Archive for the ‘Travel Tips’ Category

Helpful Hints for SeaDreamers preparing for their Amazon Voyages

Running across the northern tip of South America is the world’s second largest river, the Amazon, whose river basin composes the majority of the Amazon Rainforest, the world’s largest tropical rainforest. The Amazon Rainforest, locally referred to as Amazonas, is sometimes referred to as the “Lungs of the Planet” because it produces more than 20 percent of the world’s oxygen. It is also the source of 20 percent of all the free-flowing fresh water on the planet.

Brazil is home to 60 percent of the Amazon Rainforest and approximately 13 percent of the Amazon is found in Peru, but the remainder is spread out over seven other South American countries. Suriname, Colombia, Venezuela, French Guiana, Guyana, Ecuador and Bolivia each claim a portion of the Amazon Rainforest. The source of life for the Amazon Rainforest, the Amazon River, begins in the Andes Mountains of Peru and flows eastward across the South American continent until it enters the Atlantic Ocean in Belem, Brazil.

The Amazon consists of 1.4 billion acres that compose 54 percent of all the remaining tropical rainforests on earth. If the Amazon were a country, it would be the ninth largest country in the world. As of June 2011, the Amazon’s size and diversity makes it a candidate for one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature by the Seven Wonders of the World Foundation.

The diversity of plants in the Amazon is the highest of anywhere on earth. There have been more than 40,000 plant species recorded that include many items that are part of the developed world’s diet such as bananas, mangoes, guava, yams, nuts and spices. Additionally, many of the plants found in the Amazon have medicinal qualities that have helped cure diseases. As of June 2011, 3000 species fish, 1,294 birds, 427 mammals, 428 amphibians and 378 reptiles have been scientifically classified in the Amazon Rainforest including some that are deadly to humans such as black caiman, jaguar and anaconda.

The Amazon Rainforest has long been the home of many different groups of indigenous people. An estimated 6 to 9 million called the Brazilian Amazon home in 1500. However, during times of Western colonization, many were killed. By 1900 there were only 1 million and as of June 2011, approximately 250,000 that constitute 215 ethnic groups and 170 languages, remain Brazil’s Amazon rainforest with a total of 350 ethnic groups in the entire region. Many others live in urban areas throughout the region and depend on the Amazon for food, shelter and jobs.

Weather
You will be fairly near the Equator and weather is characterized by strong tropical sun. Average temperatures range from the upper 70° to upper 80°F year around during the day, to the lower 70s at night. It can be cool on the river at night or on overcast days. There is very little seasonal variation between winter and summer temperatures. The average humidity ranges from 60-80%, and rainfall occurs approximately 250 days out of the year. Most showers occur in the late afternoon or evening and are of short duration.

What to Pack
It may be best to dress light layers of easy drying fabrics. Here are some things not be forgotten;
Light fleece top
Windproof/waterproof jacket
Shirts/t-shirts
Long sleeve cotton t-shirts
Shorts
Light cotton trousers
Hiking pants/track pants (make sure they dry easy, jeans are not recommended)
Light raincoat or poncho
Boots or sturdy walking shoes (either sturdy sneakers with good tread or lightweight rubber boots)
Swimming gear
Sunglasses
Sun / rain hat
Sport sandals or old sneakers
Sun block
Insect repellent without DEET (AVON Skin so soft)
Camera with waterproof case
Binoculars (essential)
Daypack- We recommend a waterproof backpack, which is easiest for you to carry.
Anti-itch cream for insects bites

Money
Credit cards are generally accepted in the larger ports. If using cash, it is preferable to take dollars in a mixture of denominations.The exchange rate can move up or down in a matter of hours, days or weeks. Usually unpredictable, it is best to purchase currency locally. Keep most money in dollars and exchange as you need. Current rates can be found online on the internet.
Brazil: Real
Peru: Nuevo Sol

You are unlikely to encounter any difficulties. Though crime exists in the large capital cities, the Amazon tends to be quieter and safer. On the river and in the forest we are in one of the least densely populated areas on the planet and also one of the safest.

Shore Excursions
SeaDream’s excursions are not booked in advance. Instead, you’ll be booking them once onboard, after having a complete briefing and overview by your activities team. To review the excursions being offered, you may visit SeaDream’s website and click on the link to your voyage; http://www.seadream.com/voyages/plain/voyage/21207. Then individually click on each port for details.

Post -Voyage Transfer in Iquitos
Port to Airport is priced is per person. 1 guest $40.00, 2 guests $35.00, 3-4 guests $30.00, 5-6 guests $25.00, 7-9 guests $21.00, 10-14 guests $20.00. The transfer will be booked once you are onboard.