Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
are approximate; bargaining is often acceptable, and meals, tours and transportation from
Iquitos should be included. Lodges will provide containers of purified water for you to
drink when there, but bring extra water for the journey. The following lodges are listed in
order of distance from Iquitos.
Paseos Amazonicos $$$
(
www.paseosamazonicos.com
; 3 days & 2 nights per person US$220-260)
Iquitos
(
065-23-1618; Pevas 246);
Lima
( 01-241-7576; Office 4, Bajada Balta 131, Mira-
flores)
This company runs three lodges. One of the best established is Amazonas
Sinchicuy Lodge, on a small tributary of the Amazon 30km northeast of Iquitos. The 32
rooms, which can sleep up to four, have private cold showers and are lantern-lit. Some
rooms are wheelchair accessible. This lodge can be visited on a day trip from Iquitos. The
palm-thatched Tambo Yanayacu Lodge, 60km northeast of Iquitos, has 10 rustic rooms
with private bathrooms. The staff here can supply tents for jungle expeditions. Stays at
these two lodges can be combined into one trip, including visits to local Yagua communit-
ies. Finally, the Tambo Amazonico Lodge is about 160km upriver on the Río Yarapa. It is
more a camping place, with two open-air dormitories sleeping up to 20 people, with beds
and mosquito nets. Camping trips can be arranged, including into the Pacaya-Samiria re-
serve.
LODGE
Cumaceba Lodges $$$
(
www.cumaceba.com
)
Iquitos
( 065-23-2229; Putumayo 188; 3 days & 2 nights s
US$260-370, d US$210-260);
Cuzco
( 084-25-4881; Portal Panes 123 off 107)
This
company has been in business since 1995 and operates three lower-end lodges. Guides
speak English, French and even Japanese. The lodges are all aimed at providing budget
travelers with an Amazon experience.
First up, Cumaceba Lodge is about 35km downriver from Iquitos. This has 15 screened
rooms with private showers, and can arrange more adventurous trips locally. At 90km
downstream from Iquitos, Amazonas Botanical Lodge places an emphasis on studying
rainforest plants, in addition to wildlife-watching. Rustic en suite bungalows are right near
primary jungle and there's a botanical garden (and a big swimming pool).
Ayahuasca
ce-
remonies and a trip to a
paiche
farm are also offered. Finally, about 180km upstream past
Nauta is Piranha Ecoexplorer Lodge, offering a variety of adventurous activities. The five-
day program includes fishing with spears, camping and a trip to see stupendously sized
Victoria regia
lilies. Accommodations are rustic, much like other Cumaceba lodges.
LODGE
