AMAZON RAINFOREST

WITH PHOTOGRAPHER TOM DYRING

AMAZON RAINFOREST

WITH PHOTOGRAPHER TOM DYRING

COUNTRY: Peru PHOTO TYPE: Wildlife LENGTH: 13 days DATES: November 7-19 2027 GROUP SIZE: 8/12

I love photographing snakes. There is something truly special about capturing a deadly venomous snake or an anaconda in an image. That’s why I’m really looking forward to this journey to the Amazon—and to helping you create stunning and exciting photos of snakes, insects, and birds. See you in the Amazon!

Tom Dyring

Peru’s part of the Amazon is a true paradise for the nature photographer, where every step in the untouched rainforest opens up a new world of subjects. Fantastic photo opportunities await here with everything from snakes sneaking in the undergrowth, to insects in all the colors of the rainbow, and birds lighting up the sky. You will do this under the guidance of the award-winning nature photographer Tom Dyring, who has snakes as one of his special areas, as well as Magnus Forsberg, one of Sweden’s most merited snake experts.

The heart of the trip is a charming lodge, nestled in untouched rainforest, right by the Yanayacu River – a winding tributary to the Amazon River. The lodge is located near a village in the Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo Reserve and close to the Pacaya Samiria Reserve. The area is a treasure chest of biodiversity: we are talking about ten different monkey species, calm sloths in the trees, curious capybaras along the water, the endangered pink river dolphins playing in the river, and majestic giant otters. Above the lodge sail wattled curassows, dwarf macaws, and blue-and-yellow macaws – a colorful spectacle almost every day. It truly is a paradise on earth.

You will also be fascinated by the rich variety of frogs, including the world’s largest tree frog – the giant tree frog. Among the snakes, we find both the venomous Bushmaster, the elegant emerald tree boa, and the legendary anaconda, the world’s heaviest snake.

To maximize our photo opportunities, we offer guided tours into the rainforest and on the river – morning, afternoon, and night. We also go out by boat among floating plants to collect frog species, which we can then photograph in peace and quiet at the lodge before they are released back into nature. We will also visit a large sandbank in the middle of the Amazon River, where we fish for our dinner while the sun sets over the horizon.

Between adventures, we work with image processing, image analysis, and get to listen to inspiring lectures by Tom and Magnus. But there is also time to just lean back in the hammock on the balcony, while the symphony of the rainforest surrounds you.

This is not just a trip – it is the optimal Amazon tour for those who want to document the wildlife of the rainforest. An experience you will never forget.

SOME OF THE TRIP’S HIGHLIGHTS

Photograph in some of the world’s most species-rich rainforests

Lots of frog species, including the world’s largest tree frog.
River tours among the pink dolphins.
Both river tours and hikes into the rainforest.
Several species of parrots, including dwarf macaws and Blue-and-yellow Macaw.
Several night hikes with special lamps.
We look for the green anaconda.
Opportunity to photograph a large number of different species of snakes.
A variety of monkey species such as titi monkeys and squirrel monkeys.
Participation of Tom Dyring throughout the trip.
Photo guidance by Tom Dyring.
Participation of Magnus Forsberg, Snake expert.

BOOKING

COUNTRY: Peru PHOTO TYPE: Wildlife LENGTH: 13 days DATES: November 7-19 2027 GROUP SIZE: 8/12

I love photographing snakes. There is something truly special about capturing a deadly venomous snake or an anaconda in an image. That’s why I’m really looking forward to this journey to the Amazon—and to helping you create stunning and exciting photos of snakes, insects, and birds. See you in the Amazon!

Tom Dyring

Peru’s part of the Amazon is a true paradise for the nature photographer, where every step in the untouched rainforest opens up a new world of subjects. Fantastic photo opportunities await here with everything from snakes sneaking in the undergrowth, to insects in all the colors of the rainbow, and birds lighting up the sky. You will do this under the guidance of the award-winning nature photographer Tom Dyring, who has snakes as one of his special areas, as well as Magnus Forsberg, one of Sweden’s most merited snake experts.

