Amak Iquitos: Live the Rainforest

4 Days / 3 Nights

Day 1

After a warm welcome at the airport, the adventure will begin having an encounter with turtles, manatees, monkeys, sloths and other species that have been rescued from illegal wildlife trade or a life in risky conditions. You will discover how they are rehabilitated and prepared in order to be released into their natural habitat, at the Centro de Rescate Amazónico - CREA (Amazon Rescue Center), which operates in the city of Iquitos.

Then you will start your way to the Amak village, starting from one of the most exotic places in the jungle of Iquitos: Bellavista-Nanay port, where there is a colorful market where the famous suri or amazonian grub and the most curious fruits from this land are offered. A must for all travelers who want to cross the Amazon River.

Surrounded by exuberant vegetation and blue sky giving the appearance of a catalog photo, the fast-flowing and largest river in the world is very pleasing to the eye. A canoe, a peque peque (motorized canoe) and a large cargo ship are appearing on the scene, as if wanting to break the peacefulness of this natural wonder. However, there is nothing can distract you anymore.

Sixty minutes later, you will be welcomed at Amak. Upon entering the maloca (ancestral long house used by the natives of the Amazon), which is used as a social area, you will be given a welcome drink and some indications for your stay. Then you can settle in the log cabins equipped with a bed covered with a mosquito net, a nightstand and a chair. You will not find more furniture. Remember that luxury is in the experience. The roof lets you see the trees and its huge windows allow you to have the feeling of being in the middle of the jungle, but without taking any risks.

You will taste the local gastronomy before starting our first exploration. Then we will get ready to sail on the Yanayaco (black river). Its black waters produce one of the most beautiful mirror effects, giving the sensation of being sailing in the clouds, which are reflected in its waters. The peace of this place is perfect to rest and make use of our homemade fishing rods. Let’s see if we catch any fish.

Back to the village, you will follow the torches that shows the path to the dining room. The talented kitchen team that once again impressed with gourmet flavors from the Amazon fuses local products and innovative techniques. The after-dinner conversation will give you the time to remember the best times of the day, load tech devices and get ready to continue the adventure.

Day 2

The itinerary begins before sunrise. At four thirty in the morning, weather permitting, you will get outside to find birds and pink dolphins on board traditional small boats with a local guide, who recognizes the species just by listening to them from a distance.

After an energizing breakfast, you will board another boat towards the Isla de los Monos (Monkey island), a completely green territory and inhabited by different primate species. Within its 450 hectares, there are more than 200 Andean saddle-back tamarins, bald uakaris and sloths in complete freedom. In addition, you will learn more about these species and you will be able to interact with the specimens recently arrived at this rescue center.

Lunch is a separate experience. Local flavors and exotic products invade our palate and captivate us. Our kitchen team impresses by reinterpreting classic recipes and surprising with signature dishes. However, the real protagonists are, once again, the native communities that produce the inputs. The result is not only pleasant for the dining companion but also for the economy of local people and the environment.

In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to explore the Amazon forest. The walk will allow you to appreciate its eco system and habitat. You can also see some dens of owl monkeys, leafcutter ant colonies and flock of herons. Weather permitting and depending on what nature wants to show you.

By the end of the night, we can enjoy a dinner while a beautiful starry sky accompanies us.

Day 3

After the most pleasant eight hours of sleep in your life, in which you rest lulled by the sound of the wind hitting the trees and listening the sound of nature, you will take a tasty breakfast with seasonal fruits and more helping you to continue with this amazing trip.

We will get ready to sail on the Rio Negro that takes you to have an encounter with a gigantic hundred-year-old ceiba tree, which reaches 40 meters in height. Its size and its lianas impress. Intrepid travelers climb it using their hands and feet. There is no better way to cool off from the suffocating humidity of the Amazon than standing under its shadow, ideal place to take a breath, the only one that does not reflect amazement.

Then we will return to the Villa for a good lunch. The next point to visit is Chullachaqui, a small eco museum that owes its name thanks to the jungle elf, which according to the inhabitants of Iquitos can take any form, appear and charm you. The place exhibits unique species such as the prehistoric mata mata turtle, which reaches gigantic sizes like those of the Galapagos. Likewise, there are varieties of alligators, boas and other species rescued by Kevin, a young man from the community of Timicuro who started this project when he was only 18 years old.

During sunset, a walk along the paths of the village awaits you. Get ready to discover all its charms with our team wearing rubber boots. The sunset presents a new scenario. Nocturnal animals wake up at sunset and you can only see them until the tour guides arrive carrying UV-light lanterns guiding you to tarantulas, scorpions and other species.

This intense day ends with a delicious dinner. Use this moment for internet access or to leave loading your device in the maloca (ancestral long house used by the natives of the Amazon), which is used as a social area.

Day 4

On our last day, we will travel in time. The indigenous people of Yagua will receive the foreigners in the midst of songs, dances and drums. It is fascinating to dance with the new generations inside a maloca (ancestral long house used by the natives of the Amazon), admire their art made with seeds, natural dyes and archaic techniques, as well as hear them speak in their native language, see them half-naked and with their skin painted.

Despite its inhabitants no longer dress like this every day, they struggle to maintain their authenticity. They teach to hunt as they did in the past, using huge blowguns, and paint the faces of travelers with achiote, as a welcome sign. The forest, which at times seems impenetrable, opens the doors to anyone who is willing to discover it.

Back to the village, you will once again be in front of one of the main attractions of the tour: our gastronomy. The tasty farewell will be the appetizer of the fluvial spectacle along the Amazon River, which has to be crossed in order to return to the city. The vibrant major city where the adventure ends.

Note: the order of the activities can be modified and / or canceled depending on the weather conditions.

Important
Transfer in and transfer out:
Arrival flights until 8:30 hrs.
Departure flights from 19:00 hrs

Departures: Daily

2020 Prices per person in US$:
$480 in double room, Single supplement $140

CHECK LIST OF WHAT TO BRING:

  • Identity documents (DNI, Passport)
  • Repellent
  • Slippers, comfortable shoes or rubber boots for walks
  • Hats
  • Lenses
  • Sunscreen
  • Camera and batteries
  • Flashlights (spare batteries) for night walks
  • Umbrella in case of rain
  • Binoculars
  • Bottle to recharge water and take the excursions
  • Plastic poncho to defend against the rain
  • Personal towel (to bathe in the river)
  • Swimwear
  • Thin clothes, the temperature varies between 28 to 30 °C

NOTE: We have a kit with basic medicines for fever, headache, insect bites and Indigestion, but it is recommended to take with you the medicines you take for some treatment or prevention.