FAQs- The Amazon

1. I have been told that I need to get injections and bring malaria tablets on our trip. Is this true? If so, which injections? How important is it?
2. Can you provide a list of necessary items to take with us, clothes, kind of mosquito-repellent, and so on?
3. Would you advise to take also broad spectrum antibiotics?
4. Are walking sticks helpful for the jungle?
5. Are we allowed to take all of our luggage into the Amazon? Is there a weight/bag restriction?
6. Is there any night life in the town?
7. Will there be a representative at the airport picking us up when we arrive?
8. Is there canopy zip lining in the Amazon?
9. Will I be able to do the tour if I'm unable to walk, for example with a broken leg?
10. There is only one hour between the two flights that are booked for us from Arequipa to Puerto Maldonado via Cuzco. Will we be able to get both boarding passes when we check in, in Arequipa, and will it be possible for our luggage to be checked all the way through to Puerto Maldonado?
11. Is there a phone card that we can purchase at the airport before we go to Amazon? Or are there special long distance phones/set ups?
12. Is it possible to fish for Piranha at the jungle lodges?

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1. I have been told that I need to get injections and bring malaria tablets on our trip. Is this true? If so, which injections? How important is it?

Yellow Fever vaccination is just recommended but not required. If you want to be on the safe side you can get the shot before you arrive. The shot takes 10 days to become effective. Malaria is not a serious problem for travelers in the Peruvian Amazon. However, if you feel you would like to take precautions, then you should consult your doctor prior to traveling. As always, we recommend you always check with your Doctor or the local Health Department regarding any health issues before traveling.

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2. Can you provide a list of necessary items to take with us, clothes, kind of mosquito-repellent, and so on?

Here is a short list of items we recommend for the jungle:

• Long sleeve cotton shirts
• Long pants
• Broad brimmed hat
• Binoculars
• Ankle-high hiking boots
• Sun block lotion
• Sunglasses
• and of course, mosquito repellent

You may wish to mosquito-proof your clothes. Treat them with Permethrin which lasts even when you wash your clothes (lasts for 2 weeks). As for repellent, the most common option is a lotion containing Deet. If you prefer to be a bit healthier, search for natural formulas containing Citronella. (Reapply every 2 hours). Reserva Amazonica lodge offers natural repellent for all their guests.

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3. Would you advise to take also broad spectrum antibiotics?

You don’t need to go to this extent, as you will be staying in good hotels throughout your trip and a top jungle lodge so the quality of food is good. Talk to your Doctor or the local Health Department about any health concerns you have before traveling.

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4. Are walking sticks helpful for the jungle?

You won’t be having any strenuous hikes, but walking sticks are always helpful.

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5. Are we allowed to take all of our luggage into the Amazon? Is there a weight/bag restriction?

You can leave your heavy luggage at the safe luggage storage in the Lodge’s office and just take what you need for the Amazon portion. The best idea would be to separate your things before you fly into the jungle.

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6. Is there any night life in the town?

Unfortunately not, its pure tranquility and contact with nature. You will be in the middle of the Amazon, not in town.

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7. Will there be a representative at the airport picking us up when we arrive?

Yes, in the airport look for a sign with your last name.

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8. Is there canopy zip lining in the Amazon?

Depending on the lodge you stay at, you will have the chance to climb up towers/do long canopy bridges which sway as you walk. Puerto Maldonado lodges have not developed any zip lines yet. Zip lines are done in the northern Amazon of Peru (Iquitos area), but not in the southern Amazon of Puerto Maldonaldo.

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9. Will I be able to do the tour if I’m unable to walk, for example with a broken leg?

Some Amazon Lodges are more accommodating to people with physical challenges. Consult your travel advisor so they can arrange for you to stay in the Lodge most accommodating to your needs.

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10. There is only one hour between the two flights that are booked for us from Arequipa to Puerto Maldonado via Cuzco. Will we be able to get both boarding passes when we check in, in Arequipa, and will it be possible for our luggage to be checked all the way through to Puerto Maldonado?

Your flights are well coordinated. Cuzco is just a stopover (you won’t even get off the plane) & you will get all the boarding passes you need to get to Puerto Maldonaldo.

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11. Is there a phone card that we can purchase at the airport before we go to Amazon? Or are there special long distance phones/set ups?

The only thing is that you’ll need to use a landline is a phone card. In the jungle there are no phone lines or cell sites, only radio communication for emergency. Some lodges also have internet access which the staff has access to; this can be another option if you need to communicate something urgently.

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12. Is it possible to fish for Piranha at the jungle lodges?

Yes, simply request it when you get to your lodge, you can even have the cook prepare the Piranha you caught!

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We work hard to ensure that all information is current and accurate. However, the Tourism Industry is rapidly evolving in Latin America and many changes can occur overnight. Please speak to a Travel Advisor for the most up-to-date information on any of our Latin America destinations!