belt
- Daypack to carry raingear, camera, water and snacks
- Luggage tags and luggage locks
- T-shirts, synthetic
- Lightweight, long-sleeve shirt(s) for sun/insect protection
- Hiking shorts, synthetic, quick-drying
- Hiking pants, synthetic, quick-drying
- Hiking socks and liners
- Swimsuit
- Sun hat
- Bandanas
- Rain jacket (or poncho), waterproof and breathable
- Lightweight windbreaker
- Lightweight hiking boots or trail shoes, broken-in
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
- Water sandals or booties
- Two one-quart water bottles or hydration pack
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sunblock and lip balm
- Insect repellent with Deet
- Small binoculars (a must have)
- Handi-wipes
- Toiletry kit
- Hand sanitizer gel
- Watch with alarm or travel clock
- Headlamp/flashlight with extra batteries/bulb (a must have)
- Personal first-aid kit
- Small towel and washcloth
- Camera, film and spare batteries
- Pocket knife or multi-tool
- Reading and writing materials
- Field guides
- Ziploc bags for easy storage
- Favorite energy snacks and drink mixes
- Travel pillow
- Mosquito head net
- Earplugs
- Anti-fog lens wipes (if you wear glasses)
- Laundry detergent for hand washing
Things to Consider
- Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, hiking boots, a pair of shorts/shirt/fleece top/sandals and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
- Luggage weight limits:
Tambopata Research Center = 32 lbs for boat ride from Puerto Maldonado.
Tahuayo Lodge = No limit; pack as lightly as possible please.
Heath River Wildlife Center = 22 lbs for boat ride from Puerto Maldonado.
Sandoval Lake Lodge = 22 lbs for boat ride from Puerto Maldonado. - Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene®, MTS® and Thermax®.
- Bring clothing that is lightweight and protects you from the sun. Muted earthtone colors are best for wildlife viewing. It is always good to have a lightweight, long-sleeve jacket, especially for the evenings.
- Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
- Make sure boots are broken-in. Bring moleskin for foot treatment. Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters. The liner sock should be synthetic, not cotton. Test your sock combination before you go on the trip.
- Stuff sacks are great for sorting gear. Use different sizes/colors to differentiate contents.
- Plastic bags are great for keeping clothing and gear dry. Use Ziploc bags to keep wet clothes separate from dry clothes.
- If you wear prescription glasses, use a safety cord and bring an extra pair if possible. Contact lens wearers should also bring an extra set, or bring eyeglasses for a backup.
- Space for luggage is limited. Pack lightly, fitting all clothing into one duffel bag. During the day, plan on carrying a small daypack with sunscreen, raingear, water bottle/hydration system and camera.
- Rubber boots are provided on loan at the lodges.
Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out www.rei.com/learn. The Expert Advice section on our "Learn" page has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
- Exceeded expectations (4)
- Guides (3)
- Once in a lifetime experience (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active adventures (3), Destination (3), I liked the itinerary (3)
Reviewed by 4 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-4
Pros
- Activity Level
- Exceeded Expectations
- Flexible itinerary
- Guides
- Once in a Lifetime Experience
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Peruvian Amazon:
I can't think of a single bad thing about this trip. Despite the high floodwaters (12m higher than normal), the folks at [@] were fantastic and kept up the food and the high trip quality. Our guide, Jonathan, knew huge numbers of species in the area and simply made the whole trip a fantastic experience.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, Commitment to Sustainability, Destination, I Liked the Itinerary
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- I love nature and animals, and I felt that this trip would enable me to engage my inner naturalist.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- I saw 80 different tetrapod species in 4.5 days, including a two-toed sloth, pink river dolphin, and caecelian!
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- DEET. Love it. Use the strong stuff. Also, hydrocortisone cream.
Pros
- Exceeded Expectations
- Excellent staff
- Food
- Guides
- Once in a Lifetime Experience
Cons
- Time of year
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Peruvian Amazon:
Travelling there in the rainy season meant that there were fewer animals to see and some adverse situations due to the water level, but it also added another level of adventure and ruggedness when it necessitated us camping in the jungle due to a flooded lodge! The staff at the lodge are great and incredibly helpful, willing to bend over backwards to make sure you get everything you want out of your trip.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- I wanted to go to a tropical country and this trip had the perfect flexibility for my schedule.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Hard to choose. Either fishing for (and then eating) piranhas or zip-lining through the canopy
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- If you go during the rainy season, rain paints are MANDATORY, not just a suggestion! Also, think about what the humidity might do to your camera.
Pros
- Exceeded Expectations
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Peruvian Amazon:
The views are spectacular!
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Recommended by a Friend
Pros
- Accommodations
- Exceeded Expectations
- Food
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Once in a Lifetime Experience
- Quality Equipment Provided
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Peruvian Amazon:
We loved the more primitive aspects of the Wildlife Center - the candlelight fit the mood of the place, and probably helped to keep the wildlife close to us instead of frightening it away (except for the light-loving critters flitting to our headlamps!) Just be aware at all times - wide-eyed wonder applied to us and we were fulfilled with many creature sightings.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, Commitment to Sustainability, Destination, I Liked the Itinerary
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- We were in Peru hiking the Inca Trail, and wanted to explore more of Peru - the Amazon was a dream to visit, and hopefully our visit may help increase awareness of the fragility of the biosystem.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Immersing ourselves in a semi-pristine rainforest - and shedding some trappings of modern life like electricity...the food was top-notch, and we were able to view all critters that were on the intinerary.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Have no expectations, but be enthusiastic to the opportunity to be in the Amazon rainforest. Be aware of the micro as well as the macro view when exploring the jungle. Drybags are great to have, and bring some plastic bags for the wet things when leaving the forest.
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