Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Helpful HintsNOTE: Some of these may seem really obvious, but all of them have been raised from time to time.
WHERE IS YACUPUMA CENTER?- The house/center/school is located just outside the city of Iquitos, Peru, about 600 miles northwest of Lima at the edge of the Amazon rainforest.
- This is a
MAP to the center from Iquitos airport.
WHAT'S THE CLIMATE/WEATHER LIKE THERE?- Hot and humid. The average temperature ranges between 20 - 30C (68 - 86F) with rain a constant possibility.
HOW FAR IS IT FROM THE AIRPORT?- Within walking distance, less than 750 m (0.5 mile) - don't let the taxi drivers charge more than 3 soles. The road to the house is unpaved for the last 600m (about 0.25 mile) - it turns into a sea of mud when it rains.
HOW FAR IS IT FROM THE CENTER OF TOWN?- Town is 7 km (4.2 miles) away, reachable by motorcycle taxi in 15 - 20 min or by bus in 30 min (approx.) A mototaxi should cost no more than 6 soles while the bus is 0.8 soles (as of March 2010)
DO PEOPLE SPEAK ENGLISH THERE?- Nobody in the Maestro's family can, though some restaurants and tourist attractions in town have some English- speaking staff. If you don't speak Spanish, GET A PHRASEBOOK NOW and start studying. There may or may not be anyone available to translate; it depends who is visiting when you arrive.
WHAT'S THE ACCOMMODATION LIKE? (JUNGLE CAMP/HOUSE)- Most of the time is spent in the house near the airport. Jungle trips tend to last 4-5 days, though longer periods can be arranged.
IS THERE ELECTRICITY?- House yes, 220V, European two-pin or US style plugs both work. Some US appliances may not function due to voltage differences - check before you arrive.
- Jungle camp - there is a gas (petrol)-fueled generator for emergencies.
IS THERE RUNNING WATER/TOILETS/SHOWERS?- House yes - there are two dorm rooms (4 beds each) with their own sink, shower, and toilet and also another room that shares the sink, shower and toilet with others. Which room you get depends on who else is there at the time. DO NOT FLUSH TOILET PAPER - wastebaskets are provided for your use.
- Jungle camp - there is a toilet and shower but they must be run off a gas (petrol)-fueled generator. There is also a creek nearby that is pleasant for bathing. There is no running water for handwashing. There are screened-in rooms with beds. Currently there are 3 beds/room but this may change.
IS THERE A PHONE?- House yes - there is a landline that can receive international calls but cannot make them.
- Jungle camp - no
IS THERE INTERNET?- No. We generally go into town to use internet cafes. 15 min with taxi.
IS THERE A REFRIGERATOR?- Yes
IS THERE ONSITE LAUNDRY?- No, though clothing can be washed out and hung to dry. There are many laundry services in town that can wash, dry, and fold your laundry within 4-6 hours.
WILL MY CELL PHONE WORK THERE?- It depends on your provider. Check before you arrive.
DO I NEED TO BRING A LOT OF CASH WITH ME? WHAT FACILITIES ARE AVAILABLE?- ATMS, There are ATMs in the main square in town (the Plaza de Armas). Most dispense either US dollars or Peruvian soles, though some only do one or the other. It is strongly recommended to take money out IN SOLES, as exchanging dollars can be tricky: if your dollar bills are in ANY WAY dirty, folded, marked, or torn, they will not be accepted by banks. They may be accepted by other money changers. Street money changers should be used only as a last resort, especially if your Spanish isn't very good. Count your money carefully in all cases.
- WIRE SERVICES, There are several places in town that send and receive wire transfers (Western Union, etc.). The main Western Union office is on Jr. Prospero, just a few blocks away from the Plaza de Armas. Ask to receive money IN SOLES if possible, due to the exchange problems highlighted above.
- IMPORTANT: Make sure you have access to enough funds to cover the time you intend to spend here. There will be no opportunity to earn, as unemployment here is about 65% even for Peruvians. Locals sell handcrafts in the market, but foreigners rarely do so successfully. There is little demand for high-tech skills in the short term, unless you have managed to set something up before you arrive.
- PAYING THE MAESTRO: The Maestro doesn't have a bank account, so all payments to him must be either in cash (while you're here) or as wire transfers (before you arrive).
- For a wire transfer, all you need is his full name (Juan Tangoa Paima) and the city (Iquitos, Peru). You will be given a transaction code when you make the transfer. Email him and let him know how much you have sent (IN SOLES where possible; check www.xe.com for current exchange rates) and the code. He can then pick it up in town.
- It is best to pay weekly while you are here, rather than in one lump sum.
CLOTHING/TOILETRIES/ETC. -- Do not bring anything you would be heartbroken to lose or get stained.
- Most people will be able to find suitable clothing locally, with a few exceptions:
- SIZES: People in Iquitos tend to be small. If you are taller than 5' 7" (170 cm), have feet larger than a US size 8 (6 UK, 39 Euro), or wear the larger clothing sizes, you will struggle to find anything suitable.
- MATERIALS: Industrially produced cotton and artificial fibers dominate. If you want organic cotton, hemp, silk, bamboo, etc., you won't find it here. Nor will you find high-tech outdoor clothing or equipment.
- TOILETRIES: Again, basic commercially produced items abound, but anything organic or biodegradable you'll need to bring with you. Local stores have recently started stocking tampons, but there isn't much of a selection. Mosquito repellent here is very low-strength and full of DEET, so you will probably want to bring your own.
- BATTERIES: South American batteries are not generally as good as those in more developed areas. Consider bringing your own rechargeables.
- A NOTE: IF YOU ARE IN THE HABIT OF USING WAX FOR HAIR REMOVAL - it doesn't work very well in Iquitos because of the heat and humidity. If you really want to do it, you'll have to go to a salon.
GIFTS -The family can always use:
- quality lighters (Bic or similar, for the gas stove)
- good flashlights
- First Aid materials
- unwanted, good-quality clothing and shoes
- outdated laptops/iPods
NOTE: There are usually around a dozen kids of varying ages in residence. Any noisy toys will be played with incessantly and annoyingly until the batteries run out and/or they get lost or broken. Large amounts of candy should be given to adults so that the kids don't inhale them and go crazy.
- Gifts often get lost/broken/otherwise ruined within days, or sold when the recipient needs money.
CULTURAL NOTES -- People here may ask you to "loan" them money. You are under no obligation, and you should be aware that you are unlikely to be paid back.
- Privacy is a very flexible concept here. Often there is concession to visual privacy (partitions or curtains) which do nothing to screen sounds. People will play music/watch TV/talk or yell with no regard for who might be trying to sleep or otherwise wanting quiet. It is considered very strange for anyone to want to be alone, especially women. Women walking alone may be followed by men trying to "accompany" them. This is part of the culture, so be prepared.
- Hugging casual acquaintances is not normal among Peruvians. Hugs are usually reserved for lovers and family members. Hugging Peruvians can imply to them that you wish to start an intimate relationship. Be aware!