The heart of the trip is a charming lodge, nestled in untouched rainforest, right by the Yanayacu River – a winding tributary to the Amazon River. The lodge is located near a village in the Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo Reserve and close to the Pacaya Samiria Reserve. The area is a treasure chest of biodiversity: we are talking about ten different monkey species, calm sloths in the trees, curious capybaras along the water, the endangered pink river dolphins playing in the river, and majestic giant otters. Above the lodge sail wattled curassows, dwarf macaws, and blue-and-yellow macaws – a colorful spectacle almost every day. It truly is a paradise on earth.

You will also be fascinated by the rich variety of frogs, including the world’s largest tree frog – the giant tree frog. Among the snakes, we find both the venomous Bushmaster, the elegant emerald tree boa, and the legendary anaconda, the world’s heaviest snake.

To maximize our photo opportunities, we offer guided tours into the rainforest and on the river – morning, afternoon, and night. We also go out by boat among floating plants to collect frog species, which we can then photograph in peace and quiet at the lodge before they are released back into nature. We will also visit a large sandbank in the middle of the Amazon River, where we fish for our dinner while the sun sets over the horizon.

Between adventures, we work with image processing, image analysis, and get to listen to inspiring lectures by Tom and Magnus. But there is also time to just lean back in the hammock on the balcony, while the symphony of the rainforest surrounds you.

This is not just a trip – it is the optimal Amazon tour for those who want to document the wildlife of the rainforest. An experience you will never forget.

SOME OF THE TRIP’S HIGHLIGHTS

Photograph in some of the world’s most species-rich rainforests

Lots of frog species, including the world’s largest tree frog.
River tours among the pink dolphins.
Both river tours and hikes into the rainforest.
Several species of parrots, including dwarf macaws and Blue-and-yellow Macaw.
Several night hikes with special lamps.
We look for the green anaconda.
Opportunity to photograph a large number of different species of snakes.
A variety of monkey species such as titi monkeys and squirrel monkeys.
Participation of Tom Dyring throughout the trip.
Photo guidance by Tom Dyring.
Participation of Magnus Forsberg, Swedish snake expert.

BOKNING

AMAZON RAINFOREST

Peru’s Amazon is an enormous and almost endless green world where the rainforest spreads out in all directions. Here, mighty rivers and countless tributaries wind through the jungle and serve as the region’s roads. The landscape is dominated by dense, multi-layered rainforest where trees can grow over 40 meters high and form a closed canopy – a living world above the ground filled with birds, monkeys, and insects. Along the rivers, the landscape is constantly changing. During the rainy season, large areas flood and create flooded forests where tree trunks stand directly in water. During drier periods, sandbanks, beaches, and muddy riverbanks are exposed where animals gather to drink. The climate is warm and humid all year round. The air is heavy with the scent of plants, earth, and water. Mornings can begin in fog over the rivers before the sun breaks through and the heat quickly rises. Rain showers can come suddenly and disappear just as quickly. The wildlife is extremely rich in species. Here you will find everything from colorful parrots, toucans, birds of prey, to sloths, monkeys, brightly colored frogs, snakes, and an enormous number of insects.

MAMALS

It is most common to encounter small and medium-sized mammals. Monkeys are among those most often seen, especially various capuchin monkeys and squirrel monkeys. They move in flocks high up in the treetops and often reveal their presence through movement, sounds, and falling twigs. Sloths are also relatively common, although they can be difficult to spot because they move slowly and blend into the vegetation. On the ground live animals like the agouti, a forest rodent that often runs quickly across paths and open areas, as well as peccaries, which live in groups and can sometimes be heard moving through the undergrowth.

