Road Scholar : Education and Ecology in the Peruvian Amazon - Peru

Education and Ecology in the Peruvian Amazon

Program Number:

20615RJ

Start and End Dates:


	10/27/2013 - 11/6/2013; 1/17/2014 - 1/27/2014; 10/29/2014 - 11/8/2014;

Duration:

10 nights

Location:

Peru

Price starting at:

$2,550.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city

Program Type:

Service Learning

Activity Level:

t (see description)

Meals:

28; 10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 9 Dinners

Meal Options:

Low Fat; Low Salt; Vegetarian

Few places on earth can rival the Peruvian Amazon rainforest for diversity of flora and fauna. Its lush canopy also hides small, remote villages home to indigenous people who live in much the same way their ancestors have for centuries. Get to know the people of one such village as you help them build new desks for their school, aid researchers with a wildlife conservation project and learn about this unique, pristine environment.

Highlights

� Work side by side with members of an Amazon community to build desks and tables that will improve the learning experience of students at the local school.
� Help scientists at a remote Amazon research center collect data for a wildlife census in the Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo Reserve.
� Naturalists introduce you to this region�s stunning biodiversity including encounters with unique creatures like the red-faced bald uakari monkey.

Activity Particulars

Extensive walking on uneven terrain. Working in potentially hot and humid conditions.

Date Specific Information

10-27-2013

This departure can be taken with Gal�pagos program #6043-10/16/2013, or Northern Patagonia program #20789-11/04/2013, Peru program #3280-11/07/2013.

1-17-2014

Can be taken in conjunction with program #6043-01/26/14

10-29-2014

Can be taken in conjunction with program #6043-10/19/2014

Itinerary Summary

Arrival Lima, 1 night; flight to Iquitos; boat to Tahuayo Lodge, 5 nights; boat to Tahuayo River Amazon Research Center, 2 nights; boat to Iquitos, 1 night; flight to Lima, 1 night; departure.

Flight from the U.S.A.
Arrival Lima	1 night
Flight to Iquitos
Boat to Tahuayo Lodge	5 nights

Fly to Iquitos, the largest city of the Peruvian rainforest, then board a motorboat for the four-hour voyage to Tahuayo Lodge in the Amazon Rainforest. For the next four days, you will get up each morning, perhaps enjoy a walk or a swim, and eat breakfast. Then you�ll take a boat to a local village where you will learn about life in the rainforest and help with an important project: assembling, sanding and painting new desks and chairs that are badly needed at the village school. The schoolchildren show you their homes and the village shaman gives you a �spirit name� in a special ritual. Native artisans teach you traditional crafts like basket weaving and gourd carving. Afternoons will be spent exploring the incredible �green paradise� that is the Amazon with expert naturalists.

Boat to Tahuayo River Amazon Research Center	2 nights
Boat to Iquitos	1 night
Flight to Lima	1 night
Departure

Continue to TRARC, a conservation-minded research facility in a remote part of the Amazon. Help with the wildlife census, collecting valuable data on species like jaguars, pumas, primates, reptiles and birds. Record animal sightings and maintain the motion-activated night vision cameras. Naturalist-led walks introduce you to the incredible biodiversity of this jungle. Return to Iquitos by boat and celebrate your accomplishments at a farewell-to-the-Amazon dinner. In Lima, an expert-led field trip introduces you to the city�s colonial character and you have some time to explore independently.

Peru

Known as the land of the Incas, Peru was home to an ancient civilization that thrived from the 12th century to 1532, when Francisco Pizarro conquered it. Although a prominent memory in history, prior civilizations like the Chavin, Paracas, Nazca, Moche and Wari set the foundations for the Inca Empire. Peru is divided into three zones: the coast, the Andean mountain range and the Amazon jungle basin, all of which are culturally and linguistically different.

Accommodations
Lima: Hotel near airport (first night), hotel in seaside Miraflores district (final night). Tahuayo Lodge: Eco-friendly cabins with private baths. Tahuayo River Amazon Research Center: Thatched-roof cabins with shared baths, no electricity or hot water. Iquitos: Four-star hotel.

