Life goes as the river flows: octubre 2011

Hi there Folks !!!

My name is Erik Flores and I will be your Adventure Travel Trip Leader on your forthcoming Amazon Trip.

I was born in the rainforest have lived and worked in the Amazon-Peru my whole life and have been working for Travel Industry since 1997.

As your Travel Trip Leader I will be coordinating all your activities in the Amazon.

Get ready for an adventure of lifetime!

So you could have a unique Travel Experience in this remote part of the world.

As an Adventure Travel Co and Trip leader, we seek out unusual experiences in out-of-the-way places where ordinary tours do not dare to go. So be prepared to leave your comfort zone to get a real feel of the local nature and culture. Be ready to change your chip for the new chip of Peru.

We will most probably encounter a bit of everything - from airline delays to unpredictable weather - as we head in to the most remote part of the Globe.

In order to accomplish this goal let me tell you about Travel philosophy.

You will be travelling to places where things are not going to be the same as they are back home.

Peru is not worst or better than your country it's just different.

The wild Amazon meandering along its own way
By Erik

You will first spend many hours flying south or north and even east , half way across the globe to get to this part of the world. We will then visit Lima before flying on to Iquitos city and seeing the Greatest river on earth THE MAJESTIC AMAZON. Our main portion of our Travel Experience begins in Iquitos or Nauta an amazonian rainforest cities the gateway to the Amazon River. Later on we will head for Pacaya and Samiria National Reserve followed by contrasting scenic greenery of the rainforest and outstanding Sunsets.

Having completed our adventure our Grand Finale will be back into Iquitos or Nauta before heading back home or on to your Pre-trip or post-trip.

We need from you the very best, flexibility and ready to turn each minus into a plus and knowing that our schedules and plans may change along the way.

As an Adventure Travel Co and Travel Trip Leader, we believe that we travel in order to expand our horizons, to improve the world we share, to improve our lives and help others improve theirs, to become better people by opening our hearts and minds, by sharing our experiences, our cultures as well as supporting the people and the local economies of the countries we visit.

We believe that through travel we get to understand the world we share with others and that this is a basic pre-condition to accepting our differences.

Facts about our Amazon Adventure in Peru

The Amazon confluence mid left and Nauta town on the right
By Erik

Traveling in the Amazon is very different from any trip you have taken before, traveling in the Amazon Jungle is undoubtedly one of the most adventurous trips in South America, we will be traveling during this Adventure to very remote areas which only a few have seen onboard THE ARAPAIMA RIVER BOAT a non-luxury but comfortable and clean Ship, you should be prepared for challenges that will demand us to move out of our comfort zone and try new things (at the end of the day isn´t this the reason why we travel?), if you have never sweat, you will for sure in the jungle, where temperature IS EXTREME and varies from 90°F to 110°F or higher! weather can change in a second from clear sunny blue skies to cloudy and rainy days, expect to be wet 90% of the time, with humidity very close to 100%; long walks in the jungle will challenge us to walk in the mud, remember we will be walking in the middle of nowhere, we will not find tracks, paved streets, it is the jungle!! and it is the adventure you were looking for, some days like on our journeys, we will have long skiff rides to reach the PacayaSamiria National Reserve (2 – 4 hours ride) wildlife is not waiting for us!!, and/or long walking tours in the middle of the jungle to enjoy nature, in both cases remember we have to go deep in the wilderness to enjoy being in the remote areas REAL JUNGLE ( PLEASE IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO BRING ALONG WITH YOU GOOD PAIR OF BINOCULARS, PREFERABLY WATERPROOF NIKON 8x42, EAGLE OPTIC, LEICA ETC, ANIMALS ARE FARAWAY SO WE NEED TO USE OUR BINOCULARS TO SPOT THEM AND ENJOY THE VIEW )…because of these skiff rides and walks, we might not have toilets available, if someone needs to use the bathroom we may make a stop along the river and go into the bush just like real adventurers, but IF NO LAND AT SIGHT, WE WILL JUST WING IT ON THE BOW / STERN OF THE SKIFF …At the end of the day, all these challenges will pay back when you return home with fond memories and being able to tell that you have been where very few have had the chance to be in!!.

