Terra Incognita ECOTOURS promotes unique ecotours and travel experiences that make a difference to you and the places we visit. Visit unknown areas, in search of wildlife and adventure. Gorilla/chimp treks, horseback riding, white water rafting, safari camps, eco-lodges and more, supporting community-based ecotourism.

“Amazon River Cruise”
The Greatest Voyage in Natural History
10 days and 9 nights - leave on a Friday, back on a Sunday

Join us on a journey of exploration into the heart of the world's greatest wilderness - the Amazon rainforest. The amount and variety of natural life here is outstanding. You'll see a proliferation of wildlife, including many kinds of primates (monk sakis, red howler and squirrel monkeys), up to 100 kinds of birds, and nocturnal wildlife such as caimans, capybaras and common potoos. You might even see the endangered giant otter or the rare harpy eagle. But don't just take our word for it. Join Terra Incognita ECOTOURS and see for yourself how easy wildlife spotting can be from our elegant, classically styled riverboat. She is small enough to traverse the narrow waterways that run into the jungle, and our excursion boats take you even further still. Throughout the journey you'll be accompanied by expert naturalist guides. Please join us on this voyage of discovery - an expedition to the heart of the Amazon rainforest.

Group size varies according to River Boat (26, 28 or 44 person capacity).
Weekly Departures.
If you have a group of 24 or more, please call us to charter one of our boats!
Cost per person is $3,499 (£1,859)
Single supplement is $1,500 (£799)

For each participant a donation will be made to the World Wildlife Fund to continue their important work in the Amazon basin.
See detailed itinerary below.

The rainforest canopy shelters the richest and most diverse ecosystem on Earth, making it the perfect place for anyone who cares about nature. We begin in Iquitos, the world's furthest inland seaport, and travel along the Amazon's tributaries, going deep into the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve - the largest wetland reserve in the world. These are places that others simply don't go. On our many excursions, we'll look for the Amazon's myriad forms of wildlife - monkeys, birds, sloths and other mammals, pink and gray dolphins and many more. You might even spot the endangered giant otter or the rare harpy eagle. Throughout the voyage, expert local naturalist guides will accompany you. They are the friendliest, most knowledgeable and most experienced people you'll ever meet, with an uncanny ability to find wildlife and the desire to share their knowledge. An Ecotour Leader will also be with you from the time you land to the time you depart. If you have never been to the Amazon, we certainly hope you'll join us this year on our most sought-after journey. And if you've traveled to the Amazon before, you may want to consider a return voyage, as no two journeys are ever the same.

This is an Ecotour that will make a difference to you, and to the areas we visit.
We will donate to the important work of the World Wildlife Fund.
We will employ local people.
We will use locally owned and operated lodges and outfitters.
We will use local goods and services.

Day 1: Friday. U.S. / Lima
This evening, fly to Lima, Peru - the nation's capital and largest city. Meet your guides on arrival and transfer to the outstanding Swissotel for the night.
Overnight at Lima Swissotel. (D) aloft

