Treehouse Lodge – Peru Amazon

• ARRIVED IQUITOS - AMAZON

  On arrival at Iquitos airport you will be met and transferred to Treehouse Lodge. From Iquitos, the journey to the lodge, first by car, then by boat, takes approximately two and a half hours. The boat ride begins on the Marañón River, crosses the Amazon River, and continues up the Ucayali River before connecting with the Yarapa River. The lodge sits on the Yarapa where it connects with the Cumaceba, with a beautiful view of the black and brown water confluence. 
A snack is served on the boat, and on arrival at the lodge you will be welcomed and shown to your bungalow.


  Please find below all Treehouse available excursions (D.)

• AMAZON

  Note: All the excursions last from 2 to 3 hours depending to the water level and the weather conditions.

  1) Sunrise and Breakfast with the Dolphins:

  This is the perfect way to start your day in the Peruvian Amazon. About an hour before sunset you will boat along the Yarapa and Ucayali rivers until you reach The Amazon River. Here you will enjoy “breakfast in boat” while observing the world famous Pink and Gray River Dolphins of the Amazon during their morning feeding. Enjoy sunrise over the skyline of the Amazon rain forest. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous you can jump in and swim with the dolphins. As with all excursions, there is always a chance that you catch a glimpse of other types of wildlife such as sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and birds along the edges of the river.

  2) Sunset on the Amazon with the Dolphins:

  This excursion is a guest favorite. We will often recommend that you enjoy this excursions on the day of your arrival at Treehouse Lodge. It’s the perfect kick-off to an incredible time in the Peruvian Amazon. Just before dusk you will boat along the Yarapa and Ucayali rivers until you reach the Amazon proper. The world famous Pink and Gray river dolphins will start to appear near your boat while the sunset gives the perfect backdrop. Take a moment to breath the freshest air on the planet. Listen to the sounds of the Amazon as you start to welcome nightfall. Just after sunset you will head back to the Lodge and prepare for an evening and night of Amazonian adventures.

  3) Swim In The Amazon River:

  You’ve traveled across the planet to see the world’s greatest river: the mighty Amazon. This is your opportunity to knock out a bucket list item by going for a swim. You will travel down the tributaries to the main Amazon river with your private guide and navigator. Take as little or as long as you want to enjoy a refreshing dip. If you’re lucky a dolphin or two might appear. When you’re done enjoying a swim you will travel back towards Treehouse Lodge while observing any interesting flora and fauna along the way.

  4) Dugout Canoe Trip:

  For centuries, River people have moved along the Amazonian rivers on dugout canoes. Even today, this mode of transportation is the best way to explore the creeks: navigating slow, listening to the sounds of the jungle, and observing nature, attempting to imitate the exact way ribereño people see the forest. If you are a bird watcher from the canoes, you can observe and take pictures of many species of birds that feed and make nests close to the river shores. Many species of primates such as brown capuchins, squirrel monkeys, and saddle backed tamarins are easy to spot. You may even be able to observe rare and elusive creatures such as the river otters from the dugout canoes. At some point we will stop and fish for piranha! We will carry aboard wooden poles, with string and meat. When the piranha bites, you lift up the pole and voila. Not to worry, we will retrieve the fish for you.

  5) Fish for Piranhas:

  One of our most popular excursions, this will be one of the great adventures you have while visiting Treehouse Lodge. Travel by boat to one of the many great piranha fishing spots in the area. Armed with a wooden pole, string, hook, and meat, you will lower the bait into the water. When the piranhas strike (and they will!), simply life up the pole. Don’t worry, we will retrieve the fish for you. We have yet to have a guest that hasn’t succeeded. Once you’re done you can choose to catch-and-release, or, if you prefer, the chefs at Treehouse Lodge will prepare the piranha as a side dish to your nightly meal.

  6) Blowdart Gun Workshop:

  The natives of the Amazon rain forest have relied on blowgun hunting for hundreds of years. Known in Peru as pucuna, blowguns can be used by skilled hunters to hit animals from a distance of 60-90 feet. During this excursion you will be mentored by a local villager on how to make your own blowgun. Take your time to craft your perfect blowgun and then feel free to practice throughout your stay and on your excursions.

