Wings of the Amazon: Expedition Entomology

3/11/24-3/14/24: The jungle begins to wake up just as the sun rises. You will have the opportunity to go on a morning walk and enjoy the sounds of the forest on most mornings of the trip. Those who choose to go on a morning walk will eat breakfast upon returning to the station after a morning on the trails. 

Each day Matthew will provide a short talk/ presentation on a different entomological topic, such as insect behavior, how to find certain species, photographing insects, different methods of attracting them, etc.

Day Activities:
Coming to the rainforest means that you are at the whims of Mother Nature. That is why Tamandua Expeditions guides aim to customize activities based on the weather conditions, group dynamics/interests, and special conditions of the season. Daylight hours are the perfect time to swim, hike, fish, and explore the thousands of acres of rainforest protected by Junglekeepers.
No matter the day, our guides will ensure that each available hour is packed with entertainment, education, and exploration.
 

Lunch happens around noon. The jungle can take a lot of energy out of you. That is why we provide you with nutritious, regionally specific meals that are catered to educate you about local culture while also fueling your body for the day and night ahead.

More activities in the afternoon. Then dinner which will be a good time to unwind and talk with everyone, hear ideas of what the guests would like to experience on their trip, and add to our growing species list. Enjoy a comforting meal as the sun sets and the moon begins to rise. The day is certainly not over.

Night Activities:
After dinner before dusk on the first night, Matthew will demonstrate how a mercury vapor bulb and a blacklight work for attracting moths and other nocturnal insects. The group will run the light trap every night to ensure that no stone is unturned and every group member has the opportunity to see as many insects as possible. This technique will ensure that the sheet will be COVERED in moths and other insects most nights. Tamandua Expeditions is dedicated to ethical handling of wildlife and traps will be dismantled before dawn to prevent unnatural predation events by birds when the sun rises.
 

Night walks are an important part of experiencing biodiversity in the rainforest. After dinner everyone will have an opportunity to explore the forest at night seeking out nocturnal mammals, insects, and reptiles, and amphibians. Upon our return, the light traps should be teeming with life.

Additional night activities:

After days of discovering insects and other jungle inhabitant, enjoy one last breakfast at Alta Sanctuary, one last morning of birds songs and forest noises. That day the group will make its way back to town, the exact reverse way from the way in. A boat ride, a dirt track road and lastly a paved road back to Puerto, where you will stay in a comfortable hotel in Puerto Maldonado.

3/16/23
After one last night in Puerto Maldonado, it's time to fly to your next destination!

3/9/24: Arrive in Puerto Maldonado and stay overnight to prepare for traveling to the station.

3/10/24: You'll join the group on a car ride for about 3 hours to the river bank, then an hour boat ride through pristine rainforest directly to the station where the group will settle into their rooms and get acquainted with the station and surroundings.