Come with us on a magical, mystical tour of some of the most incredible sights in all of the World. Come with us and let us show you why we love Peru. Chinchilejo is a corporation owned entirely by Mariella Noriega, a Peruvian born and raised in Iquitos, Peru - a friendly city of 300,000 inhabitants nestled on the banks of the Amazon River. Mariella is a professional guide and has been running tours in Peru for the last 8 years. She is married to an American, Alan Shoemaker who also assists her on “chinchilejo tours.” She also speaks English but has assistants that can be brought in for groups that speak fluent Chinese, French, and Italian. If other languages are needed, Mariella has extensive contacts and will supply the group with the translator needed.

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Recommendations:

Sandals and lightweight hiking boots
Insect repellant with high percentage of "deet"
Lightweight rain jacket or poncho
Dr.Bronners liquid soap
Cap for the sun/rain
Reading material
Lightweight flashlight (halogen bulb)
Extra batteries
Two pair of shorts and two long pants
T-shirts to trade and/or give away (even nice used ones)
Second hand tux shirt (they are usually egyptian cotton - 265 threads per
square inch - this deters mosquitos during ceremonies)
Coffee drinkers should bring their own fresh ground with melita style setup
35mm Camera and/or Video gear (small solar panel for recharging)

While there are ATM machines that are very accessible, we recommend that you bring cash. Travelers Checks are okay but there is usually a charge for cashing them. You can purchase a hidden money belt at almost any hiking or travel store. Voltage is 220. There will be many opportunities for shopping in Lima and Cuzco, as well as many arts and crafts shows held by the local communities and indigenous. Arrangements can also be made with a freight forwarder to ship any larger items you might wish to purchase. In many areas you will see children that are living from hand to mouth. If you can, a bag of gifts is always a nice surprise. This could be pencils and erasers, socks, scribble pads, and other interesting things you might think of to give away. (Small disposal flashlights for example).

Clothing and Supplies:

Machu Picchu and Cuzco are at high altitude and chilly at night. Rather than burden yourself by carrying extra sweaters, we highly recommend that you purchase a beautiful alpaca sweater in Cuzco. A rain jacket should be brought with you and can be used in the jungle as well. Comfortable lightweight hiking boots with all cotton socks, sunglasses, sunscreen, long pants, shorts for the Amazon, a "Deet" variety of insect repellant (your local hiking shop can recommend a brand), camera and film, sun/rain hat, day pack, binoculars, flashlight.

Inclusive:

A representative from "Chinchilejo" will meet you at the airport on your day of arrival. We suggest you arrive one day before they tour begins. You will be taken to the hotel. Your tour begins the following morning. The only expenses you will incur are your lunch and dinner. Tipping is recommended from time to time. There are a variety of incredible restaurants and you have your choice for dinner so that you may eat where you desire.

Medical Issues:

We do not recommend that any of our friends take anti-malaria medications. Catching malaria has a very low probability. However, if you desire to take anti-malaria medication, know that it is not contra indicated for ayahuasca.
If you are on any medications, please refer to your doctor as to whether or not they are contra indicated with MAO inhibitors. Any SSRI's are absolutely unsafe as well as many types of inhalers.
You will be required to sign a waiver that releases "Chinchilejo" of liability.
We suggest you carry your own insurance as we do not provide that.
Those with existing medical conditions should inform us of such so that we can provide the healer with this information. Come to be cured. Expect it and the possibilities are endless.

Your Security:

Peru is one of the friendliest countries in South America. Your guides always take precautions to insure your safety. Travel will be in private mini buses and your hotels are chosen for privacy and security as well as comfort. Peru has an amazing variety of food from the coast to the highlands and into the jungle. While most meals are based around fish, chicken and red meats, there are many vegetarian dishes that are quite tasty too, so if you are a vegetarian do not be concerned.

Payment:

50% down and 50% upon arrival to Iquitos. First payment needs to be in 6 weeks before departure in order that we may purchase your airfare at the best rate. We can sometimes waive this time period, depending on whether or not the rates are substantially different. Please contact us for more details.
We accept Visa and Master Card
Price is all inclusive, except for your meals when you are in Iquitos

Please feel free to email us: chinchilejo@hotmail.com