Boatride along a black water river by Erik

Again this is not just another trip; this is “The” Adventure in the Amazon Jungle.

We will experience the destination using our 6 senses. (Number 6 is the sense of humor!)

We will go where Americans don’t go and maybe where no one else has ever been before.

We will go off the beaten path and show you the real things!

Unexpected things will happen to us, as a matter of fact, “the worst that can happen is that nothing happens to you at all” so the worst that is gonna happen is to get wet during rain, That is why we need to WORK as a TEAM, I need 100% Positive attitude, Flexibility and a real understanding of where we are ….” The Amazon Jungle”, in the end, these unexpected things may become the highlight of the trip… when you, for example, see yourself face to face with a giant Anaconda!!

As always I will be more than happy to provide you with options if you prefer to skip any of these activities.

As your Trip Leader experienced in dealing with unexpected hitches, I will often work discreetly, behind the scenes, for the good of the group. But we’ve also developed a calm acceptance, flexibility, and respect that some things are simply beyond our control. Our activities could be different from those described in your itinerary.

Trust me, this trip will reward you with the Best Overall Travel Experiences as well as the opportunity to discover a whole new world of natural wonders.

So be ready in body and mind for this once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.

For your information, I will be meeting you in .... to welcome you to my beautiful country. There will be a Transfer Guide at the airport holding up a sign with your name or Name of the Company, he or she will show your name on our list with the total number of participants.

The hotel where we are staying in ........is :

The hotel where we are staying is "JOSE ANTONIO"

Av. 28 de Julio # 398 Miraflores -Lima
Out of Peru : 51-1-445-7743
Out of Lima : 01-445-7743

In Lima : 01-445-7743

Should you need any additional information I may be reached via my Email: erikflores130671@gmail.com or contact me on my cell phone: (511)901392972.

See you in........where our real Travel Experience begins.

I wish you a pleasant flight and blessings.

All the best,

Erik Harvey Flores

Trip Leader

Travel Trip Leader/Program Director

Before traveling..you need to know

Passport:

US Passport should be valid for the whole trip until your return to the United States. Make photocopies of your passport, travel protection plan, and airline tickets, and keep them separately from originals. On entry into each country you will receive a local immigration document; keep your passport and immigration slip together; they will be required for check-in at every hotel, airline counters, and airport security gates and when leaving the country.

Weather:

Peru is a multiregional country, you will experience vastly different climates from cooler temperatures in Lima to warmer and unpredictable rains in the Amazon during our journey.

The Government Palace in Lima by Erik

Lima is nice in fall (April, May) and spring (October and November), temperature is around 75 F. Chilly in winter (June to September) 67 F; and hot in summer (December to March) 80 F, average humidity is 90%, and it hardly ever rains.

Machu Picchu by Erik

Qosco and the Sacred Valley is changeable, warm in the sun and cold in the shade, dress in layers, and bring rain gear for all tours, even in the dry season, temperature is between 45 and 72 F, and humidity is between 15% to 50%.

Machupicchu is unpredictable and humid, days can be very hot or damp cold if it rains, and temperature ranges between 50 and 82 F dress in layers, bring your rain gear all the time

Amazon:

Palace hotel in 1908-1912 Rubber boom(1879-1910)

Climate conditions along the Amazon remain remarkably consistent year-round. Temperatures reach the mid to upper 105ºF EXTREME during the day and drop to the low 70ºF at night. Though many equatorial regions experience a distinct rainy versus dry season, this is not true of the Amazon. Rainfall occurs approximately 115 inches per year as a result of the continual transpiration of thousands of acres of heavy vegetation; we also experience 250 days of rain in a year. However, is not the only means through which water enters the Amazon. The high water/low water cycle is mostly a result of seasonal precipitation that takes place from November to May throughout vast drainage areas encompassing about 2,280,000 square miles. The rain and snow that fall in the Andes and other highland areas reach the Amazon through its many far-flung tributaries and produce a high-water season and which the river may rise up to forty-five feet. The water level usually reaches its highest peak during April and May, its corresponding low point occurring in August or September. It should be noted that deforestation of the foothills and upper basin has caused a shift in rain levels during certain times of the year. This along with Unpredictable Mountain weather may cause early or late high and low river levels.

