Hello! My name is Juan M. Maldonado and I have over 30 years experience as a jungle guide in the Peruvian Amazon region.
Let me give you some recommendations - free!
DON'T FORGET TO BRING:
1. Personal first aid kit
2. Rain coat or poncho
3. Big flashlight
4. Mosquito repellent - OFF, MataZum, or Autan - (don't put on too much)
5. Hiking boots or rent rubber boots here
6. Binoculars
7. Sun block cream
8. Long sleeve shirts for excursions and nighttime
9. Camera with zoom
10. Toys, candies, school supplies for village children and fish hooks for adults
11. Spirit of adventure
TIPS FOR JUNGLE TRIPS:
1. In your contract, know exactly what the agency or guide will provide.
2. If you have a private guide, expect to pay half in advance.
3. Eat two cloves of garlic per day to avoid mosquito bites.
4. Drink 2 ½ liters of water per day.
5. Never walk in the jungle alone - it is easy to get lost.
6. Do not walk in the jungle at night without rubber boots.
7. Do not eat any mushrooms.
8. Do not touch the poisonous hairy worm called galluca.
9. Do not touch a tree called the tangarana - thousands of ants live inside.
10. If you see monkeys, walk to the side and don't make noise for a better view.
11. Walk in the middle of trails.
12. Watch where you are going and where you are standing in the jungle.
13. Be aware that monkeys and birds eat in the fruit trees early in the morning.
14. Birds sleep in one place, then, move early in the day to the swamps where the palm tree fruits are found.
15. The Fer De Lance and the Bushmaster snakes hunt at night.
16. Early morning is a great time for bird watching.
17. If you see a nest like a ball, ask your guide if they are termites. If so, stick your hand close to the nest so the ants will cover your hand. Smash then to obtain the best jungle mosquito repellent. 18. Never swim at night in the creeks or lakes.
19. If you are having an "adventure trip" - bring water filter or chlorine tablets.
20. If you want an unforgettable trip, bring a SMILE!
Juan N. Maldonado Romero is a licensed Tour Guide, in "La Casa Del Guia"
Juan can be contacted by e mail at: amazonjuan2000@yahoo.com