expertly
facilitated by Choque Chinchay
Journeys since 1995
"the
most ethical, experienced and knowledgeable transcultural guidance
into
the world of genuine core Peruvian shamanism available today"
The
extraordinarySpiritQuest
Shamanic Sanctuary Ceremonial Retreat Center
is fully
licensed in Perú by all applicable authorities
A CHECKLIST OF THINGS TO BRING AND DO IN PREPARATION
FOR YOUR TRAVEL WITH CHOQUE CHINCHAY JOURNEYSBASIC GUIDELINES FOR TRAVEL TO PERU
1. valid passport
2. airline tickets (international roundtrip to Lima is required to enter the country. One way tickets are not allowed unless you
have a visa to remain in Peru after your tourist pass expires.
3 We can book oiur domestic flights within Perú at costs below internet or discount ticketers in most cases.
3. Airport departure taxes ... approximately $31 USD for international departures and about $5.00 USD for each departure within Perú
4. cash/ATM/credit cards to secure cash while traveling.
5. money belt for money/passport securityCURRENCY ISSUES - MONEY
Because of currency complications in Peru, we recommend you use your ATM card to withdraw cash from ATM machines from your home accounts as needed. ATM machines are commonly available in all airports, banks, and on the street in larger cities. This will assure your currency is negotiable within Peru.
Upon arrival at the Lima airport, we recommend you withdraw your maximum allowed daily limit from an ATM machine at the Lima airport and exchange at least $200 USD to Peruvian soles at the currency exchange center there. This will assure you have the necessary funds for continuing travel expenses such as tips, taxi, meals, etc.
US dollars and other foreign currency must be in perfect condtion to be used in Peru. Bills which are torn (even a small tear along the edge), chipped, worn out, heavily creased, or inked are usually not accepted in Peru. To avoid problems be sure your bills meet these strict criteria. Always carefully inspect money you receive to be sure it is genuine and in perfect condition so it can be easily negotiated.
If you must bring cash with you, be sure to bring clean and untorn U.S. dollars in cash discreteely concealed in a money belt inside your clothing. It is safe to carry money in this way, but keep only what you need for expenses in your pocket, wallet, or handbag. Never, under any circumstances, remove money from your money belt in public or plain view of strangers. Someone is always watching. If you must remove money from your concealed money belt, go into a rest room stall to do it.
Its a good idea to carry your bills in plastic sandwich bags inside your money belt to keep them dry and undamaged.
If you bring cash be sure the bills are clean, untorn (even small tears along the edges will disqualify them), unchipped, and not heavily creased or inked.
Bring only $50 and $20 USD bills rather than $100 USD bills. One dollar bills are of no benefit. Be advised that US$100 bills are often not accepted due to counterfeiting concerns. If you bring $100 dollar bills, make certain they are not in the CB serial number series. These bills are not accepted in Perú under any circumstances.
Cashing traveler´s checks in Peru is complicated and not recommended. They are accepted only by specific banks and cannot be cashed on weekends. Most banks also charge a fee to cash traveler's checks and it can be a very time-consuming process.
The currency exchange rate in Peru is currently volatile. On April 8, 2008 the rate of exchange is S/.2.64 peruvian soles per US dollar.
PERSONAL GEAR CLOTHING
Lightweight hiking shoes or rubber boots for outings/sandals or thongs for casual time at the Sanctuary
waterproof rain poncho (lightweight)
light jacket/windbreaker
Sun/rain hat
sunglasses
2-3 pair of pants - light weight or quick-dry, two pair long pants and two or three pair walking shorts
2 light long sleeve shirts + 2 short sleeve shirts + 3-4 T-shirts, tank tops or other comfortable casual wear
5 pair of socks and underwear
sleeping and traveling clothes
bathing suit
lightweight towel and face clothRAINFOREST AND RIVER EXCURSIONS
light day pack
one liter water bottle
ziplock bags to protect belongings from moisture and water
compact inflatable sitting cushion (optional but recommended for added comfort)lightweight AA-cell flashlight with extra batteries. You'll want to carry a little flashlight in your pocket after dark.
small pocket or swiss army knive for utility needs.
journal and pens and/or tape recorder and tapes for personal notes
camera (a good point-and-shoot camera is recommended)
small binoculars (optional)Recommended for our shamanic retreats and journeys ...
personal iPod or cd player (cd-rewritable/mp3 compatible recommended) with your favorite music for rest and meditation.
We have a nice collection of shamanic, ethnic and meditative music to share. Bring extra AA batteries .Personal Items
Toiletries
Dental care items
lip balm
comb/brush
personal soap and shampoo (biodegradable)
towel and wash clothHealth Preparations and Precautions
sunscreen for maximum ultraviolet protection - the equatorial sun is strong!
personal medications and vitamins
anti-diarrheal medication - Motril or Bactrim are effective in most cases. Brief travelers' diarrhea may be experienced upon arrival
as the system and digestive flora adjusts to new surroundings, climate and types of food. This generally passes in 24 hours
as one acclimates to tropical conditions. All of our food and drink is prepared with purified bottled water for your safety and protection.compact personal first aid kit with topical antibiotic ointment (bacitracin, neosporin), benadryl cream, band aids, alcohol sterile wipes,
gauze, adhesive tape, etc.tetanus vaccination - make sure it is up to date.
