Trip:
Your trip starts with a flight from Lima. As you rise above the ground we will be able to see this massive city caught between barren desert and Pacific Ocean. Turning inland towards the Andes, small rugged hills start to appear, gradually increasing in size until we are above snow capped peaks glinting in the morning sun.

Soon you are across the Andes. Below you, spreading out in all directions is the vast green carpet of the Amazon basin, the 'lungs of the world'. It has the highest level of bio-diversity on the planet - it is estimated that two thirds of all living species are found here. In the Amazon lives the largest freshwater fish of the world called paiche (Arapaima gigas) which can grow up to 2.50 m. We can also find the Ronsoco which is the biggest gnawer of the world. There are about 30,000 types of plants that grow in the Amazon shore, as well as 4,000 different species of butterflies and 2,000 different kinds of fish (more than those found in the Atlantic Ocean), 4,000 species of birds, 150 species of reptiles and 361 species of mammals.

Arriving at Iquitos airport you are met by your guide and driven through the town whilst learning about its riches to rags history beginning in the rubber boom years.

Transferring to speedboat, within minutes you are speeding along the Amazon River itself, a 3 hour journey to a remote location on the Yanayacu River, a tributary of the Amazon upriver.

You arrive at the Muyuna Lodge for lunch and there is time to check into our rooms and relax watching the sights of the jungle in the early afternoon warmth. Once things have cooled down a bit and the jungle starts to awaken we can take part in the many activities that are on offer. 

The Lodge:
The lodge was designed and constructed by workers from the local village and is built on a traditional design of the area. It is on stilts as the level of the Amazon and its tributaries can vary by many meters. All rooms are open but have mosquito netting on all windows and the ceiling. There is a large communal room for relaxing, socializing and eating. The bungalows are private ones and have en-suite shower, wc and wash basin. Once again there is mosquito netting throughout. All bungalows have a balcony overlooking the river and/or jungle complete with hammock. More hammocks are available outside the main room. 

There is no electricity in the lodge and the oil lamps give the place a magical feel at night, all walkways are well lit.

Muyuna Amazon Lodge is run by locals from San Juan village a short distance up the Yanayacu River and has strong ties with the village providing much needed financial help to the local people. The lodge and all activities are run in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.

Activities whilst at the Lodge:
Experienced, bi-lingual local guides, many of who grew up in the area, lead all activities. Having such an intimate knowledge of the flora & fauna means that you will learn amazing facts about the habitat & its occupants. Almost every plant has a use as a cure for something and scientific research is starting to discover many truths to these ancient remedies.

The next days and the morning of the last day are spent making activities. It should be noted that a few activities may not be available at all times of the year due to weather and the flooding of the Amazon Basin. It can safely be assumed however that whenever you go there will be more than enough to do. It is possible to set your own itinerary from any of the activities available depending on your wishes. You can partake in as many or as few activities as you like, all are optional.

The activities include:

Some Fauna in the area: This is a small list of some of the fauna found near to the lodge

Weather:
The jungle is warm to hot all year round but can be cooler in the evenings. Being the rainforest, it can rain anytime but it is more often sunny.

Practical Information:
Language: Your guides that meet you in Iquitos and return there will speak very good English.
Passports and Visas
Please take your passport with you, you will need it as ID when boarding flights to and from Iquitos. Once in Peru, no further visas are required.

Food and accommodation
All meals are included in the lodge. Delicious Peruvian and international dishes are prepared by the Muyuna Lodge Peruvian chefs. Vegetarian or special diet is available; just make sure to tell us in advance.

Purified drinking water is always available (free) at the lodge. Bring a water bottle - preferably metal or other non-disposable type.

Extra expenses and spending money
It will be possible to visit the local village where there will be some small, locally made items for you to buy should you wish. 
If you feel your guides, cooks and other staff have done a good job then a gratuity at your discretion is always appreciated.
Due mainly to the remoteness of the area, the children in the local village are always short of educational equipment such as pens, pencils, notebooks, coloring books etc. Should you feel so inclined, a gift of some of the items mentioned above - given to the village head or teacher - will be appreciated by the village. It is possible to buy these items in Lima. It should be noted that you should not give sweets as there is virtually no dental treatment possible and cash gifts should be avoided.

Essential equipment and Clothing
It will be mainly hot in the rainforest but can be cool at night so bring at least one warm piece of clothing
Daypack for carrying water, camera waterproof etc.
Waterproof jacket - it's not called the rainforest for nothing!
Comfortable walking boots are recommended
Sandals for use around the lodge
Long sleeve light shirt and trousers
Sun hat
Torch & spare batteries
Shorts & T-shirts
Swimming costume
Mosquito repellent
Water bottle (preferably not disposable plastic)
NB. Towels, toilet paper, and bedding are provided by the lodge.

Responsible Tourism Policy
Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income, positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to protect their natural environment. Ours is a "total approach" to responsible tourism, covering everything from the way we plan and operate our trips to the practices of Muyuna as a company. Muyuna trips are designed to allow a high degree of economic benefit to the local communities; we buy local produce, eat local food and use local services, thus ensuring that as much money as possible is retained within the local economies and the host communities. With our responsible tourism policy we are continually reassessing our holidays, trying at all times to ensure that they are socially, economically and environmentally sound.

See our special programs:

• Three sunsets (3 days)
• Fresh Water (4 days)
• Majestic River (5 days)
• Full adventure (6 days)

Muyuna Lodge is located in the jungle at shore of Yanayacu River, a tributary of the Amazon upriver. 80 miles (140 Km) from Iquitos City