REPTILES
In Peru’s Amazon, there are a large number of snakes, but those considered most common are species that are well adapted to the rainforest environment and therefore occur over large areas. One of the most widespread is the Boa constrictor, which is a large, powerful snake that kills its prey by squeezing it. Among the venomous snakes, pit vipers, especially the species Bothrops atrox (common lancehead ), are very common in the Amazon. They often live on the ground where they lie well camouflaged among leaves and vegetation. They are an important part of the ecosystem but should be treated with great respect because they are venomous. In addition to the most common venomous snakes, there are several other venomous species in Peru’s Amazon, although many of them are rarer to see. One of the most impressive is the bushmaster, which is the world’s longest viper. It lives primarily in dense, untouched rainforest and is very shy, making encounters with humans unusual. There are also arboreal venomous snakes, such as the green Palm pit viper that lives in vegetation and trees, where it is very well camouflaged among leaves and branches. Although it can occur in many areas, it is difficult to spot. In aquatic environments, there is the green anaconda, the world’s heaviest snake. It lives primarily in slow-moving rivers, swamps, and flooded forests. Although it is widespread in the Amazon, it is significantly rarer to actually spot than many other snakes.

iNSECTS
In the rainforest, there is an enormous diversity of insects, and they are a constant and natural part of life in the rainforest. The most common are mosquitoes, which are present all year round but are usually most numerous during the rainy season and in areas near water. Ants are also very common and are found in almost all environments in the rainforest. Leafcutter ants in particular are easy to notice as they move in long lines carrying pieces of leaves back to their nests. Butterflies occur in a very large number of species and are often seen along rivers, paths, and open areas where sunlight reaches down. Beetles are another of the most species-rich groups in the area, just as grasshoppers, crickets, and closely related insects are also very common. Among the most spectacular insects is the blue morpho butterfly, which is known for its bright metallic blue wings. When it flies through the forest, the color flashes in the sunlight, making it one of the most iconic symbols of the Amazon. One of the most impressive species in terms of size is the Goliath birdeater spider. It is considered the world’s largest spider and can have a leg span of over 25 centimeters. Despite its frightening appearance, it is usually shy and avoids humans. Among the beetles, the Hercules beetle is one of the most spectacular. The males have long, powerful horns and can grow over 15 centimeters long. They are not always easy to find, but are very impressive when you see them. In the Amazon, there are also very large walking sticks. Some species can grow over 30 centimeters long and are masters of camouflage – they can look exactly like a twig or branch. Even leaf-like grasshoppers, so-called katydids, are among the most fascinating insects. They look like real leaves, sometimes even with “leaf damage” in their shape, making them almost invisible in the vegetation.

BIRDS
There is an enormous number of bird species, but some stand out both because they are relatively common and because they are very spectacular to see. One of the most typical families is parrots. Macaws in particular, such as the scarlet macaw, blue-and-yellow macaw, and red-and-green macaw, are among the most impressive birds. They often fly in pairs or small groups along the rivers and are clearly visible thanks to their bright colors and loud calls. Toucans are also quite common and very spectacular. They are easily recognized by their large, colorful beaks. They often sit high in the trees and can sometimes be seen early in the morning or late in the afternoon when they are most active. Birds of prey such as various hawks and buzzards also occur, but more discreetly. A species that often fascinates visitors is the harpy eagle, one of the world’s largest eagles, although it is significantly rarer to see.

ITINERARY

NOVEMBER 7-19 2027

During the trip, Tom Dyring is always available for photo advice and tips, as well as for help with image editing and image critique. Tom will also hold lectures and talk about his way of photographing. Exact times for this are determined based on the schedule for the photo activities. Throughout the trip, you have the opportunity to get personal advice from Tom.

Regarding all the species we will experience, Magnus Forsberg is always on hand for questions. Magnus will also hold lectures on the wildlife of the Amazon.

NOTE! Due to the weather and other local conditions, the daily program may be rearranged, this is to give you the best photo opportunities.

DAY 1, (NOV 7) – ARRIVAL IN IQUITOS
Arrival in Iquitos during the day and evening. At the hotel, you will be met by photographer Tom Dyring and Magnus Forsberg, a Swedish snake expert who has been on site many times, as well as Zoom’s host. Since many flights arrive in the evening, there will only be an informal meeting in the hotel bar in the evening.

Since it is a long flight and many of the flights arrive late in the evening, we recommend that you arrive the day before, both to be able to relax after a long journey and to have some margin in case of flight delays.