Meals and Lodgings
	Hotel Costa del Sol Ramada - Lima
		Lima, Peru	1 night
	Tahuayo Lodge
		Amazonia - Tahuayo River, Peru	5 nights
	Tahuayo River Amazon Research Center
		Amazonia - Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo Reserve, Peru	2 nights
	Hotel El Dorado Plaza
		Iquitos, Peru	1 night
	Casa Andina Select
		Lima, Peru	1 night

Hotel Costa del Sol Ramada - Lima
	Type:	Hotel
	Description:	The Hotel Costa del Sol Ramada - Lima is within walking distance from Lima's international airport; situated directly across from the airport's main terminal. Modern installations, comfortable rooms and quick access to the airport help make this the perfect choice for travelers on the go.
	Contact info:	Av. Elmer Faucett s/n Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Ch�vez Lima, Peru phone: +51-1-7112000 web: www.costadelsolperu.com/peru/hoteles/lima/
	Room amenities:	Air conditioning/heating, High Speed Internet, cable TV, minibar, in-room safe, phone, clock radio, and private bath with hair dryer.
	Facility amenities:	Business center, meeting rooms, restaurants, Wi-Fi Internet, fitness center, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, indoor pool, and massage services.
	Smoking allowed:	No
	Elevators available:	Yes
	Additional nights prior:	Subject to availability. Room types and rates are subject to hotel availability.
	Check in time:	2:00 PM

Tahuayo Lodge
	Type:	Lodge
	Description:	Rainforest lodge located on the Tahuayo River, in Peru's biologically rich Amazon region. The lodge can be reached by a 4 hour trip via speedboat from Iquitos (50 miles on the Amazon River and 40 miles on the Tahuayo tributary). The lodge provides a rustic, yet comfortable, main base for nature and/or cultural explorations in the region.
	Contact info:	On the shores of the Tahuayo River Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo Reserve, Peru phone: +800-2629669 web: www.perujungle.com
	Room amenities:	The wood-framed cabins are built on stilts and have thatched roofs. They are connected to other buildings via a network of covered boardwalks. There are fifteen cabins; some are honeymoon cabins, with a king-size bed, others are cabins with two beds and a few are family-style cabins with one large bed and several single beds. Half of the cabins have private bathrooms and the other half use shared facilities. The lodge has a septic system and their flush toilets and showers (water is unheated) utilize well water.
	Facility amenities:	A modern kitchen, dining hall, areas to socialize and relax, and a conservation education laboratory with a library. Some electricity provided by solar panels and batteries, so guests can recharge camera batteries or use CPAP machines. Lighting is provided by soft LED lights rather than the more dangerous kerosene lamps used in most other lodges. Satellite based phone, internet, and e-mail service are available. There is a laundry staff and daily laundry service is provided for a small charge.
	Smoking allowed:	No
	Bathroom:	Half of the lodge cabins have private bathrooms and the other half have shared bathrooms.

Tahuayo River Amazon Research Center
	Type:	Lodge
	Description:	The Tahuayo River Amazon Research Center, TRARC, is part of a long-term conservation initiative undertaken in consultation with government offices in Iquitos, Yale University�s School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, the Missouri Botanical Garden, and the Chicago Botanic Garden. The TRARC initiative was developed to promote new collaborative projects in conservation biology, environmental studies, cultural anthropology, and more at the Area de Conservacion Regional Comunal de Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo.
	Contact info:	000000000000000 Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo Reserve, 00000 Peru phone: +800-2629669 web: www.perujungle.com
	Room amenities:	Guest rooms are housed in thatched roofed buildings with wood floors and panelled walls. Bedroom walls have an open section along the top for improved air circulation. Sliding curtains offer added privacy. Curtained, canopy beds add a touch of whimsy and provide protection against mosquitoes. Additional furnishings include bedside tables, chairs, and area rugs. *We suggest bringing a small flashlight since the rooms do not have any electricity.
	Facility amenities:	Lounge areas, hammock room, dining room, and science lab. The research center only has electricity in the science lab. Digital cameras and video recorders can be charged in the lab.
	Smoking allowed:	Yes
	Bathroom:	Shared bathroom facilities have sinks, flush toilets, and showers. Water is not heated. Bathrooms are divided into a section for women and one for men.

Hotel El Dorado Plaza
	Type:	Five-Star Hotel
	Description:	The Hotel El Dorado Plaza is located in front of Iquito's main square, within walking distance of the City Hall, the main church and Gustav Eiffel's Iron House.
	Contact info:	Jr. Napo 258 Iquitos, Peru phone: +5165-222555 web: www.grupo-dorado.com/doradoplaza/lan/eng/index.php
	Room amenities:	Air conditioning, DVD player, mini bar, direct dial phones, in-room safe, voice mail, WiFi, and hair dryer.
	Facility amenities:	Restaurant, bar, lounger, pool, jacuzzi, a Spa and fitness center, computers with Internet access, meeting rooms, money exchange, 24 hr room service, laundry services, tour desk, safe at front desk, and airport shuttle services.
	Smoking allowed:	Yes
	Elevators available:	Yes

