The Expeditions begin in Iquitos, Peru and travel up the Amazon and Ucayali rivers on an overnight riverboat to the small town of Jenaro Herrera, then on to Aucayacu Camp on the Aucayacu river. From here expeditions go further and deeper into the jungle depending on the length of the expedition.

Expeditions go out for various lengths of time, generally 7 - 18 days with a small team of 3 - 6 people with 1, 2 or 3 travellers, depending on where and when you are going.

The Team also works with Peter Gorman, and other trips to the jungle are available at various times during the year under Peter's direction.

At various times throughout the expedtion a team of 10+ people assist with the various aspects, from cooking beautiful meals, to loading boats and carrying gear, to showing and guiding around Iquitos.

The expeditions can be very challenging and travelers should be in excellent physical and mental condition.

*You must have a positive mind and good energy*

Costs for the expeditions are very reasonable and depend on duration of the expedition and number of travellers.

The expeditions are full of magic and wonder, but they are rough and rugged jungle tours. There are dangers, absolutely. There are no-frills, in terms of no electricity, no running water and so forth - and the costs reflect this. The luxuries come from the natural beauty of the forest and the rivers.

These expeditions are rugged jungle tours. You will eat how the locals eat, live how the locals live, camp in the middle of jungle, sleep in hammocks (in beautifully crafted mosquito nets), you will walk for hours and days, you will get extremely sweaty, you will bathe in jungle rivers, you will be surrounded by trees and plants and vines and rivers and life. You will be guided by an amazing team of people including the Matses indians. You will be challenged in ways you never expected.

Ayahuasca ceremonies may be available depending on the schedule, time of year, availability and so forth. Ceremonies are held by Jairo Jerena, son of Julio Jerena.

Sample itinerary for a 7 day expedition:

Aucayacu Camp
Seven Day Program

Day 1

Pick up at the airport, transport to your accommodation.
Tour and explore Iquitos; visit rubber-boom era houses (iron house, Fitzcarraldo, etc), visit Belén Market, Pasaje Paquito (Medicine Lane in Belén Market), Belén houseboats, lunch, etc.
Transfer to the port, board the riverboat. Private cabins are booked for the 13 hour ride towards Genaro Herrera. A beautiful ride; amazing sunset; confluence of three rivers; Amazon, Marañon, Ucayali and the sounds of the surrounding jungle.

Day 2

Arrival in Genaro Herrera. Breakfast, some time to explore Herrera and then continue the journey by Peke-Peke (motorized dugout canoe) on the Aucayacu River for three hours, going deeper into the jungle; watch for a variety of birds, and keep an eye out for pink and gray river dolphins.
Arrival at Aucayacu Camp. Explore the area, set up, relax, lunch, etc.
Night canoeing to catch a glimpse of various animals, frogs, alligators, birds and monkeys.
 
Day 3

Day-hike for 4 hours and make camp; sleeping under giant trees, deep in the jungle, surrounded by astonishing biodiversity. Explore and learn about plants, medicinal plants, water-vines, etc.

Day 4

Day hiking and exploration of the jungle. Sapo experience with the technique used by the Matses tribe (Cat People)

Day 5

Day hiking to look for different birds and rodents, monkeys, frogs and other jungle animals.

Day 6

Day hike and return to Aucayacu Camp.
Collecting of the Ayahuasca vine, and preparation of the sacred medicine.
Fishing, swimming in the Supay Lake (with river dolphins if you’re lucky!).

At night: ayahuasca ceremony led by the shaman of the village.

Day 7

Relax, eat, explore and visit the village.
Learn the customs of the inhabitants of the jungle.

Return to Genaro Herrera by Peke-Peke.
Board the river boat for the fantastic 13 hour ride to Iquitos –
Arrive in Iquitos approximately 5 am.
Transfer to the hotel.