DAY 2 - IQUITOS / EXPLORAMA LODGE
After breakfast a short, interesting bus ride takes us through the bustling streets of Iquitos. This isolated city, 2,300 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, is the most inland port navigable by ocean going ships on the Amazon River. We experience the excitement of the market where everything from bananas and live chickens to motorcycle parts and plastic wares are sold. Children are everywhere, working and playing happily along the street as the traffic of daily life goes by. Soon we get our first view of the mighty Amazon, the backbone of the largest river system in the world. We board a thatch roofed motor launch and begin a 2 1/2 hour, 50 mile journey downriver to Explorama Lodge. Passing island after island, some several miles long, we follow the meandering course of this jungle lined "river sea" Even this far from its mouth, the Amazon exceeds two miles in width. As we leave the busy city we begin to observe stilted thatch roofed dwellings and dugout canoes. It becomes obvious that the river is the one vital element in the lives of the Riberenos, or river people.It is their highway, telephone line, food store, bathtub and laundry; it brings the silt which makes their gardens grow and floods which can sweep away all they own.

Upon arrival at Explorama Lodge, our rustic but comfortable accommodation nestled in the lush rainforest, we have time to settle into our rooms and explore the grounds before a buffet lunch is served. This afternoon we explore the beautiful Lake Trail, featuring primary rainforest with giant epiphyte laden Ceiba and Ficus trees. Our naturalist guides, who have been a part of the rainforest since their birth, have a profound understanding of the many plant and animal species encountered on the trail. They explain how each functions in the complex rainforest ecosystem and how the many plants are utilized in numerous ways by the local people. Following our first experience in the rainforest, we have a chance to freshen up and enjoy the tranquility of a hammock. The surrounding forest often provides an accompaniment of animal sounds and the rhythm of water dripping from the dense foliage. The sound of jungle drums calls us to dinner, also served buffet style, featuring a wide variety of courses with fresh fruit, vegetables, meat or fish, and delicious desserts. Explorama Lodge is our base for three of the next six nights.

DAY 3 - BUSHMASTER TRAIL & DOLPHIN QUEST
We awake to the exotic sounds of the dawn chorus and may wish to join our guide on a prebreakfast birdwalk. Coffee and tea are always available in the dining room. After breakfast we explore the Bushmaster Trail, one of the more extensive and spectacular of the rainforest trails. Botanically speaking, this area has been designated the richest place on Earth by researchers from Missouri Botanical Garden. They have identified over 300 species of trees in a single hectare (2.471 acres). Our guide continually points out many interesting forms of life such as medicinal herbs, Leaf cutter Ants and Poison Arrow Frogs. The electric blue flash of the incredible Morpho Butterfly seems to illuminate the shade of the forest, which is intensified by the luxuriant tangle of lianas. There is little drinking water to be found in the rainforest, but the roots of some trees, when cut, provide a welcome drink. We make our way back to the lodge for lunch, after which we return to the Amazon for a boat ride to Yanamono Island. The downstream end of the island is usually an excellent place to observe schools of freshwater Dolphin as they cavort in the shallows. Two species occur in the Amazon, the gray dolphin (Sotalia fluviatilis) travels in pods and is more likely to be seen leaping out of the water; the pink river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis) is larger with a pronounced bulge on its head, has an elongated dorsal fin, is a more solitary animal and is not as acrobatic. There are opportunities to visit some of the local people who make their living along the shores of the Amazon. It is evident that they adapt their houses, gardens and lifestyles to the continual rise and fall of the river, which can vary as much as 40 feet. At low water, sand bars along the island are accessible. Here turtles come to lay their eggs and the birding can be excellent, including both migrant and resident species such as Pied Lapwing, Large-billed Tern, Spotted Sandpiper and Collared Plover. As the sun sets, we make our way back to Explorama Lodge. After dinner we enjoy an evening of local music at La Tahuampa Bar, relax in a hammock, or join our guide for a night hike to look for nocturnal animals.

DAY 4 - EXPLORAMA LODGE / EXPLORNAPO CAMP
After breakfast we embark on a 4 1/2 hour boat ride down the Amazon and then up the Napo River to the Amazon Biosphere Reserve, Explornapo Camp and the ACEER (Amazon Center for Environmental Education and Research). The ACEER project was initiated in 1991 with funding from the First International Rainforest Workshop, and serves as a base for scientific study and a place where interested visitors may learn about rainforests.

About seven miles downstream the Amazon is joined by the Napo River, largest of the Peruvian tributaries. Here is located the village of Francisco Orellana. In 1541, Francisco de Orellana crossed the Andes and sailed down the Napo, becoming the first European to see the Amazon River. He followed the great river all the way to the Atlantic, an often hair raising experience. As we pass, we may glimpse the statue erected to this intrepid explorer in the village which bears his name. Another 40 miles takes us to the Sucusari River, a serpentine dark water tributary of the Napo River. A short distance up the Sucusari we arrive at Explornapo Camp, nestled in remote rainforest on the boundary of the Amazon Biosphere Reserve. A preserved area of 250,000 acres of uninhabited primary rainforest, the reserve was established in 1991 as part of the ACEER project. The camp is composed of large open, thatch roofed structures on stilts with covered walkways linking the sleeping quarters, dining area, showers and latrines. No electricity or forced running water is available, but there is plenty of light at night provided by the warm glow of kerosene lanterns and abundant water for showers is available by gravity feed from elevated holding tanks. Sleeping arrangements are dormitory style on mattresses with linens and mosquito net canopies.

Though only one night is spent here, it is the favorite stop of many visitors. After lunch our guide leads the way as we explore an interesting trail through the immense trees of the primary forest. The terrain is hilly and there are many different plant and animal species to be seen and photographed. After dark we motor in our canoe a few miles up the Sucusari. We drift silently back downriver with the current while our guides search the jungle lined banks by flashlight for the red eyes of caiman and other nocturnal animals. Using only a flashlight and hand spear, they also catch some of the bizarre fish found here. This is a method commonly used by the Riberenos to provide food for their families. Returning to camp, we enjoy a savory dinner cooked over an open hearth.

DAY 5 - EXPLORNAPO CAMP / AMAZON BIOSPHERE RESERVE
This morning we have the opportunity to explore one of the most unusual and exciting habitats in the Amazon Basin, a black water lake. Lakes of this type, known as oxbows, are formed when sections of a river or stream, in this case the Napo River, become separated from the flowing stream. Their still mirror like waters are often crowned by giant Victoria water lilies whose leaves can exceed seven feet in diameter and support the weight of a small child. The sharp hook like spines on the underside of the leaves deter predators. Our guides may show us how to catch Piranha, which are abundant in these waters. They also help to dispel the myths surrounding these fish as the "Jaws" of the Amazon. Swimmers here can feel quite safe! Here we also visit a colony of one of the world's most unusual birds the Hoatzin. These strange, primitive looking birds inhabit vegetation along the black water lakes of the Napo region and build their nests overhanging the water. At the first sign of danger the nestlings drop out of the nest and into the water, where they swim below the surface until it is safe to emerge. The young birds have strong temporary claws on their wings which aid them in climbing back to their nests. Following lunch at Explornapo we make our way throu gh the rainforest to the ACEER, where we spend our next two nights. The trail passes through primary forest and rolling terrain. Away from the main river, this forest is never flooded and contains wildlife not found close to the river banks. The rare Black necked Red Cotinga, Giant Jacamar and Cuvier's Toucan are sometimes seen here. The understory swarms with butterflies typical of undisturbed forest such as Satyrs and Morphos. Colorful Poison Arrow Frogs scramble along the forest floor and the air vibrates with the sound of the jungle's teeming wildlife. Suddenly, the dense trees give way to a small clearing we have arrived. The facility lies along a stream, the Quebrada Grande, and the boundary of the Amazon Biosphere Reserve. After dinner we may join our guide for a night walk and learn some of the secrets of the rainforest's nocturnal inhabitants.

DAY 6 - ACEER / CANOPY WALKWAY / AMAZON BIOSPHERE RESERVE
A morning visit to the Canopy Walkway is an unforgettable experience and certainly one of the highpoints of our expedition. A short walk through arboreal giants brings us to the initial stage of our climb. Wooden steps take us up from the forest floor to the beginning of the multilevel system of aerial pathways and platforms which are securely suspended by ropes and cables. As we ascend the walkway to a height of over 10 stories, we eventually emerge above the top of the seemingly endless canopy and experience a sight few have ever witnessed. Here is an unexplored world where over 2,000 epiphytic plants may cling to the branches of a single tree. In the forest canopy it is estimated that 20 million insect species may exist, 80% as yet unknown to science! We descend from the treetops for a welcome lunch and a rest before setting out for an afternoon excursion to explore the Amazon Biosphere Reserve. Depending on conditions, we may investigate the medicine trail, learning of the plants and their uses in the Indians' pharmacopeia; travel through the flooded forest to learn how each species adapts to periodic inundation by water; or walk along the Lindero Tambo, a wide trail displaying the effects of clearing and the opportunism of second growth forest. A colpa, or mineral laden bog, provides opportunities to observe signs of mammals who come here to ingest the mineral salts otherwise missing from their diet. Deer, Peccary, Agouti and Tapir all take advantage of this natural supplement. We return to the ACEER for dinner. Later, those who wish may return to the walkway to experience the nocturnal life of the rainforest canopy.

DAY 7 - ACEER / EXPLORNAPO CAMP / EXPLORAMA LODGE
After breakfast at the ACEER, we return through the reserve to Explornapo Camp and board boats for the return to Explorama Lodge. The trip provides more opportunities to observe local life along the great river and watch for interesting animals and birds. A Kingfisher perched patiently on a partially submerged tree, Dolphins arching through the churning waters and maybe a lone Sloth hanging peaceably from a high branch there is always something to see along the way. After lunch at the lodge, we set out on the trail of Seven Bridges to visit a local Yagua community. Though the Yagua no longer live in their large thatched communal house, it is maintained as a focal point of their lives. The traditional dress of fiber skirts and headdresses has been largely replaced by shorts, T shirts and dresses, but is still worn here in this reconstructed village. The interest of visitors encourages the age old crafts and traditions of a people who are in cultural transition. Some old ways are revered and kept, and some new additions from the outside world are practiced. The Yagua, while still hunting, fishing and gardening, have adapted to their situation by becoming the traders of the river. Useful items obtained by barter are traded throughout the region, and the Yagua trade decorative items they make using gleanings from the river and forest. Our last evening in the rainforest is an early one, but there is still time to relax and enjoy the tales of the guides and listen as they sing and play in La Tahuampa bar.

DAY 8 - EXPLORAMA LODGE / IQUITOS / MIAMI
The final day begins with an early departure from Explorama Lodge. As we make our way back to Iquitos and our flight to the U.S., the overwhelming feeling of tranquility will soon be replaced with the everyday cares of normal life, but the memory of this incredible place that is the rainforest will stay with us. As our morning fight wings us over the unbroken rainforest canopy and meandering rivers, it is good to know that such a place exists and to have personally experienced its wonders.

ACCOMMODATIONS

EXPLORAMA LODGE
From the lively riverside city of Iquitos, it is about fifty miles downriver to Explorama Lodge. The rainforest looms above as our palm thatched riverboat turns off the mighty river and continues along a narrow stream a tunnel through the vibrant foliage which seems to hum with life. The lodge is almost invisible through the trees, but the dock holds a welcoming group of guides who help us disembark. Humans are not the only ones to extend a welcome; macaws decked out in red, blue, yellow and green loudly hail our arrival. Food is plentiful and good, featuring various meats and a wealth of fresh fruits and vegetables, rice and beans all carefully and safely prepared. The lodge is surrounded by well kept trails where our guides point out the plants and animals and explain how the local people utilize the abundant resources of the forest.

EXPLORNAPO
Forty-three miles up the Amazon's Napo and Sucusari Rivers is Explornapo Camp. Nestled in remote rainforest on the boundary of the Amazon Biosphere Reserve, this camp is composed of large, open, thatch-roofed structures on stilts and is lit by the warm glow of kerosene lanterns. Here we explore a colony of Hoatzins (primitive, pheasant-sized birds) in their natural habitat, an experience that for many will be a highlight of the trip, and visit a black water lake.

ACEER
Built in similar style to Explorama Lodge, the ACEER facility has two wings of rooms and a central meeting and dining area. It provides comfortable accommodations for both visitors and the researchers who make it their temporary home.

