970.484.3633 // NoBarriersYouth.org // NBYExpeditions@NoBarriersUSA.org

NBY EXPEDITIONS: PERUVIAN AMAZONP R O G R A M D E T A I L S

You set off on a boat down the Amazon River headed to a lodge nestled in a protected rainforest. Pink river dolphins follow your trail as blue and gold macaws shriek in the distance. Dugout canoes drift with the current carrying families to market. Large ships loaded with tropical timber carry tress to the city. The river swirls with life. You see economic progress. You see poverty. You see deforestation. And you’ve only just arrived. You decide you want to understand. You decide you’re ready to unleash your potential and discover the power you have to make a difference.

• RAINFOREST CONSERVATION• HUMAN CONNECTION• EYE-OPENING JOURNEY, FROM CANOPY TOP TO FOREST FLOOR

Few places on Earth can rival the rich diversity, both cultural and ecological, of the Amazon rainforest. The vastness of the Amazon captivates the mind and reveals a world full of secrets. Experience the hustle and bustle of Iquitos, one of the largest cities in the Amazon basin, and immerse yourself in the slower lifestyle of rural river communities. Along the way, search for scarlet macaws, poison dart frogs and thousands of other species that call this amazing place home. Through engaging science activities and meaningful visits to local communities, this program presents a genuine opportunity to understand the importance of conservation in the rainforest. A true living classroom, the Amazon has the power to open the mind like no textbook can. NO ONE COMES HOME UNCHANGED.

Day 1: Travel You depart the U.S. for Peru. Most flight itineraries stop in Lima, where you may spend the night in a hotel, or wait at the airport for your next flight.

Days 2 & 3: Rainforest & Culture Introduction A short flight brings you to Iquitos, a bustling jungle town on the banks of the Amazon River. From here, you climb aboard a motorized boat for a spectacular ride down the river to Explorama Lodge, your home for the next two nights. Here, enjoy open air meals and learn a few skills used to live in this ecosystem. You visit a Yagua community to catch a glimpse of a different rainforest life and barter for handicrafts. The surrounding forest offers many opportunities for guided afternoon hikes and nighttime forest walks by flashlight.

Days 4 & 5: Birding, Shaman & Canopy WalkwayAt dawn, you journey into the forest to identify a few of the hundreds of species of birds in the region. You then get back on the motor boat to travel further downriver to ExplorNapo Lodge, a more remote facility where you visit a local shaman. Later, you explore a blackwater lake and spend the evening on a moonlight river float, enjoying the magnificent night sky. A short hike on Day 5 brings you to the Amazon Conservatory of Tropical Studies (ACTS) Field Station, home to one of the longest canopy walkways in the world. From the walkway, you watch the sun set over the canopy and learn about the many different layers of the forest and uses for plant life.

Days 6 & 7: Service & River ExplorationA short boat ride brings you back to Explorama where you will stay two more nights. You eat lunch and spend the afternoon fishing, swimming and searching for pink river dolphins in the magnificent Amazon river. You may have the opportunity to hear from Dr. Linnea Smith, an American physician who moved to the region and opened a rural health clinic. On Day 7, you participate in a service project alongside local community members. This is often the highlight of the week for many participants!

Days 8 & 9: Explore the City and Depart After a morning hike you say goodbye to the rainforest and make your way by boat back to the friendly city of Iquitos in the late afternoon. You enjoy dinner at a restaurant in town, then spend the night at a hotel where you participate in a closing ceremony and make your No Barriers Pledge. The morning of Day 9 is spent touring the city by foot. You do some souvenir shopping and visit a market before beginning your journey home in the late afternoon or early evening. Depending on your flight schedule, you may stay at a hotel, or wait in the airport.

Day 10: Travel You continue travels and arrive home and start sharing your experience with all your family and friends!

SAMPLE STANDARD ITINERARY NBY EXPEDITIONS: PERUVIAN AMAZON

Dates: Program Fee: Contact:

This is a SAMPLE of some activities your group may be doing. Each itinerary is constructed with care and intention for all students to have the best possible experience. Your final itinerary may not match exactly what’s described here, but you will certainly have an incredible experience.

970.484.3633 // NoBarriersYouth.org // NBYExpeditions@NoBarriersUSA.org

No Barriers Youth No Barriers Youth has been using transformative travel to change the lives of students and their educators since 2003 (previously known as Global Explorers). No Barriers Youth has a continuum of ways for schools, educators and students to engage in our programming, including multi-year school partnerships, online curricula, the NBY Expedition program, short-term local retreats, one-day events, and on-site school-based activities.

NBY Expeditions provide transformative experiences in some of our planet’s most inspiring classrooms that stretch comfort zones, inspire possibilities, and ignite action. We inspire and equip middle and high school youth and their educators to live a No Barriers Life through a educational three-phased travel program. Much more than just cool trips, our program provides a comprehensive approach to interdisciplinary experiential education through:

Phase One: Thoughtful preparation

Phase Two: Transformative expedition

Phase Three: Meaningful action

Activities on NBY expeditions vary by destination, but each itinerary includes these common elements: self-awareness & team development activities, structured reflection, student-driven learning, activities that foster connection to place, a focus on interconnectedness of systems, exposure to people/ways of life different than your own, service projects, stretching comfort zones, and FUN!

No Barriers USANo Barriers Youth is part of a broader nonprofit organization, No Barriers USA, which provides transformative experiences for more than just students. By providing expeditions, retreats, events and tools that empower people to embrace a No Barriers Life, all of our programs help people discover the potential that lies within themselves and the world. No Barriers serves a variety of populations and is always expanding our program offerings to serve more people. In addition to No Barriers Youth, we currently have programs dedicated to serving veterans and their families through No Barriers Warriors, programs designed specifically for women through No Barriers Women, leadership development programming for businesses and corporations, and a series of different festivals and events, the capstone being the No Barriers Summit. www.NoBarriersUSA.org The mission of No Barriers is to unleash the potential of the human spirit. Through transformative experiences, tools and inspiration, we help people embark on a quest to contribute their absolute best to the world. In the process, we foster a community of curious, brave and collaborative explorers who are determined to live the No Barriers Life.

The No Barriers Life The No Barriers Life Elements are the common thread through every No Barriers experience. The elements are brought to life through facilitation by our team of exceptional Expedition Leaders. The elements include:

ALCHEMYHARNESS LIFE EXPERIENCE INTO OPTIMISM

ELEVATEIMPACT THE WORLD AS A LEADER WHO SERVES

REACHMOVE BEYOND YOUR COMFORT ZONE TO

GROW AND REACH GOALS

ROPE TEAMCOLLABORATE AND CONNECT WITH OTHERS TO BUILD STRONG COMMUNITIES

PIONEERPERSEVERE THROUGH CHALLENGES

TO INNOVATE

VISIONDEFINE A PURPOSE THAT INSPIRES YOU TO

GIVE YOUR BEST BACK TO THE WORLD

www.NoBarriersYouth.org // NBYExpeditions@NoBarriersUSA.org