CALLAO, PERU

The Amazon basin forms the world’s most extensive wilderness area, covering 6.5 million square kilometres (2.5 million square miles), and stretches over portions of nine South American countries. Here more than 25,000 plant species produce 20% of the world’s oxygen supply.

The Amazon basin forms the world’s most extensive wilderness area, covering 6.5 million square kilometres (2.5 million square miles), and stretches over portions of nine South American countries. Here more than 25,000 plant species produce 20% of the world’s oxygen supply. The Peruvian Amazon region and the adjacent Andean foothills are possibly the most diverse and wildlife-rich of the whole basin, with over 4,000 species of butterflies, 32 species of parrots and 13 different types of monkeys; in its river thrive 2,000 species of fish. As if this were not enough, the area is also considered to be the largest pharmacy in the world due to the tremendous number of medicinal plants that grow here.

Wednesday 5th March: We meet at Callao port and transfer to the Jorge Chavez International Airport to board our flight to Iquitos. Upon arrival, we have a brief orientation before transferring to the Explorama dock. A 40-kilometre (25-mile) journey down the Amazon River will bring us to Ceiba Tops lodge, where rooms with air-conditioning and private bathrooms provide us with all the comforts of home in the rainforest. We will take an afternoon hike in the beautiful primary rainforest reserve surrounding the lodge, which includes many huge trees festooned with epiphytes. After dinner there may be some local music at the El Toucan Bar, and the guides are always ready to relate some of the many legends of the Amazon forest.

Thursday 6th March: Our morning commences with a boat ride – during which we should keep our eyes peeled for dolphins – to a small village of Yagua Indians, where our guide will explain about their culture. There will be an opportunity to see some of the local crafts and watch a demonstration of the blowgun, which some of the Yagua elders still use for hunting. In the afternoon we will be taken on a walking excursion to the neighbouring town of Indiana. Originally a Franciscan mission, Indiana has grown into a large river community with its own market, high school and small hospital.

Friday 7th March: We check out of our hotel after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our return flight to Lima. Upon arrival at Lima airport, we are met and transferred back to Callao port.

IMPORTANT NOTES: Passengers taking this tour MUST be in possession of a valid Yellow Fever certificate. This excursion is not considered suitable for those passengers with limited mobility. The itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions. During February in Iquitos, the average temperature is a maximum of 30°C (85°F) and a minimum of 20°C (70°F); it is very humid. All meals are included, each served buffet-style. Tea, coffee and drinking water are complimentary; other refreshments are available at your own expense. For this jungle trip, participants should keep baggage to a comfortable minimum. Suggested items to pack: Lights, drip-dry cotton or safari clothing, including one long-sleeved shirt and sweater, and a pair of trousers. Swimming costume if you intend to take a dip in the hotel’s pool. Hiking boots (jungle trails are frequently muddy), tennis shoes, a plastic raincoat (be prepared for tropical showers). Insect repellent, toiletries, sunglasses, suncream, a wide-brimmed hat, binoculars and a small flashlight. Do not forget your camera!

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 WORLD CRUISE