This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have the best experience possible. If you only read one section, this one is key!

Ahead of your tour:

• Your passport must be valid at least six months after the date of your scheduled return to the U.S. to enter the country. See "Passports, Visas & Documentation" section below for details.
• Travelers with a U.S. passport do NOT need to apply in advance for a visa for this adventure. It is free and issued at the port of entry. If you are from another country, please contact the Embassy of Peru’s website for guidelines.
• Please check current CDC recommendations for travel to Peru and consult with your doctor about general travel vaccinations you should have as precaution for travel. See the “General Health and Inoculations” section below.
• Travel insurance in case of serious medical emergency is strongly recommended. Full health coverage and repatriation is available through Allianz Travel Insurance.
• Make your international flight reservations to Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM). Send a copy to the Naturalist Journeys office please.
• Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing. Pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Arrival into Lima (LIM)

Please note: If you are delayed in travel, please refer to your emergency contact list, and contact your ground operator, with a back-up call to our office. You may also WhatsApp message, phone or text your Naturalist Journeys guide.

Plan to arrive into Lima at your leisure by the start date of the tour. It is advised to carry a copy of our Emergency Contact List with your travel documents. We advise that you exchange money into Peruvian Soles at the airport. This is very important! ATMs are not widely available once out of Lima. The airport ATM is the best location for changing money. We would suggest you come prepared as time may deter you from being able to visit an ATM during your trip. For more information about currency and money, see the “Spending Money” section below.

HANDY WEBSITE for Peru airport information: www.limaeasy.com/lima-info/lima-international-airport#general

Please check the Travel Details tab of this tour for additional information and updates.

Departure from Lima (LIM)

Please plan your departures on the last day of your tour for after 8:30 PM. Watch the flight times carefully; many flights depart around midnight, so do make sure you have the correct date. Please let us know if you need guidance booking this departure. It can be confusing, and we wouldn’t want there to be a mix up. 

Please check the Travel Details tab of this tour for additional information and updates.

Passports, Visas & Documents

Guidelines and regulations can change. It is always advisable to double-check the country’s documentation requirements 60-90 days ahead of traveling.  Information for U.S. citizens can be found at: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Peru.html. If you are from another country, please contact the Peru embassy website for guidelines.

Passport: You must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your scheduled return to the U.S. to enter the country. Your passport should have at least one blank page per stamp. 

Visa: A visa is NOT required for U.S. citizens to enter Peru. A tourist/embarkation card will be provided upon arrival in Peru. Airport authorities will keep half the card, and you will need to keep the other half safe as you will need to provide it at each accommodation, and it MUST be presented on your departure from the country. Keeping it inside your passport is recommended. KEEP THIS DOCUMENT IN A SAFE PLACE AS IT IS REQUIRED FOR EXIT.

As a precaution for loss or misplaced travel documents you are carrying on your person during travel, it is wise to carry a color photocopy of your passport ID page, your travel visa and even the back of your credit card(s) in your luggage or a carry-on, as a backup. Also, leave a copy with your emergency contact person at home. You may want to take a photo with your phone and have a copy there, along with a photo of the BAR CODE on your luggage tag. This greatly expedites getting a new one if necessary – we hope everyone will keep it close at all times and losing it will not be an issue.

General Health & Inoculations Information - Be Prepared!

Health requirements for entry to any country can change. It is always advisable to double-check the country’s health requirements and recommendations 60-90 days ahead of traveling. A helpful website for planning is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for Peru or by phone (800) CDC-INFO or (800) 232-4636.

We will share your health information with your guide. This information will be kept confidential but is very important as we want to be best prepared in case of a medical emergency.

Vaccinations: At the time of writing, no immunizations are required for entry into Peru from the U.S. or for re-entry into the U.S. Keep in mind that most of your time will be spent aboard the riverboat and in hotels and restaurants where food preparation standards and sanitary conditions are excellent. The CDC recommends that all travelers be up to date with routine vaccinations and basic travel vaccines (such as Hepatitis A and Typhoid) before traveling to any destination. Please check with your doctor for recommendations at least 4-6 weeks before departing on your trip. If you are traveling to Peru from another country, you should check to see what those requirements may be.

Yellow Fever: It is not required but you may want to consider the Yellow Fever vaccine, as these are good for ten years (and more and more they are saying they are good for life). Many international travelers will either have one or get one for this trip and it will be good for other destinations in the future. Please speak with your general physician before any trip abroad. More information on Yellow Fever prevention in Peru is available with maps a the CDC Yellow Book.

