Hi Sarah,
if you're heading into the jungle I would highly recommend the services of Gerson Pizango. I just got back from a one-month long trip to Perú and my time with him (6 nights in the jungle) was by far the highlight of my trip.
He speaks excellent English, and is just an awesome genuine, honest and humble guy, really charming. We were definitely in good hands, and he was never one minute lax about looking out for our well-being.
The other thing is that he's a local Amazon man, from a fishing village about 260 km South of Iquitos, deep in the jungle. He kept on thanking us for supporting the local people by accepting his services, rather than going to jungle lodges and agencies run by people who are not from the jungle and who are known to exploit the locals.
It was absolutely splendid, and we didn't leave disappointed. We saw loads of wildlife (caïman, anacondas, monkeys, sloths, tarantulas, all kinds of birds) and medicinal plants (cat's claw, a cancer medicine, and many others). The sounds of the jungle are especially exciting - at night you listen to the cacophonic concert of the crickets, frogs, bats, other insects and night hunters.
Watch your step, follow his instructions and you'll be safe. It was real adventure, that's for sure, no pre-packaged tourism, but he knows the jungle superbly well - his knowledge of the environment and its inhabitants was fabulous.
It's hot! But under the jungle canopy it gets cool, especially at night - I actually had to use a blanket later in the night as it started to cool off a bit.
Witnessing the rainforest rain - now that's a powerful sight. It is always so welcome because of the sweat and dirt and heat, like the freshest, cleanest shower you will ever take. Just magnificent.
He'll come and pick you up in Iquitos - it's all included in his prices (which are much more affordable than the jungle lodges), which include everything, food, water, transport from Iquitos, etc.
If you want more info or stories just email me at jules.lapprand@hotmail.com
Or if you want to contact Gerson himself at amazonguidanceservices@gmail.com I know he would be delighted to hear from you. He and I are good friends now and I promise you won't regret going with him if you are looking to see the jungle for what it really is and meeting some lovely local people, his friends and family in the village.
Blessings and cheers, hope you have fun at any rate!
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