Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
The following is an overview of the general information pertaining to your trip to the Amazon. Upon receipt of your deposit, participants are sent an information package including a map of the voyage area, luggage tags, detailed information bulletin describing climate, clothing recommendations, required documents, health and travel considerations, a list of addresses, emergency contact information, and airport meeting arrangements. We are eager to help you in any way; we want your Amazon Experience to be the best possible.
What kind of visas are required for travel to Peru?
Bring a valid passport that will not expire until at least six months after your departure date. Visas are not required for US or Canadian citizens.
Do I need any shots before traveling to the Amazon?
No particular vaccination are required for Peru, but are strongly adviced. Please check the U.S. Center for Disease Control Website for the latest information (www.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx). Travelers to the Amazon are adviced to take both anti-malaria medication and yellow fever shots.
What is Peru’s time zone, currency, and language?
• Time zone: GMT/UTC - 5 (same as Eastern Standard Time in the US). See www.worldtimeserver.com
• Local currency: Peru nuevos soles (PEN). See the International SOS website and www.xe.com/ucc for currency information and exchange rates.
• Language: Spanish. Although the trip will be conducted in English, most of the boat staff are Peruvian nationals from the local area. You can learn a lot more from these friendly people and about their culture, and thus get more out of the journey in general, if you know a bit of Spanish.
Do I need to bring cash or credit card and how do I pay for purchases on board?
It is best to bring a Visa or MasterCard credit card for withdrawing cash advances from automated teller machines (ATMs), which are readily available in Iquitos and Lima. Many businesses in Iquitos will also accept credit card payment. Alternatively, you can bring US dollars for exchange, but they MUST be in good condition without any tears or damage. US one-hundred dollar bills with a CB issue are not accepted due to counterfeit currency precautions. Note that it is difficult to exchange Euros in Peru, and even more difficult to exchange UK pounds. You may use US dollars or Peru nuevos soles and Visa or Mastercard credit cards to pay the bar bill. Please note that American Express is not accepted on the boat. On board, you will be asked to sign for every alcoholic drink at the time you order it. Please keep track of your consumption. You can pay your bar bill, either in U.S. dollars or with Visa, American Express or MasterCard at Casa Morey. All bar proceeding are use as tipping for the staff on board.
Should guests bring electrical adapter plugs?
Electricity on board is 220 volts. The boat is equipped with both Continental European plugs and US style plugs. Please bring an adapter for US style plugs that have one prong wider than the other – the boat’s outlets do not accommodate these “modern” plugs. Also note that a voltage converter may be necessary for some 110-volt US appliances, though many cameras and battery chargers can accept either voltage; please check your equipments’ specific requirements.
What about tipping?
Bar proceeds are given to the boat staff. Additional tipping is optional only via the bar bill.
What and how much should I pack?
Make sure to bring the information we will be mailing you in the information package you may need to refer during your voyage. It is very important to bring rubber boots for the forest trails. Comfortable, rubber boots are much better against the muddy and wet trails than hiking boots. Non-slip shoes should be used for the boat decks. Field clothes, including lightweight cotton or synthetic quick-dry pants (not blue jeans), shorts, cotton or synthetic quick-dry long-sleeved shirts, t-shirts or short-sleeved shirts and a hat. Of course, don’t forget your personal medicines and personal care items. Please, do not bring more luggage than you can carry and handle on your own, even though there will be porters available.
We provide limited courtesy laundry service, but given the length of the voyage and the time it may take for clothes to dry in a high humidity environment, it may not be worth counting on it during your journey.
What kind of weather can you expect during your Amazon Voyage?
The Amazon is hot and humid during the day and night, and while it cools off at night, the humidity remains high. The climate in an equatorial rainforest does not vary much throughout the year. Auxiliary boats will be used for activities for about three-four hours per day. These boats will have plastic sun canopies for activities outside the forest during the time the sun is more intense. Canopies will not be used during fishing, early morning, and night activities. Even with sun shades in some of the auxiliary boats, the reflection off the water can still cause sunburn. It can rain during any time of the year, so you should bring light rain gear suitable for tropical climates.
Should I buy trip cancellation, trip delay, and medical emergency insurance?
We strongly recommend you consider purchasing trip cancellation (including medical emergency) insurance to cover your investment in case of injury or illness to you or an immediate family member prior to or during a trip. Your insurance policy will reimburse the cost of air tickets and other non-refundable trip payments, international medical, baggage loss, and delay. Please consult with your insurance service provider or visit ours Travel Guard
How do I protect myself agains mosquitoes?
What type of medical capabilities do you have on board? What health and safety precautions are taken?
Our vessels will have a certified Peruvian nurse onboard the boat during the field portion of the trip. This nurse will have training in first aid in common tropical illneses, and Wilderness First Response. Additionally, the boat crew members are all certified in water safety. Any guest requiring emergency medical attention will be brought to a clinic or hospital to be treated by an appropriate medical professional.
Waterways are the roads of the rainforest. Amazonian family traveling along a tributary of the Amazon.
