From the moment I stepped off the plane in Iquitos until I boarded my plane to leave Iquitos I was Queen for a week. The service, food and experiences were superb. As a woman traveling alone, I felt safe and well cared for. My guides were friendly and thoughtful, looking out for me and my interests. Pancho, the spider monkey, was always at the boat house to greet us after a day on the river. We'd return after seeing exotic plants, birds, monkeys, sloth or touring a nearby village. Jungle walks found us peering at all kinds of plants, insects, birds and a variety of animals. The guides made the adventure entertaining and educational. We fished and swam in the rivers and lakes. The chef was always willing to make a wonderful creation from whatever our "catch of the day" was --this in addition to what fantastic dish was already planned for the evening dinner. I can't say enough about how well thought out the Yarapa River Lodge and its staff are. I will definitely return because I left my heart and soul in the Amazon.

The staff was helpful, friendly, and always willing to assist. Rooms were spacious and maintained daily, best part was walking into the room to see what animal (towel origami) was sitting on the bed - a great personal touch from the staff. Meals were excellent, the buffet style perfect, allowing for many choices. The location was pristine...allowing one to feel the energies from the environment, while having the comforts of home. Lodge tour guides are very knowledgeable and always willing to help, making excursions fun and memorable. Stay at the lodge was augmented with the services of the local Shaman, don Antonio. His knowledge, experience and connection to the jungle is powerful and can be felt through participation in the ancient healing rituals of the limpia herbal water ritual, the healing songs of the shaman during the energia positiva ritual, and the sacred copal ritual. Definitely would stay at the Yarapa River Lodge in the future.

I had the misfortune of breaking my arm (shoulder area) 17 days before leaving on our trip to Peru. I got the all clear to go from the Orthopedist, with strict instructions to take it easy and keep the arm quiet. Having planed this trip for years, I boarded the plane in Minnesota not sure how things would go for me in the jungle with my sling and a bottle of tylenol. To my great fortune, the group had hired a very experienced indigenous healer (Shaman) named don Antonio to accompany us in our stay. He was hired to walk with us in the jungle, teach us about Amazonian plant based medicines and expose us to traditional healings. I was blessed to receive several sessions with don Antonio in addition to the group's healing limpia herbal bath on the river, and a traditional evening copal ceremony. After two days at Yarapa River Lodge the group members noted my improvement saying "Jane, you look better!" I had remarkable recovery on many levels. Thanks to the fabulous service from the staff I was able to rest while I listened the healing sounds of the jungle the entire week. We did daily boat rides to see birds and sloths and we visited the local villages. We saw the famous pink dolphins swimming near the lodge. The mosquitos were actually far fewer than we have in Minnesota!
This is a place that both active and pensive types of people can enjoy. The guides speak english and translate every thing. I was impressed by the food, the water in every room, and the solar powered lights which indicate the lodge's commitment to 0 carbon footprint. It was a life changing week for me, and I highly recommend the Shaman's services as both a learning and a healing aspect of this experience.

Having traveled extensively and having lived in many countries, I must say that being at the Yarapa River Lodge was the one of the most outstanding experiences of my life. I arrived needing a soul healing after several deaths the previous year and I found that connection and healing with the wide variety of animals that showed up to personally interact with me as well as the wonderful caring and loving staff. By the time I left I felt I had made personal friends with many people who work at the lodge. Thank you, thank you!! (I already have friends who want to come on the next trip)

Sally Clark