DAY 2, (NOV 8) – DEPARTURE INTO THE RAINFOREST
After breakfast, we depart by bus to a boat camp on the Amazon River, about a 1.5-hour bus ride from Iquitos. Here we board boats for an hour’s journey on the Amazon River, after which we turn into some smaller tributaries until we reach the Yanyacu River and our lodge, Grand Amazon Lodge. Of course, we make stops along the way if there is something interesting to photograph.

It is afternoon when we reach our lodge, after check-in and a late lunch there will be a briefing with our guides on how everything works at the lodge. If it is still light, we head out into the area around the lodge to photograph birds and monkeys. Before tonight’s dinner, Tom Dyring and Magnus Forsberg will tell you more about what you can expect during the trip. Then a welcome dinner is served where there is time to get acquainted with your fellow travelers. (B, L, D)

DAY 3, (NOV 9) – RIVER TOUR & NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY
After breakfast, we head out by boat to the outlet in the Amazon River. There we spend time until lunch together with the pink river dolphins. They always move in the area, so no one will miss them. However, they are quite difficult to photograph, as they are only up at the surface to breathe for a short while. If you feel like it, you can take a dip in the river. Maybe they will get curious and come really close. On the way there, there are good chances to photograph several bird species that hang out along the river, for example kingfishers and birds of prey.

After lunch, we take a few hours of rest (for those who want) when it is hottest. It is of course also possible to head out on your own in the neighborhood around the lodge. There are also kayaks to borrow if you want to take a paddle tour with the camera.

After dinner, when darkness has fallen, we take our headlamps and flashlights and head out to search for nocturnal species in the rainforest around the lodge. The species richness is fantastic, with the chance to see snakes, lizards, frogs, and toads – not to mention all the insect species. (B, L, D)

DAY 4, (NOV 10) – BIRDS, MONKEYS AND GREEN ANACONDA
After breakfast, we head to the boat for a tour along the Yanyacu River with green anaconda and caiman lizard as primary targets. We will also encounter a variety of other animals, such as birds like the horned screamer, various Kingfishers, Birds of prey/Vultures, Black-crowned Night Heron, several other Heron species like Tiger Heron, and Night Herons.

With a little luck, we can also get to photograph a variety of monkeys such as titi monkeys and squirrel monkeys. On most daytime boat tours, we can also see both Three-toed and Two-toed Sloths.

We will be back in time for lunch. In the afternoon, we will work with image processing and get constructive image critique from Tom.

In the evening, we take the boat out with headlamps and flashlights to look for two of the snake species we really want to try to see and photograph. Both are arboreal species that like to hang in the branches over the river where they hunt birds and bats. One is the Amazon tree boa, which is relatively common, and the Amazon Basin Emerald Tree Boa, Corallus batesii – a dream species for many. (B, L, D)

DAY 5, (NOV 11) – INSECTS, BUTTERFLIES & PYGMY MARMOSETS
We begin with a morning in the rainforest around the lodge, searching for diurnal snakes and lizards, as well as a wide variety of insects such as butterflies and beetles. We will also visit a location where pygmy marmosets are often found. They regularly visit certain trees where they have gnawed holes to access sap. We return in time for lunch. Tom is always present to offer tips and advice, regardless of your level of photography.

In the evening, we light a special lamp to attract insects. There is an unimaginable number of species here. Typically attracted to the lamp are moths, beetles, and praying mantises, and with a bit of luck, one of the lantern bugs found here may land. These can grow up to nearly 10 cm long. (B, L, D)

DAY 6, (NOV 12) – FROGS, CAIMANS AND MONKEYS
After breakfast, we head out on a boat tour upstream along the Yanyacu River to look for squirrel monkeys and capuchin monkeys. We also stop at several floating islands of aquatic plants to search for frog species that live there. Spectacled caimans and the large black caiman, which can grow up to 5 meters long and weigh 300 kg, are also often seen resting among the vegetation.

As usual, we return in time for lunch and rest. The evening is devoted to image discussions and a shorter rainforest excursion to search for nocturnal reptiles and amphibians. (B, L, D)

DAY 7, (NOV 13) – IN SEARCH OF THE WORLD’S LONGEST VIPER
The area where we stay is a forest that is largely flooded during the rainy season. The water level can rise up to 6 meters, and you will see high-water marks on the trees. Today we travel to a Terra Firme area on the other side of the Amazon River – a forest that does not flood even at peak water levels.

