We're an owner-operated company offering custom expeditions for small groups since 1983. We are customer oriented and specialize in most aspects of Amazon natural history. The Peruvian Amazon is our primary destination. We are legally incorporated and licensed as Margarita Tours, Inc. (after the company founder), but to avoid any perceptions that all we do is party, we refer to ourselves as MT Amazon Expeditions.

How do we Run our Expeditions?
We maximize the time you spend interacting with the nature and people of the Amazon. Average group size for regular expeditions is 7-10 persons, providing us with great flexibility and letting us cater to your interests and desired activities. You won't be part of a cattle herd on a tourist drive through the Amazon! There is always time for individual exploration and relaxation - and no electric prods to keep you in line. Since we personally accompany most expeditions (along with our expert trip leaders), we are immediately responsive to your interests and needs. We correspond regularly with you prior to trips to ensure that your expedition goes smoothly and meets or exceeds your expectations. We appreciate all feedback, both positive and negative, and use it to improve our service and operations.

Who Goes on Expeditions?

People of all ages and backgrounds, but they all want to "do" and "see" things, and to experience the Amazon to the fullest. Our trips are not generally suitable to the "high tea at 3 PM" crowd, and there is always a good chance that you'll have the opportunity to get wet and muddy. You'll also encounter a mosquito or two along the way. We don't "insulate" you from the Amazon, but work to ensure that you can fully experience it in a safe manner, and with as much comfort as possible (but without AC...).  A passion for learning and experiencing life provides a common bond for participants, many of whom remain in contact long after an expedition. Ages have ranged from 7 to 81, and we ensure that everyone has activity and exploration opportunities appropriate to their physical capabilities. We won't pressure you to engage in any activity you don't feel comfortable with, but we do encourage you to try new things. Even if you are handicapped in some way or don't feel that you are in the best of physical conditions, that should not hinder you from coming to the Amazon (after consulting with your doctor, of course) - we will make every effort to enable you to participate in the widest range of activities possible. Come to the Amazon with us 9 times, and the 10th trip is on us - we had our first awardee in 2010!

Where do Participants Come From?

We've had participants from Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bermuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Poland, Puerto Rico, Russia, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay, and the Ukraine. Participants from the US and Canada have come from most states and provinces. We enjoy interacting with people from around the world - our clients are the key to a great expedition.

What Other Services do we Offer?

We organize and conduct private Amazon expeditions and charters of all types; and can accommodate educational groups of 30 or more. We outfit family reunions, independent travelers (but only for the Peruvian Amazon portion of their travels), medical and humanitarian groups and organizations, and scientific expeditions. We provided logistics, photos, plants and Amazon artifacts (including houses with all the fixings!) for the award-winning 'Amazon Rising' exhibit at Chicago's famous John G. Shedd Aquarium. This exhibit received the American Zoological Associations "best new exhibit" award in 2001.

What About Travel Arrangements?

Expeditions start and end in Iquitos, Peru. While we don't sell airline tickets, we are always happy to refer you to knowledgeable travel agents for booking flights, and can help with hotel reservations, etc. We receive NO commissions. Expeditions do include airport transfer services in Iquitos. Our objective is to make your travel as stress-free as possible. Extensive travel information is provided in the Amazon Travel Tips and Getting There documents available in the document center.

Why Choose MT Amazon Expeditions?

going green

Yes, it's trendy. So what? Everyone should be trying to reduce negative impacts on the planet! From the big ticket items like purchasing fuel efficient motors for our Amazon operations to the tiny details like printing on the back-side of scrap paper here in the office (when we have to print something for our files), we are determined to reduce use of materials, reduce costs, reuse materials, recycle, and produce as little waste as possible. We'd love to install solar panels at our field stations (any experts out there? We'd like to hear from you!), and are also open to suggestions from anyone. We don't send out glossy handouts and most of our advertising and communications is on-line.

Why do we do it?

We love the Amazon and its people. We like our employees. We like our clients. We're a small business, and we like that too. Most importantly, we enjoy sharing our knowledge of, and appreciation for the world's greatest tropical wilderness with others.