LAND FACILITIES

While many of our expeditions are boat-based, Margarita Tours is also pleased to utilize three wonderful biological field stations operated by Project Amazonas for most of its photography, birding and herpetology expeditions. Many of our other expeditions, including fish collecting, natural history and kayaking trips also stop at one or more Project Amazonas field stations during the course of expeditions. We are pleased to be able to utilize these great field sites, while at the same time supporting the conservation, research, education and humanitarian activities of Project Amazonas.

Full details of the three field stations operated by Project Amazonas in the Peruvian Amazon can be found on the Project Amazonas website at http://www.projectamazonas.com. Much additional information about the Amazon and details of the various activities of Project Amazonas are available on the same website. Species lists of various animal and plant taxa recorded from the sites can also be downloaded from the Project Amazonas website. Some of these lists can also be obtained by visiting the Document Center.

Use of the three field sites allows expedition participants to access a wide range of environments and habitats, as each of the field stations is quite different from the other two. Two sites, Madre Selva Biological Station and Paucarillo Forest Reserve, are south of the Amazon on the Rio Orosa. The third site, Sabalillo Forest Reserve, is north of the Amazon on the Rio Apayacu. All three sites have extensive trail networks, as well as ready river access to many aquatic habitats.

HABITATS AND DIVERSITY

Among the three on-land facilities, the following habitats are all accessible, with the greatest variety of habitats found at, or in close proximity to the Madre Selva Biological Station. Aquatic habitats include flood-plain lakes, black- and white-water rivers and creeks, forest streams and ponds, and swamps. Terrestrial habitats include varzea (seasonally-flooded) forest, terra firme (upland) forest, primary or virgin rainforest (in both varzea and terra firme), secondary forest of all ages, agricultural fields, and disturbed village environs. The habitat diversity at the sites has resulted in a very high diversity of flora and fauna, with species new to science having been found at each of the field stations. The new species include several species of fish, various insects, at least one bird sub-species, and several plant species including a distinct canopy tree over 120' tall. Significant range extensions of various species of birds and plants not previously recorded from the area, or in some cases, not even from Peru, have also been noted at the stations.

ACCOMMODATIONS

While expedition members are always welcome to stay aboard their expedition boat if they prefer, most visitors to the field stations enjoy the opportunity to stay on-land at a working biological field station. Staying in the on-land facilities gives one the opportunity to fully enjoy the full range of jungle night sounds, as well as the amazing dawn chorus of hundreds of birds of many species. One can also retire or rise as late or early as desired, without disturbing bunk-mates or without having to negotiate a gangplank. Visitors are also welcome to sleep aboard the floating raft facility at Madre Selva Biological Station (see picture below right) if they wish to vary their experience.

Facilities at field stations are quaintly rustic, but clean, dry, and comfortable. Buildings are constructed in the local style of local materials, with roofs of Irapay palm thatch. Sleeping quarters are elevated wooden platforms with rails or screen. Guests are accommodated in roomy 10' x 10' dome tents, with comfortable mattresses and full linens. All three field sites have flush toilets and showers. Laundry service is easily arranged for guests staying for more than a few days. Extensive trail networks and waterways are immediately accessible by foot or boat at each of the stations.

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