The vegetation and wildlife differ significantly here. We have the chance to see the world’s longest viper species, the bushmaster, which can grow up to 3.6 meters long. There are also several species of poison dart frogs, various Anolis species, toads, and large colonies of leafcutter ants. This is a full-day excursion, and our local guides will bring lunch. (B, L, D)

DAY 8, (NOV 14) – HIKE INTO THE RAINFOREST AND BOAT TOUR
In the morning, we take the boat upstream and go ashore at an abandoned lodge where only one bungalow remains. It is occasionally used for ayahuasca ceremonies. Here we take a walk into the rainforest to see what interesting species we can encounter. We have a good chance of finding the lancehead, the snake responsible for the most fatalities in South America. Of course, we take advantage of all photographic opportunities along the way. We stay here until lunch.

In the evening, we take a boat tour to search for nocturnal frogs among the floating plants, as well as nocturnal boa species. The chorus of frogs at night is nothing short of spectacular! (B, L, D)

DAY 9, (NOV 15) – RAINFOREST TOUR AND VILLAGE VISIT
After breakfast, we head out by boat for another tour along the Yanyacu River to look for green anaconda and caiman lizard. We will of course encounter a wide variety of other animals that will hopefully provide great photographic opportunities.

After lunch, we travel by boat to the nearest village, San Juan de Yanayacu. There, we see how the local people live and work. The lodges in the area have strong cooperation with the local communities, and most of the staff – boat drivers, cleaners, guides, and kitchen staff – come from these villages.

After dinner, we head out to spotlight nocturnal reptiles and amphibians in the rainforest. We have previously found many fascinating species here, such as the Peruvian rainbow boa, one of the beautiful but venomous coral snakes found in the area, the aquatic coral snake, and the giant Smokey Jungle Frog – just to name a few. (B, L, D)

DAY 10, (NOV 16) – RAINFOREST HIKES
We return for a full day to the Terra Firme area on the other side of the Amazon River. The rainforest is always fascinating – you can walk the same trail ten days in a row and still continuously encounter new species. The evening is devoted to image discussions and conversations over a beer in the common room. (B, L, D)

DAY 11, (NOV 17) – BOAT TOURS & NIGHT HIKES
The day is devoted to boat tours in the surrounding area to find additional species or expand our photographic material of species we want to work more with. We will also set out some nets and catch our own fish for dinner. Piranha is highly recommended – delicious and something you should try during a trip to the Amazon.

In the evening, we take a longer excursion into the rainforest to search for more nocturnal species such as mouse opossums and the silky anteater. We also pass a small flood pond where dwarf caimans are sometimes found. Along this trail, we often encounter two species of snail-eating snakes and the incredibly beautiful Catesby’s snail-eater, as well as the striking red Pseudoboa coronata. (B, L, D)

DAY 12, (NOV 18) – BACK TO IQUITOS
We pack up and prepare for departure to Iquitos. We leave the lodge after breakfast when ready. On the way to Iquitos, we stop for about an hour in a university park where we may find another beautiful poison dart frog species, Ranitomeya reticulata, and have further chances to see the Peruvian red-tailed boa, among others.

In Iquitos, we check into our hotel in the city center. In the evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner. Before that, Tom selects the trip’s best image, which will go on to the final of Zoom’s major photo competition “Image of the Year 2027.” (B, L, D)

DAY 13, (NOV 19) – JOURNEY HOME
The day is free for your own activities. Return journey on your own. (B)

NOVEMBER 7-19 2027

During the trip, Tom Dyring is always available for photo advice and tips, as well as for help with image editing and image critique. Tom will also hold lectures and talk about his way of photographing. Exact times for this are determined based on the schedule for the photo activities. Throughout the trip, you have the opportunity to get personal advice from Tom.

Regarding all the species we will experience, Magnus Forsberg is always on hand for questions. Magnus will also hold lectures on the wildlife of the Amazon.

