AMAZON ONE SPIRIT – TRAVEL & WHAT TO BRING

1. Passport: A valid passport is required for entry into Peru. All participants should carry a second form of photo ID, such as a driver’s license, as well as a photocopy of the personal data page of your passport. A copy of your passport is the easiest way to prove your identity if you happen to lose your passport.

US citizens are automatically given a ninety-day visa upon entry to Peru. If you are traveling with a passport from a country other than the US, you will need to contact the Peruvian Consulate nearest you to inquire about visa requirements. You can also check the requirements for each country by logging on to http://www.peru.embassyhomepage.com/. You will receive your visa upon entering Peru.

The visa is a small piece of paper that you can keep inside your passport. Please make sure you SAVE this visa as you will need it when you exit the country.

2. Flights and Transfer to EcoAmazonia Lodge: You are responsible for booking your own flights to Puerto Maldonado, Peru. When booking your flights, make sure your arrival time at Padre Aldamiz International Airport, in Puerto Maldonado, Peru, is between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. local time. Boat transfers to EcoAmazonia Lodge are at 1:30 p.m., so if your flight arrives after 1:00 p.m. you will miss the boat trip for that day and will have to spend an extra night in Puerto Maldonado.

An EcoAmazonia Lodge representative will greet you at the airport and coordinate your 2-hour boat trip to the lodge, scheduled daily at 1:30 p.m. local time.

If you are arriving before the starting date of the expedition, please add your hotel information in the Notes section of the FWS Travel Information form. Hotel pick-ups are between 11-11:30 AM on the start date of the expedition.

As soon as you book your flight, please use the following link to provide us with your flight details and emergency contact information. Flight Information Form Links: Amazon One Spirit 

3. Travelex Insurance: The Four Winds Society STRONGLY recommends that you purchase travel insurance to protect yourself in case extenuating circumstances force you to cancel your trip. If for some unforeseen reason you must cancel your journey, your deposit is non-refundable. One option is Travelex Insurance, which offers Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Trip Delay and Baggage insurance. We suggest you purchase travel insurance within three weeks of your initial trip deposit for the best coverage.

For complete details, please visit: www.travelexinsurance.com or call customer service at 1-800-228-9792 Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. CST. Please refer to Location 09-0821.

4. Extra Nights: If you are arriving before the expedition start date, or staying on afterwards, we recommend the following hotels:

Lima Airport: Costa del Sol Wyndham: It is located at the International Airport Jorge Chavez.
Phone Number: 011-51-1-200-9200 or #011-51-1-711-2000
Email is: [email protected] / [email protected]

Online reservations: www.Wyndham.com or www.costadelsolperu.com

Lima City: Sonesta Hotel El Olivar: It is located at the Pancho Fierro Street #194, San Isidro – Lima, Peru.
Phone: 011-51-1-712-6060
Email: [email protected]
Online reservations: http://www.sonesta.com/Lima

5. Meals: All meals for this expedition are included and vegetarian options will be provided.

6. Supplements and special dietary products: Please be sure to pack supplements you are taking and any special dietary products such as protein powder mix, tea, or other packaged goods that are absolutely essential to your diet. Please check with the Peruvian Consulate if these products can be brought into Peru.

7. Prescription medications: If you take prescription medications, be sure to bring enough for your travels. Containers should be clearly labeled with prescription forms to avoid problems at Customs. Packing a standard first aid kit is advisable, as well as bringing your own favorite personal “remedies.”

8. Health and safety: You can visit the CDC website for information about traveling to Peru, including vaccinations you may need to have: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/peru. Keep in mind that the Four Winds Society cannot offer medical advice. It is best that you consult with your primary care physician, who knows your medical history and can best advise you.

Most illnesses while traveling are caused by contamination of food or water. Drink only bottled water and do not use ice cubes unless you know them to be safe. Freezing does not kill bacteria. Do not drink from the streams. Eat only cooked foods and fruits with peel. Avoid food from sidewalk vendors. Our hotels all have excellent hygiene and food preparation practices.

Hydration is the key. We recommend you drink at least two full liters of water per day. Emergen-C Packets (containing vitamins and electrolytes) and simple Electrolyte Packets can be added to bottled water to assist hydration. If you experience sleeplessness it might be caused by dehydration; drink more water immediately.

Please note: We recommend purchasing Emergency Evacuation Insurance from Travelex or any other Traveling Insurance Company.

9. Money: Consider exchanging US $200-$400 at the airport, to be used for tips and other eventualities. When you bring US dollars or Euros into Peru, they must be new bills with no tears or rips. Damaged bills are not accepted in Peru. You will not be able to exchange currency in Puerto Maldonado or our jungle lodge.

10. Tips: We collect tips for our guides, bus drivers, and porters. These are collected by a volunteer and given as a group donation at the end of each outing. We suggest a total of US $10 per day.

11. Optional healing sessions: We will have a shaman offering individual sessions. The cost for each session is US $150 and must be paid in cash.

12. Packing tips: For this expedition, you may bring one bag (preferably waterproof) plus your backpack/fanny pack.

13. Temperatures: Humid, low 90° Fahrenheit during the day and low 70° at night. Check the weather forecast a week prior to ensure you pack according to the most current temperature forecast.

14. What to bring:

Please pack with care, remember LESS IS MORE! Each of us reacts to temperature differently. The following list is meant to provide a guideline, but you may need to adjust based on your temperature comfort level and needs.

  • Sunglasses, sun hat and sunscreen
  • Bug spray/mosquito repellent
  • Lightweight hiking boots (Gortex or water-resistant with ankle support are best)
  • Cotton socks or good hiking socks (extra pairs in case they get wet)
  • Tevas or strapped hiking sandals
  • Comfortable, light-weight hiking pants (bring long pants for bug protection)
  • Shorts
  • Long-sleeved lightweight shirts for bug protection (the ones that wick away moisture are worth the extra expense)
  • Lightweight fleece jacket
  • Warm jacket and layers in case we have a cold front coming down from the mountain
  • A poncho for nighttime ceremonies (optional)
  • Rain poncho
  • Swimsuit
  • Daypack or waist pack
  • Pocketknife (for fruit, etc.)
  • Organic and healthy protein bars or snacks
  • Small flashlight with extra batteries
  • Camera, digital cards and extra batteries
  • Emergen-C or Electrolyte packets
  • Water bottles
  • Personal care items and toiletries: Tissues, wet wipes, and zip lock bags for day hikes (as with everything, what you carry IN during a hike must be brought OUT and disposed of properly). Ladies, be prepared with feminine hygiene products.

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