TRAVEL LOGISTICS
We look forward to welcoming you!
For guests who have already registered, refer to the Travel Guide for more information.
Questions about your journey?
LOGISTICS AT A GLANCE
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Plan to be in Iquitos the night before the retreat begins
If you do arrive on the first morning, make sure to be at the meeting point by 10:30 am
Book your return flights out of Iquitos for after 1:00 pm
A detailed Travel Guide will be sent to you upon registration
As of November 1st, 2022, all COVID-related travel requirements have been lifted. It is no longer necessary to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test to enter Peru
FLIGHTS TO PERU
All guests first need to book an international flight to Lima, Peru and then a domestic flight to Iquitos.
We recommend arriving in Iquitos the day before the retreat begins. If you do arrive on the first day, plan to take an early morning flight from Lima. We meet at 10:30 am on the first morning for an 11:00 am departure to Casa Del Maestro.
DOMESTIC AIRLINES
LATAM http://www.latam.com
Avianca http://www.avianca.com
Star Peru http://www.starperu.com
LAST DAY DEPARTURE
Book departing flights no earlier than 1:00 pm. We leave Casa Del Maestro on the last morning of the retreat on the 6:00 am boat and arrive in Iquitos around 10:30-11:00 am. The bus from Nauta can drop guests off directly at the airport.
WHAT TO PACK
The jungle is hot and humid though nights and evenings can be cool, especially during the rainy season (November to March). Here are the essentials:
Headlamp/small flashlight with red light function
Bug repellent, sun hat, & sun lotion (we have a stock at camp, too)
Water bottle
Sandals; boots/sneakers you don’t mind getting muddy
Shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, bathing suit
Lightweight pants and long-sleeved shirts
Light jacket or sweatshirt (for cool nights and boat rides)
Comfy clothes/lightweight layers for ceremonies
Rain poncho or rain jacket
Socks to wear with jungle shoes
Reading material, journal, pens/pencils
Portable charger or power bank
Eye mask and earplugs (early mornings!)
Portable fan (hot days!)
ARRIVAL TO IQUITOS
Iquitos is an Amazonian jungle city with a population of around 400,000 people. It functions as an outpost to deeper parts of the jungle and thus thrives on tourism, of which ayahuasca has become a large contributor to over the last 20 years. Logging and trading in rainforest goods make up another significant portion of Iquitos’ economy, as well as scientific research.
Most people stay near the Plaza de Armas, located in Iquitos’ downtown and within walking distance or short mototaxi ride to stores, restaurants, banking, and so on.
FROM THE AIRPORT
The ride to the Plaza de Armas from the airport costs around 20 soles ($5-6 USD) and takes 20-30 minutes. There will be mototaxi drivers available outside the airport, as well as cars. The trip in a “normal” car costs a bit more than a mototaxi but it doesn’t offer the same local experience!
RECOMMENDED HOTELS
The following hotels all offer discounts for Casa Del Maestro guests. Make sure to mention you are staying with us!
Riverside Apartments [link] [email]
AirBnB style apartments in a tranquil complex with garden and river views.
Locally owned, clean, comfortable. Proper hotel with great service.
DoubleTree by Hilton [link] [email]
Iquitos’ newest hotel, right on the Plaza de Armas. Casa Del Maestro guests receive $110 room with breakfast.
Nativa Apartments [link] [email]
Apartment-style with excellent service, discounts, and luggage drop.
Mid-grade hostel with a variety of options and a large common courtyard. Popular among younger travelers.
ARRIVAL TO HERRERA
The village of Genaro Herrera is about 150 km (90 miles) by boat from Nauta, a small port town south of Iquitos on the Ucayali River. The most common method of transport to Herrera is via speed boat (rápido). There are a few companies that service Herrera with offices in Iquitos; we will send each guest the exact meeting location the week before the retreat begins.
Buses to Nauta typically leave Iquitos at 11:00 am from transport company offices. Plan to arrive at the meeting point by 10:30 am. You will be accompanied during the trip by a Casa Del Maestro representative. Lunch and a beverage are included, though we recommend bringing extra water and a snack. We will arrive in Herrera around 4:00 pm.
Transportation will be reserved ahead of time. As of January 2022, the cost of transportation is included in the retreat price.
Please note: Schedules, times, and details sometimes change. This page is provided for informational purposes. You should always refer to our direct communications for specifics regarding your trip to the Casa.
