ABOUT THE LODGE
Posada Amazonas is located on the banks of the Tambopata River in the grounds of the Community, adjacent to the Tambopata National Reserve. It is owned jointly by Rainforest Expeditions and the Ese'eja Native Community of Tambopata. Posada Amazonas is built using a combination of traditional native materials (wood, palm fronds, wild cane and clay) and architecture and modern day eco-lodge technology. The lodge itself consists of a complex of four sections: rooms, dining area and kitchen, relaxation area and internal support facilities. The entire roof of the lodge is constructed using high quality crisneja palm fronds, whereas the floors are of tropical mahogany. The rooms' complex is built of four 9 X 24 meter structures with six rooms per facility, for a total of 24 double bedrooms. The rooms are 7 x 4 meters so they can comfortably hold three beds, although they are set up for two. The walls dividing each room are built using cane and clay, and extend from the floor to about 2.5 meters height making each room private. The combination of clay and cane achieves two important objectives: regulating heat and providing a charming final appearance. However, sounds can be heard from room to room. The side that looks out to the forest does not have a wall or screening of any kind, acting as a large window facing the forest. The reason we have been able to incorporate this "luxurious" design into our lodge is because mosquitoes are not really a problem around the lodge clearing and the open section allows for an intimate contact with the Rainforest. A second small window on the opposite side, set up very high, keeps the rooms well ventilated. Beds are sized for Americans or Europeans (1.05m X 2.05m) with mosquito nets. Each room has a private bathroom with cold water only. Rooms and bathrooms are separated by drapes. The dining room and lounge is spacey and offers ample area for resting and socializing.

THE TAMBOPATA RESEARCH CENTRE
is located in a half hectare clearing 50 meters from the Tambopata River and 300 meters from the Macaw Clay Lick. It is composed of four interconnected, thatch-roofed buildings designed after traditional low-impact native architecture. All buildings and interconnecting passageways are raised on four-foot stilts built from palm trunks. The main building is a 33 foot by 100 foot platform divided into 13 double rooms. Each bedroom is furnished with two beds draped in mosquito nets, a chair, and a night table with a kerosene wind lamp, and a table for luggage and clothing. Each room does not have a wall on the side that looks into the forest: it is also designed to have an optional, permanent, unobstructed view of the forest surrounding the clearing in order to maximize wildlife observation time. To the left of the main building a 20 foot-long, roofed passageway connects to the bathrooms containing flush toilets and shower stalls. To the right of the main building a 15 foot-long, roofed passageway connects to the dining room and meeting room which in turn is connected to the kitchen.

ORIENTATION
Peru is located on the central west coast of South America. Its neighboring countries are: Ecuador and Colombia to the N; Chile to the S; Brazil and Bolivia to the E; and the Pacific Ocean to the W. It is the third largest country in South America, with a surface area of 1 285 215,6 km2 (larger than France, Spain, and Germany combined) distributed approximately in the following manner: 12% coastal territory, 28% Andean highlands and 60% Amazon jungle. Its capital, Lima, is located in the coastal area, where the country's greatest economic activities take place.

TIME ZONE
Peruvian time is five hours past Greenwich Mean Time and is similar to Eastern Standard Time in the United States (except when the U.S. goes on daylight savings time from April to October). In reference to other cities, when it is noon in Peru, it is:

Santiago de Chile and Caracas	13:00
Rio de Janeiro	14:00
New York	12:00
Madrid	18:00
Londres	17:00
Tokyo	03:00

TEMPERATURE
Being such a geographically diverse country within the tropical belt, the weather in Peru is determined both by altitude and season. However, it also means that there is almost invariably sunshine somewhere in Peru ! Below is a summary of the weather conditions you can expect to find in each different region of the country at different times of the year.

Coast (Ica, Chiclayo, Lima, Piura, Trujillo, Tumbes)
Northern region: warm year-round with highs of up to 35°C in the summer.
Central and southern regions: two well-defined seasons, winter between April and October, and summer between November and March.

Highlands (Ancash, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Cusco, Puno)
This region has two seasons, dry season between April and rainy season between November and March.

Rainforest (Iquitos, Madre de Dios, Manu)
High rainforest (over 2,300 feet asl): has a temperate, subtropical climate with abundant rainfall.

