Double occupancy means two adults per room in one of our classic rooms. CLASSIC ROOMS
Twenty-four rooms in the middle of the tropical rainforest allow guests to enjoy this unique ecosystem, even during their down time. Wild monkeys and birds are often visible from our signature windowless verandah, which also provides excellent ventilation. The rooms are built with local materials such as wood, bamboo, adobe mud and palm trees.
Rooms are double or triples, as requested. Each bed is equipped with its own mosquito net. Each room has a spacious private bathroom with hot water.
Numerous kerosene lamps and candles provide the lighting. Electricity and internet are available only in the common areas of the lodge.
"My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to have their own private room while on tour.
SUPERIOR ROOMS (Posada Amazonas and Refugio Amazonas)
We have eight superior 45-m2 rooms overlooking the tropical rain forest. The fascinating sounds and colors of the forest are important elements of the experience during your stay in our Superior rooms. The entire decoration is based on Yanchama, a natural bark that is “harvested” by artisans from Eseeja community of Infierno.
The rooms are single, double or twin, as requested, Each one is equipped with a bed, a mosquito net, two hypoallergenic pillows per person, a hammock and a reading table.
Rooms have spacious private bathrooms with hot water. Electric lighting is available in the evenings until 10:00 pm, at your bedside table, your bathroom and an outlet to charge your electronics. Free Internet is available in every room.
Each visitor has access to a personal safe-deposit box, an umbrella for rain and a special set of eco-friendly amenities.
Rainforest Villa
This 180 m2 bungalow in the middle of the nowhere wraps you in beautiful views of the surrounding forest. It is completely independent: a home in the rain forest. You have no neighbors. Contact with the non-Amazonian world is strictly optional.
The rooms has a king bed and enough space to add a double bed if desired. It includes a large closet, 2 hammocks for relaxation, extra thick towels and extra soft sheets and 3 hypoallergenic pillows per person. It also has a fully equipped private dining lounge, with our signature panoramic rain forest view.
The spacious bathroom has hot water and a bathtub.
There is electric light 24 hours a day, and a ceiling fan.
Free Internet is available in each room and upon request cable TV.
Each person has access to a personal safe, an umbrella for the rain, a special set of eco-friendly amenities, a rechargeable flashlight and a courtesy bottle of white wine.
Services include a private dining, a private guide, a telescope and binoculars.
Home > Refugio Amazonas - Biology and Ecology Seminar - 7D/6N
Refugio Amazonas - Biology and Ecology Seminar - 7D/6N
Our Academic programs provide students with first hand exposure to subjects such as ecology, wildlife inventories, monitoring of macaws and giant river otters, in addition to an insight of threats and opportunities to sustainable development in the region. This program strongly focuses on hands on generation of data, replicating the work of scientists in the rain forest.
REFUGIO AMAZONAS 7D6N Biology and Ecology Seminar
DAY 1
Arrival & Reception by Biology Instructors - Lecturers
For workshops and seminars, guides with a background in biology and / or research experience are selected as instructors, who then conduct the workshops or lectures in the field in which they are specialized in.
Transfer Airport to Puerto Maldonado Headquarters
Upon arrival from Lima or Cusco, we will welcome you at the airport and drive you ten minutes to our Puerto Maldonado headquarters. While enjoying your first taste of the forest in our gardens we will ask you to pack only the necessary gear for your next few days, and leave the rest at our safe deposit. This helps us keep the boats and cargo light.
Transfer Pto Maldonado Headquarters to Tambopata River Port
Skirting Puerto Maldonado, we drive 20 kilometers to the Tambopata River Port, entering the Native Community of Infierno. The port is a communal business.
Transfer Boat - Tambopata River Port to Refugio Amazonas
The two and a half hour boat ride from the Tambopata Port to Refugio Amazonas will take us past the Community of Infierno and the Tambopata National Reserve´s checkpoint and into the buffer zone of this 1.3 million hectare conservation unit.
Boxed Lunch
Orientation
Upon arrival, the lodge manager will welcome you and brief you with important navigation and security tips.