NOTE! Due to the weather and other local conditions, the daily program may be rearranged, this is to give you the best photo opportunities.

DAY 1, (NOV 7)
ARRIVAL IN IQUITOS
Arrival in Iquitos during the day and evening. At the hotel, you will be met by photographer Tom Dyring and Magnus Forsberg, a Swedish snake expert who has been on site many times, as well as Zoom’s host. Since many flights arrive in the evening, there will only be an informal meeting in the hotel bar in the evening.

Since it is a long flight and many of the flights arrive late in the evening, we recommend that you arrive the day before, both to be able to relax after a long journey and to have some margin in case of flight delays.

DAY 2, (NOV 8)
DEPARTURE INTO THE RAINFOREST
After breakfast, we depart by bus to a boat camp on the Amazon River, about a 1.5-hour bus ride from Iquitos. Here we board boats for an hour’s journey on the Amazon River, after which we turn into some smaller tributaries until we reach the Yanyacu River and our lodge, Grand Amazon Lodge. Of course, we make stops along the way if there is something interesting to photograph.

It is afternoon when we reach our lodge, after check-in and a late lunch there will be a briefing with our guides on how everything works at the lodge. If it is still light, we head out into the area around the lodge to photograph birds and monkeys. Before tonight’s dinner, Tom Dyring and Magnus Forsberg will tell you more about what you can expect during the trip. Then a welcome dinner is served where there is time to get acquainted with your fellow travelers. (B, L, D)

DAY 3, (NOV 9)
RIVER TOUR & NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY
After breakfast, we head out by boat to the outlet in the Amazon River. There we spend time until lunch together with the pink river dolphins. They always move in the area, so no one will miss them. However, they are quite difficult to photograph, as they are only up at the surface to breathe for a short while. If you feel like it, you can take a dip in the river. Maybe they will get curious and come really close. On the way there, there are good chances to photograph several bird species that hang out along the river, for example kingfishers and birds of prey.

After lunch, we take a few hours of rest (for those who want) when it is hottest. It is of course also possible to head out on your own in the neighborhood around the lodge. There are also kayaks to borrow if you want to take a paddle tour with the camera.

After dinner, when darkness has fallen, we take our headlamps and flashlights and head out to search for nocturnal species in the rainforest around the lodge. The species richness is fantastic, with the chance to see snakes, lizards, frogs, and toads – not to mention all the insect species. (B, L, D)

DAY 4, (NOV 10)
BIRDS, MONKEYS AND GREEN ANACONDA
After breakfast, we head to the boat for a tour along the Yanyacu River with green anaconda and caiman lizard as primary targets. We will also encounter a variety of other animals, such as birds like the horned screamer, various Kingfishers, Birds of prey/Vultures, Black-crowned Night Heron, several other Heron species like Tiger Heron, and Night Herons.

With a little luck, we can also get to photograph a variety of monkeys such as titi monkeys and squirrel monkeys. On most daytime boat tours, we can also see both Three-toed and Two-toed Sloths.

We will be back in time for lunch. In the afternoon, we will work with image processing and get constructive image critique from Tom.

In the evening, we take the boat out with headlamps and flashlights to look for two of the snake species we really want to try to see and photograph. Both are arboreal species that like to hang in the branches over the river where they hunt birds and bats. One is the Amazon tree boa, which is relatively common, and the Amazon Basin Emerald Tree Boa, Corallus batesii – a dream species for many. (B, L, D)

DAY 5, (NOV 11)
INSECTS, BUTTERFLIES & PYGMY MARMOSETS
We begin with a morning in the rainforest around the lodge, searching for diurnal snakes and lizards, as well as a wide variety of insects such as butterflies and beetles. We will also visit a location where pygmy marmosets are often found. They regularly visit certain trees where they have gnawed holes to access sap. We return in time for lunch. Tom is always present to offer tips and advice, regardless of your level of photography.

