Harpy Expedition

Explore Deep Of The Jungle

Harpy Expedition

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The imposing Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja), known as the guardian of the Amazon skies, is a true indicator of a healthy ecosystem. By occupying the apex of the food chain, its presence reflects a delicate balance between the species inhabiting this vast and vital environment.

This majestic bird stands out due to its impressive size, with females surpassing males in both length and weight. They can grow to over three feet in length and weigh up to 20 pounds (9 kilograms). Despite their large size, Harpy Eagles move with remarkable agility through the dense forest canopy, skillfully navigating while hunting.

Through this program, you will have the opportunity to be part of a unique experience, where you can observe and learn about one of the most powerful eagles on the planet, a symbol of the strength and resilience of the Amazon ecosystem.

Includes

  • Transfer from Iquitos Airport.
  • Land and river transportation throughout the itinerary.
  • Air ticket between Iquitos and Angamos.
  • Public speedboat from Requena to Nauta.
  • Slow peke-peke motorboat (with stationary motor).
  • All meals during the trip.
  • Purified water.
  • Permit from SERNANP (National Service of Natural Protected Areas by the Peruvian Government).
  • Authorization from the Matsés Communities visited during the trip.
  • Authorization from the Supreme Matsés Chief to enter their territory.
  • Expert indigenous wildlife trackers and Amazon Explorer’s lead guide.
  • Equipment: mosquito net and bed sheet.

Each participant should bring:

  • Their own light camping mat.
  • A personal water filter for hiking.
  • Rubber boots.

Important

  • Expedition start date: Only on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
  • You must arrive in Iquitos at least one day prior to the start date of the program.
  • The air transportation for this expedition is subject to the schedule set by the Peruvian Air Force. Flights may be postponed due to adverse weather conditions.
  • The Peruvian Air Force permits a maximum baggage allowance of 22 pounds (10 kilograms) per person.
  • We recommend adding additional days at the end of the itinerary as a precautionary measure against possible rescheduling of the departure flight to later dates.
  • Responsibility for Flights and Lost Days
    • Departure Flight: This program includes only one outbound flight from Iquitos to the expedition area. If this flight is postponed to a later date, we recommend that travelers allow for additional days at the end of their itinerary.
    • Flight Rescheduling: Flight Rescheduling: If the flight is delayed, it may be possible to adjust the activities to recover lost days, provided the traveler’s availability permits.
    • Important Notice: No refunds will be issued for lost expedition days, additional expenses, or any other consequences arising from circumstances beyond our control.
  • Clay Licks (Collpas): Clay licks are only accessible from June to November, when river levels are low.
  • Harpy Eagle Sighting: Wildlife behavior is unpredictable, and sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, exploring a remote area with verified records of nesting and harpy eagle presence significantly increases the chances of an encounter.
  • Each traveler is responsible for carrying their own backpack during the return trek, which covers a distance of 31 miles (50 kilometers).
  • This expedition is open to highly motivated participants with strong adaptability and good physical and mental condition.
  • Reservations must be made at least 60 days in advance.

Day 1

  • Leave by a light aircraft from the Iquitos Air Force Base.
  • One-hour flight to the town of Angamos located on the Brazilian border.
  • Meeting with the expert indigenous trackers who will accompany us on this expedition.
  • Overnight in Angamos.

Day 2

  • Organization of supplies and logistics before starting the river expedition.
  • Motorboat into one of the least explored areas of the Amazon rainforest.
  • Bird watching.
  • Arrive to a native community.
  • Overnight accommodations in a tribal community.

Day 3-13

  • Motorboat into the depths of the virgin rainforest.
  • Build camps in different areas.
  • Observe wildlife.
  • Fish for piranhas (Serrasalmus nattereri) and other species.
  • Hike in primary jungle.
  • Search for primates.
  • Search of alligators, snakes and other species at night.
  • Drink water from forest vines “Soga de agua”.
  • Harvest wild fruits.
  • Build rafts or floatation devices.
  • Explore clay licks “Collpas” (deposits of clay containing mineral salts where a large number and variety of animals congregate).
  • Identify animal tracks and footprints.
  • Search of trace to find the Harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja).
  • Overnight in the jungle.

Day 14-15

  • Return by motorboat.
  • Overnight in a tribal community.

Day 16-18

  • Wildlife observation.
  • Trek through primary jungle to the town of Requena (31mi or 50 km).
  • Cross rivers and streams.
  • Overnight in the jungle.

Day 19-20

  • Arrive to Requena.
  • Speedboat from Requena to Nauta (3 hr).
  • Bus from Nauta to Iquitos (2 hr).
  • Arrive in Iquitos by 6:00 pm.
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