Heliconia Amazon River Lodge is located on the shores of the Amazon River, in Yanamono Rainforest, 80
Km (50 miles) away from
Iquitos City.
As part of our commitment with the environmental protection, activities at the Ecolodge follow flora and fauna preservation standards. Alternative energy source is being used, applying a special closed system for waste and sewerage elimination. The electric generator (completely encapsulated) is used for short periods: two hours in the morning and 5 hours at night.
Accommodations
The wood construction (rustic), built up on the shores of the Amazon River, was made in accordance with security standards to protect our guests from any inconveniences.
The windows of rooms, bathrooms, lobby/bar, dining room, resting rooms, and auditorium are totally protected with screen wire. It is not necessary to use a mosquito net. Currently, 15 double rooms and 06 triple rooms (approximately 50 beds) are available in our facilities. Our facilities are built up over on pilings at least 3 feet above ground. Access walkways to the rooms and other accommodations are completely roofed in order to protect the guests from sun and rain. The tile bathrooms are supplied with hot water. We have a water treatment system
(chloryfication, crystallization) of the Amazon, which is used for the sanitary services.
Services
The programs at Heliconia Lodge include the following:
Food: Breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared with the typical products of the Amazon as meat, chicken, and specially delicious river fishes such as
"paiche", "dorado", "doncella", "zungaro", etc., with rice, potatoes, vegetables, and the famous
"chonta" (heart of palm). We offer for dessert delicious tropical fruits such as papaya, pineapple, melon, etc. Self-Service: 24-hour self-service coffee, tea and potable water at Lodges.
Transportation: From the Airport to the wharf, and from the wharf to the Lodge. (The fares are including in the package). We will travel for approximately one hour down the Amazon River to the Heliconia Lodge, 80
Km (50 miles) from Iquitos City, in safe boats with 125 hp outboard motors, on comfortable seats, equipped with life vests.
Guides:
All of our guides are local people from Iquitos with more than 15 years experience. Our guides are bilingual (Spanish and English). German and French are optional.
Ecotips:
What To Bring / What To Take?
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Little baggage is recommended.
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Without fail, bring a valid passport.
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Pack light, drip-dry cotton or safari clothing, including one long-sleeved shirt and sweater or light jacket.
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Hiking or rubber boots, tennis shoes (jungle trails are frequently muddy), plast raincoat or poncho.
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Include insect repellent, toilet articles, sunglasses, a wide brimmed hat, binoculars, and a small flashlight.
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And finally, don't forget a camera with plenty of film to capture the memories of your Amazon adventure.
For the Fishing Tours:
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Mid-action sport fishing rod, fishing reels, lures (spinner, baits, (triangles), silver spoons, joint or single
rapalas, balliciosos or ground lures), triple fishhooks and all the necessary fishing equipment.
Suggestions
Donations: For trade and educational stationery as pens and notebooks are readily accepted by riverside children, as well as T-shirts and baseball types caps.
Tips: Guide service is included, but at the end of the stay, you will probably wish to tip him when the service is good. The same is for boat drivers, kitchen personnel, waitresses, and security staff.
Weather
There is tropical weather. The average yearly temperature is 98ºF. Humidity is above 90% each morning.
River Swelling (High water): Between the end of December and the end of June. It reaches its highest level in March, April, May, and the beginning of June.
In this period, there is abundant rain and the Amazon River volume increases, flooding the forest and forming the lagoons and swamps, which is ideal to observe birds, alligators, pink dolphins, Victorias Regias
(water lilies) and to fish for piranhas.
River Ebb Tides (Low water): Begins in mid July till the beginning of December, reaching its maximum low water in July, August, September, October, and November. While the water level can change more than 45 feet, the warm and humid climate remains relatively constant throughout the year, giving this area its botanical category of "Ever wet Tropical Forest". Normal daytime highs are 88ºF and nighttime lows are 72ºF.
In this period, beaches and sand bans are formed at the River borders, turtles lay their eggs and, fishing is widely practiced. The river people sow rice on the exposed beaches.
For a complete instruction to the rainforest, we recommend a minimum of two nights to stay in the jungle.
See our special Programs:
Recommended by Lonely Planet