  7) Jungle Walk: Medicinal Plants of the Amazon:

  The rainforest is like a green pharmacy where you can find many plants used to treat different diseases. You can find forest medicines for headaches, stomachaches, broken bones, hernias, and rheumatism – even for diabetes. On this Amazon Jungle excursion, you will explore through this greenery in search for some medicines found in each plant or tree, learning the secrets of the jungle and the relationship between plant and man; all the while bringing you closer to Mother Nature, protector of all the living organisms on our planet earth. The Amazonian people are the preservers of knowledge passed from one generation to another. Before cutting a plant in preparation for extracting medicine, many medicine men ask permission of the protector of the forest; if they don´t ask permission the medicine doesn’t work. This ancient belief is responsible for keeping the superpower natural forces in harmony.

  8) Jungle Walk: The Giant Water Lilies of Oxbow Lagoon

  Participate on a fascinating jungle walk to this isolated lagoon that was once part of the river many years ago. The Oxbow Lagoon hosts many species of aquatic plants such as the giant water lilies that can grow to 6 ft. in diameter with flowers the size of cabbage. You will also observe the strangely interesting hoatzin, a bird feeds exclusively on poisonous plants that it can keep in its crop for several hours. Another species of bird you will find on this amazon jungle walk is the horned screamer that is related to the geese family and feeds on water lettuce and water hyacinth. Lastly, though perhaps most fascinating, you will be able to spot the wattled jacana, nick-named Jesus Christ because it can walk on water. These are just a few of the many animals that live into this varzea forest.

  9) Jungle Walk: Night Monkeys, Sloths, Hoatzins, and More:

  Join this jungle walk to witness the only nocturnal monkey that can be spotted during the daytime. These primates make their homes in tree holes and, once located, can be seen sticking their heads out to take a peek. You will walk along a trail that runs close to an old tree where these night monkeys can be seen. They have a good sense of hearing, are very curious, and apparently evolved into nocturnal animals in order to avoid competition over food. On this walk there is also a chance that you can spot any of the following species of monkeys: owl monkey, pigmy marmoset, monk saki, squirrel, red howler, duski titi, wooly monkey, and tamarins.

  10) Daytime Jungle Cruise:

  Embark on an adventurous boat ride through the tributaries of the Amazon. You will see abundant wildlife and nature in all of its glory while we search for the Amazon River’s specialties such as Blue and Yellow Macaws, Wattled Jacanas, Trogons, Black Collared Hawk, Oropendolas, Yellow-Headed Cara Cara, and Tanagers, among others. Your guide will also help you spot sloths and monkeys in the trees above you as you cruise around the Yarapa and Cumaceba rivers.

  11) Nighttime Jungle Cruise:

  If you enjoy the river by day, just imagine the life that awakens at night. On our night excursion, you will travel along the river, looking for wildlife with flashlights. The chances of spotting wildlife are good. You will see creatures like beautifully colored frogs resting on the floating plants on the edges of the creeks. You will see fishing bats that catch their prey using their talons like hawks, detected by sophisticated sonar. By the light of your flashlight, you will see potoos, owls, and caimans (located through their red eyes) that venture through the dark to catch their prey. At night you will also find creatures such as kinkajoos that feed on fruits and berries. They are easy to see while jumping from branch to branch on trees along the river. Even the opossum that feeds on birds can be spotted primarily at night. These are just a few of the many creatures that love to come out at night.

  12) Nighttime Caiman Spotting:

  Depart Treehouse on a motorized canoe along the Yarapa and Cumaceba rivers. The mysterious sounds of the jungle will be a highlight throughout the excursion. Caimans are close relatives of the alligator that can be found throughout the Amazon rain forest. Like their crocodilian cousins, Caimans live near rivers and other bodies of water. Most caimans are around six or seven feet long, but the largest species, the black Caiman, can grow to a length of 15 feet. The young caiman are much smaller and easier to find. While the Caiman is hypnotized by the bright light, your canoe will slowly approach it until your guide is close enough to attempt to catch it with his bare hands and actually lift it out of the water for all to see. After closer viewing, the young Caiman will be returned, unharmed, to the water. After the thrill of this incredible hunt in the dark you will transfer back to Treehouse Lodge.