By Erik a beautiful sunrise in the Amazon

Traveling along the Amazon is enjoyable throughout the year. Temperatures remain pleasant and the almost daily rainfall usually takes place in the late afternoon or evening and rarely interferes with planned activities. These activities include nature walks along jungle trails and river excursions. At low-water great number of trails are clear for nature walks. HIKING IN THE AMAZON IS NOT LISTED (BUT YOU MAY LIKE TO REQUEST) DUE TO THE TOUGHNESS OF THE TERRAIN AND WEATHER TEMPERATURE. At high-water season smaller tributaries will be accessible by skiff, but be sure to bring along a pair of shoes you don’t mind getting wet and muddy! It would be hard to pinpoint the “best” time of year to travel – the Amazon offers enjoyment and adventure at any season.

Clothing:

Many suggestions from past adventure travelers. You won’t need much else, and you won’t have room for much else in your duffel.

We will provide ponchos for use in rain forest and also Rubber boots, however, if you plan to take a pre or post-trip extension you may want to bring your own as they will not be provided.

 Short-sleeved cotton shirts—4 or 5. Polo-style shirts are more versatile than T-shirts.

 Light Long-sleeved cotton or cotton-blend shirts—3 for the Amazon mainly. Lima always kind of cool during November throughout February

 Trousers: 2 or 3 pairs, comfortable and loose fitting. Avoid tight-fitting jeans.

 Walking shorts, long-cut for modesty—2

 Wide-brim sun hat or visor for sun protection

 Light rain PONCHO/windbreaker with hood; the local operator sometimes has them or NOT, so take your precautions, please.

 Light wool or fleece sweater as motor coach air conditioning can be cold, especially Lima and Cusco, if this is your case, and sometimes in the dining room of the boat where we will be at least 6 days

 Polartec fleece jacket, especially for June-October departures

 Underwear—7 or 8 changes

 Shoes should be comfortable walking or running shoes with arch support

 Hard-bottom shoes with soles that offer good traction

Rubber boots will be provided on The Arapaima Boat!!!

 River sandals (with secure ankle strap, such as Tevas, even better the keen sandals) or aqua socks

 "Mud shoes"—inexpensive sneakers for walking on muddy or submerged trails

muddy shoes after a nature walk in the jungle by Erik

 Socks—7 pairs (2 pairs should be long- to heavy-weight for hiking)

 Optional: sleeveless shirts

 Optional: swimsuit, in case a hotel has a swimming pool or we may swim in the Amazon.

 Optional: handkerchiefs

Other Essential Items

 Daily essentials: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, hairbrush or comb, shaving items, deodorant, shampoo/conditioner( your preference), shower cap and body soap, etc.

 Spare eyeglasses/contact lens

 Sunglasses, 100% UV block

 Sunscreen, SPF 50 or stronger

 Insect repellent with DEET (30-35% strength)

 Travel money bag or money belt

 Cold-water hand-wash laundry soap such as Woolite and plastic hang-up clothespins

 Light folding umbrella or parasol (for pre and post-trip extensions)

 Photocopies of passport, air ticket, credit cards

 Moisturizer (not for the amazon)and sun-blocking chapstick

 Packets of pocket-size tissues or small rolls of toilet paper

 Moist towelettes (not individual packets) and/or anti-bacterial "water-free" hand cleanser

 Flashlight, extra batteries/bulb

Medicines

(I will have a small first-aid kit on hand as well.)

 Your own prescription medicines

 Cold remedies: Sudafed, Dristan, etc.

 Ibuprofen or aspirin

 Laxatives

 Pepto-Bismol or Mylanta

 Benadryl or other antihistamine

 Anti-diarrhea tablets, like Imodium or others

 Neosporin or bacitracin

 Band-Aids, several sizes

 Moleskin foot pads

 Prescription antibiotics for diarrhea like Cipro 500mg

 Optional: Prescription medicine to prevent malaria

 Optional: Tylenol with codeine, or another strong pain medication for rare emergency purposes

 For optional extension: Prescription medicine for altitude sickness

Optional Gear

 Camera gear

 Travel alarm or travel watch with alarm

 A good pair of binoculars (essential for observing wildlife) recommended: Leica, swift, Bushnell, Nikon, Eagle optics, Vortex 8X42.

 Folding walking stick, sold in most camping stores, preferably rubber-tipped (for post-trip extension)

 Hanging toiletry bag (with a hook to hang on the doorknob and pockets to organize items)

 Basic sewing kit

 Hair dryer( the boat does not provide it)

 Washcloth

 Reading materials

 Travel journal/notepad and pens

 Favorite snacks

 Electrical converter & plug adapter even though we have 220 and 110volts double-rounded grip and flat grips: see " About Electricity" for details

 Home address book

 Small gifts for home-hosted visit: flashlights, fishing hooks, little tools for fixing fishing hooks, little radio broadcast, balloons, second-handed shirts or blouses, etc

 Phrasebook

 Pocket-size calculator for exchange rates

 Inflatable seat cushion for bumpy roads

I highly recommend bringing some of your clothing or other values in your Carry-On so that in the eventual case of luggage delay or loss; at least you save some clothing to wear the next hours or days.

Currency:

ATM machines are available in larger cities and generally have a maximum withdrawal of approximately USD 300 per day. In Lima, Credit Cards are widely accepted and we recommend having at least some local currency for small items such as taxis, pay phones, public toilets, water, vendors on the street, etc.

Traveler’s checks—not recommended: We urge you not to rely on traveler's checks for your personal expenses. They can be difficult to exchange and the commission fee for cashing them is quite high from 5- 8%. It’s most practical to view any traveler’s checks you might bring as a last “cash” resort in the event of a special situation.

U.S. dollars have an advantage. Cash is more readily exchanged and accepted than traveler's checks, and sometimes commands a better exchange rate. You might also consider using a debit card, another reliable payment method. At this moment the exchange rate in Peru is $1.00= S/3.50 and it varies from place to place. In the airport, you get $1.00=S/2.90 much less than many places in Peru.

There is no need to obtain local currency before your trip. You can change money at banks, most hotels, and money exchange offices and I will personally make sure you have the right rate. Note: that torn, dirty, or taped bills may not be accepted; please contact your bank ahead of time so they can get you good bills in dollars $1.00; 5.00; 10.00,20.00, 50 or 100.00

ATMs

When traveling, typically PLUS, Cirrus and other bank networks are available throughout large cities and small towns. Always notify your bank before you leave home that you are going abroad so that they may remove any blocks on your account and also ask them about the number of withdrawals you may make abroad. For cash withdrawals, don’t forget to memorize the actual digits of your card’s 4-digit PIN number (many keypads at foreign ATMs do not include letters on their numeric keys, they only display digits.)

Note: Many banks have begun imposing a fee ranging from $1 to $5 every time you use an ATM in a foreign city. You may want to limit the number of withdrawals that you make. I will advise you when to exchange money at your discretion.

Be aware that Peruvian Soles (S/) and US dollars ($) have different symbols.

The official currency of Peru is the Nuevo Sol, which is divided into 100 céntimos.

 bills come in denominations of 10.00, 20.00, 50.00, 100.00 & 200.00

 coins come in denominations of 0.10, 0.20, 0.50 cents, 1.00,2.00, 5.00 soles

Credit Cards

Though major American credit cards are accepted abroad, always inquire if your type of credit card is accepted before deciding on your purchase. It is also wise to notify the credit card company that you will be using your cards abroad so that they may remove any security block. When using a major credit card you may receive a lower exchange rate than if you pay with cash; inquire about the rate first. Please be aware that credit cards might not be accepted for small amounts. DISCOVER credit card does not operate outside the US. Keep your receipts in case you have questions about the conversion or exchange rate. Also, keep your receipts as proof of purchase for items to be shipped home.

