Peru Travel

Item Description

In the heart of the rainforest: Stay at Refugio Amazonas and Tambopata Research Center, two fully furnished lodges constructed with native materials and in harmony with the beautiful Amazonian standing forest.

Wildlife observation and interaction: Discover the incredible Amazon flora and fauna of the Tambopata National Reserve. Search for caimans, frogs, colorful macaws & parrots, local species of monkeys, and night mammals... Watch trees criss-crossed by creeks and ponds, and enjoy the unique view of the primary forest and its wildlife!

Eco adventure and research experience: Enjoy night walks, travel by canoe on Lake Condenado, experience the sustainable nut extracting methods and receive lectures by the staff of Refugio Amazonas about wildlife conservation projects. Rainforest Expeditions expert guides are local biologists, tourism professionals or community members.

Learn more about the Research Center, accommodations and trip information.

This package has been generously donated by Rainforest Expeditions.

Item Special Note

Black-out dates: From May 1st, 2010 to August 31st, 2010.

Included: Transportation to and from airport, guided tours or other activities, local ground transportation.

Not included: International or domestic airfares, airport departure taxes or visa fees, excess baggage charges, fee for entering the Tambopata Natural Reserve (50 USD per person), additional nights during the trip due to flight cancelations, food, beverages, alcoholic beverages or bottled water, snacks, insurance of any kind, laundry, phone calls or messages, reconfirmation of flights and items of personal nature.

Green Practices, Awards, Certification

• Commitment to sustainability: Rainforest Expeditions is member of The International Ecotourism Society since 1994
• Local stewardship: Rainforest Expeditions' "Posada Amazonas" lodge is co-managed together with the local Indigenous community of the Infierno people. This collaborative project promotes their leadership and involvement in local decision-making.
  
• Cultural sensitivity:  The tour activities are designed so that they do not harm either the cultural expressions or daily life of the community members.
• Macaw project: Rainforest Expeditions support the project enabling researchers to run a long-term multidisciplinary study of natural history, conservation and management of large macaws and parrots.
• Research work: Studies and publications about local projects, helping monitor and manage the impact of sustainable tourism in the region.

Awards & Achievements:

• Training and education: Awards and grants for research projects and community capacity building initiatives from organizations including: Abercrombie and Kent Foundation, American Bird Conservancy, Earthwatch, MacArthur Foundation, Peru Canada Foundation.
• International Ecotourism Conference in Quebec:
  Rainforest Expeditions and community members received scholarship from American Airlines to participate in the conference.
• Educational institutions: Through partnerships with Stanford University, Frankfurt Zoological Society and the University of Michigan, Rainforest Expeditions regularly host international students and researchers working on local projects.

Environmental Performance:

Since mid-2008, Rainforest Expeditions has been implementing Rainforest Alliance's recommendations on environmental practices - such as water and energy use, supply chain management, waste treatment, staff training, wildlife impact, and lodge maintenance and safety - with the goal of having the recommendations sufficiently well implemented by 2010, and applying for certification then. 

New initiatives implemented based on these recommendations include: investments in four stroke engines (50% less consumption), renewable energy flashlights, official security and water / energy treatment protocols, and staff training.

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If you need assistance with the purchase of this package or any other items on TIES eco-holiday auction: please contact ecoDestinations@ecotourism.org or +1 202-506-5033 x14.

If you are the successful bidder, you will receive an email from TIES with the certificate confirming your purchase within 24 hours of the auction close. All TIES eco-holiday auction items are valid for one year (excluding the blackout dates noted in the item description) unless otherwise stated. The winner will receive contact details of the trip provider(s) to make travel arrangements.

All proceeds raised from your purchase of this trip will go directly to The International Ecotourism Society to support their numerous projects in support of responsible travel worldwide.