WHAT TO BRING
We recommend that each visitor limits gear to:
- Good binoculars.
- Camera gear.
- Tight-weave, light weight, light coloured, long cotton pants.
- Long sleeved, tight-weave, light coloured cotton shirts.
- Undergarments.
- Absorbent socks.
- Ankle-high hiking boots.
- Sneakers.
- A powerful flashlight with batteries.
- A small toilet kit.
- A water bottle.
- Sun block lotion.
- Sunglasses.
- A secure, broad-brimmed hat.
- 100% waterproof, head-to-ankle rain suit.
- Insect repellent.
- Yellow fever inoculation certificate.
- Small denomination bills.
- Small daypack.

LUGGAGE
Lugagge is hand-carried from the boats to your rooms. We strongly recommend you to limit the weight of your luggage to 15 kilograms (32 POUNDS ) a piece.

If you are visiting other destinations in Peru that require different kinds of clothing, you can always pack separate bags and safely leave them at our offices in Puerto Maldonado on the first day of the itinerary, so we won't be carrying them around with no use. Your bag will be waiting for you at the airport the day you leave.

YELLOW FEVER INOCULATION REQUERIMENTS
Yellow fever inoculation is required (mandatory) for travel to Tambopata. Get your vaccine at least 10 days before arrival in the jungle. You must bring your yellow fever inoculation certificate with you to prove to the airport officials in Puerto Maldonado that you are vaccinated.

WEATHER
The lowland Rainforests of Tambopata lie far enough south of the Equator to provide a cooler, drier winter season between May and October, which also happens to be the major season for international travel. The general weather conditions are warm and humid. In Tambopata the average daytime high temperature is between 82° and 93° F (25° and 31°C) and the average night time low is between 62° and 73° F (16° and 22°C). Nevertheless between May and September, cold fronts from Argentina can sweep into South-western Amazonia and push daytime highs down to 50° F (9° C) and the night time lows to 43° F (5° C). Thus, during that season always be potentially prepared for cold and drizzle. During the rainy months of November through April, always be prepared for heavy rain that can continue for hours or days. Around 80% of the annual average 2000 mm rainfall occurs during this season.

ELECTRICITY
Posada Amazonas doesn't have electricity. Light is provided by numerous kerosene lamps and candles. A generator is turned on once a day to recharge batteries for tourists or lodge facilities. At night it is very dark, so we recommend good flashlights.

ALTITUDE
Puerto Maldonado: 183 m.a.s.l.
Tambopata-Candamo Reserved Zone: 200 m.a.s.l.

MEDICAL INFORMATION
It is vital that persons with medical problems or special diet requirements make them known to us before their departure to Peru.

COMMUNICATION
Posada Amazonas and Tambopata Research Centre are in daily radio contact with their offices in Puerto Maldonado and Lima, using HF radios at four stations. From Lima and Puerto Maldonado they are able to communicate by fax or phone with the rest of the world. In some cases, cellular phones will have a signal when standing on top of the canopy tower at Posada Amazonas.

PASSPORT, MONEY AND AIR TICKETS
You may need your passport upon arrival at Puerto Maldonado in the event authorities want to spot check tourist entries, as the local airport is officially an International airport. Upon arrival, a representative will collect your domestic air tickets to confirm your return flights. At the end of the trip, he/she will collect cash from you to pay for the airport tax.

MEALS
All meals are provided during the trip. Meals consist of soup or appetizers, salad, main course, dessert, and coffee or tea. All fresh fruits and salads are thoroughly disinfected before serving. Also, unlimited amounts of boiled, cooled drinking water are provided at all times. If any visitor has special dietary requirements, individual arrangements will be arranged, but please notify us early. Upon request we can furnish a complete description of our menus.

TRAVEL BY BOAT
The boats are 20 foot canoes with foldable couched seats and a roof. They are powered by 65 hp outboard motors which allow for a travel time of two hours from Puerto Maldonado to Posada Amazonas. Passengers are protected by the sun and rain by the roof but we suggest keeping your rain gear and sun block handy in case the sun's rays or rain drops come in slanted. The boats are provided with life vests in every seat that must be used by the passenger during the ride.

EMERGENCIES
In case of emergencies we have a first aid kit that is equipped to deal with most cases that may reasonably arise in the area. For snake bites, an unheard of at Tambopata so far, we have a stun gun, extractors and anti-venom at the lodges. In case of evacuation, we are three and a half hours from Puerto Maldonado and medical attention.

WATER
Tap water in most of Peru is potable, but the chemical content varies from place to place. To avoid problems, we recommend you to always drink bottled water.

