Weather
July: Highs around 86 degrees – lows around 68 degrees… with humidity around 80%
This period is the dry season, with hot days and balmy nights…. but with the high humidity expect to feel it in the hot air.
Weather in Peru has been shifting with the rest of the world – though there are still some patterns that are fairly predictable.
Daytime temps hover around 86 degrees and night times can get down to the high 60’s. But as with everywhere these days – expect some variations. Rainfall is about 7.2 inches for the month
Packing Tips:
General Tips:
Based on the weather fluctuations – it is advised to pack light layers.
Because of the bugs – long pants and a light weight long sleeve shirt are preferred by many. Breathable fabrics that keep you comfortable in hot, humid weather are best.
Shoes:
A good sturdy walking shoe or athletic shoe is recommended. Just make sure whatever shoes you choose are comfortable and well worn in with a good soles for walking. Muck boots will be provided by the lodge for the Jungle treks.
Athletic sandals are also good for the leisure time at the lodges, can get wet, and dry easily.
Rain:
While it is hot in the Amazon it may also be raining. Bring a lightweight rain jacket or poncho that is easy to fold and pack.
Sunscreen:
We recommend packing your favorite NATURAL sunscreen. The sun is strong and there will be many days that we are spending outside in nature. We will also have the opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with the wildlife at the sanctuaries and we would NOT want to harm them with toxic chemicals from your sunscreen. (well, or yourself for that matter!!!)
Avoid Zinc Oxide please which can be harmful to animals.
Natural sunscreen ideas: https://www.organicauthority.com/energetic-health/31-best-natural-sunscreens-of-2017
Bug Spray: (a MUST for the Amazon)
**** READ CAREFULLY*** It is imperative that you have a good bug spray for this part of the journey.
HOWEVER – the day we are visiting Monkey Island – you can not have anything toxic on your skin to harm the monkeys! So you must use natural bug repellent or essential oils ONLY.
For general use – we recommend a natural bug spray that won’t harm you, the environment or the animals that you come into contact with. We have had great luck with Sawyer Picaridin products – we use the lotion for our body and the spray on our clothes. You can purchase at many locations. More information about it here:
https://sawyer.com/products/picaridin-insect-repellent/
We have used the lotion on our skin and the spray on our clothes and back packs. They have now come out with a spray that is specifically for your clothes. You can find them all on Amazon here:
Lotion:
https://smile.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP564-Repellent-Picaridin/dp/B00VV5KRD8/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=sawyer+insect+repellent+lotion&qid=1559569836&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1
Spray:
https://smile.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP544-Repellent-Picaridin/dp/B0015KG5NK/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=1KGQMM2L6654M&keywords=sawyer+insect+repellent&qid=1559569748&s=gateway&sprefix=saw%2Caps%2C191&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1
Please do your research as to what works best for you.
Swimwear – Bring clothes for swimming if you plan on jumping into the river to swim with the dolphins or wading in the water near the lodges!
Size of your bags – On the flight from Cuzco to Iquitos you are allowed:
1. One carry on bag
2. One checked bag – total dimensions of total 62 inches – length, width and height weighing up to 50 pounds.
More info on baggage allowance:
https://www.latam.com/en_us/travel-information/baggage/carry-on-baggage/
Laundry
There is laundry available at the Tahuayo Lodge
Physical Activity/ Walking
We will set a comfortable pace for the group and will always make accommodations as necessary. If you are not typically active in your daily life – if you get the chance before you leave – it might be a good idea to incorporate a walk into your daily routine before you travel.
Food
The food at the restaurants in Iquitos and the lodges is simple, fresh, nutritious and delicious. A vegetarian diet is recommended for the duration of the trip and imperative beginning two weeks before Iquitos due to the medicine ceremony on the first night in the jungle.
Vegetarian and vegan diets are the focus of the trip and are easily accommodated.
As we will be engaging in sacred plant medicine – we generally recommend a meat-free diet. This helps the energy flow more freely through the body. There is a very specific diet to follow before the Aya ceremony and should be adhered to for two weeks prior to the medicine.
What to eat / Food safety
Be careful when eating on your trip. Lighter, plant-based but cooked meals are most recommended. The tap water in Peru is not recommended for drinking, washing food, or brushing your teeth with. Purified bottled water is easily available everywhere, and is also provided by the lodges we are staying in. Bottled water is found everywhere.
In order to avoid “Peru Belly” there are a few things that we recommend as nothing can spoil a trip faster than not being able to leave your bathroom.
Avoid tap water
Avoid raw foods – stick to cooked
Wash hands often and carry some hand sanitizer
Apple Cider Vinegar – this is our personal trick. A tablespoon first thing in the morning helps to alkalize the system and keep those nasty belly bugs away.
TIPS for staying healthy – Michael & Dona’s well tested suggestions
Just like the first part of this transformational journey – traveling can sometimes be hard on the body, changing water and diets as well as spending time in airports and enclosed spaces on planes where you are subjected to the airborne particulates of others. As before – see the following ideas:
1. Masks – some people buy those inexpensive surgical looking masks and use them for flying. Sometimes a drop or two of your favorite essential oil placed on the inside of the mask makes this a really nice experience.
2. Flying kit – we have an “on the airplane” baggie that consists of Homeopathic No Jet Lag formula (one pill dissolved under the tongue every two hours – link below) and a simple saline nasal spray that we use at the same time. Keeps the nasal passages lubricated during flight and helps keep the germs out. Lastly in the “kit” are sanitizing wipes we use on the airplane to clean off the tv / screen, remotes and our eating tray.
3. Peru Belly – usually avoiding or being very cautious about eating raw foods and NOT drinking the water will be all that you need to do. We always err on the side of caution and skip raw foods all together for at least the first week while our bodies adjust. Of course – always listen to your own body. The other trick that we utilize is taking one tablespoon of organic Apple Cider Vinegar first thing in the morning to help alkalize the system.
4. Immune Boosts – we always bring immune boost support and take that very generously while on the journey. We also bring a big box of Emergence C in case we start to feel a little run down. Usually this gets us back to feeling great right away!
Shopping
There will be the opportunity to do some shopping in Iquitos, small trinkets at the wildlife sanctuaries and at the Tahuayo Lodge there are handicrafts from the local villagers.
Money / Phones
Money exchanges can be found in Iquitos – but we will recommend exchanging your money before we leave Cusco.
Power and Electricity:
Same as Cusco – uses 220 volt, 60 cycle electricity. Travelers will require a voltage converter for 110 volt devices. Plugs are typically the 2 pronged flat type found in the US, though some facilities have been noted to use the 2 rounded prongs instead. You can check for more information here: https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/us/peru/
The two lodges in the Amazon both run on solar power. We don’t anticipate any issues with power – but STRONGLY recommend that you bring some external chargers that you charge fully in Cusco just in case!
Setting Intention
As this is a journey of personal transformation – each place that we visit is an opportunity to express your intention or honor your personal theme. It is suggested that you take some time to contemplate your intention for this journey before you leave home so that you can create and set your direction for your adventure. Of course – along the way – you may have the realization that your initial intention has morphed into something else. It is perfectly fine to shift your focus as you open yourself. Whatever is honoring your truth and is for your best and highest good is a beautiful way to walk your path in Peru and the Magical Amazon.