Money. There are some places on the way where you can need money to buy drinks or tropical fruits. Nobody accept credit cards on route until arrival to Puerto Maldonado (VISA is recommended for Puerto Maldonado). It is better to pay for your requested services in advance of your visit. It is normal to add 7% to the cost if you pay with credit card. Tips are not included in the price.
top
Communications. For local, national or international calls there are some public phones in the villages of the way. You can also use the radio services (a public service) located in some of the small village on route. For post office It is better to use Puerto Maldonado Office located on the main avenue, Leon Velarde, 5 blocks away from the main square. Internet cabins are also available close to the main square of Puerto Maldonado.
Shopping. It is better if you buy personal items such as film and batteries for your video or still-life camera, special medicines etc... before your visit Puerto Maldonado. They will be expensive or scarce in town.
top
Regulations. Regarding the National Parks and Reserved Zones, visitors are only permitted to visit the latter and only with a guide who must obtain a permit for you.
Climate. In the Low Amazon Temperatures range between 30 to 37o C during the dry season (May to October) and 28 to 33 o C in the rainy season (November to March). Cold spells called "Friajes" come from the South Pole and are frequent from June to August. Friajes will lower the temperature to 9º C for 2 or 3 days. In Cuzco and the high lands temperatures during day are between 4 to 24, and under 0 in the night.
Sickness prevention. Similar to requirements to visit any tropical region, you must receive a Yellow-fever vaccination before visiting the Madre de Dios region.
top
Personal clothing and equipment for the Amazon. Depending how long you plan to stay, you will need light, drip-dry cotton clothing (one set per day), 2 long-sleeved shirts and pants, hiking boots, a raincoat, sunglasses, hat, swimsuit and a sweatshirt or lightweight jacket. Bring insect repellent, high factor sunscreen, personal medication, water bottle, binoculars, flashlight and spare bulbs and batteries, pocket knife, and a camera with plenty of film (our programs are specially dedicated to photographers) to increase the enjoyment of your visit.
Upon your arrival, photocopy your passport and yellow fever vaccination card.
In the Andes (one day): Rain coat, jacket for low temperatures close to cero or less, short pants and cotton t shirts for the Amazon.
