This is a short list designed to ensure your safety and comfort. These are just suggestions, and it is up to you to follow or ignore them. The list is in no particular order.
Do not buy and use herbs from the market without having a knowledgeable local with you. Sometimes herbs are sold under wrong labels, and improper preparation of herbs (i.e. sacha inchi) can be seriously dangerous.
Do bargain. It would be best to shop with a local who knows what the prices are, but if you are alone, try to bring down the price 50% right away and see what the vendor says.
Do not change money on the street. Change them with your passport in the bank or withdraw from an ATM.
Usually, we do not recommend taking medicines to prevent malaria. The reason is that all of anti-malaria medicines are toxic and you would be subjecting your body to unnecessary strain. In the rare event that you get malaria, free medicines are available in the hospital. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of malaria before going.
To avoid malaria, you must avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes after sun down. It is not extremely common, but it does happen to a small percentage of people, therefore it is best to be careful with mosquito exposure.
The temple functions on a basis where you have to request what you want. During ceremonies, Javier will know what you need and give that to you, but outside of ceremonies, you should take the initiative to speak with him about your goals, plans, what you want to achieve, etc. Don’t hesitate to request private time with Javier as often as you feel necessary. If you have any doubts or difficulties, it is best to take them up with Javier as soon as they arise. Also don’t hesitate to request jungle walks or sessions of dream interpretation. The more you ask, the more you will receive, but you have to ask. This is how it works in Peruvian culture. Another shaman told me “If a person with cancer doesn’t tell me that he has cancer and doesn’t ask me to heal him, I don’t have the right to do anything for him”
Be careful of drinks bought on the street. Stick to freshly squeezed juices and avoid drinks based on water.
If you find the quality of water in the center below your standard, ask Javier to bring you higher quality bottled water. Usually, the water at the center is either boiled rain water or purified water from the city. Bottled water that comes in 2.5 liter bottles and costs $1 each bottle tastes better.
Generally it is best to not leave the forest during your ayahuasca work. The shaman has to open and close the energetic gates of the body to work on a person, and a person who is opened would experience extreme vulnerability and hypersensitivity in the city.
There are some good supermarkets where you can buy Maca and other Peruvian super foods.
Nights in the forest can get chilly, so you should have several blankets. If coming long term, bring a sleeping bag.
Keep in mind that it is usually not a good idea to make anyone angry. People who come to Peru acting arrogant and obnoxious can attract undesired consequences.
For the most part, Iquitos is safe from violent crime, but thefts are quite common. Refrain from flashing expensive objects in public and dress down. It would be better to leave jewelry and valuables you don’t need at home.
For those staying at the center, we recommend leaving most objects of value (wallet, computer, etc) in Javier’s house. Javier’s wife has a cabinet that locks with a key inside her room, which is also locked. So far, we have not had any cases of theft at the center. The temple staff was carefully chosen, but we still advise you to be careful.
There are several places near Iquitos worth visiting. The quistococha park and zoo has a nice lake for swimming and a few animals in cages. Admission is $1. The butterfly farm is a beautiful place where you can play with monkeys and several other animals out of cages, as well as learn everything about butterflies. Close to the butterfly farm is a village of the Bora tribe who perform traditional songs and dances and later try to sell you jewelry and other things. If you are going to buy souvenirs, this is the cheapest place. Remember to bargain.
Our goal is to make your trip as enjoyable and fruitful as possible, so please don’t hesitate to ask for anything you need. We also appreciate your feedback/testimonials.
Javier’s number: (Spanish only)
51 65 965 832792 (from Iquitos dial 965 832792)
Javier’s wife’s number: (Spanish only)
51 65 965 716191 (from Iquitos dial 965 716191)
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