Peruvian Amazon Field Training Itinerary

Day 1: Lima
Depart for Lima with late evening arrival. Transfer to hotel. For participants coming from West Coast, an overnight in Atlanta may be required at an additional cost. Posada del Inca Hotel.

Day 2: Iquitos
We head to Iquitos early this morning, arriving in plenty of time to explore this bustling port town. Known as the gateway to the Amazon, Iquitos is well known for the native communities of the region that have remained separated from the influences of the outside world (though this pleasant insulation is slowly beginning to diminish). Morning fun GPS activity during city tour and visit the Belen Market. Introduction to GIS and data collection equipment this evening. Dorado Plaza Hotel (BLD)

Day 3: Amazon
Depart for the boat journey to ExplorNapo Lodge. Afternoon visit to the ReNuPeRu Ethnobotanical Garden, tended by a local shaman. GIS w ork in the garden and around the lodge. Thentake the one hour hike to ACTS (Amazon Conservatory for Tropical Studies) where we will do the much of our GIS work. Amazon Conservatory for Tropical Studies (BLD)

Days 4-5: Amazon
Collect and map local data while exploring trails/canopy walkway by day and by night. Evening hikes include an opportunity to see phosphorescent fungi. One of the longest in the world, the walkway is 115 feet high and 1/3 mile long! Amazon Conservatory for Tropical Studies (BLD)

Day 6: Amazon
Morning data collection and lunch at ACTS, then hike back to ExplorNapo Lodge. Evening excursion by open boat along the Sucusari Stream. ExplorNapo Lodge (BLD)

Days 7-8: Amazon
Morning excursion to a black water oxbow lake formed when water from the Napo River became separated from the main flow of the river. These lakes are often covered with giant Victoria Regia water lilies and sometimes offer a glimpse of the elusive Hoatzin bird. After lunch, depart for Ceiba Tops, arriving in time to hike to the giant ceiba tree and time to swim and relax before dinner. Next day explore river wildlife and look for pink dolphins. Visit Yagua village and learn about life on the Amazon. Final presentation of images, data, maps, etc. tonight. Ceiba Tops Lodge (BLD)

Day 9: Lima
Depart by boat early for Iquitos, arriving in time to catch flight back to Lima, where participants taking the Machu Picchu extension will catch their flight to Cusco. Others will have a day room at Posada San Isidro. Free time before tonight’s farewell dinner and transfer to the airport for overnight flight back to the U.S. Posada San Isidro day room (BLD)

Day 10: Back in U.S.
Late morning arrival in the U.S.

Machu Picchu Extension
July 11-16 $1299

Day 1-2: Cusco
On arrival from Iquitos, connect with flight to Cusco, arriving mid-afternoon. Time to take it easy and acclimate to the 11,000 ft elevation. Full day to explore Cusco and surrounding ruins with school visit (if in session) Royal Inka II Hotel (D)

Day 3: Machu Picchu
Morning train to Aguas Calientes and spend full afternoon at ruins learning about the Inca’s amazing ingenuity.  Machu Picchu Pueblo (or similar) (BLD)

Day 4: Cusco
Morning options include returning to the ruins or taking another excursion arranged by hotel at additional cost. Return to Cusco this afternoon Royal Inka II Hotel (BLD)

Day 5-6: Lima/U.S.
Flight back to Lima with free time, farewell dinner and airport transfer, overnight flight, arriving in U.S. in morning.