Basically, we get two days in Iquitos--during which my team and I take you out to some very interesting corners of that place, places gringos who live there probably have never seen--while at the same time getting you to begin shutting down your internal dialogue (the better to hear the plant medicine spirits), getting you acclimated physically and getting you outfitted with jungle boots and such. We might visit Julio's grave and my friend's animal rescue place; we'll definitely spend time in Belen, the largest market on the Amazon all the way to Manaus in Brazil, and really the heart of the heart of Peru's Amazon. And then we'll do some other things as well. But I don't' want to give up all my secrets, so wait till it's time.
Day 3
On Monday we take off on a huge flat-bottomed riverboat and head 212 kilometers up the Amazon. It's an overnight trip that will affect you fiercely: An Amazon sky overhead, the Amazon river at your feet; jungle towns and forest all around you, and if you like, a portion of local magic 'shrooms to make it all just a touch more intense. It's a beautiful night.
Day 4-9
On Tuesday, after a short layover and breakfast in Jenero Herrera, a river town, we head into the Aucayacu to my friend Juan's house. Juan is my late teacher Julio's son-in-law and his place, rustic (we bathe in the clean water of the river, not showers) is right next to where Julio's was. Juan's wife, Lady, runs our kitchen along with myself and a couple of other of Julio's kids and grandkids. The whole team, in fact, is made up of Julio's sons, daughters, grandkids and in-laws, all of whom grew up on the river where we're going. Our curandero is Julio's son Jairo. During our 6 days in the jungle we'll hike in first growth rainforest, walk in the most mysterious and fascinating swamp I know, swim in a lake populated with pink and gray river dolphins (who generally cooperate and come pretty close), go night canoeing, gather wild foods to add to our fantastic larder of fruits, vegetables, beans, rice and an occasional bit of chicken. We'll have two--three if pushed-- ayahuasca ceremonies (you'll help collect the vine with us), have the opportunity to do the magic mushrooms twice and also have a chance to try the Matses' medicines sapo and nü-nü, which my friend Pepe, a Matsés headman, will apply. During ceremony you'll be taken care of my myself and my fantastic team. We won't interfere but we will see to it that you get to the loo when you need to, don't wander off in the dark and so forth. When the time comes you'll appreciate it.
Day 10
We'll return to Iquitos early Monday, I'll treat you to a great breakfast and we're done. For those flying out that day, my team will get you to the airport. For those staying to decompress for a couple of days, we'll see that you get a good hotel. It's not like we're gonna dump you after breakfast or anything. In fact, the day we return from the jungle is generally a day I reserve to give a party to my team for having taken you in and gotten you out of the deep jungle, and you're welcome to join. My team will also be around to see that you know where the internet is, where to get your clothes washed, your photos printed, etc. This is a trip that will affect you deeply, one that will change you, and for the better. And even if you're already a shining star, it's a trip that will polish you up so that you shine even brighter.
Those include the opportunity to drink ayahuasca twice (three times if you push me a little), to do the Matsés' medicines sapo and nü-nü, and in all likelihood have the opportunity to try the local magic ‘shrooms.
