Matsés Trek

Join a unique expedition and explore this authentic Maloca. We were the first to establish access to this Genuine Maloca, home to a Matsés family living in isolation who continue to preserve their ancestral traditions.

Amazon Explorer is the only company with a special agreement with the Matsés authorities, granting exclusive access to visit this Maloca.

This one-of-a-kind itinerary begins with a flight from Iquitos to Colonia Angamos, followed by a challenging return—a 50 km (31 mi) trek through the lush Amazon rainforest. Due to unpredictable weather conditions, flights may be rescheduled by the operator, so we strongly recommend planning for additional days at the end of your itinerary.

For wildlife enthusiasts seeking an immersive experience with nature, combined with a visit to the authentic Matsés Maloca, we recommend our 15-Day Matsés Expedition.

The Matsés were originally known as the “bearded men” due to their distinctive facial ornaments. While this contributed to their fierce reputation, among the Matsés, these adornments symbolize identity and beauty.

Includes

• Transfer from Iquitos Airport.
• Land and river transportation throughout the itinerary.
• Air ticket from Iquitos to 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.
• Authorization to enter the Maloca (indigenous longhouse).
• 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.
• Barbasco Fishing: This activity is available exclusively from June to November, during periods of low river levels.
• Clay Licks (Collpas): Clay licks are only accessible from June to November, when river levels are low.
• Wildlife Sightings: Wildlife is unpredictable, and sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, exploring a remote area significantly increases the chances of encounters.
• 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

• Departure by a light aircraft from the Iquitos Air Force Base or International Airport.
• One-hour flight to the town of Angamos located on the border with Brazil.
• Meet with our Matsés guides who will accompany us on this expedition.
• Overnight in Angamos.

Day 2

• Organization of supplies and logistics before navigation.
• Motor boat to one of the least explored areas of the Amazon rainforest, the Matsés Reserve (8 h).
• Bird watching.
• Hike to reach the genuine Maloca of the “Feline Tribe” Camp in the jungle, next the genuine Maloca.

 Day 3-6

• Enter to the Authentic Maloca (indigenous longhouse).
• Live with a tribal family.
• Learn their customs and way of life.
• Listen to ancient stories told by elderly Matsés.
• Harvest food from their “Chacras” (plantations and crops).
• Motor boat (2 h).
• Fish with “Barbasco” (toxic plant). Just during Low river season (June to November).
• Identify medicinal plants.
• Sniff “Nënë” (native tobacco) ritual (optional).
• Night exploration in search of the monkey frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor) used for the Kambô.
• Watch or participate in the Frog ritual “Kambô” (optional).
• Ritual of the bullet ant – isula (Paraponera clavata).
• Buy or barter for handicrafts and authentic weapons (optional).
• Overnight in a jungle camp, next to the Maloca.

Day 7

• Motor boat back to Angamos village.
• Overnight in Angamos.

Day 8

• Motorboat during 8 hours.
• Overnight in the jungle.

 Day 9-11

• Motorboat to the Matanza River.
• Observe wildlife.
• Hike through primary jungle to the town of Requena (31 mi or 50 km).
• Cross rivers and streams.
• Overnight in the jungle.

 Day 12

• Arrive in Requena.
• Speedboat from Requena to Nauta city (3 h).
• Bus from Nauta to Iquitos (2 h).
• Arrive in Iquitos.