MALARIA AND OTHER DISEASE PREVENTION
Though actually a very small risk, malaria prevention is an important consideration since two forms of malaria (Plasmodium vivax
and Plasmodium falciparum) occur in the Peruvian Amazon. Though malaria is normally not a high risk for short term visits, attention
to preventative measures is wise.The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends either mefloquine (Lariam) or Malarone as the pharmacological risk preventative
for travel to the Peruvian Amazon.Some people have unpleasant side effects from Lariam and long-term use may be harmful to the liver and kidneys.
Short term use of a few weeks is not considered a risk.Malarone is relatively new and CDC reports unpleasant side effects are rare. There are no known contraindications in taking Lariam
or Malarone in conjunction with Ayahuasca but it is a good idea to take no medications in such a case..Do not take Doxycycline, since antibiotics are contraindicated in conjunction with Ayahuasca.
B-complex vitamins commenced a few days before departure is recommended to reduce insect bites.
Grapfruit seed extract is said to offer some protection from malarial infection but this is not documented.
Bring and use an effective insect repellent. The standard recommended repellent is DEET (30-35%) which is not considered hazardous
in short term use. DEET is much more effective and lasts longer than the alternatives.Skin So Soft lotion works as an insect repellent for many people and is pleasant and safe to use.
Jungle Juice Insect Repellent manufactured by NutriBiotic contains clove oil, lemon oil, and peppermint oil but no harsh or toxic chemicals.
It must be re-applied more often than DEET, but is entirely organic and safe with no known harmful effects. Other organic repellents
contain citronella which is also effective. These can be found in sporting goods stores, alternative health stores, and many pharmacies.We recommend one wear long sleeves and pants after 5:00 p.m. or whenever mosquitos are active to reduce surface area for bites.
Risk of hepatitis A infection is not especially high in the Peruvian Amazon. However, as everywhere, some risk exists. Therefore one
should consider whether vaccination is warranted in your case given your short and long-term travel plans.Yellow fever vaccination is not presently required or needed for travel to our area of the Peruvian Amazon.
We provide bottled purified drinking water during your entire stay. All food is washed and prepared using purified water.
Our food is prepared in a sanitary manner from fresh foodstuffs obtained daily. We take every measure to insure your safety, health
and welfare. You are not likely to encounter any communicable or food-related illness in the course of our activities.Yellow fever, hepatitis B, cholera and typhoid vaccinations are not needed unless you plan travel to more remote jungle destinations.
One is highly unlikely to contact any of these diseases during a month or so in Peru.Climate Data for Locations in Peru
http://www.limaperunet.com/climateall.html
About SpiritQuest Shamanic Sanctuary
Ceremonial Retreat CenterSpiritQuest Shamanic Sanctuary Ceremonial Retreat Center is the pre-eminent facility of it's kind in the Peruvian Amazon. Designed in close harmony with nature and local culture, it embodies the spiritual energy and organic vitality of the Amazon amidst very comfortable 4* luxury accommodations.
The Sanctuary incorporates a residential cluster of nine large spacious fully-screened double occupancy personal quarters conveniently surrounding the central ceremonial maloca. We have six spacious single quarters available on a first-registered basis to those preferring private space. Maximum occupancy at the Sanctuary is twenty-four guests.
We do not work with larger groups because the very nature of what we do is so intrinsically interpersonal. It works much better in an intimate group setting rather than in a crowd. It is simply not possible to give appropriate qualified personal attention to more people at one time. At the Sanctuary, you won't be attended by "apprentices" in your medicine work. You'll be working directly with two extraordinary maestro curanderos with decades of experience in holistic healing and transformation of consciousness using ancient technologies and the sacred plants of antiguity.
Personal quarters at the Sanctuary feature private tiled bathrooms in every room, the best beds and mattresses in the Peruvian Amazon (no cots or mats on the floor), convenient shower access, 220 volt solar and generator- powered electricity in every room, and wi fi internet access all over the grounds (for those who just can't leave their laptops at home).
We will give you all the care and support you need to invest yourself fully and comfortably in your deep journeys with the spirit plant medicines. Our warm and experienced professional staff will take good care of you so you can focus all your energy and attention on your personal work with the plants. The medicine work itself may be challenging and difficult at times, but we'll make sure all your needs are met and more.
We at SpiritQuest Shamanic Sanctuary form the perfect transcultural bridge between modern contemporary global culture and the real old-time spiritual and healing practices of ancient shamanic Peru. We embrace the principles and traditions of old-fashioned core shamanism while bringing it's great blessings of healing and higher consciousness to the modern world for those who are called to it.
Travel Emergency, Health, and Theft Insurance
Travel insurance may be advisable for peace of mind and emergencies when traveling to Peru and other South American destinations.
However it is not essential and many travel without it and have no problems.For travel insurance rates and services contact these vendors
http://www.travelguard.com/products/sensesecurity1202/coverage.asp
Remember ... you'll be financially responsible for your personal medical needs and emergencies as well as any losses
due to theft regardless of circumstances. In the unlikely event of a problem, we will of course provide all possible support
and assistance
website design by
Otorongo Blanco
updated
April 9, 2008
