On 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. Room, shower
and toilet facilities are identical to those of Explorama Lodge.
The recommended 5
day/4 night program, 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 ”.
Day 1 : 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 open boat!
After dinner, there is a chance to visit the Lodge's "Bar
Tahuampa" where local musicians often play guitar and flute
music or the guides will also be pleased to have you invite them
to relate some of the many legends of the Amazon forest.
Overnight Explorama Lodge. (L, D)
Day 2 : 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
visit to the ReNuPeRu Ethnobotanical Garden located next to
ExplorNapo and tended by a local shaman. This garden is used to
show visitors rainforest plants used in modern medicine as well
as examples of native plant remedies which science may utilize
in the future. 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. Overnight ExplorNapo Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 3 : 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 ground.
Here you encounter a "bird's eye view" of part of the rainforest
rarely seen by man but accessible without any type of climbing
skill or equipment. Afternoon boating excursion along one of the
many Napo tributaries spotting along the way for birds and sloth.
A stop is included for a try at river fishing with cane poles or
a chance to swim. Overnight ExplorNapo Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 4 : EXPLORNAPO LODGE – EXPLORAMA LODGE
Morning 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 sometimes offer a glimpse of the elusive
Hoatzin bird. Afternoon boat trip back to Explorama Lodge
passing the town of Francisco de Orellana, where a statue is
erected to the intrepid explorer who became the first European
to see the Amazon River in 1542. Overnight ExplorNapo Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 5 : EXPLORAMA LODGE - IQUITOS
Morning walk along a local river trail with stops along the way
to visit the "ribereños" or river people, visit a river school,
see the local sugar cane rum "factory" or visit our resident
American medical doctor in her clinic sponsored by the Rotary
Club. Transfer back to Iquitos for your departure flight to
Lima. (B, L; if departure flight permits)
END OF OUR SERVICE