Day 2: Saturday. Lima / Iquitos / Amazon River
After breakfast, we fly over the Andes Mountains to Iquitos. On arrival, we take a brief city tour before we board our riverboat, our home for the coming week. Tonight, we cruise slowly up the Amazon, looking at the stars of the northern and southern constellations.
Overnight on board Amazon River Boat. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Sunday. Amazon River / Rio Ucayali
This morning, we awake on the Amazon, seeing some of the ever-changing panorama of jungle life as the boat continues upriver. Small villages dot the shoreline, and channels weaving through island mazes provide close-up views of a variety of marsh birds such as oriole blackbirds, purple gallinules and yellow-headed caracaras. This morning we arrive at the junction of the Rio Maranon and Rio Ucayali, inception of the Amazon River. We turn up the left fork, the Ucayali. We're apt to see both gray and pink dolphins cavorting near the boat and along the shore-line. We take an excursion into the surrounding rainforest in search of giant water lilies and elusive wildlife, such as monkeys and sloths. This afternoon we may visit a small river village or perhaps call on a local shaman. As dusk approaches, fishing bats begin their night's foraging
Overnight on board Amazon Riverboat. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Monday. Rio Ucayali / Pacaya-Samiria Reserve
This morning we explore a small tributary of the Ucayali. Our guides help us search for animals including primates, sloths and an incredible variety of birds. Our ship continues up the river to the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve. This afternoon, an excursion into this largest wetland reserve in the world provides the opportunity to see primates including monk sakis, red howler and squirrel monkeys. We enjoy a nocturnal visit to the reserve for a chance to view caimans, capybaras, common potoos, frogs and other wildlife.
Overnight on board Amazon River Boat. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Tuesday. Pacaya-Samiria Reserve
After breakfast, we board excursion boats and spend the day exploring this flooded realm, seeing wading birds such as white-necked and capped herons, wattled jacanas and sunbitterns. Parrots are common, including the most conspicuous member of this family, the endangered scarlet macaw. We listen for leaves rustling high in the trees, and are rewarded with the sight of monkeys foraging for food. We recently discovered an area with a family of giant river otters, and we'll look for these endearing, elusive creatures, as well as the rare harpy eagle. Later we enter a seasonally flooded forest, where plant life is very different from what we see along the main course of the Amazon, and take a walk through the forest.
Overnight on board Amazon River Boat. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Wednesday. Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve
Excursion boats grant even further access into these vast wetlands. We find birds such as canary-winged parakeets, and blue-and-gold and scarlet macaws. At a ranger station we may take a short hike to explore the forest. After a picnic lunch, we return to our ship through the maze of waterways.
Overnight on board Amazon River Boat. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Thursday. Rio Ucayali / Amazon River
This morning we start to head downriver, with an afternoon exploration of the narrow Tapiche River. After dark we take excursion boats to listen to the sounds of the rainforest and look for nocturnal wildlife. Indeed, the small creatures of the forest are often about at night, and we may see interesting leaf-mimic katydids, walking sticks and frogs of many kinds.
Overnight on board Amazon River Boat. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Friday. Rio Maranon / Iquitos
We enter the "Terra Firma" (high ground) to see large buttress trees festooned with epiphytes, palms, woody vines and a vaulted canopy. Brightly colored poison-dart frogs are quite common along our path. We learn about the lives of the "Ribereno" people as we visit a local village. This is a fantastic opportunity to stroll through their gardens, visit a school, or join in a game of soccer! Enjoy a farewell dinner aboard our boat this evening as we sail towards Iquitos.
Overnight on board Amazon River Boat. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Saturday. Iquitos / Lima
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Lima. Here we take a short tour of this great city, where the Cathedral and Plaza Mayor are among the highlights. We then have the rest of the afternoon at leisure. This evening you are free to explore Lima and choose from a selection of excellent local restaurants for your dinner, and late this evening we transfer to the airport for our flight back to the U.S.
(B,L,D)

Day 10: Sunday. Arrive U.S.
This morning we arrive in the U.S. and connect with flights home.
(B) aloft

Cost per person is $3,499 (U.K.£1,859)
(single supplement is $1,500 (£799) / International Airfare is NOT included)
(B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)

Thanks for choosing Peru with Terra Incognita Ecotours, Inc. It is our pleasure to help you plan for your upcoming ecotour. To ensure that your travel arrangements are made to your satisfaction, please take a few minutes to read through this information.

What you need to have with you on your trip:
Passport: If you are a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you will need a passport, valid for six months from the date of completion of your trip.

It is always a good idea to make a photocopy of your airline tickets and of the pages of your passport that have the number, your photograph and other pertinent information. Keep the copies separate from the originals.

Visas: If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen (who get visas upon entry), please consult the Peru consulate or embassy nearest you for visa requirements to enter Peru. If a visa is required, you are responsible for obtaining it.

Documents for children under the age of 18, not traveling with both parents: The U.S. government is increasingly requiring that minors under 18 years of age traveling alone, with grandparents, or with one parent/legal guardian only, carry a notarized document signed by both parents or by the parent/legal guardian not traveling with the child. We suggest you obtain such a document (noting the age of the child, relationship to traveling adult(s), dates of travel, and destination) to avoid potential problems. For example, in the case of divorce, the parent with legal custody must sign the permit, and the accompanying adult must carry proof of this fact. In addition, if the child’s surname differs from that of either parent, you may want to carry the child’s birth certificate.