Dinner
Tambopata National Reserve Lectures
Nightly lectures prepared by the staff of Refugio Amazonas cover conservation threats, opportunities and projects in the Tambopata National Reserve.
Overnight at Refugio Amazonas
DAY 2
Breakfast
Otter Monitoring
We paddle a canoe around an oxbow lake, filling out standard Frankfurt Zoological Society otter monitoring cards. If we see giant river otters during our outing we register their location and direction on a map of the lake, we track and time their activity (swimming, fishing, resting, alarm call) and we attempt to trace their white throat marks, which are distinct for each individual.
Lunch
Ecology 1- Introduction to the Amazon Basin
This ecology workshop covers the physical characteristics of the Amazon Basin, the meteorological reasons for the existence of rainforests, the geological history of the Neotropics, and the meaning of Pleistoscene Refuges.
Dinner
Overnight at Refugio Amazonas
DAY 3
Clay lick monitoring
Following macaw project research procedures that have been applied for several years, we monitor parrot presence at the clay lick. From the clay lick observation site, we will repeat scan sampling methods every ten minutes, registering data such as start time, point of sampling, meteorological conditions, number of birds observed by species, and conduct characterization.
Breakfast
Ecology 2 - Structure of the rainforest
This workshop discusses the horizontal and vertical layout of the rain forest around the lodges. The reasons behind the stratification of the forest in levels (ground, understory, mid-canopy, canopy) are explored, as well as the properties inherent to each. Present habitats are also defined and visited: riverine forest, palm swamps, bamboo forests, tree fall gaps, terra firme forest, flooplain forest, etc.
Lunch
Ecology 3 - Relations and adaptations
Interspecific relations (commensalism, mutualism, parasitism) and adaptations to habitat (stilt roots, feeding niches, succulent leaves) are explored with examples from the lodge trails.
Dinner
Flora and Fauna 1 - Amphibians and Reptiles
On flooded trails and puddles we will learn to identify the noteworthy species and genera of reptiles and amphibians and learn reproductive modes, toxins types, mimicking tactics and the reasons for the global decline in amphibian populations. We will even learn a few frog songs.
Overnight at Refugio Amazonas
DAY 4
Breakfast
Flora and Fauna 4 - Birds
Birdwatching can not be taught in a few days – but the basics of it can. Birdwatching outings will focus first on learning how to spot birds in the forest and the basics of their differentiation. Then we will actually begin identifying birds of different habitats focusing on the easiest ones and the most common ones. Important points such as reproduction and feeding habits and mixed species flocks are also touched upon.
Lunch
Flora and Fauna 5 - Fish
From a platform in a small pond we will sample fish using nets. We will learn the essentials of the identification key, as well as the properties of the principal families and the adaptation of fish to the extreme conditions of seasonal water formations in the Amazon.
Dinner
Flora and Fauna 6 - Insects and Spiders
Before identifying insects, insect anatomy is taught. Then, insects are identified to the order level. Important insect topics include their diversity and the ecosystemic functions of key families and orders such as dung beetles, army ants, termites, etc.
Overnight at Refugio Amazonas
DAY 5
Breakfast
Flora and Fauna 3 - Mammals
Mammal identification is taught mostly through the use of signals such as tracks, feces, trails and sounds. The few mammals which we will spot will be identified to species level. Natural histories of the twenty or so most important large mammals are learned.
Lunch
Flora and Fauna 2 - Botany
Based in primary floodplain forest we identify the essential families and go to species level with the most conspicuous. Flowers, fruits, and seeds are essential to our work in identification and we learn their tactics for dispersion, germination, fertilization and growth. Finally, we also get into the uses of different plants.
Dinner
Overnight at Refugio Amazonas
DAY 6
Breakfast
Macaw Population Census
The macaw project has been counting individuals present in trail transects and river transects in an effort to estimate macaw population variations with seasons. During our river voyage we will be given data registration cards to note species of macaws sited, number of individuals and location. This data will be plugged into the general macaw project data set.
