Two Week Activity Program

DAY 1 – THE AMAZON RAINFOREST
We'll have a morning hike through the Amazon rainforest, observing a variety of forest
features from palm trees, vines, epiphytes and hardwood trees to bullet ants, morpho
butterflies and poison dart frogs. At the end of this walk we'll have a refreshing swim at
Pucayaquillo waterfalls.
In the afternoon we'll know some tree species and we'll be contributing to the Amazon
reforestation by planting a tree.
DAY 2 – BUTTERFLIES AND MIMICRY
In the morning we'll make our own nets and we'll collect different species of butterflies and
other insects around Pumarinri Lodge.
In the afternoon we'll study the collected butterflies and learn about the different kinds of
mimicry and defences. And finally, we'll set free the collected individuals.
DAY 3 – COFFEE, COCOA AND CHOCOLATE
In the morning we'll visit several coffee and cocoa organic plantations, and harvest some
fruits. We'll also learn about other tropical crops.
In the afternoon we'll be busy making our own chocolates on a local gourmet workshop. An
excellent gift for your parents in case you're able to resist the temptation on the next ten days.
And it's not as easy as it seems!
DAY 4 – THE AMAZON, THE LAND OF THE GREAT RIVERS
We'll spend day four sailing on the Huallaga River. Breathtaking landscapes, native
communities living on the banks and an incredible biodiversity!
DAY 5 – POTTERY AND BROOMS
In Chasuta, a native village, we'll make some traditional pottery with the local artisans. We'll
make our own ones to take home, just in case you decide to eat your chocolates! We'll also
walk the forest looking for the piasaba palm tree, a source of long fibers that has been
traditionally used to make brooms.
DAY 6 – BIRDWATCHING, FROM DAWN TILL DUSK
Peru is a top destination for birdwatchers. And Pumarinri is a fabulous site to spot them, from
powerful raptors to colourful hummingbirds. At night, at least eight species of owls nest and
hunt around the lodge. Don't forget to bring your own binoculars and torches.
DAY 7 – FISHING AND COOKING, A DESERVED RELAXING DAY
After so many busy days and hectic activities, we deserve a rest. What about fishing and then
learning some Peruvian cooking?
DAY 8 – FROM THE LARGEST RAINFOREST TO THE LONGEST MOUNTAIN RANGE
Early in the morning we'll depart from Pumarinri towards the west. Our first stop will be at
Moyobamba, the Peruvian Orchid Capital, where we'll visit a botanical garden full of them.
Our second stop will be at the highest point of this route, Abra Patricia, to walk across an
incredible mulchy cloudforest and climb a canopy tower. And we'll finally see the sunset in
front of Gocta waterfalls, one of the highest in the world, in the heart of the Peruvian northern
Andes.
DAY 9 – GOCTA WATERFALLS
From Gocta Lodge there's an amazing view of the waterfalls, but the trail leading to them is
even more breathtaking. It's a two hour hike, first crossing Andean crops and orchards and
then suddenly you enter a gallery forest. There's the option to do this trail on horseback.
DAY 10 – KUELAP, THE CHACHAPOYAN FORTRESS THAT RESISTED THE INCAS
We'll start driving along the Utcubamba valley, between bromeliads and cacti, and at Tingo
we'll begin to climb to Kuelap, crossing traditional Andean villages, to finally reach the
fortress at 3,000 m.a.s.l. It will be a day of history and archeology. In the afternoon we'll visit
the colonial capital of this region, Chachapoyas.
DAY 11 – SARCOPHAGI, CAVERNS AND ANDEAN CROPS
Chachapoyas is the only place in the Americas where you can find sarcophagi (ancient stone
funeral coffins), but they're not located inside pyramids but on massive cliffs, often carved
and decorated. We will visit one of the most famous sites at Karajia in the Luya province,
where we'll also visit Quiocta caverns and have lunch on a hacienda, surrounded by custardapple and avocado trees.
DAY 12 – ANDEAN MARKETS AND MUMMIES
We are going to visit Leymebamba's Mummies Museum. Don't be scared, our mummies
tend to be friendly with visitors and since you are the first ones from New Zealand they'll
probably ask you lots of questions. On the way to Leymebamba we'll stop at Yerbabuena
Sunday market, the gathering point of farmers coming from all the villages and hamlets to
trade their cattle and horses.
DAY 13 – AT SCHOOL IN PERU
On day thirteen you will join the local kids at Cocachimba school. You'll be able to teach them
some English and tell them about Kerikeri and New Zealand, and they'll teach you some
Spanish and facts about their village and everyday life.
DAY 14 – BACK TO THE AMAZON – END OF THE TOUR!
We'll go back from the Andes to the Amazon. We'll stop at Tioyacu river to swim and walk in
the forest. In Tarapoto we'll take the plane back to Lima.