Frequently Asked Questions

Know Before You Go

Helpful answers to make your Amazon experience unforgettable.

What kind of experience does Capinuri Expeditions offer?

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We offer adventure tourism in the jungle. It is ideal for people who want to have an authentic experience.

Can the itineraries offered by Amazon Explorer be adapted to my conditions?

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The itinerary has several activities that can be adapted to the traveler's requirements, as long as it does not alter the activities of other travelers. If you want a tailor-made trip, we recommend that you request a private expedition, this has an additional cost.

Survival itineraries and extreme expeditions cannot be adapted. In these, it is necessary for the traveler to be in optimal physical and mental shape.

Where do you spend the night on expeditions?

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We use camps and/or typical houses of native settlers (these houses are basic). Capinuri Expeditions does not offer a lodge.

Do they have electricity, toilets and other amenities?

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To experience the jungle, we go into remote areas where there is no infrastructure or what exists is very basic. There is no electricity, internet or cell phone signal. In the camps, we improvised latrines and bathed in the rivers.

If I am alone can I go on an expedition or do I need to join a group?

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We can arrange the expedition for yourself, but the fee is 70% more expensive than the group rate. We suggest checking our booking calendar for you to join a group and get a cheaper price.

Do your trips have age limits?

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We have experience with travelers young and old. In the case of minors under 18 years of age, they must be accompanied by a parent or bring the permission of the parent or guardian.

How many travelers are part of an expedition?

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It depends on the itinerary you select. On trips of up to 8 days the average is 4 travelers.

What is the staff for each expedition?

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For expeditions of one to six travelers, we have four qualified people: a bilingual Spanish/English Tour Leader (organizer and responsible for the expedition), a native guide, a native cook and a boat driver.

Is there a deadline for booking?

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Our itineraries must be booked 1 month in advance. Those that include flights such as Expedition Matsés, Anaconda, Jaguar and Desafío Amazonas, must be booked at least 2 months in advance since spaces on the plane are limited and sell out quickly.

How do I book an expedition?

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You must send us an email to reservas@capinuriexpeditions.com indicating the itinerary, date you wish to do it and number of people. Once availability is confirmed, you must send an advance of 30% of the total amount to guarantee the reservation by Bank or PayPal. The amount credited to our account will be taken.

What information do you need to book?

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To book, in addition to the advance, we require each traveler to complete the form we send them, with their personal data. The basic data we require are: names, surnames, date of birth, passport number and nationality. If you have a diet or special requirement, you will also need to indicate this on the form.

Does Capinuri Expeditions guarantee wildlife sightings?

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Our expeditions are in primary forest, rich in biodiversity where we have carried out a biological inventory recording different species.

In any case, the possibility of wildlife sightings depends on many factors such as the weather, season of the year and the attitude of the traveler in making the excursions that the Leader Tour indicates, remember that the more excursions you make, the chances of sightings increase. Wildlife is unpredictable, sightings are not guaranteed, but by going to a protected or remote area, you maximize the chance of encountering wildlife.

What kind of food do you offer?

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Capinuri Expeditions supports local people. We hire native cooks to make an economic profit. We offer a variety of food, some typical of the Amazon and others international. Our menus are prepared and chosen based on supplies resistant to the heat and humidity of the jungle. During the first 3 days we offer a variety of meats, fish, vegetables and fruits. After that time it is impossible to maintain the cold chain, so we are more limited in those foods.

Due to the conditions of the area and the logistical limitations for itineraries longer than 7 days, food will generally be with preserves, canned foods, instant soups and fresh fish obtained during the trip.

Do you offer vegetarian, celiac or special diets?

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If you have a special diet, it is necessary that you inform us in detail, so that we can prepare the food to your requirements. In case the itinerary is one of survival, the diet CANNOT be adapted to that of the traveler.

What is the difference between the seasons in the jungle?

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The Amazon has an equatorial climate, with rainfall throughout the year, high humidity and an average temperature of 29°C (85°F). There are two seasons: waxing or winter (November to May) and emptying or summer (June to October):

→ During the Flood, river levels are very high and tend to flood low-lying areas. Sometimes it is very difficult to find solid ground. It is easier to enter deep areas in the jungle and most activities are done by boat or canoe. At the beginning of the rainy season there are more mosquitoes. In this season it is more likely to observe birds and primates.

→ During the Vaciante, the rivers decrease their flow and on some occasions, affect accessibility to jungle areas. It is possible to go on long walks, camping. Fishing is easier and there is a greater chance of spotting alligators and other reptiles.

→ Due to the unpredictability of the seasons and weather, programs and activities could be adapted to the conditions imposed by nature. Remember that on rainy days the sighting of fauna is lower.

What health recommendations and vaccinations do I need to go to the Amazon?

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Before the Expedition
Visit a Preventive Medicine or Travel Medicine Unit a month and a half to two months before you start your trip. If you have a chronic illness or are allergic to bites, medications or others, you must make sure to bring the corresponding medication and inform the travel organizer, in case of any eventuality.