Remember, if you do have a current Yellow Fever vaccination certificate, bring it with you on your trip. If Peru makes a last-minute change to their entry policy before you leave, having this document will most likely be required to enter. If you cannot get a vaccine due to age and caution by your physician, then bring a physician letter saying you are in good health, but they do not recommend that you get the vaccine due to age.

A medically trained person will be placed on board as a member of the Amazon boat staff during the cruise.

Prescriptions: It is a good idea to pack any meds you take regularly in your carry-on luggage.  Bring an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses. Bring an adequate supply of any prescription medications you use, a copy of the prescription and a list of generic names of your medicines as “back-up” in case it is necessary to purchase drugs while abroad. You’ll want to keep medications in their original, labeled containers. 

Allergies: To be prepared for environmental triggers to allergies or breathing difficulties, please bring your allergy and/or asthma medication(s).  If you have severe allergies talk to your doctor about carrying an EPI pen and notify your guides. It is also recommended to carry with you an up-to-date record of known allergies, chronic medical problems and Medic Alerts so that, if necessary, emergency treatment can be carried out without endangering your health.

Please note that Epi-pens are not available during this trip.

Common Ailments: We recommend that you bring a travel-sized first aid kit and a supply of standard over-the-counter medications for prevention or treatment of common ailments (such as diarrhea, constipation, stomach upset, cough, congestion, head or body aches, insect bites and sunburn); as well as ointments, moisturizer, sunscreen, oral rehydration salts, band-aids, moleskin for blisters, cotton swabs, nail clippers, and tweezers, etc. Some may feel most confident if they bring a broad-spectrum antibiotic just in case; ask your physician. 

Since you will be traveling by riverboat, you will not experience high waves or choppy waters. Most travelers will not need motion sickness medications.

Recommended for heat and sun exposure:

• SUNBURN: Peru is close to the Equator – protect yourself from the sun! It feels good, but its effects quickly accumulate.
• A hat is a must to protect you from the strong tropical sun.
• Bring plenty of sunscreen and lip protection to last the whole trip.
• Pack good quality sunglasses.
• Wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants to protect skin.
• Alcohol: Keep in mind that because of the heat and humidity, you may find yourself more susceptible to the effects of alcohol than you would at home. Please keep this in mind, especially prior to excursions.

Mosquito Protection and Malaria: Talk to your doctor about how to prevent malaria while traveling. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for all areas below 6561 feet elevation. You may need to take medication before, during, and after your trip to reduce the likelihood of contracting malaria. Other mosquito-related diseases can be present as well.  No high intensity of infection is noted, and malaria along the route you follow is rarer each year, but possible. More information on malaria in Peru may also be found in the CDC Yellow Book.

Preventing bites is essential to protect yourself from diseases spread by mosquitos. Insect repellents should be EPA-registered and contain at least 20% DEET and be sure to apply sunscreen before you use insect repellent on your skin. Also, it is possible to purchase field clothing permeated with insect repellent, such as the Craghoppers Insect Shield collection or you can spray your clothing with a spray (meant for clothing, not for your skin!). These sprays are readily available at sporting goods stores or departments, or online. Do not apply permethrin directly to your skin.

Follow these preventive measures, particularly between dusk and dawn, to guard against bites:

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and hats. Bring a long pair of socks to tuck your pants legs in. Wear closed-toe shoes rather than sandals.
• If repellent is used lightly but regularly, insects should not be a serious problem. Avoid aerosol sprays. Lotions or pumps are best.
• Avoid using colognes, hairspray, and scented lotions and shampoos that may attract insects.
• Use strong insect repellent; the most effective contain DEET, although this can cause rashes and other problems in some people if absorbed through the skin or wounds therefore you should test for this in advance.

DEET can degrade plastic, camera equipment etc. Be careful when applying it and wash your hands before handling a camera or binoculars. Please apply your repellent prior to boarding the excursion boats and take into consideration those standing nearby who may have allergies or respiratory issues. 

Weather & Climate

The Iquitos area is located a few degrees south of the Equator and is characterized by strong tropical sun and high humidity. Average temperatures range from the upper 70s°F to the upper 80°F year-round during the day, to the lower 70s°F at night. It can be cool on the river at night or on overcast days. There is very little seasonal variation between winter and summer temperatures. The average humidity ranges from 60-80%, and rainfall occurs approximately 250 days out of the year. Most showers occur in the late afternoon or evening and are of short duration. Lima temperatures vary from 70-84°F January through March; 63-81°F April through June; 59-66°F July through September; and 61-75°F October through December.

