Description

River of Dreams
By many measures, the Amazon Basin is the largest ecosystem in the world. It is home to a cornucopia of diverse wildlife, exotic vegetation, and fascinating indigenous cultures that dwell deep in the heart of the rainforest. This region is also home to 60 percent of the earth's remaining tropical rainforests. Jump aboard the Amazon Explorer for an amazing journey through the largest rainforest in the world. Search for the elusive giant tapir and fish for piranha while listening to a symphony of exotic rainforest animals on a trek through a lush tropical setting.

The Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon Basin is often referred to as the 'lung of the earth' because of its vast expanses of oxygen-generating tropical rainforest. It stretches across nine countries in South America and is home to unmatched biodiversity. It contains the highest concentration of plant species on the planet and is home to over 2,000 different kinds of birds and mammals and 2.5 million species of exotic, tropical insects. As you boat, hike, and trek your way through this dense and colorful rainforest, it will literally come alive around you. Spot scarlet macaws, giant anteaters, caimans, sloths, capybaras, monkeys, toucans, butterflies, tapirs, immense ceiba trees, and much more. Journey deep into this diverse adventure wonderland and learn about ways you can help conserve this biological treasure chest for future generations.

Into the Jungle
You'll get up close and personal with Peru's Amazon on the Tambopata River. Travel up the river by boat to remote jungle reaches where you'll have the best chance of spotting elusive wildlife. Eco-lodges that are tucked in the heart of the rainforest will provide basic but comfortable accommodation while you are here. These remote lodges offer the best chance to experience the Amazon's immense diversity of flora and fauna. Orchids and water lilies are among the myriad of jungle plants growing here. Delve into this exotic world on daily excursions as you hike along remote jungle paths and canoe and fish in hidden waterways. Along the way you will meet indigenous tribes, work in vibrant river communities, and explore jungle trails.

Service on the River
Peru's Amazon River Basin is also home to a number of remote communities that have lived off the river and rainforest for generations. You'll visit one or two of these small villages to learn about their culture and participate in rewarding community service projects. Whether building a bathroom at an elementary school, painting a community center, or singing songs and playing educational games with children, you will get to know the human side of the Amazon.

Who Should Come?
This incredible combination of eco-adventure, community service, and cultural exploration is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Peru's Amazon Rainforest. Your Amazon adventure awaits!

Highlights

BLAZE a trail through the Amazon in search of the exotic sights of this lush rainforest, such as giant river otters and wild capybara.

CONNECT with local communities through several service initiatives that will benefit the people who live here.

HIKE through the rainforest in search of monkeys, anteaters, sloths, parrots, and other fascinating Peruvian wildlife.

LIVE in a remote eco-lodge and immerse yourself in the amazing sights and sounds of the Amazon Rainforest.

WATCH flocks of macaws and parrots feed at a clay lick.

Travel Types

• Eco Tours
• Hiking
• RainForest Tours
• Student Tours
• Tours
• Volunteering

Qualifications

Students must be 14-years old and up to participate on the program. Additionally, participants must submit an application through the Rustic Pathways website and complete the appropriate documents before traveling on the program.

Type of Programs

• Adventure Travel
• Community Service / Volunteerism

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

1,595+ 495 Internal Airfare+ International air

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

The above cost includes all ground transportation in-country, 3 meals a day, housing, staff through the duration of the program, all supplies for the volunteer projects and all excursions on the program itinerary not listed as optional.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Other

Scholarships are Available

Rustic Pathways is providing over 100 scholarships for the 2012 season based on a mix of both need and merit. Application deadline is every year in early Spring. Please contact us for more details on applying for a scholarship and other financial aid options.

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-2 business days

Rustic Pathways's Mission Statement

Rustic Pathways is a pioneer in providing superior quality travel and service programs for students and families in some of the world's most welcoming countries. Rustic Pathways demands professionalism and integrity across all of its operations, insists on quality in all aspects of its programs, and places the safety of its students above all other considerations. We enrich the lives of our students and our staff, benefit the parts of the world we serve, and build cultural bridges that lead to greater global understanding and cooperation.

Year Founded

1983