Lunch
Canopy Tower
A thirty minute walk from Refugio Amazonas leads to the 25 meter scaffolding canopy tower. A bannistered staircase running through the middle provides safe access to the platforms above. The tower has been built upon high ground, therefore increasing your horizon of the continuous primary forest extending out towards the Tambopata National Reserve. From here views of mixed species canopy flocks as well as toucans, macaws and raptors are likely.
Dinner
Overnight at Refugio Amazonas
DAY 7
Breakfast
Transfer Boat - Refugio Amazonas to Tambopata River Port
Transfer Tambopata River Port to Pto Maldonado Headquarters
Transfer Puerto Maldonado Headquarters to Airport
We retrace our river and road journey back to Puerto Maldonado, our office and the airport. Depending on airline schedules, this may require dawn departures.
NOTES
Included
Programmes based on double occupancy. Includes all meal, accommodations, and services, all river transportation, and transfer from and to the airport of Puerto Maldonado.
Not Included
International or domestic airfares, airport departure taxes or visa fees, excess baggage charges, additional nights during the trip due to flight cancellations, alcoholic beverages or bottled water, snacks, insurance of any kind, laundry, phone calls or messages, reconfirmation of flights and items of personal nature.
Boat Transportation
All our boats are 20 foot long, roofed canoes with four strokes outboard motors.
Daily arrivals and departures from every port are scheduled to meet every airline´s arrival and departure.
Our check in for all our guest is from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Our check out is from early dawn until 8:00 am the latest
We reserve the right to change the order of activities.
Although not valid for the rainforest part of Peru, we recommend that all foreign travelers bring their original passports in order to avoid the payment of national taxes (IGV 18%) at Hotels.
A thirty minute walk from Refugio Amazonas leads to the 25 meter scaffolding canopy tower. A bannistered staircase running through the middle provides safe access to the platforms above. The tower has been built upon high ground, therefore increasing your horizon of the continuous primary forest extending out towards the Tambopata National Reserve. From here views of mixed species canopy flocks as well as toucans, macaws and raptors are likely.
Twenty minutes walking from Refugio Amazonas is a peccary clay lick. These wild rain forest pigs show up in herds of five to twenty individuals to eat clay in the late morning. Chances of spotting them are around 15%, but well worth the short hike. Other wildlife also shows up including deer, guan and parakeets.
We will be out at the river’s edge at night, scanning the shores with headlamps and flashlights to catch the red gleams of reflection from caiman eyes.
A few minutes hike from the lodge is a beautiful old growth patch of Brazil Nut forest that has been harvested for decades (if not centuries) where the precarious remains of a camp used two months a year by Brazil Nut gatherers can still be experienced. We will be demonstrating the whole process of the rain forest's only sustainably harvested product from collection through
Five minutes downriver from the lodge lies a farm owned and managed by charismatic Don Manuel from the neighbouring community of Condenado. He grows a variety of popular and unknown Amazon crops - just about every plant and tree you see serves a purpose. He has also identified and cultivated many of the medicinal plants used in the region in a little backyard garden.
You will have the option of hiking out at night, when most of the mammals are active but difficult to see. Easier to find are frogs with shapes and sounds as bizarre as their natural histories.
We will paddle around the lake on a canoe or a catamaran, looking for lakeside wildlife such a hoatzin, caiman and hornerd screamers, hoping to see the otters which are infrequently seen here. You will also be rewarded with overhead sightings of macaws and parrots.
Parrots are pretty easy to watch at ecotourism family destinations in the Amazon jungle as long as the jungle lodge has a canopy tower and access to a clay lick. Guests of Refugio Amazonas get to experience both of these options and thus have an excellent chance at seeing dozens of parrots, parakeets, and spectacular macaws.
During your eco travel stay at Refugio Amazonas, you can expect to enjoy and experience the Peruvian rainforest with dozens of fun, exciting activities. Your guide will plan an itinerary that takes your wants and needs into account to maximize your experience at this Amazon jungle lodge.
