2003
People often ask us about our trip to the Amazon. After we have talked to them non-stop for an hour, we inform them that we are planning on traveling back as soon as possible. "Why on Earth would you want to go back so soon?", they ask. There is so much more to do and see. We LOVE it there. It is one of the most beautiful places on Earth and the people there are wonderful. This time we are going for a few less days, but are traveling deeper into the jungle.
Post Trip Notes: Before venturing into the rest of the site, we feel we must warn users with slower internet connections. We took well over 300 pictures on this trip. Additionally, this year we have added some multimedia stuff (sound) to the pages to provide a more immersive experience. The addition of this content may cause a slight delay in load time. Please be patient! Additionally, the pages were created for a resolution of 1024x768. If they don't look right, that's the problem!
August Itinerary (Supplemented with information from the Explorama Brochures):
Day One - Arrive in Iquitos and travel by boat 50 miles to Explorama Lodge.
"...Romantic kerosene torches and lamps illuminate palm-thatched houses each with 10-17 private sleeping rooms and adjoining shower and toilet facilities. Connecting walkways lead to the Tahuampa Bar, Dining Room, Sun Porch, and Hammock Houses. A variety of hikes are offered, including the Seven Bridges Trail."
Reunite with old friends & drink a toast in the Lodge bar while listening to the Green Frogs play.
Day Two and Three - Travel by boat an additional 50 miles upstream and inland to ExplorNapo Lodge. "ExplorNapo, beautifully situated on the Sucusari Stream, a small tributary of the Napo River 100 Miles from Iquitos, is surrounded by the largest of Explorama's private Rainforest Reserve. ExplorNapo adventures offer palm thatched houses with kerosene lighting, a spacious dining room, and pristine rainforest surroundings. ExplorNapo is also the gateway to the World's Longest Canopy Walkway, where an unrivaled opportunity awaits to walk through the treetops."
Day Four - Take an hour hike to the ACTS Lodge. "Opened in 1993, ACTS, Amazon Conservatory of Tropical Studies, provides a research station for scientists in the rainforest and an opportunity for layman to share in their discovery. The large, thatched buildings are identical in construction to those found at Explorama Lodge...extensive trail hikes are available including the "Medicine Trail" used specifically to show the local rainforest plants used in modern medicine as well as examples of native plant remedies which science may use in the future."
Day Five - Boat back to Ceiba Tops Jungle resort.
"Explore the myths, mysteries, and magic of the world's most exotic jungle, then step from the tropics into air-conditioned comfort in your private room. Elaborate gardens, pool, water slide, hammock house and the Esmeralda lounge all complement the most luxurious of Amazonian settings just 25 miles from Iquitos." Laugh about air conditioning and electricity. Slide down the jungle slide into the pool.
Day Six - Spend the day sight-seeing in Iquitos. Depart Iquitos airport for Lima.
