This tour is perfect for those that want to have a local and authentic experience in the Amazon while also leaving a positive social and environmental footprint. For those who don’t have the budget to stay in one of the luxurious ecolodges or who just prefer to stay in a more locally authentic ecolodge close to nature and without the other tourists. You’ll stay in a small and basic ecolodge in the beautiful Allpahuayo Mishana park, close to the local community of Nueva Esperanza but also not very far from Iquitos city. You’ll explore the jungle on shorter and longer hikes but also learn more about local culture and you’ll have time to enjoy and relax surrounded by nature. On the last day, you’ll explore the Amazon river from Iquitos and do the more traditional activities.
Meeting point in Iquitos
2 persons: 320 USD p.p.
3-4 persons: 280 USD p.p.
(but shorter versions of 3 Day /2 Nights and 2 Day / 1 Night available too, enquire for price.)
Day 1
You’ll leave Iquitos with your guide by public bus. It will take about 45 minutes to arrive to the community of San Jose. From San Jose, you’ll walk into the heart of Mishana Allpahuayo Reserve, the community of Nueva Esperanza (approx. 45 minutes), until you arrive to the ecolodge. On Day 1, you’ll explore the community of Nueva Esperanza and the local jungle. You’ll also enjoy a delicious local lunch and dinner and have some time to relax in one of the hammocks.
Included: Accommodation in (basic) ecolodge, lunch and dinner.
Day 2
On Day 2, you will do several activities in the reserve including a hike and bird-watching in the morning. After lunch, you’ll have time to relax and even have a swim in the local stream.
Included: Accommodation in (basic ecolodge), breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 3
You’ll get up early today to have breakfast and to start the trek with guide to the community of St. Martin through Varrillal Forests and Chamizal (Flooded forest). This is a 4-hour hike through the jungle. You’ll arrive around noon and there will be some time to relax and have a swim before you’ll have lunch at a local family’s house. After lunch, you’ll visit the San Martin community and, if possible (depending on local circumstances, canoe in the jungle. You’ll spend the night in a hotel in Iquitos city so you can also explore this very unique and interesting city.
Included: Accommodation in Iquitos hotel, breakfast, lunch.
Day 4
Around 9am, you’ll leave Iquitos by boat to the Nanay River and Momon river. Today you’ll visit the river jungle, its native communities and its piranhas. You’ll have lunch in the middle of the river or on the beach (in dry season). If you’re lucky, you’ll also see the famous dolphins of the Amazon. You’ll also visit the famous Belén neighbourhood (houses on poles, flooded in rainy season) and its local market. You’ll be back in Iquitos around 6pm.
Included: Breakfast, lunch.
This experience was built around the idea of environmental conservation. Our local partners have been able to improve many aspects of life within the communities of Allpahuayo Mishana Reserve. They are currently teaching the residents how to collect the highly demanded honey of the Amazonian bees without destroying the hives. Responsible tourism also ensures an income to local communities, which not only improves their quality of life but also makes sure they don’t have to resort to more destructful practises.
The construction of the ecolodge also followed this philosophy of conservation. It was built by only using the wood of naturally fallen trees. These trees had fallen due to wind, a weakened root base or because of mould. The ecolodge uses ecological toilets to ensure there is no water or soil pollution. This ensures that the impact on the jungle is negligible.
