Hey everyone,

I’m excited to share the first interview post on my blog with you today. The person I’m going to introduce you to is a local from a destination I’ve yet to visit, which is so exciting! It’s a great opportunity to explore a new place that will undoubtedly feature on many traveler’s bucket lists. What better way to be introduced to a new place than from someone who actually lives here, right?

So, where are we heading today? We’re off to the beautiful country of Peru! Read on to find more!

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A BIT ABOUT PERU

Peru is located in South America and is the third-largest country after Brazil and Argentina. Most tourists flock here to see the Amazon Rainforest, trek over the Andes Mountains or perhaps hike up to a little village you might have heard of, the famous Machu Picchu.

Peru has a population of just over 33 million, with around 10 million living in its capital Lima. Packed with plenty of historical sights and gorgeous beaches, Lima is also developing a reputation for its culinary scene. Plenty of amazing restaurants uses a mix of Peruvian flavours, often using staples such as corn, beans, and potatoes.

MEET ALAN

Due to the power of the internet, modern technology, and lots of Whatsapp messages, I had the pleasure of interviewing Alan. He owns and runs the Amazon Antares Lodge, located in Iquitos, Peru, less than a two-hour flight from Lima. His brother Pepe also works at the lodge, and both are of Cocama-cocamilla indigenous descent.

Surrounded by the spectacular jungle, the brother’s goal is to stop deforestation by bringing ethical tourism to their village, where the money stays right here in the community. When you come to stay at their fantastic lodge, they will show you all the wonders of this magical area and make you feel welcome in your home away from home. Therefore your tourism dollars are directly helping Alan and Pepe’s quest to help save the Amazon Rainforest.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

As always, I would advise when visiting a new country to do your research, so you will know what to expect when you arrive. Be sure to find out what visa’s you might need, or even just learn a little about the customs and cultures of Peru, which will go a long way when you’re here. That’s why I recommend purchasing a copy of the Lonely Planet: Peru before you go. This way, you’ll have the most relevant and up-to-date information on places to visit, where to stay, and what hidden discoveries await you. Buy your copy here.

Also, if you like this post, at the end, you can subscribe to keep up to date with my travel adventures, receive special offers and inspiration through my newsletter, The Weekly Vine.

So, without further ado, let’s get to know Alan and his Lodge a bit better.    

TELL ME A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF

My name is Alan, and I am the proud owner of the Amazon Antares Lodge. I was born and raised in the native community of Pampa Caño, located in the upper Amazon River of Nauta city, where I attended my primary school. Afterward, I went to study at secondary school, where I had to paddle three hours a day just to get there. Later I moved to the city of Iquitos to study tourism.

For the last 14 years, I’ve been working as a naturalist guide, which has inspired me to create the Amazon Antares Lodge so that I can bring tourism and jobs to my village. All the income generated by the resort stays in the town, and that way, this will help conserve and protect the Amazon rainforest.

WHY SHOULD TRAVELLERS COME AND STAY AT YOUR LODGE

Amazon Antares Lodge offers a 100% community-based jungle experience in Iquitos, in the Peruvian Amazon rainforest. You will experience gorgeous wildlife, with a personalised jungle experience, in comfortable yet simple accommodation & great service! Being off-the-beaten-track, we provide genuine contacts with the local people.

DO YOU OFFER TOURS OF THE LOCAL AREA?

Yes, we do tours to the local areas in Iquitos.

WHAT IS THERE TO DO NEARBY?

There are many different activities that can be accessed close by, such as: 

1. Botanical walk to learn about medicinal plant

2. Dolphin watching

3. Piranha fishing

4. Walk on the suspension bridges or tree canopy

5. Swimming with the dolphins at sunset

6. Night walk to observe tarantulas, frogs, snakes, night monkeys, etc

7. Night boat ride to see caimans

8. Sunrise and bird watching

9. Victoria regia flowering plant or giant lily pads

10. Visit a native community

11. Classes of typical food preparation of the region

12. Walk on non-flooded land to see poisonous frogs

13. Dugout canoe ride

14. Boat expedition to the Pacaya Samiria Nature Reserve to observe monkey howler, sloth bear, macaws, iguanas, etc

15. Tree planting to help reforest the jungle

16. Construction of cervantes or pucuna – one of the tools used by natives

17. Camping (optional)

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?

