Wildlife Tours Peru

Tahuayo Wildlife Camp

Unforgettable Adventures in the Heart of Biodiversity

Tour Location:

El Chino, situated along the Tahuayo River within the Tamshiyacu Tahuayo Communal Reserve—an exceptional hotspot of biodiversity. Distance from Iquitos: 100 km / 62 miles.

Transportation:

Travel from Iquitos to El Chino via our private boat: IQ-63590-BF, operated by Wildlife Tours Peru. Our vessel is manned by 2 seasoned crew members and fully insured, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Travel Duration:

Expect approximately 4 hours for the outbound journey and 3.5 hours for the return trip.

Accommodations:

Enjoy rustic lodging at Tahuayo Wildlife Camp, featuring simple rooms with one or two double beds, mosquito nets, and shared restroom facilities. The room accommodates up to 4 guests. Common areas include a hammock lounge and seating. Power is supplied via 220V from our solar-panel-equipped boat, supplemented by a robust battery system. USB charging for personal devices is available. Please note, our current setup places the kitchen, dining area, and sleeping quarters under one roof within the village, ensuring a lively atmosphere with occasional sounds of local life—roosters, children, and community activities.

Team:

Our dedicated crew of 4-5 professionals ensures a seamless experience:

  • Tour Leader: Christoph Meyer
  • Local Assistant: Italo
  • Chef: Marilia (Mari)
  • Second Boatman and Maintenance: Rider
  • Procurement: Violeta

Tour Highlights and Activities:

  • Town Exploration: Discover Tamshiyacu with stunning views of the Amazon River.
  • Boat Excursions: Day and night tours for wildlife spotting.
  • Dolphin Watching: Encounter river dolphins, including Inia geoffrensis and Sotalia fluviatilis.
  • Rainforest Hikes: Guided walks through lush greenery, day and night.
  • Caiman Watching: Spot spectacled, black, and smooth-fronted caimans.
  • Village Visits: Immerse yourself in local culture at El Chino and San Pedro.
  • Artisan Crafts: Purchase authentic handicrafts made by local artisans.
  • Fishing:  Catch piranhas, biaras, and catfishes.
  • Swimming: Take a dip in pristine lakes and rivers.
  • Scenic Moments: Capture stunning sunrise and sunset vistas.
  • Specialized Tours: Tailor your experience with activities like birdwatching, herping (amphibian and reptile observation), primate watching, sport fishing, and photography.

Itinerary:

Note

The itinerary provided is an example and may vary based on weather conditions, client preferences, and other factors. We aim to customize each tour to ensure the best possible experience for our guests. Please contact us for a personalized itinerary that suits your interests and needs.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Departure from Iquitos: Between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM by boat.
  • Scenic Journey: Enjoy a 4-5 hour journey with opportunities to spot two species of river dolphins.
  • Lunch and Relaxation: Upon arrival, take some time to rest and relax.
  • Wildlife Excursion: Afternoon boat trip to observe monkeys, birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitats.
  • Dinner and Night Walk: After dinner, embark on a night walk led by an experienced guide to discover nocturnal creatures like frogs, insects, spiders and snakes.

Day 2: Wildlife and Cultural Immersion

  • Breakfast: Start the day with a hearty meal.
  • Quebrada Blanco River: Full-day exploration with a scenic boat ride to observe wildlife such as poison dart frogs, anacondas, and birds.
  • Forest Lunch: Enjoy lunch in the forest, surrounded by nature.
  • San Pedro Village: Afternoon visit to learn about local culture and traditions, with opportunities to interact with villagers.
  • Nocturnal Boat Ride: Search for nocturnal animals along the Blanco River before returning to the lodge for the night.

Day 3: Fishing and Bird Watching

  • Morning Fishing Trip: Try catching local fish species.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a meal at the lodge.
  • Hoatzin Bird Search: Afternoon excursion to find the unique hoatzin bird and other wildlife like monkeys, reptiles, and amphibians.
  • Dinner and Story Sharing: Share stories and experiences with fellow travelers at the lodge.

