Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is this expedition only for biology students?  
While this expedition was especially designed with biology students and young biologists in mind, it is also perfect for nature lovers who want to observe and photograph wildlife and primary rainforest in a scientific and ethical context.

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What hotels can I stay at?  
We will provide you with a list of recommended hotels in Manaus, chosen for their quality of service and overall comfort. We can also help you choose based on your budget and preferences.

 

How will we get to the Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve/ another equivalent reserve?  
A private transfer will pick you up at a designated meeting and take you to the  Reserve. At the end of the expedition, you’ll be brought back to same meeting point.

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Will you accommodate my food requirements?  
Yes. Our team will do its best to prepare meals that meet your dietary needs (e.g., vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free). Please let us know your preferences in advance.

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 What will the food look like?  
Expect delicious traditional meals featuring native fruits, vegetables, fish, and more. Throughout the day and night, fresh fruit and cold water will be available for you to snack on.

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 What happens in case of a medical emergency?  
Our staff includes someone trained in primary care. We will also have transportation available at all times to get you quickly to the nearest hospital if necessary.

 

Is there internet or phone coverage?  
Depending on the reserve, phone signal and internet may not be consistently available throughout the expedition, as the reserve is deeply immersed in the Amazon rainforest. However, limited connectivity does exist in some areas.

 

What does the infrastructure of the reserve look like?  
Adolpho Ducke Forest reserve and Silvicultura include several shared rooms, each with beds, and space to set up hammocks. There is also a classroom and laboratory for educational activities. The kitchen and dining area are surrounded by the forest, providing a truly immersive experience.

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What biological groups will be studied and how during the expedition?  
We will study a variety of groups, including reptiles, amphibians, fish, plants, mammals (including bats), and invertebrates. The methods used are standard in ecology and related fields, such as mist nets, audio recordings, camera trapping, light traps for moths and other invertebrates, and much more. A range of different methodologies will be applied throughout the expedition.

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What can a non-biologist who is a nature lover expect from the expedition?  
You can select the activities that interest you most for photography or observation (e.g., birds, monkeys). We can also tailor a schedule specifically for you or you can always be included in the group activities, ensuring a comprehensive and enjoyable experience for everyone.

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Are there dangerous animals I should be concerned about?  
The most dangerous organisms in the forest are actually the ones you can’t see—like bacteria or parasites—so it’s essential to drink only safe, treated water and maintain good hygiene. There are venomous invertebrates and vipers in the area, but since you will always be accompanied by a biologist and stay on the trails, the risk of a bite is extremely low. You should also be mindful of wasps and other invertebrates, as allergic reactions can occur, but again, staying with the group and following your guide’s instructions offers strong protection.

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Is Manaus unsafe?  
Like any other large city in the region, Manaus has areas that can be unsafe, but your safety is our priority. You will be guided to and from your hotel with care by our team. We will also provide clear instructions to help you stay safe—such as avoiding walking alone at night before or after the expedition. The hotels we recommend offer excellent safety conditions, and once in the forest reserve, you will be in a fully protected environment under the guidance of our team (and guards).

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Is the course certified?
Yes. Participants receive an official certificate issued by Igapó Institute and National Institute for Amazon Research indicating:

Course title

Total contact hours (theoretical + field)

Certificates suitable for inclusion in academic CVs and scholarship applications.

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What are the main learning outcomes?
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

 

Design and implement standardized field sampling protocols for tropical biodiversity (e.g., transects, mist-netting, pitfall traps, camera traps).

Collect, record, and curate ecological data following international best practices.

Identify key Amazonian species within the focal biological group of the module.

Apply ethical wildlife handling and release techniques under Brazilian environmental regulations.

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