• Pick up from the airport or your hotel by private car
• Fast private boat to the lodge
• All meals such as breakfast, lunch, dinner, and water are also provided.
• Private tour guide
• Excursions from the list above.
• Comfortable accommodation for the duration of your stay

WHAT TYPE OF TRAVELLERS COME TO STAY AT THE LODGE?

All different types of travellers come and stay with us. The Amazon Antares Lodge welcomes everyone from around the world and offers them an unforgettable experience during their stay.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT IT?

I love my hotel because it is a very relaxing place and it is surrounded by beautiful gardens and a lake where I can enjoy nature and the local wildlife.

WHERE IS YOUR NEAREST AIRPORT?

The closest airport to the lodge is the Francisco Secada Vignetta Airport is approximately 115 km (76 miles) west of Iquitos.

AND HOW DO I GET TO THE ACCOMMODATION?

We will come and collect you from the airport. Access to the Lodge is by road, Iquitos to Nauta, which takes around 1.5 hours. Then it’s just a quick boat ride. The whole journey takes about 1-2 hours.

WHAT LOCAL WILDLIFE IS THERE NEARBY?

Close by is the Pacaya Samiria Nature Reserve. You can expect to enjoy wildlife such as sloths, macaws, howler monkeys, caimans, tarantulas, anacondas, pink dolphins, monk saki monkeys, snakes and frogs, to name a few!

WHAT FACILITIES DO YOU HAVE?

In the Amazon Antares Lodge, all the rooms have private bathrooms and are fully protected against mosquitoes with plastic meshes. The lodge has a dining room and a hammock room for you to enjoy, as well as a games room and library, terrace, gardens, BBQ facilities, room service, and free WIFI in the common areas.  

HOW LONG WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TRAVELERS STAY WITH YOU?

Since the airport is located around 115 KM (76 miles) from the resort, I’d recommend that traveler’s stay for at least five days so that they will get to enjoy the wildlife and immerse themselves in the jungle experience

WHAT COVID HYGIENE MEASURES ARE IN PLACE TO ENSURE GUESTS ARE KEPT SAFE?

Our staff follows all safety and covid-19 protocols indicated by the local authorities. Shared items such as letters, magazines, pens, and papers have been removed, and hand sanitizer is available throughout the resort and in communal areas. We implement social distancing and contactless check-in and check-out to minimise contact. Everywhere is cleaned regularly with disinfectant.

All plates, glasses, cutlery and other tableware have been sanitized, and we implement social distancing in the dining areas. Breakfast can be delivered to your room in takeaway containers and packaged safely in line with our covid procedures.

The rooms are disinfected after every guest checks out, then they’re sealed after cleaning to prevent any virus spread until the next guest arrives. Upon their departure, the bed linen, towels and other laundry items are washed and cleaned to a high standard as directed by local authorities. A professional company carries out the cleaning, and traveler’s can opt not to have their room cleaned during their stay if they wish.

We have procedures to check all of our traveler’s health during your stay with us. There is access to a First Aid Kit and healthcare professionals. We will also provide thermometers and masks if you need them.
 

So there you have it! Thanks so much for reading my interview today with Alan, who owns the Amazon Antares Lodge. It sounds like an incredible place to stay, one where I would love to visit myself one day. As most people will want to see the rainforest while they’re in Peru, then what better place to be than a resort that puts you in the heart of it all.  

I hope this post has inspired you to visit Alan and his team at the Lodge. I mean, who doesn’t want to stay in a jungle in Peru and be surrounded by so much fascinating wildlife? I know I do! You can book your stay here through Viator today.

Are you planning on visiting Peru? Where are you looking to visit? Will you be heading to Iquitos soon? If you have any questions about this great place, then feel free to ask me in the comments section below, and I’ll do my best to answer them for you.

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