Food & Drinks

Buffet style meals are served in a large, screened, river-view dining room at the Ceiba Tops Lodge. The full bar with lounge areas invite guest to relax in local ambiance. Meals aboard La Perla are a combination of traditional and international cuisine created with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. There is a bar with a selection of beers, wines and liqueurs. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served buffet style. Coffee, tea and fruit juices are served with meals. Soft drinks, sport drinks and alcohol will be at an additional cost. Diet soft drinks are not always available on the riverboat. They are available in hotels, usually at a higher cost than regular soft drinks. You will be asked to sign for drinks purchased on the riverboat. Accounts will be settled at the end of the voyage and can be paid by Visa, MasterCard or cash. Most special diets can be accommodated with advance notice.

All food on the riverboat and at lodges and hotels/restaurants on the adventure are carefully prepared, and the drinking water and water used for ice on the riverboat is purified. Bottled water is available free of charge on the riverboat. The risk of exposure to food and water-borne diseases on your expedition, especially when away from the riverboat or hotels, can be further minimized by: 

• Exercising caution in what you eat and drink apart from your group meals.
• Avoiding food purchased from street vendors.
• Avoiding uncooked food or unpeeled fruits and vegetables apart from your group meals.
• Drinking only water that is purified or bottled and sealed; use this water when brushing teeth.
• Avoiding getting water in your mouth when showering.
• Cleaning your hands frequently and always before eating.
• Not using ice in your drinks except at restaurants that cater to tourists.
• Asking your guide’s advice when in doubt.

Spending Money

The sol (S/) is the official currency of Peru. The U.S. dollar is the second currency and is commonly accepted in Peru (especially in hotels or businesses that cater to visitors). However, not all businesses (smaller restaurants and shops) will accept U.S. dollars. Therefore, we advise you carry a mix of different types of payments, such as U.S. dollars as well as Peruvian soles, plus an ATM card and a credit card. If you plan to convert US dollars to soles while in Peru, using an ATM is the easiest.  Otherwise, exchanging larger USD denominations ($50 or $100 USD bills) will get you a better exchange rate. 

You will need to have cash for premium bar tabs, souvenirs, personal items and tips. Carry crisp, unsoiled U.S. dollars in SMALL denominations (no larger than $20) that are in excellent condition and dated post 2000. If you plan to shop during the village visits, we suggest carrying Peruvian soles (approximately $100 USD worth) in smaller denominations. For the current exchange rate, please refer to an online converter tool like www.xe.com or your bank.

ATM machines are readily available at the airport and in large cities, like Lima, but become less available in rural areas. The ATM will dispense local money and your bank will convert into U.S. dollars. Many banks charge a fee of $1 - $5 each time you use a foreign ATM. Others may charge you a percentage of the amount you withdraw. Check with your bank before departure. You must become familiar with how to use your ATM card and PIN number ahead of the journey. There are no ATMs on the riverboat.

Credit cards, in general, are accepted in Peru, but mostly in larger cities. We suggest you have more than one card available and more than one brand of card, if possible, i.e. one Visa and one MasterCard (American Express is not as widely accepted). Not every shop will accept every card. Some machines are set up for both, while some will only service one or the other. We recommend that you advise your bank or credit card company that you will be traveling to Peru to avoid questions, card freezes, or charges. Visa and MasterCard are accepted on the riverboat, at the lodge and hotels, and in some shops and restaurants.

Traveler’s checks can be difficult to use in Peru, especially in villages and small towns. We do not recommend that you use them.

Gratuities

Tipping is a personal matter, entirely voluntary, and should be based on your experience and level of service received. If you are pleased with the service you receive and in response to past requests for recommended amounts, we suggest the following for service. Please remember that all U.S. dollar bills need to be in excellent condition in order for staff to redeem them. Peruvian soles may also be used; tipping in cash does guarantee that the crew will receive 100% of the amount you calculated:

• Ceiba Tops Boat Driver: $5 per day, per guest
• Ceiba Tops Lodge Staff: $15 per night, per guide (divided between lodge staff)

At Ceiba Tops Lodge, there will be a box in the dining area for staff tips.