CUSCO / MACHU PICCHU EXTENSION
For a complete change of pace, extend your Amazon journey with an optional extension to Cusco and Machu Picchu. Cusco, the seat of Inca civilization founded around 1100 AD, has a wealth of fascinating historical sites. Other options in the Andes are avai lable so that you can tailor your visit to your own interests. For a personalized itinerary that fits your specific time frame, call Patricia Ryel at ext. 141.

DEPARTURE DATES
Call and ask about our convenient weekly departure date.

CONCEPT & PHILOSOPHY
International Expeditions specializes in high quality travel programs to the world's great natural history destinations. Our purpose is to stimulate an interest in, develop an understanding of, and create an appreciation for the natural wonders of our Earth. At each destination we work with the best naturalists/guides available stressing environmental awareness, nature interpretation and wildlife conservation. Mindful of the detrimental effects of human visitation to wildlife habitats, we also recognize the positive influence environmentally sensitive tourist dollars can have, creating a sustainable economic alternative to natural resource exploitation. International Expeditions' programs stimulate in the traveler a desire to preserve environmental integrity and kindle in local communities a pride in safeguarding their natural and cultural heritage.

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
Developing comprehensive nature travel programs is a complex and highly specialized process. International Expeditions carefully selects destinations based upon strong natural history content and the presence of an appropriate infrastructure, ensuring maximum exposure to wildlife. Each program must embrace a broad spectrum of natural and cultural components. The choice and training of superior naturalist guides is fundamental to our success. We carefully evaluate the quality of accommodations, meals and transportation to ensure the best possible experience for our passengers. A comprehensive photo library documenting each destination is established and extensive information is compiled. Pictures and data are translated into state-of-the-art brochures and descriptive itineraries. All passengers are furnished with thorough informational booklets, produced from our intensive research on each destination. These outstanding pre-trip materials help distinguish International Expeditions as the leader in nature travel worldwide. Our programs are priced all-inclusive from U.S. gateway cities and provide all services, meals, transportation and accommodations. International Expeditions is proud of the leading position it holds in this exciting and very special area of the travel industry.

LOCAL GUIDES
International Expeditions realizes that the single most important element of a safe, memorable, and rewarding nature travel experience rests with the talent and skill level of the naturalist guides. These resident experts are carefully selected and trained.
Their insight into the natural and cultural heritage of their homelands is unparalleled. International Expeditions' guides consistently earn the highest accolades from our travelers.

A WORLD OF REASONS TO TRAVEL WITH INTERNATIONAL EXPEDITIONS

1.Global Experience --With over a decade of experience, International Expeditions, Inc., is recognized as the leader in nature travel offering, more than 30 destinations worldwide.
2. Conservation Ethic --International Expeditions has established innovative and effective travel programs promoting environmental awareness and natural resource preservation. We strive to keep tourism revenues within the destination, conserving wildlife and pristine habitats as sustainable economic resources.
3. Expert Staff --Our team consists of individuals with professional backgrounds combining the skills of the naturalist and travel professional. Each member specializes in a destination with which he/she is intimately familiar. Our total commitment to customer service, product quality and integrity is never compromised.
4. Exceptional Guides --Our resident naturalist guides are skillful, conscientious and personable. These outstanding local experts possess unparalleled insight into the natural and cultural heritage of their homelands.
5.Comprehensive Travel Service --International Expeditions excels in providing a broad range of services, satisfying all aspects of individual and group travel. Our thorough predeparture arrangements make your travel to exotic destinations a simple pleasure.
6.Superior Itineraries --Each travel program is meticulously researched, explored and continually refined in response to changing conditions, new opportunities and the recommendations of our travelers.
7. Preferential Treatment --We have developed strong, trusting relationships with airlines, lodge owners and land operators at each destination. These long standing partnerships assure our passengers preferential service.
8. Predeparture Material --Our attractive brochures, detailed itineraries and comprehensive information are the finest in the field of nature travel.
9. Institutional Affiliations --International Expeditions is the preferred nature travel firm for many of the nation's leading zoos and aquariums, museums, universities, nature centers and conservation 0rganizations.
10. Value --Our all-inclusive itineraries, superior guides, outstanding predeparture material and other exclusive benefits offered at extremely competitive prices provide an overall value unmatched by any other travel company.


For more information or to make your reservation:
Contact: Richard Ryel
One Environs Park Helena, AL 35080
1-800-633-4734
FAX (205)428-1714
E-MAIL : intlexp@aol.com