Thoughts on our jungle trip

On our last day in the jungle I can reflect upon our experience.  The accommodations were terrific and the staff at the lodge were great.  The lodge seemed to cater to Americans although there were several other nationalities represented.   The program as I mentioned before was like a camp experience.  It was set so as you traversed through the days you did everything the group before you did.  I think they could have tailored it if you wanted but everyone knew what to expect and the villages we went to expected the groups.  There was usually only one guide that stayed with your group.  Unfortunately our guide was only with us 2 of the 4 days and although we had experienced people clearly our first guide was the most knowledgeable.  There is plenty of down time as everyday the tour or program ended at about 4 pm so you could swim or “hang” out in a hammock. Dinner was at 7 every night.  Alcohol was pricey but things were a little cheaper than in Lima.  A bottle of wine was $25-30 in Lima it is $29-35.  

The food was buffet style but there was no use of stereo to keep it warm so all food was cool or cold when you ate although the eggs at the primitive lodge were even hot. In the morning there is usually an egg dish. Omelet, sunny side up, scrambled and potatoes of some sort as well as pancakes or French toast.  All food was cooked with spices but was not hot just flavorful with a little heat.  

We had lunch had one entree while dinner has 2 choices.  We had chicken every day and fish every day although prepared differently. All was tasty especially the fish.  Dessert was like China, only fresh fruit although one night we had a honey spice cake and fresh fruit.  There were always local juices available.  

The weather we have had so far has been amazing. The only rain in the north was while we were driving up to Alto Mayo but sun when we got there in the jungle we had rain on the river while going to the canopy but then none and beautiful blue skies and sun.   The weather is humid and we were constantly sweating and wet so rain wouldn’t have mattered much.  The trip into the jungle was educational and physical.  We used several types of boats from the flat totally open ones to fully enclosed to a partial enclosed.  There are life jackets required at all times but they can be left open while wearing.  

Iquitos although a big city in Peru is a working town with lots of motorcycles and motor karts buildings that are haphazardly built and some without electricity but a generator to run the TV.   There was no touristy areas as in Lima, Cusco, or any of the Baja California cities we have seen.  It is a port city with the Amazon and its tributaries as a way to move goods.  It is isolated like Juneau Alaska arrive by boat or air.

We head back to Lima after having 6 hours at the lodge with no activity planned.  We will arrive in Lima at 9pm tonight and begin our tour with the Botanical Garden.