Along this trail we will find a variety of plants and trees that are used by the local population with at least the same variety of purposes. We will learn about the medicinal (and other) uses of Ajo-Sacha, Yuca de Venado, Uña de Gato, Charcot-Sacha, Para-Para, among several others.
*NOTE: $40 cost is for Posada Amazonas and Refugio Amazonas, and at $95 at Tambopata Research Center* No previous experience is required. A boat will bring us upriver and then we will paddle down a portion of the Tambopata River with some rapids, although most of the progress presents low difficulty. At the shores we will observe fragmented parts of the forest and come across with locals that work at the few farms in the region. To finish our experience, we´ll stop on a sandy beach and take a well deserved bath. No experience required, only swimming knowledge.
Replicating the daily work of macaw researchers, we will climb a 30 meter tree with a rope, harness and jumar. From this vantage point we will have a macaws eye view of the forest. This demanding exercise is perfectly safe and requires no previous experience.
The Quebrada Gato, a twenty minute boat ride from Refugio Amazonas, is the only creek in all the Tambopata basin that consistently offers the chance to catch dogfish, a fighter, as well as large catfish and other local species.
*NOTE: $40 cost is for Posada Amazonas and Refugio Amazonas, and at $95 at Tambopata Research Center* We will paddle up a portion of the Tambopata River that presents no difficulty. At the shores we will observe fragmented parts of the forest accompanied by nature sounds and some wildlife we may observe, like birds, caimans and turtles. To finish our experience, we´ll stop on a sandy beach and take a well deserved bath. No experience required, only swimming knowledge.
Programs based on double occupancy. Includes all meal, accommodations, and services, all river transportation, and transfer from and to the airport of Puerto Maldonado.
Not Included
International or domestic airfares, airport departure taxes or visa fees, excess baggage charges, additional nights during the trip due to flight cancellations, alcoholic beverages or bottled water, snacks, insurance of any kind, laundry, phone calls or messages, reconfirmation of flights and items of personal nature.
Notes:
Programs to Refugio Amazonas : There is an additional $13 per person charge for entrance into the national park. This applies for tours to Refugio Amazonas Lodge
Programs to Tambopata Research Center : There is an additional $60 per person charge for entrance into the national park. This applies for tours to Tambopata Research Center Lodge
Lodge Transfers
Transfer-in (From Puerto Maldonado to Lodge): we have two departures daily at 13:00 and 14:30
Transfer-out (Lodge to Puerto Maldonado) : Two daily departures at 07:00 and 08:00 For other schedule possibilities please consult us
ESPAÑOL
Incluido
Programas en base acomodación en habitación doble. Todos los transportes terrestres y acuáticos de acuerdo al itinerario. Traslados Aeropuerto – Albergue - Aeropuerto. Todas las excursiones con guía bilingüe. Re-confirmación de vuelos nacionales desde Puerto Maldonado. Comidas especificadas en el itinerario.
No Incluido
Vuelos internacionales o nacionales, impuestos aeroportuarios, exceso de equipaje, noches adicionales por mal tiempo o cancelación de vuelos, bebidas alcohólicas, gaseosas o agua mineral embotellada, snacks, seguro de cualquier tipo, lavandería, llamadas telefónicas nacionales o internacionales, reconfirmación de vuelos internacionales.
Notas:
Programas a Refugio Amazonas : Hay un pago adicional de $13 por persona por la entrada al parque Nacional que aplica a los visitantes a Refugio Amazonas Lodge
Programas a Tambopata Research Center : Hay un pago adicional de $60 por persona por la entrada al parque Nacional que aplica a los visitantes a Tambopata Research Center
Transfer a los Albergues:
Traslado de llegada (Puerto Maldonado – Albergue): Tenemos dos traslados diarios a las 13:00 hrs. y 14:00 hrs.
Traslado de salida (Albergue – Puerto Maldonado) : Dos salidas diarias a las 07:00 hrs. y 8:00 hrs. Para otras alternativas de traslados por favor consúltenos.
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