In the evening, we light a special lamp to attract insects. There is an unimaginable number of species here. Typically attracted to the lamp are moths, beetles, and praying mantises, and with a bit of luck, one of the lantern bugs found here may land. These can grow up to nearly 10 cm long. (B, L, D)

DAY 6, (NOV 12)
FROGS, CAIMANS AND MONKEYS
After breakfast, we head out on a boat tour upstream along the Yanyacu River to look for squirrel monkeys and capuchin monkeys. We also stop at several floating islands of aquatic plants to search for frog species that live there. Spectacled caimans and the large black caiman, which can grow up to 5 meters long and weigh 300 kg, are also often seen resting among the vegetation.

As usual, we return in time for lunch and rest. The evening is devoted to image discussions and a shorter rainforest excursion to search for nocturnal reptiles and amphibians. (B, L, D)

DAY 7, (NOV 13)
IN SEARCH OF THE WORLD’S LONGEST VIPER
The area where we stay is a forest that is largely flooded during the rainy season. The water level can rise up to 6 meters, and you will see high-water marks on the trees. Today we travel to a Terra Firme area on the other side of the Amazon River – a forest that does not flood even at peak water levels.

The vegetation and wildlife differ significantly here. We have the chance to see the world’s longest viper species, the bushmaster, which can grow up to 3.6 meters long. There are also several species of poison dart frogs, various Anolis species, toads, and large colonies of leafcutter ants. This is a full-day excursion, and our local guides will bring lunch. (B, L, D)

DAY 8, (NOV 14)
HIKE INTO THE RAINFOREST AND BOAT TOUR
In the morning, we take the boat upstream and go ashore at an abandoned lodge where only one bungalow remains. It is occasionally used for ayahuasca ceremonies. Here we take a walk into the rainforest to see what interesting species we can encounter. We have a good chance of finding the lancehead, the snake responsible for the most fatalities in South America. Of course, we take advantage of all photographic opportunities along the way. We stay here until lunch.

In the evening, we take a boat tour to search for nocturnal frogs among the floating plants, as well as nocturnal boa species. The chorus of frogs at night is nothing short of spectacular! (B, L, D)

DAY 9, (NOV 15)
RAINFOREST TOUR AND VILLAGE VISIT
After breakfast, we head out by boat for another tour along the Yanyacu River to look for green anaconda and caiman lizard. We will of course encounter a wide variety of other animals that will hopefully provide great photographic opportunities.

After lunch, we travel by boat to the nearest village, San Juan de Yanayacu. There, we see how the local people live and work. The lodges in the area have strong cooperation with the local communities, and most of the staff – boat drivers, cleaners, guides, and kitchen staff – come from these villages.

After dinner, we head out to spotlight nocturnal reptiles and amphibians in the rainforest. We have previously found many fascinating species here, such as the Peruvian rainbow boa, one of the beautiful but venomous coral snakes found in the area, the aquatic coral snake, and the giant Smokey Jungle Frog – just to name a few. (B, L, D)

DAY 10, (NOV 16)
RAINFOREST HIKES
We return for a full day to the Terra Firme area on the other side of the Amazon River. The rainforest is always fascinating – you can walk the same trail ten days in a row and still continuously encounter new species. The evening is devoted to image discussions and conversations over a beer in the common room. (B, L, D)

DAY 11, (NOV 17)
BOAT TOURS & NIGHT HIKES
The day is devoted to boat tours in the surrounding area to find additional species or expand our photographic material of species we want to work more with. We will also set out some nets and catch our own fish for dinner. Piranha is highly recommended – delicious and something you should try during a trip to the Amazon.

In the evening, we take a longer excursion into the rainforest to search for more nocturnal species such as mouse opossums and the silky anteater. We also pass a small flood pond where dwarf caimans are sometimes found. Along this trail, we often encounter two species of snail-eating snakes and the incredibly beautiful Catesby’s snail-eater, as well as the striking red Pseudoboa coronata. (B, L, D)

DAY 12, (NOV 18)
BACK TO IQUITOS
We pack up and prepare for departure to Iquitos. We leave the lodge after breakfast when ready. On the way to Iquitos, we stop for about an hour in a university park where we may find another beautiful poison dart frog species, Ranitomeya reticulata, and have further chances to see the Peruvian red-tailed boa, among others.

