Some Additional Things You Really Want To Know
by
John A.
SpiritQuest alumnus, December, 2001

---

• This is not Globus, Brendan, or other luxury tour
• When you arrive in Iquitos:
• There is no "El Tigre" sign – look for a 6’4" gringo with gray hair and smiling face
• The guys who grab your bags don’t work for Howard (even if they say they do)
• You get to the camp by boat
• As an ultimate back-up, the address listed is his home
• There is a reason they call it the rain forest
• Prepare accordingly – best bet is a very light plastic poncho
• The dampness gets into everything – including notebooks
• You will get muddy – no big deal, just expect it
• There is no electricity (except the batteries in your flashlights)
• This means no hot water
• The Iquitos region runs only on soles (not US dollars as does the rest of Peru)
• Howard is good about getting money changed for you
• The staff is predominantly Howard’s family – literally
• They are extremely friendly, helpful, honest, and trustworthy
• The shamans are phenomenal people – once you meet them you’ll know what I mean
• Don’t believe all the horror stories about this experience
• You can make it to the toilet if you need to
• Not everyone purges and its nothing to fear anyway
• You have more control of the experience than you might expect
• Once under Howard’s wing, if you do as he says you will not have a problem with personal safety – they always send someone with you when you venture out
• Howard is the only truly bilingual person and has to act as interpreter for everyone
• A knowledge of Spanish, however rudimentary, is useful but not necessary
• In Iquitos streets you are known as "fresh meat" - Howard will negotiate for you
• Things run on "jungle time" – so relax and go with the flow
• Meals are adequate – but the fresh fruit is fantastic
• Clothes can be sent out for washing – you don’t need to carry everything
• Bring a light blanket – it can get chilly at night
• The natives are very friendly and trade readily for Tee shirts
• Some natives trade for soles – but you need small bills or coins
• Some of the tribes are right out of National Geographic – still hunter-gatherers
• Prepare for diarrhea – Imodium may not work –get lomotil if you can obtain a prescription
• Chiggers abound – bring both repellent and anti-itch ointment
• Mosquitoes are not as bad as you may have expected
• You can’t amortize the expenses against a typical tour – the program supports food and medical needs for the local tribes who are at subsistence levels of existence
• The trip will be well worth the cost and you will experience things that few others do
• Flights to and from Iquitos are limited – usually only three a day each way
• If you have to wait in the Lima airport go to the mezzanine level, there are padded chairs and restaurants up there
• Bring bubble wrap and tape – for bringing things home
• The schedule is such that you can get to Lima and head back to the US that night
• Anticipate having a great experience

Finally, we found this through a travel book and agree with the recommendation:

• If you stay in Lima over night, consider the Hostel Torreblanca in Miraflores (three-star level). It is close to the ocean and easy access to the main district. It costs $45-$55 (single-double). Most importantly Pablo will meet you at the airport with your name on a sign. You won’t have to run the gauntlet of taxi drivers, which can be a harrowing experience. The ride to hotel and American breakfast are included. Also, Pablo is the son of the hotel owner. He lived in the US for two years and speaks English. For reservations call (51-1) 447-0142 or 242-1876 or email hostal@torreblancaperu.com & they have a web site at www.torreblancaperu.com

• Of course you can stay at the Pardo Doubletree for $150-200 a night if you want the five star option.