• La Perla Naturalist Guides: $7-10 per night, per guide (split between guides)

La Perla Riverboat Crew: $12 per night, per guide, total amount will be divided

On the La Perla, for your convenience, envelopes will be left in your cabin on your last night on board. There will be a box in the dining room on the last evening, where you can leave the envelopes. (On board the riverboat, if you prefer you may charge the Naturalist Guides and Boat Crew Tips; however to benefit the staff, cash is preferred. This allows an immediate dispersal without delay, otherwise charged tips must be dispersed with monthly payroll.)

Please note that tips for porterage, hotel and hotel restaurant personnel are included in the cost of the expedition. 

Cell Phones & Internet Service

Your guide is well connected and can help if any urgent communication need arises. However, it is highly recommended that you travel with a cell phone, if only as a precaution for the unfortunate occurrence of a medical emergency during your trip and needing swift accessibility to critical personal or medical contacts. 

Please contact your cell phone provider before you leave to verify coverage within Peru. However, cell phone connectivity onboard the riverboat is not guaranteed and at best can be spotty and/or non-existent the further we travel from Iquitos, so please be prepared for no cell phone communications when on the river.

Satellite phones are not available in Peru. They must be purchased in the US and you need to verify with the carrier that you would have coverage in the Amazon as some do not work there. You may purchase a regular cell phone from the Lima Airport. The cost is approximately $10 for 1 to 30 days plus calls. Local calls are $0.49 cents per minute and $1.49 per minute for international calls. Coverage is still not guaranteed on the river. Prices listed are subject to change; please verify pricing prior to your purchase.

Please remember you are traveling to a remote area of the world where services are never guaranteed so it is best to be prepared for no cell phone access (even if rented in Peru) and no internet connectivity while on the river due to the remote areas where the boat will be traveling.

Family members should contact the operator or Naturalist Journeys offices with any emergency messages. 

Make sure that when you do NOT want to use your cell phone that you turn off your cellular data, put in airplane mode or turn off your phone altogether. You could incur huge charges if you are not on Wi-Fi. If you do use it for photos, putting your phone in airplane mode will save the battery as well. 

Please refrain from taking or making cell phone calls in the vehicles when traveling with other passengers, unless it appears to be an emergency. This disrupts other guests. Plan on personal cell phone call use on your own time.

Electricity

Most hotels in Lima accommodate 110/220 appliances but may require a plug adapter. The voltage in hotels outside of Lima and on the riverboat is 220 volts and will require a current converter. More information can be found at www.power-plugs-sockets.com. You should travel with a current convertor and adapter plugs for all of your electronic equipment. If you need additional power supplies for electronic equipment, You may also want to travel with an international power converter kit that includes a current converter and a set of adapter plugs. If traveling with a C-Pap machine or other medical equipment, make sure that you check with the maker and that you bring any proper converters, adaptors or protectors for all devices. If you need distilled water for your C-Pap machine, please let us know and we will make arrangements to have some onboard.

The electrical output on vessels and in hotels can surge and affect appliances and devices that you have plugged into the outlets. Naturalist Journeys and the operator are not responsible for damages to these items. It is recommended that you please leave items plugged in only when in use, or for the minimum time required.

Gifts and Donations

If it gives you pleasure, feel free to bring gifts to donate to the villages. We suggest books with Spanish to English translation for children, craft supplies and song books or music with the Spanish to English translation. In line with standard ecotourism standards, your operator and guides will gather the gifts onboard prior to our visit and will present them to the village leader on behalf of the group who makes sure all families receive their equal share of supplies on an ongoing basis.

Time

Peru observes Eastern Standard Time. When it is 10:00 AM on the U.S. East Coast and 7:00 AM on the West Coast, it is 10:00 AM in Peru. During Daylight Savings Time in the U.S., when it is 10:00 AM on the U.S. East Coast and 7:00 AM on the West Coast, it is 9:00 AM in Peru. Peru does not observe Daylight Savings Time. A great time website is www.timeanddate.com.

Photography Equipment List

If you are taking a lot of expensive camera, video, and/or sound equipment, we recommend that you make a list including description of each item, serial and model numbers, and your name and home address. Bring several copies of this with you. Customs may require this when you enter the country. They may also request a statement that you will bring all items back with you. If you only have one camera and/or video recorder, you should not have to worry about this. We recommend that you travel light!

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com or telephone at our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey!