To paraphrase a recent visitor

 

‘A truly great experience; the Amazon Refuge Lodge is beautiful, the last inhabited place on the Yanayacu River, no-one passes, and you feel that it's just you, the jungle, and the creatures that live there. The noises of the place are incredible, the river literally jumps with fish, and the bird life is stupendous. In spite of all this activity, the camp made me feel peaceful, grounded, and rested. A place to realize how beautiful and bountiful the earth is…’

 

There is no place on this planet that compares to the Amazon Rainforest. Its massive size and unmatched biodiversity make it one of the last natural wonders on earth. Giant trees and endless rivers make up the Amazon River basin, a place that is home to a list of plants and animals only found in its gardens. Magnificently beautiful and incredibly expansive, yet very few people ever get the opportunity to experience its beauty...

 

The Amazon Refuge Lodge, where this event is held, is in the Loreto region, the largest and most remote area in Peru. This region encompasses the mighty Amazon River and the Rainforest that surrounds it.

 

Our Lodge is a complex built in the shape of the Constellation Orion on 100 acres of rainforest inside a 5-million-acre nature reserve. The Lodge is constructed entirely with naturally felled trees; Mahogany, Rosewood, Iron Wood, and other Amazon Rainforest Sustainable Products. 

 

The purpose of the refuge is to provide safe, comfortable accommodations under the guidance of expert naturalist guides for all visitors, and to offer a rewarding learning platform for nature lovers who wish to experience the true splendor of the Amazon Rainforest

 

The lodge area has over 132 species of mammals, 13 of which are primates.

 

The river and lake waters are home to Grey and Pink Dolphins, Amazonian Manatees, Giant River Otters, Black Caiman, Pigmy Caiman, Giant South American River Turtles, and much more. 

 

Dozens of game fish reach their peak size in our waters; thousands of tropical fish inhabit this region and can be observed right at the lodge.

 

Land species include Jaguars, Capuchin Monkeys and Spider Monkeys. The Black Spider Monkey, the Orange-chested Spider Monkey, the Woolly Monkey, and the Howler Monkey; all considered endangered. 

 

More than 800 species of birds live here, including five of the eight species of Macaw found in Peru. The prehistoric-looking hoatzin bird is seen here as well and they are seen right at the lodge.

 

Deep in the Amazon River rainforest of Peru, the Amazon Refuge Lodge sits on a terra-firma bluff where the Rio Chingana and the Yanayacu meet. The lodge is staffed by the local Indians, and the guides provide a safe and comfortable tour through the jungle forests and rivers.

 

The Amazon Refuge Lodge is fully equipped with running water, modern tiled bathrooms with showers and electric service in each bungalow, with a private hammock porch overlooking the river in every bungalow. We have comfortable beds with mosquito nets over each. We have a fully staffed kitchen and employ local chefs who cook authentic local Peruvian cuisine that rival any 5 star restaurants in Lima.

 

Itinerary

 

1st Day

We pick you up at the airport in Iquitos and transport you to the hotel, and our guide will assist you with locating a restaurant.

 

2nd Day

Early in the morning we escort you to the Belen Market, the largest and most diverse market on the Amazon River, where you can pick up those items you forgot, or shop for locally handcrafted gifts. Then onto our shuttle for the Port Town of Nauta, where we will board our boats for the journey down the Maranon to the Amazon River; along the way we will stop and swim with the Pink Dolphin at the confluence of the Ucayali and Maranon, where the Amazon River begins.

 

Arrival time at the lodge depends on how many interesting things we come across on the voyage up the Yanayacu River. We always stop to bird watch, spot primates, observe river creatures like caiman, anacondas, giant river otter, or the other dozens of rainforest inhabitants. Dinner will be ready when we land at the lodge, and you can tuck your belonging into your bungalow and relax. Lights out after dark as we consider the noise and lights from the generators pollution, and you won’t want to miss the sounds of the jungle.

 

3rd Day

On the first morning of your yoga retreat, you will receive an orientation from our head guide. He will instruct you on jungle etiquette, and introduce you to the basics of hiking and boating in the rainforest. After orientation he will give you a tour of the lodge, grounds, and the meditation center. The Yoga facility is open 24 hours a day for your use; fresh water and herbal tea are always on tap.

 

During your stay (however long it is)

Each morning and each night you will be offered a walk in the botanical gardens, and a cruise in our dugouts along the river. The nocturnal river cruise is one of the most enthralling experiences you will ever encounter. The jungle at night is a different world.

 

You may opt for a silent meditation each morning or evening; your choice.

 

All levels and types of Yoga are welcome. Your yoga instructor will set the pace. Our screened in jungle platform will be at your disposal as well as the enclosed bungalow designed specifically for spiritual meetings. These centers are away from the community rooms where the public lodge business is held.

 

Last day

Take a moment on this morning to reflect on the beauty and peacefulness of the rainforest, we will load your gear and get ready to sail up the Amazon River for the return trip to civilization.