The northwestern corner of the Amazon basin often referred to as the “green paradise” of the Amazon forest, is home to several exceptional national parks and reserves, which offer some of the best wildlife viewing experiences to be found in the Amazon.
One of the most interesting reserves of the region is Tamshiyacu Reserve, which is a unique pocket of biodiversity. During the last ice age, which had turned much of what is now covered by the Amazon rainforest into dry savannah, this little corner remained forested (known as Pleistocene refugia), which is probably the reason why even to this day it is home to a number of endemic species that can be found nowhere else in the world. The reserve’s mammal diversity has been proven to be the greatest of any region in all of the Amazon, while the number of primate species is the highest of any protected park or reserve in the world. Scientists studying birds, amphibians, and plants have found the respective species assemblages to be “outstanding, unusual and exceptional”.
The reserve is managed with one of the most innovative conservation programs in the Amazon. It is the only program that enlists the collaboration of natives living downriver to subscribe to game management goals set by conservation managers. Fundraising for the conservation program is operated by the Rainforest Conservation Fund. Tahuayo Lodge is a major financial donor of the Fund as well as working to reinforce the goals of conservation among the local communities.
Accommodations
Tahuayo Lodge has various types of accommodations, some large family cabins with private bathroom, standard rooms, also with private bathrooms, as well as some simple student accommodations with shared bathrooms. The rate is always the same, no matter which type of accommodations you choose, although groups may receive a discount, depending on their size.
Linked to the lodge is also a research station, Amazon Research Center Peru Lodge (ARC), which was specifically set up to provide researchers, and their students, facilities, where they can conduct field research in the pristine environment of the lodge. Regular visitors can also use the facilities of the research station in order to get a broader perspective of this unique environment, as the location gives access to a different ecosystem than the main lodge. Take advantage of the trail grid, which is the largest scientific trail grid offered in the Amazon. This trail grid spans over 1000 acres and covers 4 separate ecosystems, making it more remote pristine forest, and offering a greater diversity of wildlife.
Programs:
Tahuayo is probably the most flexible lodge in the Amazon when it comes to scheduling your activities. The reason for this is that they provide a private guide for each guest and a range of activities to choose from, each day. Your guide will help you design a program that suits your interests and your pace. The minimum number of days you should plan for is 4d/3n. Due to the remote location, shorter programs make no sense at this lodge. But beyond that, it is up to you how long you want to stay. To make the most of this amazing lodge with its two fantastic sites and different environments, an 8-day stay is the best option – or longer if you can!
Rates in 2019
Tahuayo Lodge has one of the most flexible set-ups available in the Amazon. Arrive any day, depart any day and stay as many days as suits your schedule. The only thing is – it is not worth staying for less than 4 days due to the remoteness of the lodges. If you want to stay for a time period that differs from the one below, please ask for pricing
4d/3n
- Four days is the absolute minimum number of days you will need to even just get a small glimpse of this amazing place. Due to the remote location, two of those days will mostly be spent getting there and getting back to the airport in Iquitos.
6d/5n
- Six days allow for a bit more in-depth exploration but is hardly enough time for a full experience. Okay if you only want to visit Tahauayo Lodge without the research center.
8d/7n
- Eight days provides for a decent amount of time to immerse yourself in the jungle environment and visit both, the Tahuayo Lodge and the Tahuayo Research Center. Longer stays are possible.
Thus, it is important to catch an early flight (must arrive before midday) or spend the night prior to your visit in Iquitos. You will be met either at the airport or at your hotel.
Likewise, it is important to book a late/afternoon flight out of Iquitos for your return.
- International or domestic airfares,
- Airport departure taxes or visa fees
- Excess baggage charges,
- Additional nights during the trip due to flight cancellations
- Alcoholic beverages, bottled water, or snacks,
- Insurance of any kind,
- Extras such as:
Laundry,
Phone calls,
Radio calls or messages,
Reconfirmation of flights
and items of personal nature.
What clothes should I wear in the jungle?
Traveling with children
We have lots of children visit, from ages 6-17. At no extra cost, you can have your itinerary customized to include activities your children will enjoy. Families are assigned private guides who have experience working with children. Family cabins include two-story cabins, each floor with a private bath, or large single room cabins for very young children, in our main lodge, and two-room cabins at our research center. A list of references from families that have recently brought children the same age as your children can be emailed to you upon request. Children receive a 25% discount on the cost of their trip.
We are more than just a tourism business. Although we focus on offering the best experience for tourists in the Amazon, our true mission is the preservation of the region around us. In order to protect the immense biodiversity contained within this area, our efforts are geared both towards the aid of indigenous and ecological communities.
The indigenous people have a truly beautiful culture and way of life, but the addition of schools, clinics, and economic initiatives help them to advance without having to damage the ecosystems around them.
Angels of the Amazon
We have long provided aid to reciprocate the kindness, conservation ethic and assistance provided to us by the indigenous people of the Tahuayo River. To this end, Tahuayo Lodge’s director Dolly Arevalo Beaver incorporated a non-profit organization, Angels of the Amazon (AOA), recognized by the (US) IRS as a legal non-profit. AOA has managed to raise funds to provide substantial support for the local communities. The aid provided can be categorized into three major spheres: medical and health care, educational assistance and economic programs.