What to Bring
We recommend packing light (both figuratively and literally)Packing It In
As we are located 45.5 km away from Iquitos and then another 30 – 45 minute walk through the breathtaking jungle, it’s crucial to be prepared to avoid unnecessary trips back into town. Also, we strongly urge you to leave your rolling suitcase at home. Don’t bring hard or soft wheeled cases of any kind. Instead, bring a backpack and daypack or duffle bag that can be carried by shoulder (yours or one of our workers if you aren’t able,). The path in can be quite muddy at times – there is no way you can wheel a suitcase down the path. Suitcases simply aren’t jungle friendly!
What to Bring
- Rubber (wellington) boots. You can purchase these in the Belem market in Iquitos for around 7USD or s/20, however please arrive with plenty of time to do so, before departure into the jungle!!!!
- Water bottle (essential)
- We HIGHLY recommend a headlamp with a red light option. This way when in the Maloca (ceremony hut) you do not blind anyone.
- Extra batteries or charging cables for headlamp, flashlight, or camera
- You will need a to bring a journal to keep notes of your ceremony experiences and a separate one to jot down your dreams, thoughts, and jungle experience.
- Some art supplies to draw, paint, or sketch. You will be more artistic than you think, and this is also a great way to express your visions.
- Light reading materials, on spirituality. We have books you can borrow from our library, but please bring a couple of books for yourself.
- Spanish-English dictionary or quick guide for traveling if you do not speak Spanish. This comes in handy for hotel booking and touring around Iquitos.
- Breathable light rain jacket, anorak. Nothing too rubbery or plastic, as this can cause unnecessary perspiration.
- Lightweight hiking boots
- COMFORTABLE clothes that will keep you warm at night. Sometimes ceremonies can be chilly so we recommend light sweatshirts and sweatpants
- Quick dry hiking pants, or long loose lightweight pants
- Quick dry Tshirts/shorts for daytime
- Light long-sleeved shirts and to help detract insect bites
- Light dresses
- Flip flops/sandals with a grip. We HIGHLY recommend Crocs. You can walk throughout most of the property with sandals during the dry season (June -November), but during the wet season (December-May) we recommend wearing your boots.
- Sunglasses, sun protection, hat
- Plenty of undergarments and socks
- Bathing suit
- Lighters
- Camera
- Waterproof watch or clock
- Ziplock bags to protect you belongings from the jungles high humidity
- Small back pack / rucksack from walks around the jungle
- Small pocket knife or knife in sheath
- A large microfiber quick dry travel towel for bathing (REI.com)
- Small microfiber towel (REI.com)
- Lip balm if you plan to be in the sun
- Basic first aid kit
- Toiletries – all toiletries must be chemical free, non-scented, and environmentally friendly. We recommend Dr. Bronners
- Flouride-free toothpaste and toothbrush
- Natural sun block (Zinc Oxide ingredients)
- Natural insect repellent or citronella/lemongrass/cedar aromatherapy oils and soap if not on Master Plant diet.
- CAA will provide you with a comfortable pillow, but if you have a preference or neck problems please bring your own.
- Ladies please bring bands to tie your hair up (we recommend braiding longer hair) so that it will not be bothersome in and out of ceremonies.
- Ladies we recommend wearing pads during menstruation (if applicable)
- Dryer sheets to keep in luggage to help with humidity
Please AVOID bringing items that are sensitive to humidity or may mold easily (wood products). We are not responsible for personal items lost, stolen or damaged while at the center.
Important Note: Pick Up Your Bags, and Clear Customs in Lima or layover country!!! No matter what the airline says (normally just LAN) you will ALWAYS have to pick-up your bags at the baggage carousel, and clear customs. All countries require you to pass through immigration and customs upon entry.
Leave No Trace Policy
We have a strong Leave No Trace policy at Rainforest Healing Center. This means no chemical products are to be used for bathing and hygiene! You’ll be bathing in our natural, pristine jungle streams and harsh chemicals leave lasting negative impacts on these sensitive ecosystems.
While we provide trash bins for your tambos, we do encourage everyone to consider porting their own trash out with them and depositing in Iquitos. Everything is hauled out by hand at our lovely center, the more everyone pitches in, the less waste and work is required.
What We Need
Many people ask if they can bring down supplies for the farm. At this time we need citronella candles, tea candles, AAA long-lasting batteries, large bottles of Dr. Bronner’s soap, sage wands, and if you want to make our staff happy dark chocolate is a quick way to their heart. We also collect baby clothes/shoes/toys from ages 0 to 6 years old. Thank you in advance if you decide to help out in anyway possible.
What We Don’t Have
Rainforest Healing Center is totally off the grid, meaning there is no internet, no Wi-Fi, and no fixed line telephone. We offer solar charging of basic electronics such as small cameras, iPods/iPads, phones, etc. in the New Kitchen. Please only charge when there is full sun to avoid damaging the batteries or your electronics.
This is a holistic retreat and healing center deliberately set away from the hustle, bustle, and stress of modern business and social life. Please do your best to restrict your access to these technologies before and after your retreat.
Accommodations, Wi-Fi in town, and Ayahuasca Diet friendly restaurants
There many, many hotel, and hostels in Iquitos. Here are the three hotels we work with in Iquitos (Hostal El Colibri (economical choice), Casa Morey (upgraded and provides hot water) and El Dorado Plaza (high end hotel in Iquitos) all have free Wi-Fi for guests but please be aware that internet can be slow. There is a phone booth available near Plaza de Armas and an Internet Cafe. Also in Iquitos, the Karma Cafe and Dawn of the Amazon Cafe both have Wi-Fi and excellent Ayahuasca diet menus.