FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- What do I need to bring with me on my tour?
Lightweight pants, light weight long sleeved shirts, shorts, t-shirts, bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, hat, camera, film, binoculars (optional), mosquito repellent, rain poncho or jacket, socks, sandals, and athletic shoes. Head lamps work wonderfully in low light conditions at night. We recommend the Petzl or Energizer LED head lamps.
- What is included in the tour?
It depends on the desired tour. See independent and package tour pages for details.
- How is the climate?
The jungle is hot and humid with cool evenings and nights. It rains every month with a dryer and wetter season. The wet season is from January through May. For current temperatures see current weather link.
- Will the seasons affect my tour?
All of the tour activities are available year round.
- Do I really see animals?
Guests report seeing many animals. Besides countless species of birds, butterflies, insects, and snakes, many land mammals such as monkeys, and even ocelots have been spotted. Seeing animals in the jungle depends on many factors such as noise, weather conditions and the season. Noise, the number one reason for not seeing animals, scares them away. The quieter you remain in the jungle the better for witnessing animals.
- What language is spoken?
Spanish is spoken throughout Peru. The locals in the jungle speak Spanish with the addition of some indigenous words. Blue Morpho Tours utilizes bilingual guides (English and Spanish) and local guides (Spanish only).
- Are there mosquitoes?
Yes! While the camp house is screened to provide an area free from mosquitoes, the jungle is home to many biting insects. The best protection is to cover your skin with clothes sprayed with repellant.
- What about malaria?
Malaria can be contracted in Iquitos and at the Blue Morpho Tours Jungle Camp. It is recommended to take anti-malarial medication. Consult with you physician about different medications and proper precautionary action.
- What about vaccinations?
Consult your physician about needed travel vaccinations before departure.
- Are there venomous snakes?
Yes, there are a variety of species of venomous snakes and non-venomous snakes. In case of snakebite, Blue Morpho Tours has anti venom at the camp and with guides. As well, there is a hospital in Iquitos with personnel trained in snakebite care.
- Are there native communities in the area?
The nearest native communities are outside of Iquitos. The small communities near the camp were formed as part of a government expansion program in the mid 90’s. It is important to enjoy the jungle environment, absorbing the detail, while leaving behind as little of our culture as possible.
- What is shamanism?
Shamanism is a type of traditional spiritual belief systems and traditional medicine. Found throughout tribal cultures around the world, similarities abound between beliefs of what seem to be unrelated communities. One commonality is the belief in “other realities" or “other dimensions" that the consciousness travels through during training and then healing work.
- What is Amazonian shamanism?
Amazonian shamanism originated in the tribes of the Amazon basin. Through their extensive understanding of their environment they utilized the many medicinal plants, forming a medical culture unique to its own. The Indians learned to heal from the spirits of the plants that they utilized. They connected through the sacred use of visionary plants where telepathy, shared consciousness, and astral travel were common experiences.
- How long are the ceremonies?
Ceremonies generally last between 2 and 6 hours.
- Should I tip in Iquitos?
In restaurants and bars, tipping is not part of the local culture, but is greatly appreciated.
- Should I tip the guides and assistants?
We greatly appreciate all generosity showed to our employees. It is our policy for all tips to be given to the tour leader for further distribution after the completion of the tour.
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