Heliconia Lodge 2 days 1 night

AUpon arrival at Iquitos International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our staff and transferred to our office in downtown Iquitos. Here, you will receive a short briefing about the program, our services, what to expect during your stay, as well as important do’s and don’ts in the jungle to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.   Afterwards, we will head to the Port of Iquitos, where you will board one of our speedboats for a scenic journey along the Amazon River toward Heliconia Amazon River Lodge.   During the boat ride, you will witness the fascinating confluence of waters, where the brown, sediment-rich Amazon River meets the dark waters of the Nanay River. Enjoy breathtaking jungle landscapes along the way.   Our first stop will be at Monkey Island, a family-run conservation project dedicated to the protection and rehabilitation of endangered monkey species in the northern Amazon. This initiative focuses on reintegrating rescued monkeys back into their natural habitat. Here, you will observe monkeys living freely in the reserve, without cages, as they prepare to return to the wild.   After approximately a 60-minute boat ride, we will arrive at the lodge, where you will be welcomed with a refreshing exotic jungle drink. Check in, settle into your room, and then enjoy your first Amazonian-style lunch. In the afternoon, begin your first excursion with a guided jungle walk of approximately two hours through the Yanamono primary rainforest reserve. Accompanied by our expert guides, you will learn to identify various plant species such as heliconia flowers, medicinal plants, and giant trees. You may also spot bird species like the Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) and Black-fronted Nunbird (Monasa atia). With a bit of luck, you may encounter small primates such as marmosets (Saguinus fuscicollis), titi monkeys (Callicebus molloch), and squirrel monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis).   Return to the lodge to relax and enjoy your first unforgettable Amazon sunset. As night falls, embark on a night boat excursion along one of the Amazon River’s tributaries. Without artificial lights, the jungle comes alive with shimmering reflections, sounds, and movement. Listen to the magical symphony of the rainforest while observing the moon, stars, and constellations. With some luck, you may even spot shooting stars, which are common in this region. Return to the lodge to rest and prepare for an early start the next day.

Rise early for morning birdwatching, one of the best times of day to observe Amazonian wildlife. Travel by boat through nearby streams to spot a variety of bird species during their feeding time, including the Tuki (Jacana jacana), Ringed Kingfisher (Ceryle torquata), and Black-collared Hawk (Busarellus nigricollis), among others.

 

After the excursion, return to the lodge for a hearty and energizing breakfast. Later, visit a riverside village of the Yagua indigenous community, where you will learn about their culture, traditions, and way of life along the Amazon River.

 

Visit their homes, school, church, and small shops, interact with community members, and gain insight into their traditional fishing and farming techniques.

 

Return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred back to Iquitos City and then to the airport for your onward flight.

 

Note Program activities may vary due to weather conditions or changes in flight arrival or departure schedules.