Day 4: Bird Watching and Rainforest Hike

  • Early Bird Watching: Observe parrots, toucans, and macaws before breakfast.
  • Rainforest Hike: Discover the area’s wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and reptiles, guided by experts.
  • Lunch and River Exploration: Hike along the Tahuayo River, followed by dinner on board while searching for tree boas and caimans.
  • Night at the Lodge: Reflect on the day’s adventures.

Day 5: Cultural Experience and Return

  • El Chino Village Visit: Learn about local culture, buy handmade crafts, and try fresh coconut water.
  • Lunch and Return to Iquitos: Head back to Iquitos, arriving at the city center around 5 PM, marking the end of the tour.

Optional Days: Extended Adventure

  • Camping and Exploration: Additional days can include camping, exploring remote lakes, extra fishing, birdwatching, and night hikes to find more amphibians and reptiles.
  • Customization: Itinerary can be tailored based on the group’s interests and desires.

Explore the unparalleled biodiversity of the Peruvian Amazon with Wildlife Tours Peru. Join us in conserving this natural treasure while creating unforgettable memories.

Our Journey: Transforming Tahuayo Wildlife Camp

Story:

Since Christoph Meyer first visited the protected area along the Tahuayo River in 2017, he has been captivated by its stunning landscape and rich wildlife. His dream of establishing a camp of his own had long been cherished. In February 2023, a house became available for purchase in El Chino. Initially interested, Christoph faced disappointment when the owners decided against selling. However, in May 2023, the opportunity resurfaced. After negotiations with Rider, the owner, they reached a fair agreement. Christoph, accompanied by his wife Violeta and Rider’s family, embarked on a 12-hour journey aboard a cargo ship to the village. Following thorough inspections and discussions with local officials, the purchase of the house was finalized.

Renovation:

The house sat vacant for over six months, lacking running water and adequate sanitation. Termite-infested wood and overgrown grounds necessitated extensive preparation for the first guests. In November 2023, Christoph and Violeta dedicated their holiday to bringing materials to the house. They cleared the grounds and meticulously planned the transformation into a camp. With a tight budget and numerous projects, progress took longer than anticipated.

New purchases and reused items were carefully integrated. A water tank, toilets, water pipes, mosquito nets, and more were procured. Local timber was sourced, and village residents were hired for the renovations. Violeta prepared meals for the entire crew. Approximately two weeks were spent in El Chino, with much work still ahead.

Today, the camp boasts a private room with a double bed, table, chair, coat hooks, window, a simple kitchen for delicious meals, a dining area with LED lighting and mosquito nets, a small lounge, a hammock, communal showers and toilets, and a botanical garden. The premises are fenced, with several trees now bearing tropical fruits.

First Guests:

Peter Mooney, 77 years old, became the inaugural guest on January 1, 2024. During his tour, they encountered a special snake, the Emerald Tree Boa (Corallus batesii), fulfilling a lifelong dream for this seasoned herpetologist. Jill and Michael visited the camp at the end of January, where they observed the endemic Ranitomeya flavovittata poison dart frogs and the Harlequin Toad (Atelopus spumarius).

Team:

Italo and his wife Marilia are natives of El Chino. Italo serves as our local guide and boatman for excursions, while Marilia cooks for tourists and the crew. Rider, the previous owner of the house, obtained a boating license and now resides with his family in Iquitos but joins tours when possible. My wife Violeta manages tour purchases at Belén market and arranges shipments via cargo ship to El Chino. Christoph organizes and sells tours, captains boats, and safely guides tourists through the Peruvian rainforest.

Future Plans:

After each completed tour, we reinvest in and expand the camp. Plans include private bungalows with en-suite bathrooms, a pond for frogs and fish, a botanical garden, hammock areas, and more. Local residents will continue to be employed for renovations, and we prioritize purchasing goods directly from the village.

Guest List:

  • Peter Mooney from the USA January 1, 2024 – January 7, 2024
  • Jill and Michael from the USA January 21, 2024 – January 23, 2024
  • Mike Pingleton  from the USA, June 31, 2024 – July 3, 2024
  • Neil Clarke from England, 08/06/2024 – 14/06/2024