International Expeditions - World Leader in Nature Travel

Our workshops take travelers a step beyond just seeing these remarkable places, and allow them the opportunity to share ideas with and learn from some of the world’s leading experts on the rainforest and ecolgy. Workshoppers participate in several small-group workshop sessions, each approximately 3 hours long and involving a hands-on field experience. This format allows participants to meet and exchange ideas with the naturalists, researchers and other experts who conduct each session. Enthusiasm and a desire to learn are the only prerequisites for participation.

Discover the rainforest world after sunset, when this world truly comes alive. While walking slowly and quietly along forest paths with expert biologists and naturalists leading the way, immediately notice a totally different sound coming from the jungle. Unlike during the day when cicadas and birds provide the sounds at night there is a changing of the guard as katydid and frogs provide much of the listening pleasure. Within the beams of our flashlights, students may find mantids or katydids, many of which are extremely difficult to find as they are shaped and patterned in colorful designs. Some appear like beautiful green leaves complete with veins and even fungus spots or they may appear as dead leaves. Some even exhibit curled edges as if drying up. In addition, a myriad of frog species may be found on our walk. From large smoky jungle frogs which call from their burrows to gorgeous arboreal species like monkey frogs or gladiator frogs, over 40 species can be found within our area of exploration. Arachnids also are considerably more prevalent at night and we can expect to find tarantulas waiting patiently at their burrows and beautiful nephilas in their large golden colored silk webs. This is the rainforest at night and after our hike we return to the lodge to discuss what we observed.

Discover one of the more extensive and spectacular of the rainforest trails –– the Bushmaster Trail. Botanically speaking, this area has been designated the richest place on Earth by researchers from the Missouri Botanical Garden. They have identified more than 300 species of trees in a single hectare (2.471 acres). We see many interesting species of plants, including many medicinal herbs, as well as leaf-cutter ants and dart-poison frogs. The electric-blue flash of the incredible morpho butterfly seems to illuminate the shade of the forest, which is intensified by the luxuriant tangle of lianas.

Learn more about the healthcare issues faced by people living along the Amazon River, and about the care provided by the nearby clinic founded by Dr. Linnea Smith, who moved here from Wisconsin. Through discussions, you’ll also learn about the cultural survival of indigenous peoples.

Leave your mark on the Amazon by participating in a community project. Work in the village can include one of the following:

1) a school painting project such as the front of the school or interior;

2) a planting project such as fruit trees around the soccer field, garden in front of the school or raised vegetable garden;

3) a construction project such as latrines, benches, perimeter fence for the school property or fence for gardens; ecological signs for the school grounds and gardens.

You are also welcome to bring school or medical supplies (such as toothbrushes) to share with the children in the villages you visit.