This is the most on-the-edge trip that we offer!! Definitely not for those who are uncomfortable with uncertainty. We'll be following a similar trajectory to what Dudley & Peggy did in December, 2001, but nothing is certain in river travel and there may be variations in schedule and accommodations. The up side is that this is a trip few Westerners have experienced, involving travel by local river cargo boats, canoes, public buses, and light aircraft.
Of the four months we spent traveling in South America, our time on the Rio Napo and in Iquitos was the most exciting and rewarding. You'll be experiencing life along a river in the Amazonian rainforest as the local people live it. Conditions on the cargo boats are often crowded and there is little privacy and everyone sleeps in hammocks. It is possible that the itinerary will change because of longer or shorter waits for the next cargo boat. For those of you who value experience over comfort, this is the trip of a lifetime.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 - 2: Quito, Ecuador
Arrive Quito; lodging with local family (wonderful accommodations in family home, including hot tub!); orientation; city tour. Includes: (D);
Day 2: Coca
Travel by public bus to Coca, in eastern Ecuador, just inside the Amazon basin. Lodging in local hotel. Arrange river transport. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 3 - Rio Napo
Nuevo Rocafuerte, Ecuador - Depart Coca (if we're lucky); travel to Nuevo Rocafuerte; lodging at the only hotel in town - very basic. No whiners. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 4 – 6: Rio Napo - Pantoja, Peru
Hire boat and travel to Pantoja; start arrangements for onward travel to Iquitos; lodging with family, sleep in hammocks or in cramped quarters on bed. Meals with local family; wait for boat 1-5 days; supposed to be some good hiking - this is VERY wild country. Side trip to Laguna Jatuncocha - rich in birds and other wildlife. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 7 – 10: Rio Napo
Travel down the Rio Napo on a cargo boat, sleeping in hammocks. Meals provided on boat, basic but nourishing and mostly pretty tasty. Stop every so often at village or family homestead to pick up produce, building materials, livestock, or passengers going to Iquitos. Fairly noisy, uncomfortable conditions, but an incredible opportunity to witness and experience and participate in life along a tributary of the Amazon in true rainforest. Really - there is nothing for many, many miles in any direction except along the river: No roads, no towns or villages, no people. Very few outsiders make this trip - nothing along the whole route is there for tourists. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 11: Iquitos, Peru
One day to relax, explore the town, and prepare for village stay. Iquitos is a very interesting city, accessible only by air or boat and with a definite "Amazon" flavor. Lodging at the Sandalo or Copoazú Hotel, depending on group's preference. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 12 – 14: Pevas - Bajo Amazonas
Three day stay in a local village about a 3-hour speedboat from Iquitos. Learn about local culture and medicinal plants, take forest walks, attend traditional celebrations. One of the best ways to experience life in a traditional Amazonian village. This program is designed and run by the local community and all proceeds from the visit go to local community members and development projects. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 15: Iquitos – USA
Time before your flight for some craft shopping or a moto-taxi ride around town. Air travel from Iquitos to Manaus and connection home. Includes: (B), (L).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
All inclusive. Land costs only; does not include air travel, soft drinks or alcoholic beverages, personal purchases, visas, or immunizations.
Estimated airfare from Miami to Quito and from Iquitos to Manaus and back to Miami: $1000.
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Ecuador
Peru
Birdwatching
Rainforest
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