NATIVE COMMUNITY: 4 DAYS AND 3 NIGHTS
“RESERVA NATURAL ECOLOGICA”

Day 01: Monkey Island (Isla de los Monos)

Arrival to Puerto Maldonado, known to some as the “Biodiversity Capital of Peru.” Reception at the airport. Our tour begins by a visit to the city private bus. Shortly afterwards we go on to the riverside port of Capitania to board our boat and navigate down the Madre de Dios River. We soon find ourselves enveloped in natural atmosphere and surroundings: one can observe “Ronsocos” (also known as Capybara, it is the largest living rodent; the Capybara makes up the family Hydrochaeridae. It is classified as Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris.) Caymans (Alligators), Turtles (Charapas), and other species of fauna as wel as herons, cormorants various birds. Upon arrival at the EcoAmazonía Lodge, and enjoying an exquisite –and typical- welcome drink, you will settle in our comfortable bungalows. Shortly thereafter, lunch ensues.

After lunch, in the company and assistance of our specialized guide, we visit Monkey Island (“Isla de los Monos”). Located only five minutes from the Lodge, in the middle of the Madre de Dios river, the Monkey Island hosts an ample variety of species of monkeys: These range from the noisy ones such as the Maquisapa (Spider Monkey), the happy Achuñi (Nasua nasua d.), the very impressive Fraile (Squirrel Monkey) to the very little and funny Leoncito, “little lions” (Tití –Cebuella pygmaea). There other examples of Amazonian fauna, such as the Coatí (also known as coatimundi, a mammal resembling the raccoon, but with a slimmer body, a longer tail, and an elongated, flexible snout. The South American coati is classified as Nasua nasua.); the Sloth; and many species of birds.

The trip to the island affords very beautiful sightseeing of the local landscape. And to top it all off, there is that breathtaking and sublime jungle sunset …

Day 02: “Cocha Perdida” (Lost LAKE)

After breakfast we set forth on an adventure thought the virgin jungle, led by our professional local guide: today’s hike will take us to the “Cocha Perdida” (Lost Cocha). This site effectively constitutes a unique protected Ecosystem, Refuge and Feeding ground for a great diversity of jungle fauna including Nutria, Otter (Lutra incarum), Cayman (New World Crocodile), Turtles (Charapa), Sachavaca (Amazonian Tapir) the majestic Jaguar, or Otorongo (Panthera onça).As well as many birds of striking plumage as well as an ample variety of species of fish. This area is unique and distinctively particular to the EcoAmazonía Reserve, by virtue of having remained altogether unaltered, and conveniently surrounded by large swamps and wetlands. One of the highlights of today’s tour is certainly the ascent to the “Mirador” (the “Amazonian Overlook”) built atop the greatest of treetops in the Amazonian forest, the revered “Shihuahuaco” (Diptrax alata, a relative of the Mimosa and Copaiba family) from where a grand view of the great and magical forest can be admired. This is complemented by a pleasant canoe tour around the lake, after which we return to the Lodge and a well earned lunch. Free evening; Dinner.

Day 03: Palma Real

After breakfast, we shall navigate down the Madre de Dios River for approximately 2 hours. Along the banks, we catch sights of a variety of flora and fauna, as well as witness the activities of miners panning for gold. At the end of our 2 hour trip, we will pay a visit to the closest of the native indigenous communities, located at the site known as Palma Real. These folks belong to the Huarayo ethnic group who, albeit having been exposed to and assimilated some aspects of western “civilization”, have nonetheless succeeded in preserving a great degree of their original customs, myths and beliefs, as well as ritual behavior.

This native Huarayo human settlement constitutes a singular space richly nourished with traditional wisdom and lore and represents an example of harmonious interaction between humans and the jungle environment –together integrating the wholeness of life and world. Through our contact with the guide, we will come to know that these people possess a life of their own –their accounting of the passage of time being marked by the sun, the moon, the stars and the waters. A space where people, plants, animal creatures, rivers and virtually all expressions and forms of life are combined into a compact and indivisible world. A world where all and everything bears a message and a meaning.

We shall be able to acquire their handy crafts and folk art -the product of their creativity and dexterity- and, hopefully participate alongside in their traditional singing and dancing.

Having departed this unique community, we shall partake of lunch aboard our boat, passing along the way the valley of Palma Real which is graced with a very beautiful landscape and natural splendor. Sometime later, we will arrive back at the Lodge. Diner and overnight.

Day 04:

Breakfast and Transfer to Puerto Maldonado Airport.

Iincludes:

• Transfers / airport / Lodge / airport.
• All meals.
• Lodging in typical bungalows
• Tours led by specialized guides.