LAND FACILITIES

While some expeditions are boat-based, Margarita Tours also uses biological field stations and forest reserves operated by Project Amazonas for its photography, birding, natural history and herpetology expeditions. Most of our boat-based expeditions (tropical fish, natural history, kayak) also stop at one or more of the 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.

Details of the Project Amazonas field sites (including accommodations and amenities) can be found at http://www.projectamazonas.org. Additional information about the Amazon and the 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.

Use of different field sites allows expedition participants to access a wide range of environments and habitats, as each of the field stations is quite unique. The Madre Selva Biological Station is south of the Amazon on the Rio Orosa. The Sabalillo Forest Reserve, is north of the Amazon on the Rio Apayacu, and the Santa Cruz Forest Reserve, is located on the Rio Mazan, a tributary of the Napo River (north of the Amazon). All  sites have extensive trail networks, as well as river access to many aquatic habitats.

HABITATS AND DIVERSITY

Between the various field sites, 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. New species include several 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 sites.

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.

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 or canvas. Sleeping quarters are elevated wooden platforms - some are screened, others are open on the sides. Guests are accommodated in roomy 10' x 10' dome tents, with comfortable mattresses and full linens. All 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.

MISCELLANEOUS AMENITIES

The Project Amazonas sites DO come with various additional amenities, depending on the sites. For starters, they all have showers and flush toilets - no outhouses to be seen! The Madre Selva and Santa Cruz sites both have generators, and both 110V and 220V electrical outlets. The generators are run 6-8 hours daily when the sites are in use, sufficient time to keep freezers (and food) cold, and to recharge batteries, cameras, etc. Restroom facilities are cleaned daily, and yes, toilet-paper and soap ARE provided. The same is true of sheets and towels, no need to bring your own (and please don't bring a sleeping bag!). For visits longer than a few days, laundry service can also be arranged.

devon.mtamazonexpeditions (at) gmail.com