Casa Andina Select
	Type:	Hotel
	Description:	The Casa Andina Select hotel is located in Lima's trendy Miraflores neighborhood, within easy access to restaurants and local attractions. The newly constructed hotel has 155 rooms with modern installations and various amenities meant to satisfy the needs of both leisure and business travelers.
	Contact info:	Calle Schell 452 Miraflores, Lima, Peru phone: +51-1-2139739 web: www.casa-andina.com
	Room amenities:	Comfortable rooms with private baths, hair dryer, AC, safety deposit box, minibar, soundproof windows, direct dial phone, and cable TV.
	Facility amenities:	Restaurant, Spa, gym, sun terrace with Jacuzzi, conference rooms, business center, high-speed Wi-Fi Internet access, laundry service, valet service, currency exchange, 24 hr front desk, luggage storage, and souvenir shop.
	Smoking allowed:	Yes
	Elevators available:	Yes
	Additional nights after:	Subject to availability. Please contact the Program Coordinator, Holbrook Travel, at 1-800-866-7111 or roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com for information on availability and rates.

Travel Details
	Start of Program: Arrivals in Jorge Ch�vez International Airport in Lima, Peru. Hotel check-in starts at 3 p.m. You will be staying at Hotel Costa del Sol Ramada - Lima that night.
	End of Program: Departures from the Jorge Ch�vez International Airport in Lima, Peru. Hotel check-out by 11 a.m. You will be staying at Casa Andina Select the night before.
	Required documents: The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. No additional documents required.
	Parking availability: Not applicable.

Transportation		(For Independent Travelers)

	To Start of Program
	Location:	Lima
	Nearest city or town:	Lima
	Nearest airport:	Jorge Chaves Lima Callo International Airport
	Transportation to site:	Taxi services are available at the international airport (e.g., Taxis Green). Participants can hire a taxi and prepay in dollars at one of the taxi booths inside the secured section of the airport (after clearing Immigration/Customs). The Hotel Costa del Sol Ramada - Lima is located within easy walking distance from Lima's international airport; directly across from the main terminal.

	From End of Program
	Location:	Lima
	Transportation from site:	Taxi services are available at the hotel. If you wish to hire a taxi, please ask for assistance at the hotel�s front desk.
		(Additional transportation information same as above)

The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Daily Schedule

Day 1:

Flights from the U.S./Arrivals in Lima, Peru.
(Sunday, October 27)

Arrive To:

Arrivals at the Jorge Ch�vez International Airport in Lima, Peru.

Proceed through Immigrations, Baggage Claim, and Customs. After exiting the restricted arrivals area, participants should look for the Road Scholar representative who will be holding a Road Scholar sign (only applies to group flights).

Transfer to the hotel.

**Please note that this is an international travel day; no meals or program activities are scheduled on this day. Hotel check-in usually begins at 3 p.m.**

Accommodations:

Hotel Costa del Sol Ramada - Lima

Day 2:

Fly to Iquitos/Boat Transfer to Lodge/Village Visit.
(Monday, October 28)

Breakfast:	At the hotel restaurant.
Morning:	Check-out of the hotel and walk across the street to the Jorge Ch�vez International Airport to catch a flight to Iquitos. Participants will be able to exchange money at the hotel and/or at the airport before the flight. Arrive in Iquitos and meet your group leader. Transfer to the dock and board a motorized boat for the transfer to the Tahuayo Lodge (approximately 4 hours).
Lunch:	Boxed lunch en route.
Afternoon:	En route to the lodge, stop at local village to visit their clinic and learn about health services in the area. Arrive at the lodge and check-in. Orientation to the program and the area followed by a lecture about the Amazon.
Dinner:	At the lodge dining room.

Accommodations:	Tahuayo Lodge
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3:

Optional Morning Birding or Swimming/Community Service Project/Group Leader Briefing.
(Tuesday, October 29)

Breakfast:	Optional early morning birding or swimming in the river. Breakfast at the lodge dining room.
Morning:	Boat transfer to the local village to participate in the community service activity. During the next few days, participants will engage in a number of local service projects such as: constructing school desks and chairs, assisting artisan women with their crafts, preparing/serving breakfast to children at a local community, and teaching art fundamentals and hosting an art contest at an area school. Return to the lodge in time for lunch.
Lunch:	At the lodge dining room.
Afternoon:	After lunch, enjoy some time at leisure to rest and enjoy the lodge grounds. Afternoon explorations in the region. Return to the lodge for a briefing by your group leader in preparation for next day's activities.
Dinner:	At the lodge dining room.

