Iquitos, Peru
Traveling to the Amazon Rainforest
Preparing for a trip to another country can be challenging, especially when you’re going to the Amazon Rainforest. The Amazon rainforest is not as intimidating as you might imagine, at least not the parts where you’ll be going. Even though they are located deep within the jungle, our retreat center and school are both safe and accommodating. The environment is hot and humid, but the locations are beautiful and peaceful.
It is quite rare to see a wild animal, and if you do it will most likely be a bird, a lizard, or a monkey. While there are snakes and other dangerous animals in the jungle, it is incredibly rare to encounter one. You will encounter a variety of insects, and when you’re in the jungle some of them will probably bite you, most especially mosquitoes. So, it’s a good idea to understand and accept that fact. Below are some other tips for traveling to the Iquitos area and the surrounding rainforest.
Adjusting to the Climate
The average daily temperature in Iquitos is around 90°F (32°C). However, at night it can get chilly, especially if it rains, and when you are in a ceremony late at night, you might find that you need your sweatshirt, or at least a long sleeve shirt. Sometimes, when you wake up in the morning, it’s still chilly as well, and a long sleeve is a nice thing to wear before heading out for the day. Socks are recommended because they keep your ankles free from insect bites, and pants are recommended when going out for jungle hikes or even just walking around outside. There will be some walking involved so you may want to bring hiking boots. Most items can be purchased in Iquitos if you forget something.
Suggestions for What to Bring
The following is a list of suggested items to bring. Of course, you should decide for yourself what or how many items you feel you will need, but these suggestions might be helpful.
If you need any assistance or advice on how to best book your flights, feel free to contact us. To get to Iquitos you will have a connection in Lima. We recommend arriving no later than 2pm the day before the program begins, which is a Saturday, and leaving no earlier than 2pm on the day after the program. If you have a long flight, it may be a good idea to arrive early to get some rest and to acclimate to the environment. If you plan on traveling in Peru before or after the course, then you’ll want to book a flight to Lima separately and then book your other flights, making sure to coordinate your arrival and departure times.