If you are taking any particular medication, be sure to carry it in your luggage and make a note of the active substance (generic name). Some specific medications are hard to find or may have another brand name, especially in small towns.

In the case of malaria, prophylaxis can be applied with antimalarial drugs such as Tropicur, Lariam, Malarone or others available in your city of origin. Regarding yellow fever, it is advisable to get vaccinated at least 10 days before your arrival in the Amazon.

Recommended vaccines: Yellow fever, diphtheria-tetanus (DT), hepatitis A, typhoid and rabies.

For more information on visiting Peru and the Amazon visit: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/peru

During the Expedition
Provide yourself with a small field kit that includes various medicines: disinfectant, antidiarrheal, fungicidal ointment, antihistamines, antimalarials, some antibiotics, antiparasitics and if necessary, a specific medication.

Avoid mosquito bites, the main vector of malaria, yellow fever and dengue. The mosquito is especially active from dusk to dawn.

Wear cool, loose-fitting clothing that completely covers the body, preferably light colors. Use insect repellent on exposed areas. The most effective compounds against mosquitoes are DEET (N,N-diethylmetatoluamide), permethrin and icaridin.

When sleeping, use a mosquito net and check that it does not have holes. Fasten the edges of the mosquito net under the mat to ensure that no insects are introduced. You can spray it with repellent for added protection.

Avoid perfumes and colognes, as well as scented deodorants, as strong scents attract insects.

Stay hydrated at all times, to avoid cramps, fatigue, or other major problems. Remember that in the Amazon the body loses much more water due to excessive breathing and sweating.

After the Expedition
After finishing the trip, we recommend taking an antiparasitic.

Some tropical diseases do not manifest themselves immediately, they can occur well after return. In case of discomfort, go to the doctor and inform him or her that you have taken a trip to a tropical area in the last 12 months.

ATTENTION: Capinuri Expeditions' recommendations are not a substitute for the opinion of a medical professional. As stated at the beginning, always consult a doctor at least two months before embarking on your trip.

Can I leave some of my luggage in Iquitos?

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Most hotels have a luggage storage for their guests at no extra charge.

How much money should I take on the expedition?

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To buy a drink, handicrafts or give tips, we suggest that, in itineraries of 2 to 7 days, take up to S/ 200 soles and over 7 days, S/ 400 soles in bills of 10 and 20 soles. All this is optional, in our itineraries it is all included.

How much is an appropriate amount for tips?

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It will depend on your satisfaction with the service received. Tips are usually between S/ 50 to 100 Soles, but the amount depends solely on you.

Can I bring any gifts to the local communities?

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Yes. Please note that health and dental services in these towns are limited, so we do not suggest sweets. It is best to give fresh clothes, hooks and nylon for fishing, school supplies (notebooks, pencils, crayons, etc.), medications that do not require a prescription (analgesics, anti-inflammatories, antihistamines, etc.).

What should I bring to the expedition?

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Each traveler must bring the following:

Team
→ Flashlight with spare batteries
→ Insect repellent with DEET
→ Minimum SPF 40 sunblock
→ Personal medications
→ Airtight protective bag for cameras or electronic equipment
→ Canteen or small bottle to carry water
→ Camera and/or camcorder
→ Solar charger or enough batteries for your equipment
→ Binoculars (optional)
→ Notebook (optional)
→ Tent (optional)
→ Lightweight sleeping bag (optional)
→ Inflatable pillow (optional)

Dress
We recommend garments made with a light, fresh and quick-drying material:

→ Comfortable pants
→ Long sleeve shirt
→ Long socks to wear with rubber boots
→ Swimsuit
→ Rubber boots. Available to buy in Iquitos up to size 44 (10.5 US). Price: S/. 20 Soles (US$ 8)
→ Trekking shoes
→ Sandals or flip-flops for bathing
→ Towel
→ Wide-brimmed hat
→ Rain poncho

Capinuri Expeditions will provide you with the following equipment
→ Mosquito nets
→ Lightweight camping mat
→ Sheets

Survival and extreme expeditions have special requirements.

What is the recommended footwear?

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Do not wear rubber boots during boat tours, you must wear sandals or tennis shoes. Rubber boots are for walking on night hikes or wet terrain. For added comfort, you can bring your trekking shoes.

Rubber boots offer additional protection against scrapings by leaves or thorns, insect bites and sometimes protect from snake bites.

Should I bring water to drink?

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Amazon Explorer provides purified water for your expeditions. In the case of long-term expeditions or in hard-to-reach areas, the water is boiled and purified.

Is it necessary to have previous experience in the jungle?

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No. For extreme and survival expeditions, we recommend having some experience.

Can I swim with dolphins during the excursions?

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On all our trips we always see pink and/or gray dolphins. You can swim in the same waters, but these animals do not usually come close to humans.

Can we recharge batteries?

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In the areas where we go there is no electricity, so we recommend that you bring solar chargers or portable chargers, to minimize the impact of disposable batteries. In case you bring disposable batteries, you must bring them back to the city of Iquitos for disposal.

Do you offer travel insurance?

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We recommend that the traveler take out travel insurance directly in their country before traveling to Peru.
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