  13) Night Walk to See Insects:

  Night time is a prime time for feeding. Once the sun sets, many creatures come out, some are the predators and others the prey. On this night excursion, you will see exotic beetles (rhinoceros and elephant species) and moths (sphinx and roschildia species). You will also find some lizards sleeping on the leaves. On our walk, you can see diverse species of frogs like the famous owl frog that makes holes in the ground and weighs over ½ pound. Amazonian people use the skin of this interesting anuran to make drums, but the owl frog protects itself from its predator by releasing a milky liquid from its skin. There is also a frog called gladiator tree frog that makes its nest close to the water to keep it from potential rivals and attract females for mating. At some point on the walk we will ask you to turn off your flashlight and stay quiet to let your senses adapt to the darkness, listening to the sounds of the rainforest in order to identify what they are and where they come from. At this moment, you will truly be able to appreciate the vastness of the Amazon Jungle with all its countless secrets.

  14) Treehouse Canopy Walk:

  Treehouse Lodge is one of the most unique hotels in the world. Featured by National Geographic as one of the Top 10 Most Unusual Hotels in the World, Treehouse offers the incomparable experience of observing the Amazon rain forest from the treetop canopies. On this excursion you will explore all of the canopy walkways and viewing platforms that dot the are of the Lodge. Learn about the history and architecture of the lodge while you observe wildlife from 30 – 70 feet above the jungle floor.

  15) Early Morning Bird Watching:

  The best way to witness wildlife is by waking up early to the sound of hundreds of birds and monkeys. The suspension bridges are built to bring you closer to all the wildlife that exists around Treehouse Lodge. You will see many species of tanagers, toucans, parrots, parakeets, antbirds, antwrens, woodpeckers, and monkeys that come to feed on the fruit and insects found on the trees. There are species of birds that never venture closer to the ground because the fruit they eat is found on the tree tops. Being closer to the canopy, it’s easy to see the beauty of these species. In only one early morning, you will observe at least 50 species of birds, 20 of which are uncommon. The variety of wildlife in this type of igapo forest is outstanding. The more appreciation we can gain of these species and the more research we can perform to find new species, the more likely they are to be preserved for future generations.

  16) Stargazing in the Amazon:

  The Amazon rain forest has no distracting city lights and the sky is wide open. A popular excursion for astronomy buffs, It is breathtaking to stare upwards at millions and millions of twinkling stars. Enjoy the serenity of cruising the tributaries of the Amazon as you try to find the Southern Cross. As you can imagine, this excursion is weather pending. Coordinate with your private guide for when a good night would be for this activity.

  17) Visit an Amazon Community:

  If you’re looking for a way to truly experience the Peruvian natives, this is it. Visit an Amazon community and interact with the river people who still preserve their traditions, ancient knowledge, and even language. We will get to explore their homes made out of wood and palm trees to see how they live, what they cook, and the way they survive using the natural resources of the rainforest. You’ll find it fascinating to see how they have adapted to coexist with their environment, sharing their space with countless insects, dangerous animals and poisonous plants that can be used to kill or cure depending on preparation. The river people are skillful craft makers and have a communal house where you have the chance to purchase their beautifully hand-crafted items made using materials found in the Amazon jungle.

  18) Kayak the Amazon:

  This is your chance to captain your own boat and see wildlife from a river perspective. Exploring the river by kayak you are able to explore the rivers and creeks without the noise of a boat engine. This creates a peaceful atmosphere and an ideal situation for capturing wildlife. You might see beautiful birds, monkeys and river otters.

  19) Visit a Monkey Island:

  Visit an island near Treehouse Lodge that is home to multiple species of monkeys in the wild. On this excursion you could see a variety of animal species, such as Wooly Monkeys and also Coati. Bring your cameras for this excursion! (B. L. D.)

• AMAZON

  Today is free to choose from one of the many included activities. (B. L. D.)

• DEPART IQUITOS

  This morning is free to choose from one of the many included activities.

  At midday we will transfer you to Iquitos airport for your onward travel destination. (B.)

From the minute you get off the boat and begin your walk along the grand serpentine entrance, you will sense the uniqueness of this jungle amazon lodge experience. Depending on the water levels, the entrance will carry you over a lagoon or the jungle floor to the heart of Treehouse Lodge’s 345 acre pristine jungle preserve.

The main lodge is an impressive and beautiful structure that sits in the middle of the vast Iquitos jungle. It connects to all the treehouses by raised wooden pathways and steel cable bridges. Built with 36 huge beams made from iron wood, the treehouse hotel is so strong and dense that it sinks slightly into the water. Each beam required 14 people to haul from the river and winch it into place. From the bottom floor, you can look up to the top of the roof towering over 40 ft high. On the bottom floor, you will enjoy every meal (prepared in our state-of-the-art kitchen), be able to lounge around the bar. The second floor will beckon you to sit or lay under ceiling fans. Not to worry, the entire structure is enclosed by mosquito mesh, so you can appreciate your eating and relaxing time in peace.

As part of your trip, you’ll enjoy regular excursions away from the lodge to see the Amazon animals and rainforest. However, should you choose to stay close to home, you can still appreciate the wildlife that inhabit the jungle. At the lodge, you may be fortunate enough to see 5 different species of monkeys, pink and gray dolphins, sloths, macaws, parrots, and parakeets. They’re rare, but the lodge has even been visited by small tigres and jaguars! Seeing monkeys from the ground is wonderful, but watching 50 monkeys migrate through the lodge from the view of your treehouse or connecting bridges is unforgettable and thrilling.

Treehouse Lodge was designed to give it’s guests the best views of the rainforest and its native animal life. Every treehouse has a lower public platform and an upper private platform where you will stay. All guests are welcome to explore the lodge and rainforest canopy from all of the lower platforms connected by bridges.

Treehouses accommodation general information:

Bungalow size: 21 m²

This bungalow features mosquito nets, a private bathroom and a view.

In your private bathroom:

• Free toiletries
• Bath or Shower
• Towels

View:

• Garden view
• Landmark view
• River view

Bungalow facilities:

• Balcony
• Seating Area
• Fan
• Patio
• Private entrance
• Hardwood or parquet floors
• Dining area
• Mosquito net
• Wardrobe or closet
• Cleaning products
• Terrace
• Linen
• Dining table
• Outdoor furniture
• Outdoor dining area
• Upper floors accessible by stairs only
• Board games/puzzles

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Nightly accommodation as indicated
• Iquitos Airport roundtrip transfers via land and river to/from the lodge
• Bottled water and juice
• All excursions of your choice with an English speaking guide
• Meals as outlined

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• Travel insurance
• International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
• Visa fees if applicable
• Meals and beverages not mentioned
• Gratuities
• Items of a personal nature

NOTE: 

• Please book flights to arrive on day 1 no later than 1230PM and to depart on the last day, no sooner than 500PM.
• This lodge isn’t for the faint-hearted or those who are scared of heights. Some of the treehouses are over 65 feet in the air!
• Prices are “from” per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season.
• Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply.
• Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability.
• Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request
• 3 & 5 days program also available. South America Tours suggests a minimum stay of 4 days to explore this area.

WHAT TO BRING:

We recommend you bring these items on your trip. Please contact us if you have any questions.

• Cash (dollars or soles under $50 bills please). Once you are at the lodge any additional purchases are cash only. This includes drinks at the bar, souvenirs, tips etc… All major expenses are taken care of in advance (lodging, excursions, food, transportation), but please bring cash for incidental expenses.Tipping is customary in Peru although it is not obligatory. We pay our staff a wage or salary and if you feel they exceeded your expectations please feel free to tip your guide and your boat driver directly and/or any other member of the staff using the tip box in the Main Lodge.
• Light-weight clothing that breathes and easily sheds moisture (not cotton). Take one
• set of clothes for each day.
• Long pants are recommended for jungle walks and insect prevention.
• Long or short sleeve shirts. Long sleeve shirts aren’t as cool, but protect better
• from insects.
• Long socks for insect prevention
• Hat for sun protection (baseball-style or wide-brimmed)
• 1 – 2 pairs of comfortable walking or hiking shoes (rubber boots are provided for some
• excursions)
• Insect repellent containing 20 – 30 % DEET. Many times there will be very few
• mosquitos and insects. Other times there will be many. Take a small bottle that you
• can keep in your pocket for use when needed.
• Plastic bag for dirty clothes
• Sunscreen
• Camera equipment
• High quality cameras and lenses or compact cameras, whatever suits you
• Dry bag or other water protection (at least a Ziploc bag)
• Don’t forget your battery charger.
• Flashlight (headlamps are usually best)
• Personal toiletries
• Personal medications
• Optional
• Sandals or leisure shoes for around the lodge
• Binoculars

For more information on Treehouse Lodge and to start creating your tailor-made itinerary please contact us!