Source: Examiner.com
One of the most captivating and fascinating trips that you can take is a trip to an ecolodge in the Amazon rain forest. The countries of the Amazon basin have many national parks some of which have ecotours. Many of these ecotours are joint ventures with the native tribes of the area. Two of the most famous areas are the Parque Nacional de Manu and the Parque Nacional de Tambopata in Peru.The Manu and Tambopata areas are located in the Amazon rain forest of Peru, east of Cusco and near the city of Puerto Maldonado. Both areas are accessible only by river boat. The Manu area is severely restricted and the only way to get in if you are not a research scientist is with an ecotour.
Puerto Maldonado is located on the Madre de Dios river which is a tributary of the Amazon. Your ecotour jungle safari will start in Puerto Maldonado where you will take a boat up the Madre de Dios river. The boat ride can be quite lengthy so get comfortable. From the Madre de Dios river the boat will continue up the Tambopata or Manu river until reaching the ecolodge. At the border of the national parks there is a quick registration process for visitors. It is a great opportunity to get off the boat and stretch your legs.
The facilities at the ecolodge are rustic but usually comfortable. There are usually bungalows for 2, or sometimes more. Mosquito netting is included. Showers are cold water, but as the temperature is usually in the 80's that is not a problem! Meals are included and usually include local cuisine. Beer and other alcoholic drinks are extra but reasonably priced. Since electricity is generator supplied you will want to ask how long it is on.
The activities vary from lodge to lodge, but include jungle walks, during the day and at night, trips to see birds such as macaws at riverside clay licks, evening boat rides to see caimans, and visits to native American settlements. You may be able to go swimming in a jungle swimming hole, or just relax in a hammock on the veranda of the lodge.
The rain forest is incredibly alive and you will see varied wildlife such as monkeys, capybaras (the world's largest rodent), caimans, many types of birds including scarlet and military macaws and cocks of the rock. On the nature walks you will also see many different types of insect, reptiles and amphibians. Your guide will point out many different plants and tell you how the jungle served as larder, pharmacy, and hardware store for the native Americans. If you are lucky, you'll see river dolphins, river otters, or other endangered species.
With so much to do you may have a relaxing, but not restful trip! It is also fascinating to speak with the guides and locals who have many tales of the jungle. You can learn about the native American customs, local foods and local economy and many other subjects.