Security: There are currently no security problems in Peru. Please feel free to check with the US State Department for any updates or change in conditions.

Currency: Rates effective April 2006. The currency of Peru is the Peru Nuevos Soles (PEN) and 1 USD = 4.15 PEN

Major credit cards are generally accepted at hotels, some restaurants and larger stores. U.S. dollars are of course widely accepted in Peru, so we suggest you carry U.S. currency in small denominations for smaller purchases such as refreshments or other miscellaneous expenses.

Health: All information we obtain regarding health precautions is received from the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta at 404.332.4559 or www.cdc.gov.

Please note that Terra Incognita Ecotours, Inc., as a travel company, is in no way authorized to prescribe any inoculations or medications. We recommend that you consult your personal physician or a travel clinic specialist for medical advice, showing him or her the brochure that indicates the places you will be visiting. Your physician is most familiar with your personal medical history and is best qualified to determine your particular needs. It is always advisable to have physical and dental check-ups before you leave.

Swimming: There may be one or two opportunities to swim during the ecotour. You should bring a swimsuit if you intend to swim, and for added protection from the sun you may wish to wear a T-shirt while swimming.

Time Difference: Peru is one hour behind Eastern Standard Time, but during Daylight Savings Time (March - November) the time difference can be reduced by one hour.

Weather: Peru is located close to the Equator so of course the weather on this ecotour can be expected to be warm and humid, with temperatures slightly cooler at night, indeed the average temperature for most of the country lies between 75 - 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Please remember that the sun's rays are more vertical than you may be used to, so you can sunburn more easily. Be careful of the midday sun. Although in Lima, due to the high altitudes you will be visiting, the mornings and evenings are cooler and nights can feel a little cold.

There are technically two seasons in the Peruvian Amazon: April to October is the drier season with daily temperatures averaging 80 - 88 degrees Fahrenheit, although it can still rain at any time in this time period. This is perhaps the best time to visit the Amazon as there are fewer mosquitoes and the rivers are low, exposing the beaches. November to March is a little wetter, when you can expect rain at anytime, but the temperature is the same. If it rains it does so only for an hour or two, so it is not enough to spoil your trip.

Your travel wardrobe should be informal, comfortable and carefree. Clothing which can be layered is the most suitable, for example, a T-shirt, sweater or sweatshirt, and windbreaker or jacket. The emphasis is on casual attire.

Good binoculars and their proper use can add immeasurably to enjoying wildlife. Each traveler with Terra Incognita Ecotours should decide well before a trip begins whether the binoculars you own are adequate and, if not, what kind of binoculars should be acquired.

Recommendation
Binoculars are rated with two numbers, e.g. 7 x 35. The first number is the magnification and the second is the diameter of the objective (the larger ones) lenses in millimeters. The first tells how much an object is enlarged and the second number is a measure of how much light-gathering power a lens has. As the second number increases so usually does the weight of a pair of binoculars. If one divides the first number into the second, the closer the result is to 5 the better the balance between weight, magnification and resolution.

Binoculars that are rated at 7x35, 8x40 or 10x40, are among the best for wildlife viewing. Binoculars with a center focus are much preferable over ones in which you have to focus each eyepiece separately. For some, image stabilized binoculars are an asset. Now it is a matter to decide on price and style.

The following is a checklist of things to do to make sure that you have the best binoculars and know how to use them.

Binocular cups
Binoculars usually are constructed so that you can raise and lower the cups that surround the eyepieces. If you are going to wear eyeglasses when using binoculars, roll or push the cups down. This will bring the lenses of the eyepiece the proper distance from your eye. If you do not use glasses then leave the cups unrolled or the eyepiece frames elevated.

Distance between eyepieces
All binoculars can be adjusted so that the distance between the eyepieces varies. You should move the eyepieces apart as far as they go, look through the eyepieces and gradually move the eyepieces together until you see a single image.