VISAS
All travellers should contact the nearest Peruvian consulate in order to ascertain what visa rules apply, since these may change without previous notice.
For more information clic here:
Type of visa to enter Peru

AIRPORT

Hand luggage regulations

a) All liquids must be carried in containers whose capacity can not exceed of 100 ml (or its equivalent in other volumetric units, such as liquid ounces for instance). No liquids will be allowed in containers of more capacity than the said 100 ml, even if the container is not completely full.

b) The containers must be placed in reclosable plastic bags with a maximum capacity of 1 liter. The containers must fit effortlessly in the transparent plastic bag, which must be perfectly sealed.

c) The plastic bag must be presented at the inspection post for its visual examination. Only one plastic bag per passenger can be allowed.

d) Exceptions must be made in case of medications, milk and baby food, as well as in case of passengers who require a special diet. There must be the appropriate means in place to verify the nature of these liquids.

Likewise, exceptions must be made regarding liquids purchased in the duty free shops at the airport or on board an aircraft, provided that these liquids are packed in a sealed plastic container foolproof against undue manipulations, and that a satisfactory proof (receipt) is produced showing that the article was acquired at the airport’s duty free shops, or aboard an aircraft on the traveling day(s) for passengers leaving an airport or being there on transit.

LANGUAGE
The official languages of Peru are Spanish, spoken by 73% of the population, and Quechua spoken by 24% of Peruvians. English is widely spoken in hotels and shops.

CURRENCY
Peru's official currency is the Nuevo sol ; its symbol is S/. The denominations in circulation are bills of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 nuevos soles; coins of 1, 2, and 5 nuevos soles; and coins of 5, 10, 20 and 50 céntimos of a nuevo sol. US$ are widely accepted.
At the moment, US$ 1.00 is worth around 3.50 Nuevos Soles.

TIPPING
Whilst tipping is a personal matter, we are happy to give some guidelines:
Most restaurants add a 10% tip. The total tip should be about 15%.
Doorkeepers should be tipped 1 US$ per bag. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip.

Full-day excursion : US$6.00 per person
Half-day excursion : US$3.00 per person

PHOTOGRAPHY
If you are taking photographs of local people, always ask their permission beforehand. Your guide can assist you in this. Do not take photographs of military installations or airports. Film is readily available in all tourist areas. It is advisable to carry your camera in a dust-proof bag. Photography or camera fees are applicable at most sights and museums; your guide can give you details of the latest charges.

ELECTRICITY
Power voltage in Peru is 220 Volts AC, 60 Hz. Most modern electrical appliances do not need adapters since they will accept both 110 as well as 220 AC voltages. Please make sure to check the voltage options of those artefacts you intend to take with you during your trip, such as hair dryers, battery chargers, notebooks and lap tops, video cameras, etc. Most of these do not usually need a special adapter, but it is important that you make sure of that before leaving your country of origin in order not to have to buy special 110 V / 220 V AC adapters, which, however, can be found in the local market here in Peru.

HEALTH
Vaccinations
Full details of the latest health requirements should be obtained from an authorized medical source, such as your doctor. There are no mandatory health requirements for Peru.
Because you are visiting Andean areas, don't forget to take precautions to avoid altitude sickness. Be sure to try hot tea or infusion of coca leaves on your arrival in the altitude; during your first day move slowly and eat lightly.

PERUVIAN GASTRONOMY
Peruvian cuisine is highly varied and spicy. Some of our typical dishes are: "cebiche" (raw fish marinated in lemon juice), "aji de gallina" (de-boned chicken cooked in a milk and aji sauce), and "anticuchos" (shish kebabs of beef heart and meat), apart from the typical dishes from each region.
Be sure to try "Pisco Sour", Peru's typical mixed drink prepared with pisco, lemon, egg white and sugar.

Restaurants During Your Trip
In Tambopata-Candamo Reserved Zone:
All meals will be provided by the lodge.

... Puerto Maldonado restaurants.

DRESS CODE
Dress in general is very casual unless you want to eat in one of the more expensive restaurants in Lima for example, in which case a tie and/or jacket will be required and smarter ladies' wear. Due to the altitude, it is important to remember whatever the season, to take some warmer woollens for the nighttimes drop in temperature.

IMPORTANT: We reserve the right to make changes to the order of the trip, without prior notice, due to changes in climate conditions, river water levels, flight or bus arrival and departure times or any other reason relevant to the best development of the trip.