Please note that optional tour payments made by credit card may take up to 3 months to process. For this reason, we ask that you use a credit card that will not expire until three months following your trip.

Use of credit cards Onboard your river ship: At the end of our river cruise journey, ONLY Credit card VISA and Master Card for trips 2014 will be accepted and of course, your currency is well appreciated or even soles to settle up your bar bill and the end of the week.

Liquor on Board .- you will have a variety of drinks ONBOARD bar.

And if you want to bring your own liquor there is a corkage fee of $13.00 per bottle.

Water:

We always recommend having bottled water with you. OAT will provide 3 bottles of water during our stay in Lima and in Iquitos 2 bottles of water. On the Amazon riverboat, 3 bottles of water will be supplied and if we need more there will be available a big water dispenser to refill our little bottles. Otherwise, No worries!! we do have the whole Amazon River for us. (ha, ha just a joke!)

Electricity:

Throughout your trip, you'll need an electric-current converter and plug adapters to use American appliances, since hotels may not have available 110volts. Electricity in Peru is generally 220 volts, 60 cycles AC, and outlets are designed for flat-blade plugs or round-pin plugs. On board the Amazon River vessel, you'll find 220-volt outlets in the cabins and in the dining room for flat blades and round grounding pins. due to this situation please bring your adapter or converter. Notice that camera, iPhone, and iPod battery chargers come now a day already with an automatic voltage switch. Make sure to read your devise INPUT 110V -240V

Luggage:

 Daypack or small backpack: To carry your daily uses, including a water bottle, camera gear, sunscreen, etc. As noted above, use this as your carry-on bag on your flights, and keep it with you during driving excursions and walking trips. A backpack-style bag or waist pack keeps both hands free and distributes the pack’s weight onto your back or hips. Store camera gear and important papers in plastic bags to protect them from dirt, moisture, and rain.

 One duffel bag or soft-sided luggage: You are only allowed one piece of checked luggage. Look for one with heavy nylon fabric, wrap-around handles, built-in wheels, and a heavy-duty lockable zipper. Space is limited on our mini-buses, so please do not bring a rigid suitcase.

 Inner bags: Use plastic shopping bags, nylon stuff sacks, small zipper duffels, or special mesh bags to separate clothing and gear inside your suitcase, and for dirty laundry. Isolate liquid toiletries in heavy-duty Zip-Loc bags.

 Locks and luggage tags for all bags. Lock luggage on all flights outside of the U.S.

 For the optional post-trip extension: A small, lockable duffel bag with a luggage tag and small lock. Fold this empty bag into your large bag. Due to limited storage space on the Machu Picchu train, we stow your large duffel in the hotel in Cuzco and carry overnight gear in this small duffel. If you are taking either of the optional extensions, this small duffel should be used since our transport sometimes takes place in vans and luggage space is very limited.

In Peru, you are allowed up to 50 lbs total per person Free of Charge as checked luggage + 1 Carry-On bag up to 17 lbs + 1 personal item such as a handbag or laptop on board the aircraft!!!

Hotels

Accommodation takes place in regular standard hotels with doubles and twin beds, some of them might be quite small or limited in services and noisy(for instance: some hotels don’t have elevators, water temperature and pressure may vary, sometimes water shortage may occur, no heater, no air conditioning, bed size varies, power cuts may occur). If you are sensitive to noise bring your earplugs.

Some hotels provide us modest breakfasts.

Most of the hotels and restaurants are family-owned because our philosophy is to improve the local economy and being nearer to them. When check-out don’t forget to turn back the keys at the front desk.

When you go out of the hotel, take always the name, address, and phone number. If you have a Mini bar In-room, anything consumed will be billed to you. Checked luggage should be out of the room by the door half an hour before departure time from the hotel. The Day Room is a regular hotel room.

Service Onboard

Dining room

You will have the opportunity to taste fruits that do not exist in other places and consume healthy products as well as the chance to help us in our conservation efforts.

