Over the past quarter of a century a small team of dedicated scientists have fulfilled their dreams in the heart of the Amazon. Beginning as young ecologists in the early 1980’s, Richard Bodmer, Alfredo Begazo, Pablo Puertas and Tula Fang, explored the tributaries of the vast Peruvian Amazon in search of knowledge and adventure. They gained invaluable experience studying the animals, forests and people. As the forests and animals began to disappear around us we became involved with rainforest conservation. Our vision is to work with local indigenous people, community based conservation and sustainable use as a long-term strategy to conserve the Amazon rainforests. But only dreamers move mountains, so the team expanded their horizon and began to merge rainforest conservation with historical restoration. By the late 1990’s the old steamboats used during the rubber boom era between 1880 and 1914 were being totally lost. These Victorian relics, used in films such as Fitzcarraldo, were broken up, rotted away, or sunk. We wanted to save some of these boats and began the arduous task of restoration. After a long journey through the flowing roads of the Amazon, overcoming illusions and hardships, and enjoying the reality of dreams, we would like to share with you the wonders of this magnificent tropical paradise, its wildlife, its people, and its history. After years of experience running expeditions with students and institutions, we have decided to share our experiences and passion to the general public. We invite you to join one of our voyages through the blue mist of time to help conserve animals, help indigenous people and appreciate the history in our riverboats on the Amazon. The team has authored hundreds of scientific papers and presented countless lectures at conferences and universities. They have been at the forefront of rainforest conservation and work closely with numerous international organizations. They have organised and guided tours in the Amazon and have extensive experience in providing the services and safety necessary for Amazon travel. Their knowledge of the animals and habitats means they know where to go, and how to see wildlife. Their long-term commitment to local people insures genuine and meaningful visits. They understand the balance between comfortable boats with air conditioned, en suit cabins, buffet meals and clean service with the reality of the Amazon environment and the level of difficulty that different people expect, ranging from easy boat tours to adventurous exploration.
Meet The Team
 Dr Alfredo Begazo, BSc in Biology (Molina University, Peru), MSc and PhD in Wildlife Ecology (University of Florida, USA). Alfredo was born in Lima, Peru. He spends years in the Amazon studying Amazonian wildlife and its role in the life of local people. Alfredo has conducted ornithological work in North and South America. He is also interested in integrating tourism with the conservation of biodiversity. Alfredo conducted an ornithological inventory of the birds of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. He has a thorough knowledge of bird ecology, and is a student of bird distribution, vocalizations and conservation. |
Dr Richard Bodmer, Bsc and MSc in Ecology and Biology (University of Illinois, USA), PhD in Zoology (University of Cambridge, UK), Honorary Doctor of Science (National University of the Peruvian Amazon, Peru). Richard was born in England and spent his youth in Chicago. His long-term studies has been on the ecology, population dynamics and conservation of Amazonian wildlife in Peru and Brazil. He has been working in the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve for over 20 years. During this time, he has conducted field courses at these sites with over 600 students joining his research expeditions over the years. Richard is dedicated to finding real solutions to save the Amazon rainforest that include wildlife conservation, protected areas and working with local peoples. |
Pablo Puertas, BSc in Biology (National University of the Peruvian Amazon, Peru), MSc in Wildlife Ecology (University of Florida, USA). Pablo was born in the Peruvian Amazon and spent his youth in a small rural community. With help from his church he was able to study in Iquitos, then went on to complete his graduate studies in the US. He coordinated the World Wildlife Fund projects in the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve and is currently coordinating Wildlife Conservation Society’s Peru Program. Pablo is also the President of the Management Committee of the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. His first-hand knowledge of Amazonian ecosystems and the culture of the region have been an essential instrument in finding real solutions to save the Amazon rainforest that include wildlife conservation, protected areas, and working with local peoples. |
Tula Fang, BSc in Biology (National University of the Peruvian Amazon, Peru), MSc in Conservation Biology (University of Kent, UK). Tula was born in Iquitos, Peru and spent her youth in the Amazon where she learned about the forests and its wonders. She began her research career working with monkeys in the Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo Community Reserve. More recently, she has been involved with the Peccary Pelt Certification Programme in Peru, which is a joint program involving the Peruvian Government, CITES and numerous nongovernmental organizations. |
Erica Handrahan, BA in International Development (Clark University, USA), MSc in Latin American Studies (University of Oxford, UK). Erica was born and spent her youth in Boston. She became interested in the history of international relations and development of the Amazon. Her post-graduate work focused on the region. She went on to write her MSc thesis on ‘Steamship navigation during the Peruvian Amazon Rubber Boom, c. 1870-1920.’ Erica now lives in Iquitos working to help conserve and promote public awareness of the history of Iquitos, the Peruvian Amazon and its importance to the region. |
William Bodmer, BA in Tourism Management (Christ Church University, UK) |
The Blue and Gold Macaw is perhaps the most emblematic bird species in the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve.
More than two thirds of the world's plant species are found in tropical rainforests. Under intense competition for survival, Amazonian plants such as this lobster claw (Heliconia) have flowers with distinctive shapes and colors to attract specific bird or insect pollinators.