Adjusting each lens to your eyes
Binoculars usually have two focus adjustments, one that is a center focus that moves both lenses at the same time and one, called the diopter, that adjusts only one lens, usually the right one. To adjust the lenses to your eyes look through the binoculars with your right eye closed. With the center focus wheel, focus on an object 20-40 feet away. Then, with the left eye closed, focus the eyepiece on the right eye while looking at the same object. Now using the center focus make sure you see a sharp image. Most diopters have a numerical scale so that after you have made the adjustment it can be easily reset if it is accidentally altered.

Practice
When viewing wildlife it is helpful if when you raise your binoculars that they are pointed at what you are looking at with your naked eyes. If you cannot do that consistently a little practice would be helpful. Try looking at a flying bird, without taking your eyes off it, raise your binoculars and look through them. If you see the bird immediately, good, if not, bring your binoculars down and put them back up again after re-spotting the bird. Do this enough so that you can immediately see in your binoculars what you were seeing without them.

Wearing binoculars
If the weight of binoculars around your neck is bothersome, there are two things you might consider. One is to buy a neck strap, made of a spongy material at least an inch or more wide. The second is to buy a harness that fits over the shoulders and distributes the weight more evenly.

For many of us, photography is a natural and fun part of travel. No matter what your level of interest, or what kind of equipment you use, the following may help you prepare.

Flash photography is NOT allowed when viewing the Mountain Gorillas, please be sure you can turn-off or disable the flash feature, or you will not be able to take pictures.

Equipment: Regardless of what camera you use - film or digital - be sure to check that it is working properly before you leave home. If you purchase a new camera, or have an old one that has not been used for a long time, try shooting some pictures and examine the results. Also, be sure read your camera manual and bring it with you to help address any unexpected problems you might encounter.

Batteries: Modern cameras will not operate without a functioning battery. For this reason, please bring extra camera batteries with you, even if the one in your camera is new. For digital cameras, and many film cameras as well, rechargeable batteries are a great option. Digital cameras can use up batteries fairly quickly, depending on the camera make and model and how often you review images in-camera. Bring at least one extra rechargeable battery - or battery set. Look for chargers with a fast recharge time. Peru operates on 220V.

Film: How much film should you bring? Consider bringing at least twice as much film as you expect to need, as stores are few and far between. And be forewarned - enthusiastic photographers sometimes shoot up to 5 rolls per day! Film speed (ASA or ISO) is also an important consideration - the higher the ISO the faster the film, meaning the more sensitive it is to light. For most situations, 200 ISO film is a good all-around choice. You may also want to bring along a supply of 400 ISO for overcast days and low-light situations. Professional photographers generally use 100 ISO because of its fine grain (good for making big enlargements and publishing), but the slow speed requires extra care and use of a tripod.

Digital Memory Cards: Memory cards are the digital equivalent of film and, like film, they come in different types (e.g., compact flash, smart media, memory stick) and sizes (e.g., 128MB, 256MB, 512MB). Be sure you know what kind of memory card your camera requires and bring as many memory cards as needed to hold all your images from your expedition. If you are new to digital, consult your camera manual to learn the different image resolution and JPEG compression settings on your camera. This will determine how many photos will fit on your memory cards and what quality of image is required for your end use (e.g., the higher the resolution the larger the print you can make). You might consider bringing a digital storage device for downloading images from your memory cards (see below).

Digital Storage Devices: Many digital photographers travel with a laptop computer or a specific type of portable digital storage device designed for downloading images from digital cameras. A laptop has the advantage of letting you view, edit, store, and share your images while you travel and many even have a built-in CD burner for backing up your image files. Options for smaller devices that do not require a laptop include portable digital storage hard drives, some available with viewing screens, and portable CD burners that work directly from the memory card. Whatever hardware you choose be sure to learn the workflow for downloading and storing your images before leaving home.

Digital Camera Cables: One of the greatest advantages of shooting digital is the ability to review and share your daily images with others. It is important to remember to bring along the cables that will allow your camera to connect with a computer (USB), or storage device.

Tripods: Many photographers use a tripod because they help keep the camera steady in low-light situations, however they are discouraged as they can alarm the gorillas.