Meals & Service

Buffet-style meals are served . Included beverages:

Coffee, decaf, tea, milk, cream, juices, yogurt and fruits.

They are typically served at this Schedule:

Breakfast 07:30

Lunch 12:30

Dinner 19:00/19:30

Coffee Station

We have a self-service coffee station open 24 hours a day fresh brew 100% Peruvian coffee grown in the mountain forest.

Bar

If you wish to purchase a soft drink, beer, or an extra bottle of bubbling water, please write down your name and cabin, number, and signature along with the drink of your choice on the sheet of the board which is located right on the bar furniture. Other drinks like wines, margaritas, and so on, need to be ordered with the bartender.

Water

All the water that we use onboard comes from our water plant installed on the ship, there is enough water for showering, etc but please do not use it for brushing your teeth or drinking. Sealed bottles of water without gas will be supplied in your cabin besides that, there are a couple of bottled water dispensers on the first and second decks where you may like to refill your empty bottles

Cabins

Cleaning service will be provided 2 times a day. Other items regarding the cabins should be considered:

Cabins may be noisy due to the A/C operating and Main Engine, for that reason we recommend bringing a pair of earplugs.

Cabins are small 2.10cm high, not very spacious and beds are 1.90 cm X 0.90 apx.

Power Supply

110-220V ONLY all over the boat But you may need an adapter.

Safety

You will find no safe box in the cabins because wherever you leave your values will be safe.

Laundry

Free laundry service is provided on board as a part of the service (no cost at all).

This service will be available only once a week more than that it will have a cost.

Shoe Cleaning

It will be available throughout your entire voyage.

I will let you know when this service will be available.

keep in mind that shoes may take some hours to dry out.

No hair dryer is provided onboard, we suggest you bring yours along with.

Recommendations to bring with you for the Home Hosted lunch and School visit

By Erik School visit

According to our Itinerary, we may visit a school and sometimes our guests bring some school supplies from their home town but you can also buy these gifts in Peru and you will be helping the local economy which is very well appreciated. On the other hand, we will share lunch with a local family the same day we expect to visit the school(as you should know the school children are back to session classes); it would be nice to bring along with you a small gift from your town we suggest like: family games, hometown t-shirts L-M-S size, Hooks for fishing, small flashlights, or little radio, etc. but if you want to buy in Peru you are more than welcome indeed.

Miscellaneous

It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED TO LEAVE YOUR PASSPORT IN THE SAFE BOX DEPOSIT OF YOUR ROOM during our stay in Lima city, it is not necessary to carry it along with you. You can always bring photocopies of your passport or driver's license. DO NOT CARRY EXPENSIVE JEWELRY or ALL YOUR MONEY while walking around the cities we visit. A small amount of local currency is highly recommended. Traveler’s checks are welcome in major cities only. It saves valuable time and money to have all the information or a photocopy of your credit card and emergency phone numbers handy to report stolen or lost Credit Cards.

BINOCULARS ARE EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO BRING ALONG WITH YOU to spot birds and wildlife in general REMEMBER LEICA, NIKON Monarch, EAGLE OPTIC, ZIESS 8X42, or even SWAROVSKI remember ANIMALS ARE NOT CLOSE so that's why the importance of binoculars as well as walking sticks if you have some trouble walking. Memory sticks for digital cameras are expensive in this part of the world.

Taxis are not metered so they do not have fixed rates.• Restaurants “service charges” normally do not include the waiter’s tip, which is 10 percent of the bill. It is not always possible to add a tip to the credit card.

All tippings are included Except your OAT Trip Leader and maids at the hotels, please refer to your OAT travel book.

Enjoy some videos of our trip:

Enjoy the video about the trip :
You can watch it on the OAT website here:
http://www.oattravel.com/Trips/2012/Amazon-River-Cruise-and-Rain-Forest-2012/Trip-and-Air-Details/Special-Video.aspx#top

OAT en Youtube :
http://youtu.be/xUDmsfr2aKw

Video about iquitos city:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8Lzguv9YG0&feature=youtu.be