Guides
All of Explorama´´s guides are local people,
raised in the Peruvian Rainforest, with an extensive
and sensitive knowledge of the ecology and culture of
the Amazon. Our guides have an average of 8 to 14 years
experience with the company, and while many of them
have only completed a few years of formal schooling,
all have worked closely with the most prominent scientists
in rainforest ecology and conservation. Their expertise
is utilized in rainforest workshops, Earthwatch projects,
and to assist doctoral students in all areas of rainforest
studies.
Explorama guides are able to explain the rainforest
on a scientific level, while also expressing a love
for the place that only comes from having grown up within
it. When traveling with Explorama you can be assured
of a warm welcome from the villagers as you learn about
their daily life. You will never feel intrusive accompanied
by our guides because they share a common background
with those who live there.
Explorama has also sought to be an integral partner
in the life of the local villages we visit by initiating
and supporting educational programs for village school
children and their teachers. This enables village children
in sponsored schools to have access to education that
might not be otherwise possible. Please ask about the
"Adopt-A-School" and "Environmental Education
for Rural Teachers" programs!
Contribution
to the local community
Explorama has also sought to be an integral
partner in the life of the local villages visited, by
initiating and supporting educational programs for village
school children and their teachers. This enables village
children in sponsored schools to have access to education
that might not be otherwise possible. Ask about the
Adopt-A-School and Environmental Education for Rural
Teachers programs.
Climate
A unique feature of the rainforest surrounding Iquitos
is its lack of a specific rainy or dry season. There
is a high water period from December through May which
is caused by the melting of snow as the Andean summer
begins and from the rainy season in the upper jungle.
The low water period begins in June and ends with the
rising waters in November.
While the water level can fluctuate more then 45 feet,
the warm and humid climate remains relatively constant
throughout the year, giving this area its botanical
category of "Everwet Tropical Forest". Normal
daytime highs are 88° F and nighttime lows are 72°F.
Meals
All Explorama lodges offer a wide variety
of foods, both local and international, cooked in a
simple and appetizing style and served in tropical palm-thatched
dining rooms. Buffets are frequent, so you can select
what you want. Breakfast includes an entree, pastry
selection, breads, peanut butter, local marmalades,
fruit and local fruit juice. The lunch and dinner buffet
includes an entree of chicken, beef, local fish or pasta
and fresh salad, a variety of rice and bean dishes,
hot vegetables, bread and butter, and a choice of desserts
including local fruits such as papaya or pineapple or
prepared desserts such as rice pudding or flan. Complementary
coffee, tea and drinking water are available 24 hours
a day. Bar service, including soft drinks, is also available
at guest expense.
Getting
there
Iquitos is the starting point for all of
Explorama´s Peruvian Amazon adventures. Although
no roads or railways connect Iquitos to the rest of
Peru and the world, it is easily accessible by air,
with daily flights from Lima on AeroContinente, Aviandina,
TANS, and by one round-trip Saturday flight from Miami
on AeroContinente.
Book
James Castner has written an informative guide to the
lodges and surroundings. more...
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Keep your baggage to a comfortable
minimum.
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Without fail, bring a valid
passport.
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Pack light, drip-dry cotton
or safari clothing, including one long-sleeved
shirt and sweater.
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Hiking shoes or sneakers,
(jungle trails are frequently muddy), plastic
raincoat or poncho.
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Include insect repellent,
toilet articles, sunglasses, sunscreen, a
wide-brimmed hat, & small flashlight.
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Binoculars
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And finally, don't forget
a camera with plenty of film.
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