In Iquitos, we check into our hotel in the city center. In the evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner. Before that, Tom selects the trip’s best image, which will go on to the final of Zoom’s major photo competition “Image of the Year 2027.” (B, L, D)

DAY 13, (NOV 19)
JOURNEY HOME
The day is free for your own activities. Return journey on your own. (B)

THE PHOTOGRAPHER & THE EXPERT

TOM DYRING • Wildlife photographer

Tom Dyring is a professional Norwegian wildlife photographer based outside Oslo and a member of the Norwegian Nature Photographers (NN). He specializes exclusively in photographing birds and wildlife and works on projects around the world for a large part of the year.

Tom has received numerous international awards and recognitions for his wildlife images, including Nordic Nature Photo Contest, British Birds, Siena SIPA, Asferico, Oasis, Narava and Concours Photo de Namur.

He has also held numerous exhibitions in Norway and participated in several international exhibitions in connection with major photography events.

Mgnus Forsberg-gigapixel-high fidelity v2-4x

MAGNUS FORSBERG • Expert in reptiles & amphibians

Magnus Forsberg has worked with reptiles, amphibians, and insects for over 50 years and has bred nearly 100 species. To study them in their natural habitats, he has traveled around the world, including three visits to the region in Peru that we will now explore.

He has participated in projects with the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust, London Zoo, and Edinburgh Zoo. Magnus photographs wildlife and regularly gives photography lectures in Sweden, Europe, and the United States.

He has also written articles for both Swedish and international specialist magazines and serves as Chairman of the Swedish Herpetological Society.

TOM DYRING • Wildlife photographer

Tom Dyring is a professional Norwegian wildlife photographer based outside Oslo and a member of the Norwegian Nature Photographers (NN). He specializes exclusively in photographing birds and wildlife and works on projects around the world for a large part of the year.

Tom has received numerous international awards and recognitions for his wildlife images, including Nordic Nature Photo Contest, British Birds, Siena SIPA, Asferico, Oasis, Narava and Concours Photo de Namur.

He has also held numerous exhibitions in Norway and participated in several international exhibitions in connection with major photography events.

MAGNUS FORSBERG • Expert in reptiles & amphibians

Magnus Forsberg has worked with reptiles, amphibians, and insects for over 50 years and has bred nearly 100 species. To study them in their natural habitats, he has traveled around the world, including three visits to the region in Peru that we will now explore.

He has participated in projects with the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust, London Zoo, and Edinburgh Zoo. Magnus photographs wildlife and regularly gives photography lectures in Sweden, Europe, and the United States.

He has also written articles for both Swedish and international specialist magazines and serves as Chairman of the Swedish Herpetological Society.

THE LODGE

LODGE

GRAND AMAZON LODGE***

PRICE, FACTS & BOOKING

PRICE

Price per person: USD 5 200

Price includes:

Transfers according to the itinerary.
Accommodation in double rooms according to the itinerary.
All meals (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner) according to the itinerary.
Non-alcoholic beverages with meals.
Boat tours with guides according to the itinerary.
Day and evening walks with guides according to the itinerary.
Participation of photographer Tom Dyring throughout the trip.
Image editing and photo critique sessions with Tom Dyring.
Participation of snake expert Magnus Forsberg.
Participation of a Zoom Photo Tours host.
Local guides.
Pre-trip information and practical details.
Hotel and other local taxes.

Price do not include:

Flights to Iquitos.
Single room supplement: USD 720
Tips: USD 15 per day for guides and approximately USD 10 per day for camp staff.
All personal expenses such as laundry, alcoholic beverages, etc.
Cancellation protection and travel insurance. See “Good to Know”.

FLIGHTS

Arrival in Iquitos can take place at any time on November 7. Departure can be arranged at any time on November 19.

We recommend arriving one day earlier due to the long flight and the possibility of delays, as most flights from Europe arrive late in the evening.

If you would like assistance booking international flights, we are happy to help. Please contact us by phone at +46 470 466 40 or via email at info@zoomfotoresor.se.