Accommodations:	Tahuayo Lodge
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4:

Optional Morning Birding or Swimming/Community Service Project/Group Leader Briefing.
(Wednesday, October 30)

Breakfast:	Optional early morning birding or swimming in the river. Breakfast at the lodge dining room.
Morning:	Boat transfer to the local village to participate in the community service activity. Return to the lodge in time for lunch.
Lunch:	At the lodge dining room.
Afternoon:	After lunch, enjoy some time at leisure to rest and enjoy the lodge grounds. Afternoon explorations in the region. Return to the lodge for a briefing by your group leader in preparation for next day's activities.
Dinner:	At the lodge dining room.

Accommodations:	Tahuayo Lodge
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5:

Optional Morning Birding or Swimming/Community Service Project/Group Leader Briefing.
(Thursday, October 31)

Breakfast:	Optional early morning birding or swimming in the river. Breakfast at the lodge dining room.
Morning:	Boat transfer to the local village to participate in the community service activity. Return to the lodge in time for lunch.
Lunch:	At the lodge dining room.
Afternoon:	After lunch, enjoy some time at leisure to rest and enjoy the lodge grounds. Afternoon explorations in the region. Return to the lodge for a briefing by your group leader in preparation for next day's activities.
Dinner:	At the lodge dining room.

Accommodations:	Tahuayo Lodge
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6:

Optional Morning Birding or Swimming/Community Service Project/Group Leader Briefing.
(Friday, November 1)

Breakfast:	Optional early morning birding or swimming in the river. Breakfast at the lodge dining room.
Morning:	Boat transfer to the local village to participate in the community service activity. Return to the lodge in time for lunch.
Lunch:	At the lodge dining room.
Afternoon:	After lunch, enjoy some time at leisure to rest and enjoy the lodge grounds. Afternoon explorations in the region. Return to the lodge for a briefing by your group leader in preparation for next day's activities.
Dinner:	At the lodge dining room.

Accommodations:	Tahuayo Lodge
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7:

Boat Transfer to Research Center (TRARC)/Wildlife Census with Locals.
(Saturday, November 2)

Breakfast:	At the lodge dining room.
Morning:	Board a motorized boat for the transfer to the Tahuayo River Amazon Research Center. Arrive at the research center and check-in. Orientation to the research center.
Lunch:	At the research center dining room.
Afternoon:	After lunch, participate in the first session of the wildlife census activity with locals. The TRARC wildlife census aims to collect valuable data pertaining to species populations and densities in the area. Some of the key species tracked include jaguar, puma, and primates. Participants will receive instructions on distance sampling techniques and key points in wildlife identification before exploring the rainforest trails to record observations on local primates. While on the trails, participants will also help to replace memory cards in the various motion activated night vision cameras that are used to capture images of wild animals that are active at night (e.g., jaguar). At the end of the day, participants will upload the camera memory cards and the data collected during this assignment to the research center's data base.
Dinner:	At the research center dining room.

Accommodations:	Tahuayo River Amazon Research Center
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8:

Wildlife Census with Locals/Nature Hike or Boat Ride.
(Sunday, November 3)

Breakfast:	At the research center dining room.
Morning:	After breakfast, take part in the wildlife census project. Return to the research center.
Lunch:	At the research center dining room.
Afternoon:	Take a break from volunteer work and join a local naturalist on a hike and/or boat ride to explore some of the area's natural treasures. Return to the research center. Pre-dinner briefing session with the group leader.
Dinner:	At the research center dining room.

Accommodations:	Tahuayo River Amazon Research Center
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9:

Wildlife Census with Locals/Boat Transfer to Iquitos/Iquitos' Main Plaza.
(Monday, November 4)

Breakfast:	At the research center dining room.
Morning:	After breakfast, take part in wildlife census activities. Say farewell to the research center and board a boat to the Tahuayo Lodge, arriving in time for lunch.
Lunch:	At Tahuayo Lodge.
Afternoon:	Boat transfer to Iquitos (approximately 4 hours). Upon arrival in Iquitos, board local rickshaw taxis and transfer to the hotel. Arrive at the hotel and check-in. Enjoy a stroll around Iquito's main plaza for a brief city orientation before dinner. This important Peruvian port city was first founded as a Jesuit mission in the 1750�s, and was named after the �Iquitos� tribe that once inhabited the area. In 1864 it became the capital of the Loreto department. The city�s strategic location on the banks of the Amazon became especially important during the rubber boom that took place from the 1880�s until the early 1900�s. The cultivation and trade of rubber brought economic growth to the area and great wealth to a select few. During this period of prosperity, this isolated jungle city saw the construction of luxurious homes with materials imported from Europe. In present times, Iquitos is best known as the embarkation point for those wishing to explore the Amazon.
Dinner:	Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodations:	Hotel El Dorado Plaza
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10:

Fly to Lima/Lima City Orientation/Peruvian Cuisine.
(Tuesday, November 5)

Breakfast:	At the hotel restaurant.
Morning:	Transfer to the airport, to catch a flight to Lima. Say farewell to your Amazonian group leader. Upon arrival in Lima, meet the local Road Scholar guide. Enjoy an orientation to the city of Lima. Francisco Pizarro, the conqueror of the Inca Empire, founded Lima in 1536. Lima went on to become the most important city in Spanish South America. The city's colonial character can still be felt in its historic downtown area. Architectural highlights include the grand Plaza de Armas and its 17th century fountain, the Government Palace, the Church of San Francisco, La Catedral, and Jiron de la Union with its bustling shops.
Lunch:	At a local restaurant. Learn about Peruvian cuisine during a savory, interactive lecture.
Afternoon:	After lunch, transfer to the hotel and check-in. The rest of the afternoon will be at your leisure to finish packing, do some independent sightseeing, or simply relax and enjoy the hotel's amenities. Note: Depending on your international flight schedule, you might transfer to the airport late this night to catch a flight back to the U.S. Participants departing on this evening will not miss any activities.
Dinner:	At the hotel restaurant.

Accommodations:	Casa Andina Select
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11:

Departures/Flights to the U.S.
Arrivals in the U.S.
(Wednesday, November 6)

Depart From:	Transfer to Lima's Jorge Ch�vez International Airport to check-in for flights to the U.S. Note: Participants with independent travel arrangements and/or scheduled on later flights can keep their hotel rooms until check-out time on this day. Except for breakfast, all other meals are on your own on this day.
Breakfast:	At the hotel restaurant (dependent on flight times).

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:

10 nights accommodations
28 meals: 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners
Expert-led lectures: 2
Expert-led lectures

Led by one or more of our world-class instructors, typically in a classroom setting, lectures come in the form of presentations, discussions or workshops and offer expert insight into your area of study.
Field trips: 8
Field trips

The world is your classroom, as you're on location with an instructor to pursue your educational theme firsthand.
Hands-on experiences: 7
Hands-on experiences

Learn by doing in these "hands-on" activities directed by an expert.
Flights during the program: 2
Flights during the program

Flights during the program that are included in the program price for all participants.

Plus these special experiences...

Enjoy enriching cultural interaction while helping to improve the lives of local indigenous communities through service projects.
Assist in a wildlife census project at the Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo Reserve; collecting data on local fauna during jungle explorations.
Get a close look at daily life in the remote Amazonian region of Peru.
Discover the unique wildlife of Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo Reserve including red-faced bald uakari monkeys and endangered pink dolphins.

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:

Learning led by expert instructors who are authorities in the field of study.
An experienced Group Leader attuned to the needs of Road Scholar participants.
Customary gratuities throughout the program that you would normally pay yourself.
The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, providing 24-hour-a-day emergency assistance coverage.
Taxes

Highlights

Activity Particulars

Extensive walking on uneven terrain. Working in potentially hot and humid conditions.

Date Specific Information

This departure can be taken with Gal�pagos program #6043-10/16/2013, or Northern Patagonia program #20789-11/04/2013, Peru program #3280-11/07/2013.

Can be taken in conjunction with program #6043-01/26/14

Can be taken in conjunction with program #6043-10/19/2014

Itinerary Summary

Arrival Lima, 1 night; flight to Iquitos; boat to Tahuayo Lodge, 5 nights; boat to Tahuayo River Amazon Research Center, 2 nights; boat to Iquitos, 1 night; flight to Lima, 1 night; departure.

Flight from the U.S.A.

Arrival Lima

1 night

Flight to Iquitos

Boat to Tahuayo Lodge

5 nights

Boat to Tahuayo River Amazon Research Center

2 nights

Boat to Iquitos

1 night

Flight to Lima

1 night

Departure

Peru

Meals and Lodgings

Travel Details

Daily Schedule

You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:

Plus these special experiences...

And included with all Road Scholar programs: