Otorongo Expeditions
An experienced adventure tourism company based out of Iquitos, Amazon-Peru.
Otorongo Expeditions offers a variety of services from comfortable Jungle Lodging, Amazon River Cruises, to Specialized services such as: Serious bird watching, Extreme fishing, Jungle survival and Extended camping trips.
We not only provide broad knowledge of species in different area's were we operate, but also background knowledge of its ecology if needed. Next to that, if you are the active type, we provide plenty of activities in different area's of the lower amazon region.
Please feel free to browse through our diverse jungle travel options we offer all year round.
Otorongo Expeditions has the trip of a lifetime for everyone.
Jungle Lodging
Otorongo Lodge has a total of 12 spacious rooms with private toilets, sinks and showers; each room is protected by fine mesh netting to prevent any unwanted winged intruders. Bunk beds are available for larger groups, in the back of the lodge there is a relaxing room equipped with hammocks, lazy chairs and coffee tables. The rooms are surrounded by walkways to provide easy access to viewing the gardens, birds, butterflies or any other wildlife that pass by.
- tripadvisor
- Otorongo Expeditions rated "excellent" by 5 travelers
Location
Oto Ex offers services all through the Department Of Loreto, Peru. Loreto is the largest Departments and is the most diverse in ethnic cultures, languages and biodiversity. Loreto has several domestic airports with daily flights as well as river transport from Pucallpa all the way to Leticia, Colombia and Tabatinga Brazil. Our main office is in Iquitos, The capital of Loreto.
We operate in areas of high biodiversity and diverse ecosystems such as: high ground primary rainforest, seasonally flooded igapo forests, Amazon beaches and Islands, black water lakes, palm swamps along with many micro eco-systems and National Reserves of Peru.
Iquitos, Peru
Iquitos, Peru is known as one of the greatest rainforest tourism destinations in Peru. Iquitos is rich in culture and history dating back from the ancient indigenous tribes, to the Spanish conquest, the rubber boom and to the industrious jungle city it is today. Iquitos is only accessible by air or by boat isolating this frontier town and unique cultures of the surrounding Amazon rainforest. The city is greatly known to be the start off point for trips to national reserves such as Pacaya-Samiria and Allpahuayo-Mishana that each host endemic species of flora and fauna.
Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm
The word "Pilpintuwasi" in the Quechua language means “butterfly’s home. The farm hosts 42 species of butterfly and the corresponding fruits, flowers and leaves on which they feed. Some of the more remarkable of the species are the blue morpho and the tattered winged buho, or owl butterfly, as well as some poison-haired caterpillars. Besides butterflies, visitors to the farm may see a young jaguar and a tapir, both of which Sperrer hesitantly adopted to spare them from a worse fate than the amply spaced cages on her property. Read more ...
IMET Medicinal Botanic Garden
The institute for traditional medicine is an organization dedicated to the research of medicines derived frome nature. IMET has a botanical garden with over 600 species of plants that harbor certain compounds and chemicals that can be used in modern medicines. At the IMET facility, it is possible to learn more about theses plants and their applications. Educational demonstrations are also available on a vast array of themes pertaining to medicinal plants, their application, toxocology and the application of these in modern medicine.
Quistococha Zoological
Quistococha was first opened in 1979 as Quistococha Zoological Park. It is a National Tourist Park under the National Tourist Park System. The land area is more than 369 hectares and the lagoon is 56 hectares, the zoo area is 8 hectares. Quistococha is located some 6.5 klms. outside of Iquitos just off the Iquitos - Nauta Highway. The zoo houses many animals indigenous to the Amazon Basin and includes, jaguars, tapirs, pumas, monkeys, jungle rodents, alligators, giant otters, snakes and a large collection of macaws and other birds found in this area. Read more ...
Belén Open Air Market
A boat tour of Belén is a common tourist attraction. Belén is an area of Iquitos that has access by foot in the dry season but is only accessible via boat in the wet season. Many of the homes in this area are tethered to large poles and float upon the rising waters every year, and some homes float year-round. Where the waters begin there are often a few men with their boats who transport locals and tourists for a small fee. Most notable is the medicine lane, "Pasaje Paquito", an entire block of the market lined with local plant (and animal) medicines, stocking everything from copaiba to chuchuwasi. Read more here or here ...
Monkey Island
This 200 hectare island is not only inhabited by 9 species of monkeys but 10 families, all of whom devote their lives to caring for these primates. The people who protect these monkeys have planted a variety of fruit trees such as starfruit, banana, pineapple, cocona and guava, to ensure the monkey’s staple diet is maintained. Read more...
La Casa Fitzcarraldo
Whether you are coming to Iquitos for volunteer work, a jungle adventure, a medicinal Ayahuasca quest or just to get away from it all, La Casa Fitzcarraldo offers like-at-home accommodation within the city, including the best (naturally cooled and very clean) swimming pool around. They charge only five Soles for admittance to the grounds and are open from nine to six daily. Go and enjoy there great food, drinks & lounge. There impressive tri-level treehouse has panoramic views and great sunsets. Read more...
Oran, Peru
The village of Oran was actually a major site for trade on the Amazon River even before its discovery by Francisco De Orellana in the 1500's. When Francisco De Orellana sailed down the Napo River from Ecuador 1542 he came to where Napo empties into the Amazon. They saw the Amazon River so immense that they believed they had reached the Atlantic Ocean! Only 15 kilometers downstream from this historical site is the village of Oran.
The area of Oran has a rich cultural and natural history. Belonging now to the District of Amazonas, Oran is a special place for biodiversity being an area of high ground Primary forest that streatches north more than 100 miles to the Putumayo River. Within that area there are many special ecosystems of black water lakes, rivers, plam swamp forests, devils gardens and many more. Directly behind Oran we find the Apayacu River that happens to have 2 forest reserves protected by the inhabitants of the Villages Sabalillo and Cuzco (Apayacu River).
Oran is actually much longer inhabitided by humans than the city of Iquitos Itself. In 1542 Franscisco De Orellana came out of the Napo River and became the first European explorer to see the Amazon River. Shortly after the confluence of Napo and Amazon, Orellana and his crew pillaged the first village on high ground on the northern side of the Amazon. Oran happens to be the first area of high ground on the north side of the Amazon after Napo.
Orellanas chronicler a friar by the name of Gaspar de Carvajal notes hundreds of inhabitants fleeing from the Spanish soldiers and their war dogs. The history goes even further back if you take in accounts of elders and wandering jungle men who have stumbled upon a lost civilization with giant ceramic figures, foliage covered pyramids, natural drips of kerosene and the presence of certain forest spirits or supernatural creatures. It is not uncommon to find remains of ceramics, palm spears, rocks that had come from hundreds of miles away. It is also a hotspot to find fossilized and petrified remains of trees and bones.
Todays Oran is a small quiet village of 500 that subsits on fishing, agriculture, cheese production and river commerce.
About Otorongo Expeditions
Promoting sustainable development and quality tours one step at a time.
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Ivonne Braga and Anthony Giardenelli
Founders of Otorongo Expeditions
Ivonne was born and raised in Iquitos, Peru, has been working as a tourism guide for the past twelve years in many different agencies. Ivonne worked many years with universities from the USA surveying transects and performing biological assessments in many ecosystems and microhabitats found in Upper Amazonian. Since her youth, she always loved animals and maintains her fascination to this day. Ivonne has raised many species of animals that had been abandoned or orphaned including several monkeys, pacas, parrots, ocelots and now with Anthony, birds of prey. In her free time her binoculars are stuck to her eyes as she hopes to describe new species of birds in the near future.
Anthony, a native of upstate New York has an Associates Degree in Fisheries and Wildlife from SUNY, Cobleskill. He moved to Iquitos 2005 to start a jungle lodge, to raise funds for an animal rescue/rehab center and to promote sustainable development in the Amazon. From the days that he could walk, he was always in the streams and forests of the Adirondack Mountains turning over rocks and logs looking for invertebrates, salamanders or anything that moved. At the age of twelve he began to practice the sport of falconry. His love for all things natural and wild eventually gave way to the Amazon where he was immediately captivated by the biodiversity and the way people co-exist with the jungle and its rivers. A superb woodsman, fisherman and naturalist Anthony is always observing and analyzing the interactions of the river People and their ecosystems formulating ideas and projects to help fight the encroachment of harmful developments.
The two met in 2004 in Lima, Peru and started a long distance relationship that led to their marriage in 2006. They form a great team because nothing is more important to them than to show each guest the marvels of the rainforest, from giant lily pads, to ceiba trees, monkeys, or the specific symbiotic relationships that exists between plants, insects and animals. They both love to cook and try new foods; they bring to the table international and typical Peruvian dishes that will make your taste buds dance. You will need to experience the energy emitted by them as they take you for a walk in their gardens and trails. They will make you feel so welcome as if you were the very first guest in their new house.
Members of Staff
Teddy Macedo
Teddy grew up fishing the river to support his family living in the nearby village of Oran. Because of his deep knowledge of the jungle, he was brought in as trailblazer and boat driver for Otorongo Expeditions. Teddy's son is currently studying English in Iquitos with plans to join the team in the future
Trailblazer and Boat Driver
Elena Campos
Elana is Otorongo Expedition's head of Reservations, Booking and Sales. Elena, fluent in both Spanish and English, is an enthusiastic tourism expert helping guests plan their adventures.
Reservations, Booking and Sales
Dave Giardenelli
Dave, who oversees Outside Sales for Otorongo Expeditions, lives in rural New York State in the United States. An avid fisherman and falconer, you will often find him fishing the lakes and rivers on one of his many visits to the lodge.
Fisherman and Falconer
FAQ
Welcome to the frequently asked questions section. We try to do our best to add all the best and necessary. If you have questions though... tell us!
- Are their rubber boots available for us on our trip?
- Yes, we have a stock of rubber boots for client use.
- Are there lots of biting insects?
- There are insects but with proper care(long sleeves and pants) they're little to no nuisance- All of our rooms are mosquito free.
- What do I need to take with me on a jungle trip?
- Here is a small list of important things to bring- Long sleeve shirts and pants, wide brim hat, water bottle, Insect repellent, sunglasses, sun block, bathing suit, small first aid kit.
- What are your guide's qualifications?
- Our groups are accompanied by bilingual naturalist guides trained in the ways of the jungle and sustainable tourism.
- Are plane tickets included in the program prices?
- No, but ask us for assistance in finding the right flights for you and your group!
- Is there electricity available?
- There is electricity available to recharge camera batteries, the light at night are small solar lights and kerosene lamps.
- When is the best fishing time?
- That depends on the time you have to travel. During highwater season Dec-June- the fish are more spread out into the flooded forest and more traveling is entailed to find them. During Low water season- the fish are concentrated yet reaching them is a bit more complicated.
- What are your sleeping accommodations?
- In our lodge, each room has a private bathroom and bed completely secure from mosquitoes, on expeditions and river cruises- the accommodations vary depending on clients needs.
- What is the best time to visit Iquitos, Peru?
- All year round.
- What currency should I bring?
- Any currency can be change into Peruvian Nuevos Soles- Any foreign money should be crisp unmarked untorn bills. For the jungle small denominations from 5-20 soles is necessary to purchase crafts from Indigenous persons.
- What type of vaccinations or medicines should I take before a trip to Peru?
- Peru requires no immunizations but It is recommended to vaccinate for Yellow fever, hepatitis A, B if not already vaccinated. Malaria is not a problem in most of the areas we operate and is not a major worry. Only if one intends to be without mosquito protection in areas with high incidence of Malaria is it recommended anti malarial pills. (For more advice on what immunizations / inoculations that you require we recommend that you try contacting a specialist travel clinic (at least 6 weeks prior to travel). Your own doctor is probably unfamiliar with health in Latin America)
- Is it safe to travel in Iquitos, Peru?
- Overall Iquitos, Peru is a very safe place to visit. There is little to no violent crimes and few cases of pickpockets but lets just keep up the guard and there won't be a problem.
- Do I need a visa to visit Peru?
- For tourism, residents of the US, Canada, Australia and most of Europe only need a valid passport for a 3 month tourist visa issued on arrival to Peru.
- Can we continue on twords Leticia-Columbia, Tabatinga-Brazil from Otorongo Expedition Jungle Lodge?
- Yes, From the lodge, you may choose to go to the triple fronteir by speedboat (8hrs) or ferry boat (3 days) Let us know, and we can coordinate all transport.
Jungle Lodging
Otorongo Lodge has a total of 12 spacious rooms with private toilets, sinks and showers; each room is protected by fine mesh netting to prevent any unwanted winged intruders. Bunk beds are available for larger groups, in the back of the lodge there is a relaxing room equipped with hammocks, lazy chairs and coffee tables. The rooms are surrounded by walkways to provide easy access to viewing the gardens, birds, butterflies or any other wildlife that pass by.
The lodge is constructed in a rustic ecologically sound fashion, the dinning room is large enough to host more than 30 guests, our kitchen is held up to the most sanitary regulations and is operated by experienced Peruvian chefs, who cook international, national and regional food as well as dozens of delicious fruit drinks. The lodge has been inspected and approved by the Tourist Authority.
Around the lodge there are many exotic fruits species and flowers as well as medicinal plants adorning the land. 100 feet from the lodge is the River Oran which drains out of Terra-Firme for hundreds of miles.
Sample itinerary for 6 days and 5 nights
- Lodging with daily excursions
- Optional overnight camping
- Day 1
- We pick the passengers up from the Iquitos Airport.
- Quick city tour with options to visit the Belen open-air Market.
- Departure from port of Nanay via our private speed boat.
- Option to visit an Old-Style horse-drawn sugarcane rum distillery and to try some of Don Guerra's Exotic Amazonian liquors.
- Arrival to Otorongo Expedition lodge, orientation and lunch.
- Day 1 - Afternoon Activity
- Short walk behind the lodge in primary terra firme rainforest in search of wildlife, medicinal plants and flowers.
- Dinner
- Optional nocturnal excursion by boat, canoe or foot (depending of season or weather) looking for animals such as insects, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and birds.
- Day 2
- Departure by boat to Mayo Cocha to (Picnic Breakfast) canoe through flooded forest to see the prehistoric looking Hoatzin birds as well as various species of monkeys such as howler and squirrel monkey. Be surrounded in the thick jungle where species of plants and animals life´s are still unclassified by modern science.
- Return to the lodge. Lunch!
- Visit Native community to learn about their culture,fishing practices, farming and the use of the ancient mystical medicines derived from the rainforest.
- Return to the lodge, dinner.
- Optional nocturnal excursion by boat, canoe or foot (depending of season) looking for animals such as insect, reptiles, amphibians.
- Day 3
- Early breakfast and departure by boat to Cocha Ayzana (black water) to fish piranha, see giant water lily pads and short walk to see the enormous Ceiba trees.
- Return to the lodge.
- Lunch.
- Boat ride in the River Oran and nocturnal jungle walk (on the way back) exploring the area to see animals commonly found in this ecosystem.
- Dinner.
- Optional nocturnal excursion by boat, canoe or foot (depending of season) looking for animals such as stick insects, reptiles, amphibians.
- Day 4
- After breakfast, we depart for our over night camping trip.
- Generally 1-2 hours of travel by boat or foot.
- Sleep in tents well protected.
- Observations of different ecosystems.
- Chances to see more exuberant wildlife.
- Day 5
- Early rise to observe wildlife.
- Breakfast and return to the lodge.
- Morning free.
- Lunch.
- Boat ride in search of the beautiful pink and grey dolphins and swim with them along the Amazon river, observations of the sunset with snack.
- Dinner.
- Shaman lucky ceremony.
- Day 6
- Optional early morning excursion.
- Breakfast.
- Departure to Iquitos.
- Options during free time:
- Swimming in Quebrada Oran.
- Fishing near the lodge.
- Bird watching near the lodge.
- Guided walk through the botanical garden near the lodge.
- Get to know a local dwelling.
- Sunset on the Amazon near macaw roost.
- Bonfire and story telling.
- Siesta in the hammock room.
- Weaving class with a local from a village.
But that's not all. OtoEx is flexible and diverse as the Amazon itself. That can mean the following:
- All the excursions are flexible depending on the passengers.
- Time of the excursion can be changed depending on the weather.
- The itinerary can be changed depending on the arrival of the passenger.
- It is possible that the passenger or group set their own itinerary for any of the activities (Within certain limits depending on weather).
Prices vary between $90 - $150(USD)
per day depending on group size.
Please contact us so we can get you the best possible price.
- Jungle Lodging includes:
- Transport from the airport
- Transport in and out of port
- Permanent, Naturalist guide
- Lodging, private bathroom
- All excursions
- 3 meals a day, snack, purified water to drink
- Rubber Boots
- Laundry service
- Battery rechargings
- Jungle Lodging does not include:
- Plane tickets Lima-Iquitos and Iquitos-Lima
- Tips
- Hotel in Iquitos
- Sodas, Alcoholic beverages
- River Taxi Schedule:
- Leaves Iquitos on Tuesdays and Fridays at 2:00pm
- Leaves Oran on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2:00pm
- Otorongo Expeditions offers
domestics flights on: - LAN Peru
- Peruvian Airline
- Star Peru
- Javian Jet Traveler offers direct
charter flights to Iquitos - Website:Javian Jet Traveler
- Email: Contactus@javianjettraveler.com
Amazon River Cruises
Otorongo Expeditions offers its services to help custom make your next Amazon River Cruise. Don't want to travel in a large touristy group? Want to pick your own Itinerary?
These programs are for the Adventurous traveler interested in Native Cultures, Fishing, Wildlife observation, or just a new adventure to put under ones belt. It includes a permanent naturalist guide, all meals, excursions, purified water, sleeping in a tent or boat or simply rocking the hammock Amazon-Style.
Come travel on the Amazon River with OtoEx, Choose your schedule, do what you are interested in doing, on your time. Prices vary depending on number of adventurers, and number of days.
AN EXPERIENCE YOU AND YOU FRIENDS WILL NEVER FORGET!
Pacaya - Samiria National Reserve
Otorongo Expeditions takes you into one of the most spectacular and protected areas. Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, where we find many species of flora and fauna in danger of extinction, let's start this trip to this biodiversity hot spot where two millions of hectares are being protected for future generations. This voyage takes 1 week of navigation.
Accommodations range from tents, beds in boats to jungle style hammock with 3 A1 class meals per day with snacks and purified water.
- Departure from Iquitos
- Rivers to know: Amazon, Tapiche, Ucayali and Pacaya River.
- Trips minimum 7 days
- Price per person per day: 230.00 USD
- *Special Discounts available for groups and universities - Write us!
Sample itinerary for 7 days and 6 nights:
- Day 1
- Morning departure from Iquitos by bus toward Nauta city located along the Marañon river, where our Vessel will start going down river until the confluence of Marañon and Ucayali forming the Amazon.
- In the afternoon will be navigating upstream along the Ucayali river to do our first excursion, a short walk to see the most famous aquatic plant well known as giant water lily or Victoria Amazonica.
- Day 2
- Morning bird watching excursion, visit and learn the culture of Ribereños village.
In the afternoon, searching for pink and grey dolphins and more wildlife exploring in a creek called Yanayacu.- Night time: Optional nocturnal excursion in search of wildlife.
- Day 3
- Morning excursion to see wildlife such as a 3-toed sloth, iguanas and more at Sapote creek and swim in a beautiful lake with dolphins and our vessel keeps going up river toward the Pacaya National Reserve.
- Day 4
Arrival to Pacaya Samiria National Reserve and spending all day long to see more wildlife and the spectacular scenery of the sunset, get to see the beautiful type of forest found in this area called Flooded Forest.- Nocturnal excursion in search of caimans and the largest rodent in the world called capybara.
- Day 5
- Early excursion in search of howler monkeys deep in the forest, the prehistoric looking bird called Hoatzin.
- Afternoon activity, enjoy catching piranha fish one of the most famous in the world.
- Nocturnal excursion in search of wildlife.
- Day 6
- Morning hike with local shaman to learn about medicinal plants and uses, having a brief geographic orientation about our location.
In the afternoon, a short walk to visit a primary school and get to know education in the rainforest.- Motoring slowly back toward Iquitos.
- Day 7
- Arrival to Iquitos, End of services
- This type of cruise includes:
- Transport from the airport
- Transport in and out of port
- Permanent, Naturalist guide
- Accommodations on boat
- All excursions
- 3 meals a day, snack, purified water to drink
- Laundry
- This type of cruise does not include:
- Plane tickets Lima-Iquitos and Iquitos-Lima
- Tips
- Hotel in Iquitos
- Sodas, Alcoholic beverages
Pevas, Ampiyacu and Yaguasyacu
We offer one of the few trips that actually take you downstream from Iquitos to see some unique culture starting with Pancho Grippas art gallery to visiting native tribes such as The Boras, Yaguas, Ocainas and Huitotos. As we cruise along, we will be stopping at many indigenous villages with opportunities to purchase native decorations, bracelets, baskets, paintings and other indigenous art.
Accommodations range from tents, beds in boats to jungle style hammock with 3 A1 class meals per day with snacks and purified water.
- Departure from Iquitos
- Trips minimum 7 days
- Price per person per day: 230.00 USD
- *Special Discounts available for groups and universities - Write us!
Sample itinerary for 7 days and 6 nights:
- Day 1
- We depart Iquitos in the morning to head downstream towards Pevas.
- On the way stopping in certain habitats to observe wildlife.
- Day 2
- Get to Know Amazon Town of Pevas and the house of Famous Painter Franscico Grippa.
- We visit in his house/art gallery and than climb up to his lookout tower to see the confluence of Ampiyacu River and The Amazon River.
- Mid-day departure up the Ampiyacu River headed for some indigenous communities.
- Optional nocturnal excursion.
- Day 3
- Early morning bird watching excursion.
- Huitotos of Terra Firme dances and ceremonies- opportunity to purchase artwork and indigenous souvenirs.
- Afternoon Motor up Yaguasyacu to the community of Brillo Nuevo Boras.
- Day 4
- Early morning excursion to see any wildlife.
- Dances and coca ceremonies with Boras of Brillo Nuevo. Learn about their culture and subsistence living.
- Nocturnal excursion with Bora woodsmen.
- Day 5
- We motor downstream to the mouth of Ampiyacu river to meet the indigenous group Ocainas. They will show us several of their traditional dances and teach us some of their dialect, how to weave baskets, and their traditional food processing
- Nocturnal excursion in a Black water lake.
- Day 6
- Morning excursion to observe wildlife.
- We start to motor back toward Iquitos, stopping in many points of interest such as a old fashioned rum Factory, Otorongo Expeditions Jungle lodge, and an Excursion to Lake Mayo to see giant lily pads.
- Day 7
- Arrival to Iquitos, end of services.
- This type of cruise includes:
- Transport from the airport
- Transport in and out of port
- Permanent, Naturalist guide
- Accommodations on boat
- All excursions
- 3 meals a day, snack, purified water to drink
- Laundry
- This type of cruise does not include:
- Plane tickets Lima-Iquitos and Iquitos-Lima
- Tips
- Hotel in Iquitos
- Sodas, Alcoholic beverages
Specialized Amazon Expeditions
Otorongo Expeditions is proud to offer such specialized expeditions! This section is for the serious-hardcore birdwatcher, fisherman, outdoors enthusiast or anyone who wants to test their limits. With these expeditions you will go to places where its hard to go to and return from without a guide.
The advanced section down below contains expeditions for people who like to get active. Here you will hike through dense jungle, make camp and build rafts. Survival is key and that the most primitive way possible.
Serious Bird Watching
With OtoEx it is now possible for you to take that serious bird watching tour. Our guides are highly trained to recognize hundreds of species of birds by sight and sound. Let our professional guides take you through an 8 day- multiple ecosystem bird watchers paradise. Possible Areas to visit are as followed: Allpahuayo Mishana and Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, Beaches and Islands of the Amazon, Napo Rivers, high ground Primary Rainforest, Flooded forests, devils gardens and many other unique forest ecosystems.
Accommodations range from lodges, tents, beds in boats to jungle style hammock with 3 class A1 meals a day with snacks and purified water.
- Trips can be from 4-10 days
- Pricing varies $200.00-$250 per day
- Special Discounts available for groups and universities- write us!!
| Alpahuayo Mishana Tour | per person 4 days minimum |
| Otorongo Expeditions Lodge | per person 4 days minimum |
| Alpahuayo Mishana + Oto-Ex Lodge | per person 7 days minimum |
| Pacaya Samiria National Reserve | per person 7 days minimum |
Extreme Fishing
Know peacock bass??? Pacu? Piranha? Would you like to get to know them better? OtoEx offers pure fishing for those fishermen who want to experience the thrill of hauling in a hog Peacock or a piranha that bites back!
We travel by any means possible to put you on top of your next Amazonian Trophy. Choose the level of difficulty you want, don't want to get off the boat? No problem! Want to stream fish by foot? Let's go! You will have a highly trained woodsman guiding and watching your back. The Best fishing is May-November, but we still manage to put you on top of them during high-water (December-May).
Accommodations range from lodges, tents, beds in boats to jungle style hammock with 3 A1 class meals per day with snacks and purified water.
Fishing equipment available for rent otherwise write to Anthony and ask about preferred Amazon fishing tackle.
- Trips are from 5-15 days
- Price per person daily: $215.00
- Special Discounts available for groups - write us!!
Advanced Programs
To participate in these next two programs you MUST be willing to:
- Try new things,
- Suffer (a bit)
- Get rained on
- Fend off insects
- Eat straight from the coals (or wooden bbq sticks)
- Get dirty
All expeditions are accompanied with trained proffesionals in first aid and jungle survival, american and peruvian. Our guides are very experienced jungle dwellers that get a kick out of the deepest rainforest habitat!
Jungle Rafting
This program is for the beginner adventurer. It includes a 2-3 day jungle hike and a 2-3 day raft out of the headwaters searching for animals.
A moderately rugged trip, for the physically fit and bio-curious. This expedition can be modified to include more hiking, rafting or time silently observing wildlife.
Here is a sample itinerary for a moderate expedition.
- Day 1
- Depart from Iquitos Early morning to arrive at Otorongo Expeditions Jungle lodge where you will learn a few basic principals while hiking in the jungle. Before mid-day we commence the 2 day walk to the headwaters of Apayacu River. At night, we make camp near Aguanegra headwaters.
- Day 2
- Very early start walking, observing wildlife as we go,resting as when necessary- By the afternoon we are very close to Aguazule creek, a tributary of Sabalo River. We set up camp and plan our next move.
- Day 3
- From here, it is possible to spend several days exploring or sit in quiet observation as tapirs or peccaries pass through their wallows. We can see many different species of wildlife and ancient ecosystems proving to be the worlds most biodiverse.
- Day 4
- We need to get to raft building, selectivly finding sustainable materials and using nylon twine. If we finish early, we can move out of Aguazule and into Sabalo river by dusk. Noctunal excursions optional.
- Day 5
- Early start silently floating downstream as to not interrupt the activity of the creatures that surround us (Travel at night possible depending on moon cycle). Weather and time permitting, We make our way out of Sabalo River and on the main Apayacu. We camp somewhere on the Apayacu River.
- Day 6
- we finally reach the confluence of Apayacu/Amazon. We embark on a boat to either Iquitos, Otorongo Expeditions Lodge or Leticia.
- Day 7
- End of services..Or is it? This trip can be modified for more days depending on your wishes!
Jungle Survivor Program
You can never be too certain of where you stand, one moment to the other you find yourself disoriented, thirsty, hungry and scared. OtoEx can train you to survive and get out alive in a survival situation. The program has been formed by professional survivalist and will teach you too:
- Find: Safe water, food, shelter
- Recognize venomous insects and snakes
- Build rudimentary traps and fishing when you have nothing
- Orientating you to get out alive!
- Use jungle resources to make rope, baskets etc.
WARNING: This program is not for the faint of heart or health, accommodations are minimal. This includes entering the jungle with trained individuals with minimal resources to SURVIVE.
- Minimal 5 day program. Ask us for details!
- Special Discounts available for groups and universities- write us!!
Extended Jungle Camping
Have you had that itch to get out of civilization? Don't want to stay in a jungle lodge? Get into the thick of it with Otorongo Expeditions and do some hardcore wildlife watching or jungle hiking. Travel with tents, cooks and professional jungle guides to some of the hardest to reach habitats in the world. Let's set up a blind over a wallow and observe many mammal species in their own habitat, or let's walk a hundred kilometers through the Jungle to come out on untouched tributaries!
- Minimal 7 day program. Ask us for details!
- Special Discounts available for groups and universities- write us!!
Let's get into some areas where you do not want to let your fingers dangle in the water!
Day Trips
OtoEx is proud to offer day trips from the city of Iquitos to see some of the attractions that the city and its bordering towns have to offer such as:
- Pilpintuwasi Animal orphanage and butterfly farm of Padre Cocha
- IMET Medicinal Botanic garden
- Quistococha zoological
- Pecock bass and pirana fishing in private lakes and rivers
- Monkey Island, where we find many species of endangered, orphaned monkeys
- Searching for pink river dolphins by boat
- Visit to Belen open air market and floating city.
- And much much more...
Full Day Trip 1 - IN and around Iquitos City
- Pilpintuwasi - Butterfly Farm: Enjoy the magic world of butterflies seeing the complete life cycle and learn about thier impressing development.
- Monkey Island - Located 30 minutes down Amazon river by speedboat, a perfect place to see species of monkeys that were rescued.
- Visiting the floating houses of Belen market.
- Looking for pink and grey river dolphins at the confluence of Nanay and Amazon river.
| Number of Guests | Price per person ($US) |
|---|---|
| *4 guests minimum | |
| 1-4 | 95 |
| 5+ | 90 |
- Full Day Trip 1 Includes:
- Private transportations
- Lunch
- All entrance fees
- Water and snacks
- Permanent guide
Full Day Trip 2 - Medicinal Plants, Zoological
- Guided tour in the Medicinal Botanical Garden of IMET(Institute of Traditional Medicine).
- Visit to Quistacocha zoo.
| Number of Guests | Price per person ($US) |
|---|---|
| *3 guests minimum | |
| 1-3 | 75 |
| 4+ | 65 |
- Full Day Trip 2 Includes:
- Private transportations
- Lunch
- All entrance fees
- Water and snacks
- Permanent guide
Full Day Fishing Trip Near Iquitos
Want that chance to pull in an Amazoninan fish? dont have the time to take an expedition? Take a day trip to some areas close to Iquitos to try your luck on peacock bass, pirana, barracuda and pacu.
- Opportunities to catch: Peacock Bass, Pacu, Piranha and more.
| Number of Guests | Price per person ($US) |
|---|---|
| *2 guests minimum | |
| 1-3 | 75 |
| 5+ | 65 |
- Full Day Fishing Trip Includes:
- Rentals of fishing equipment
- Private transportations
- All entrance fees
- Lunch, Water and snacks
- Permanent guide