Our journey into the Upper Amazon River System begins in Trinidad, Bolivia. North of Santa Cruz and easily accessible by regular airlines, this small tropical town is located on the southern edge of the Amazon River Basin.

The area around Trinidad is a wide, intricate expanse of tropical rivers and lakes, marshes and riverside forests that is shared by Bolivia and Brazil towards the north. Easy access and great opportunities of wildlife viewing and nature expeditions are to be found in this region of Bolivia.

 

The Reina de Enin is an exploratory catamaran ship with charming character. The top deck is a large comfortable 'living room', complete with shade or sun, cold soda or beer, and a fabulous view. Each stateroom is large, has ample storage, private bath, a big window, A/C. The dining room has ample windows on the rounded fantail, the service is great for the wilderness. This is not a cruise ship. The river is narrow, and the shore is very close.

— Richard S. Plant, New Jersey, in a letter to Fremen Tours

In contrast to most of the Brazilian and Peruvian Amazon, it is easy to see animals such as alligators, turtles, capibaras (the largest rodent on earth) and innumerable species of birds. [...] With 450 bird species, the Mamore River does not exceed the highest avian diversity yet documented in the Bolivian Amazon. But, for a chance to observe many of them close-up, the stunted forests in the blackwater flood zones offer a superlative setting. The river is definitely the ideal way to see birds and animals. We were constantly amazed at the variety of wildlife. [...] This is the perfect way to visit a primitive land. It is a good mix of adventure and comfort.

— Feedback from Aimée Sullivan, Pensylvania

Before ethno-ecotourism was conceived, my forays into tropical jungle areas were a hit-and-miss proposition as far as observing exotic animals and, more importantly, achieving any type of meaningful cultural exchange with local inhabitants. [...] The river cruise itself allows for observation of local flora and fauna, with the aid of a trained guide [and] combines trekking and nature with cultural exchange. Thanks to the organizers, a fine rapport between visitors and locals adds delight to the tour. [...] Profits from the sale of local artisanry to visiting adventure tourists are divided 50% to the artisan and 50% to community projects. [The organizers’] ideology of tourism includes acting as an advocate for the original community.

— Quote from the book “Culture Shock Bolivia” by Mark Cramer