Description: A start of the rainy-season* herpetology and photography expedition led by herpetologist and wildlife photographer Chris Gillette. With stays at two Project Amazonas field stations - Madre Selva Biological Station (south of the Amazon) and Santa Cruz Forest Reserve (north of the Amazon, west of the Napo), the number of herp species potentially encountered could top 150 or more species. Excellent trail networks at both sites permit easy access to primary and secondary forest habitats, and at Madre Selva, there is also small boat access to floodplain lakes and the opportunity for a tough hike to Lunes Cocha - home to Arapaima gigas (largest fish in the Amazon), hoatzins (leaf-eating birds), and a population of black caimans. Chris has spent extensive time in South America and has years of experience as an expert photographer, so bring your best camera gear (and any manuals) and receive some professional guidance on getting those stunning pictures!
*We cannot guarantee the weather, but this is normally the time period when heavy rains start in the region, with a resulting explosion of frog and herp activity. If dry, however, there will be an astounding variety of butterflies, sun-loving lizards, and other animals to observe and photograph.
Cost & Space: $1950 (repeat client rate $1750). Minimum of 6 and maximum of 12 participants. [ 3 spaces remain on this trip as of 14 Sep 2022]
Itinerary: Participants should arrive in Iquitos the afternoon of Tuesday 2 November (or on an early flight on 3 November – first flights arrive in Iquitos at 0620 and 0705 hours). Hotel the night of 2 November is included. Transport between the city of Iquitos and the field stations will be by speedboat. We are happy to make flight suggestions, and if you wish to travel from Miami to Iquitos together with Chris Gillette we can share his flight details with you.
Leader(s) and Contact: Devon Graham, PhD (devon.mtae@gmail.com)
Chris Gillette - chrisgillettewildlife@gmail.com