Program
Amazonas Sinchicuy Lodge
(3 days / 2 nights)
Touring 70 Kms in two ecosystems (Sinchicuy River Basin and Yanayacu River Basin), get to know the Amazon rainforest, its inhabitants, their customs and daily activities; experience an encounter with the river, flora and fauna, the natural environment on which the people of the Amazon depend to live.
DAY 01: IQUITOS / AMAZONAS SINCHICUY LODGE
Reception at the Iquitos airport or pick up from the chosen hotel. During the tour you will be given a brief orientation through the city of Iquitos, observing the main tourist places of this thriving and historic city of eastern Peru, which in the 19th century became a small town to the most important river port in the Amazon, acquiring a surprising cosmopolitan condition during the so-called “Rubber Fever”. Transfer to the pier to start the boat trip to the lodge.
You will navigate the largest river in the world, the Amazon River, aboard comfortable and safe boats. Arrival at the Amazon Sinchicuy Lodge which is 45 minutes (NE downstream) from Iquitos. Our hostel, built in the native style with natural materials.
It is surrounded by trees, plants and flowers, a true tropical garden on non-flooding high ground or “restinga”, where varieties of birds and butterflies abound.
Our staff will receive you with a pleasant welcome drink made with fruit from the region (cocona, camu-camu, copoazu, etc.).
A short explanation of the rules that govern the sustainability of the Lodge and its surroundings, allowing you to better understand the ways of how to make your stay and participation in ecotourism activities more rewarding. Accommodation according to the type of room selected.
ECOCULTURAL Circuit (Ecosystem of the Sinchicuy River Basin)
Excursion on foot or by canoe –as the station allows- to “New Peru”, where the Yagua ethnic community is established, whose ancestors were discovered by Francisco de Orellana in his first exploration of the Amazon in 1541.
This visit will allow you to know their ancestral customs, appreciate their original palm fiber clothing and even try aiming with the “pucuna” (blowgun) that the Yaguas used for centuries for hunting. Return to the lodge.
Lunch. The gastronomy in the Amazon Sinchicuy Lodge stands out because it involves natural and fresh products that produce the river and the “farm”. Golden fish fillets (Brachyplatystoma flavicans) accompanied by cocona sauce, regional vegetable salads, cassava, beans and fried plantains, a real delight that is another attraction of the jungle.
In the afternoon you will undertake the ethnobotanical excursion. You can meet very particular species of the vegetable kingdom such as cat’s claw, sour cane, copaiba, aguaje and even the so-called “rope of the dead” or ayahuasca. Visit to the local naturist (Shaman).
A great connoisseur of the secrets of nature and its application for the treatment of ills of the body and spirit, the Shaman will explain about the wonderful properties and the use that some plants and roots have.
Tour through the Santa Maria de Ojeal riverside estate, where you will observe some of the productive activities that its inhabitants develop. Artisanal extraction of sugarcane juice, fruit orchards, fish farm with native species, cattle raising.
You can interact with the villagers while observing their typical homes, schools, church and shops; Likewise, you will appreciate the sustainability projects that the community has been developing through ecotourism.
Night excursion / Amazonian legends
At night, the jungle and its inhabitants allow us to enjoy unique sounds and sensations. The guide will indicate the moment in which the excursion by canoe or on foot will begin that will take you to discover, secretly and in the light of a lantern, the mysterious world of nocturnal insects, cicadas, spiders, praying mantis, etc.
It will also distinguish the songs of the owls and the “ayaymamas” that are interpreted as the language of fantastic beings in the local imagination.
To end the night, nothing is more pleasant than enjoying an appetizing meal. The guide will explain the activities for the next day. Overnight
DAY 02: AMAZONAS SINCHICUY LODGE / FULL DAY YANAYACU / KINGDOM OF THE GIANT TREES
Birdwatching: During the early hours of the morning (05:00 to 06:00 am) it is the right time to observe many of the bird species that feed on the banks of the river or the plantations found in the Community surroundings.
Breakfast. Fresh juices and fruit jams that are produced in the region (papaya, orange, melon, cocona) accompany hot dishes and drinks to start the morning. Immediately after breakfast you will board the boat that will take you to the opposite end of the Amazon or as it is said in the regional language to “huashalado”.
During this trip of approximately 40 minutes the boat will stop at a place in the river where it is usually possible to observe pink dolphins, due to its somewhat shy nature, it is necessary to have patience and be attentive to spot them, with an unforgettable photo will reward the effort.
Upon reaching the community of Huashalado you can observe cassava (mandioca), banana, papaya and other typical products of riparian agriculture. You will notice that unlike the Sinchicuy ecosystem, the terrain here is mostly low and flooded during the growing season.
By boat or canoe you will follow the course of the Yanayacu River to explore this area rich in avian fauna, whose species include kingfishers, hawks, herons etc. and finally after a time of travel through the dark waters of the Yanayacu River you will arrive at our lodge.
Walk through the jungle that will take you to the “Kingdom of the Giant Trees” you will see some species of medicinal plants, such as the “sachajergón”, the “ojé”, the “tree bread” and the well-known “cat’s claw” (Uncaria tomentosa); It is also possible to find bromeliads (epiphytic plants) that grow high in trees.
But undoubtedly the one that causes the greatest admiration, among the trees is the “lupuna” (Ceiba pentandra) that can exceed 50 meters high.
Depending on the season (June – September) and the weather, we will visit the Yaguacocha Lagoon, where it is possible to observe the most representative aquatic plant, the “regal victory” and the hoatzín or “shansho” (Opisthocomus hoatzin), a colorful species of bird It feeds on aquatic flora.
This is an exciting hike in which your spirit of adventure will emerge and you will definitely enjoy it. Return to the lodge.
After making a stop for lunch, you will make an entertaining fishing in the river using native techniques that will allow you to capture piranhas, crappie, smooth or some other ichthyological species that are considered a true delicacy in the riverside kitchen.
Return trip to the Amazon Sinchicuy Lodge. Upon arrival you will enjoy time to rest in the hammocks, in the viewpoint or in the “Clavohuasca Bar”, cooling off with a pleasant ice cold drink or experiencing different sensations with a fantastic regional aphrodisiac drink.
You will also have canoes for a walk in the calm waters of the Sinchicuy River before nightfall. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 03: AMAZONAS SINCHICUY LODGE / IQUITOS
After a fortifying breakfast, we will visit the Wildlife Project, recently listed as Fundo Neiser Custody Center to observe and interact with some of the varieties of wild animals such as the lazy bear, monkeys, achunis, macaws, toucans, boas and lizards.
It will be an interesting way to learn to value and respect the typical wildlife of our Amazon. After our educational visit, we headed to the lodge for a refreshing lunch.
At appropriate time, we will take our boat to return to the city of Iquitos, where a representative will be waiting for us to drive us to our hotel or to the airport.
* The order of some activities may vary due to operational or climatic situations.
What to bring to the jungle?
We recommend that when coming to the jungle keep in mind to bring the following:
- Lightweight long-sleeved cotton pants and shirts
- Slim shorts or shorts
- Cotton polo shirts or short sleeve shirts
- Sunscreen
- Cap with visor or light hat
- Camera and / or camcorder with rechargeable battery
- Lotion or mosquito repellent cream
- Poncho or lightweight waterproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes or booties
- Personal flashlight
- Swimwear
- Binoculars are optional.
