Dina
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
Hi Julia

I was wondering, please, if you could tell me whether the Amazon add-on to the Peru trip has had a change of location this year?

I have already been to Peru in 2014 but didn't do the add-on. The lodge for the add-on then was at Puerto Maldonaldo. However, this year I have just read that the rainforest lodge would be the Heliconia (or similar). The only Heliconia Lodge in the Amazon that I can find on google is near Iquitos.

I would love to go to this area of the Amazon ie Iquitos,  and I would also love go to the Inti Raymi festival.

I am checking  it out as a possibility for next year, as this year is already spoken for.

Best wishes

Di

Moderator2
(Member)
Good Morning Dina,

We are using the Heliconia Lodge in Iquitos so the place you have googled is correct.

Kind Regards,

Mildred

Dina
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
Hello Mildred

Thank you for that information.

Kind Regards

Di

janetA
(Member)
'Moderator2' wrote:

Good Morning Dina,

We are using the Heliconia Lodge in Iquitos so the place you have googled is correct.

Kind Regards,

Mildred

Hello Mildred

Will this be the same on the extension to the Peru trip in August?  There isn't much on the website about the Amazon add-on - do you have any more details about what we would be doing each day, accommodation, travel etc?

Thanks  Janet

Moderator2
(Member)
Good Morning Janet,

It should the same for August but you will be informed well in advance if any changes are being made.

In regards to the Amazon add-on;

DAY 10 Lima to Iquitos

Transfer to Lima airport for your flight to Iquitos where you will be greeted by your local expert. On arrival to Iquitos you will have an included lunch at the Victoria Regia Hotel before taking a boat along the mighty Amazon to your jungle lodge, where you will stay for the next two nights.

Heliconia Amazon River Lodge, named after the jungle's most stunning flower is located on the banks of the Amazon River 50 miles from Iquitos City.

The lodge accommodation is simple in its style allowing you to really enjoy the true natural highlights of the Amazon. Rustic houses are built on stilts all connected by thatched roofed corridors with a refreshing swimming pool in its inner garden. Electricity is limited and eco-friendly. All rooms have private bathrooms with hot water showers.

This afternoon there will be a hike in the beautiful Yanamono primary rainforest reserve surrounding the lodge accompanied by an expert guide. They will show you several flora species such as heliconia flowers, medicinal plants and giant trees. You will also have the chance to sight several bird species such as the Turkey Vulture and with a little luck you will be able to view a family of small monkeys such as marmosets, the Titi and the squirrel monkey.

After dinner at the lodge your guide will take you on a boat ride along one of the Amazon River's tributaries for an exciting evening in the jungle, with no lights, perhaps just some jungle flora and fauna sparkling in the dark and where you can listen to the magical sounds of the jungle.

DAY 11 Iquitos

Rise early for the morning bird watching. In order to see the birds flocked together during their morning feeding time, you will start very early going by boat to one of the several streams to look out for a number of variety of birds such as Tuki, Ringed Kingfisher and Black-Collared Hawk among others. Return to the lodge for breakfast.

After a little rest you will set off on a native fishing expedition where you will learn the local techniques of fishing and for the most daring you can try to fish for Piranhas. During this excursion you can also have the opportunity to look out for the Pink River Dolphin.

After lunch you will board the boat towards a lake in Yanamono island where you will be able to glimpse the Giant Water Lily, the Victoria Regia, the "Queen of water lilies".

This evening you have a chance to go on an enchanting evening trek within the grounds of the lodge. As you adjust to the dark you will appreciate how the rainforest takes on a very different character. Return to the lodge for dinner.

DAY 12 Iquitos to Lima

After breakfast we will visit a riverside town to see an indigenous tribe of the Yaguas community where you will have the opportunity to learn and see their way of life in the Amazon River. See their homes, school, church, shops and interact with the people, learn their techniques of fishing and farming.

Return to the lodge for lunch and check-out. After lunch, depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Iquitos City and the airport for your flight back to Lima for an overnight stay.

During the boat ride back to Iquitos enjoy the impressive jungle landscapes with the rustic small houses of the riverside towns. We have a short stop at Monkey Island, a family social enterprise focused on conserving and protecting endangered monkey species in the Northern Amazon. Here you will learn how the centre try's to reintegrate monkeys in the wild and how their temporary stay here depends on their capability to adapt back to the jungle habitat.

Please note - due to the accessibility to Monkey Island and the unpredictable conditions in the Amazon, occasionally the visit to Monkey Island will be switched with an equal alternative visit. Your Tour Manager will keep you informed.

Days 13 & 14

Free morning in Lima before your transfer to the airport for your international flight to the UK, arriving on day 14.

In terms of accommodation Heliconia Lodge is described in the itinerary.

I hope this helps.

Kind Regards,

Mildred