8 1/2 DAY JUNGLE INTENSIVE TRIP

Like all of Peter Gorman's trips, there is a little flexibility in the itinerary, both to keep it fresh and to satisfy the needs of the group. So while we'll do everything here, we might also do a little more.
  We start on Friday, July 2 early in the morning with 1 1/2 days in Iquitos - during which my team and I will take you out to some very interesting corners of that place, places gringos who live there probably have never seen - while at the same time getting you to begin shutting down your internal dialogue (the better to hear the plant medicine spirits), getting you acclimated physically and getting you outfitted with jungle boots and such. We might visit Julio's grave and my friend's animal rescue place; we'll defiinitely spend time in Belen, the largest market on the Amazon all the way to Manaus in Brazil, and really the heart of the heart of Peru's Amazon. And then we'll do some other things as well.
  On Saturday, July 3 we take off on a riverboat and head 212 kilometers up the Amazon. It's an overnight trip that will affect you fiercely: An Amazon sky overhead, the Amazon river at your feet; jungle towns and forest all around you, and if you like, a portion of local magic 'shrooms to make it all just a touch more intense. It's a beautiful night.
  On Tuesday, after a short layover and breakfast in Genero Herrera, a river town, we head into the Aucayacu to my friend Juan's house. Juan is my late teacher Julio's son-in-law and his place, rustic (we bathe in the clean water of the river, not showers) is right next to where Julio's was. Juan's wife, Lady, runs our kitchen along with myself and a couple of other of Julio's descendants. The whole team, in fact, is made up of Julio's sons, daughters, grandkids and in laws, all of whom grew up on the river where we're going. Our curandero is Julio's son Jairo.
   During our 6 days in the jungle we'll hike in first growth rainforest, walk in the most mysterious and fascinating swamp I know, swim in a lake populated with pink and gray river dolphins (who generally cooperate and come pretty close), go night canoeing, gather wild foods to add to our fantastic larder of fruits, vegetables, beans, rice and an occasional bit of chicken. We'll have two - three if pushed - ayahuasca ceremonies (you'll help collect the vine with us), have the opportunity to do the magic mushrooms twice and also have a chance to try the Matses' medicines sapo and nu-nu, which my friend Pepe, a Matses' headman, will apply.
   During ceremony you'll be taken care of my myself and my fantastic team. We won't interfere but we will see to it that you get to the loo when you need to, don't wander off in the dark and so forth. When the time comes you'll appreciate it.
   We'll return to Iquitos the following Saturday, July 10, where I'll treat you to a feast of a breakfast to mark the end of the trip. You'll all be invited to join my team and I later in the day at our celebratory lunch (celebrating that we got you out alive!!!) and we'll be available to show you where the laundromat and cybercafes and such are.
   This trip is intended to coincide with the Sixth Annual Shamanism Conference in Iquitos, which begins on July 10. For information on that, please go to: http://www.soga-del-alma.org/

WHAT'S INCLUDED: All ground transport, all entrances, all fees, all breakfasts, all food in Iquitos and the jungle, all pay for all staff, all hotels, riverboats, etc.
   I'll outfit all the jungle stuff, including jungle boots. You'll need repellent and a flashlight but if you forget those I'll have them. I'll also have towels and extra toothpaste and a good medical kit. In short, you are responsible for your airfare and walking around money. I've got the rest.
   Trip insurance is recommended.

COST: The cost for the 8 1/2 days is $1,600 per person, double occupancy in the hotels.
   Deposit is $400 per person; remainder of the fee is due 45-days prior to the trip, about May 15.
   Trip limit is 12 people.
   We start on Friday, July 2, when I pick you up at the airport in Iquitos.
   Once I receive a deposit I will send out a list of things to bring. You are welcome to bring more; my team will handle the baggage, no sweat.
   Deposit should be made via wire transfer or paypal. If paying by paypal please add $20 to each deposit to cover the deduction Paypal makes. If you prefer to pay by wire transfer, please write me at peterg9 at yahoo.com for bank details.