FAQs About the Village

 

How long does it take to get to the village?

Jenaro Herrera is about a four hour speed boat ride from Iquitos, on the Ucayali River.

Was Eloy born there?

Yes, born and raised.

Are there stores?

Yes, there are a few small stores with knick-knacks, toiletries, etc. There is a morning market with fresh fruits, juice, vegetables, fish, cheese, etc.

Is there a way to contact the outside world?

Yes, there are several lines of communication. There are two payphones at the store (on all day), where they sell calling cards to use them. There is also an internet cafe with phones (also needing calling cards) which is open at nighttime, when the electricity is on. The Claro cellular network works as well, and many US cellular phones pick up the network at a heafty cost. Text messaging sometimes works as well.

What is the weather like?

The weather is tropical (warm and humid) all year round, ranging from about 75-90 degrees. On the boat and in ceremony it can be chilly, and it does rain. Rainy season is between November and May (where there is still plenty of sunshine, it's just a bit nicer as the rain keeps it cooled down.)

Are there a lot of bugs?

In Iquitos there are hardly any, and in the village the mosquitos tend to be out from sunset to sunrise. During the day they are not bad. We try to keep them out of the house, but we all sleep in mosquito nets just in case (provided). There are some big ugly spiders, but the ones around the house are not poisonous. We have seen many arachnaphobics release their fear of spiders and many other things. Seriously, it's not their fault they are big and ugly. It will be good Zen training for ya:)

Is it loud in the village?

Depends on what you consider loud. During the day it is common to hear kids playing, roosters crowing, dogs barking, etc. At night, occassionally the dogs and the roosters unite, but mostly it is an orchestra of mesmerizing rainforest. We like working in the Medicine in this environment, because it allows daytime training to release "daily life" things that may irritate more sensitive people. I have seen people become less sensitive and irritated by noise and many other things, due to their training they received in the village. Though honestly, the majority of people do not consider it loud.

What are the benefits from being in the village?

Besides the fact that Eloy is close to his friends and family, this village has a lot to teach us Westerners. It lives and breathes a natural rhythm of life; balanced, happy, and free. They have no concept of what depression means, or ADHD, or PTSD. They don't have much financially, but their quality of life and gratitude is abundant, and just being there in such a high-frequency place is healing in itself.

Does your house have electricity and running water?

The whole town has electricity in the evening (from about 6:30-10) and Infinite Light has a generator in case we need extra. We have running water all day, and run off of a septic system.  The shower water comes filtered from the river (safe) and we provide treated drinking water as well.

How many rooms do you have?

The main house currently has nine beds (two double rooms, five singles). The Apprentice house holds 10, which can be converted into singles or doubles.

Can we swim in the river?

Yes! We go after every ceremony to purify at 6am. The river is clean (and no, there are no piranhas in it!)

How do the people in the village take to the program?

Because this is Eloy's baby, and it is clearly benefitting the community, most people are on board. This is a very chill culture, and most of them have not left the village, so meeting people around the world is exciting for most people. We get a lot of support from the local community.

 

Is there anywhere to buy jewelry and local crafts?

Yes, there are a few local artisans in the village. They tend to come on the last day of our groups to see if you would like to buy anything. If not, there is an artisan market in Iquitos, but we like to give the villagers first shot, since they have a lot less customers.

 

Is there medical care in the village?

 

The village is not a medical facility and is not prepared for treatment of serious illness.  There is a small hospital for basic care in the village, and in case of emergecy or need of a regular doctor, we can take you on the speed boat to the city of Requena (about an hour away) or back to Iquitos. When the Medicine guidelines are followed, it is very rare to have complications.

 

Does the village need donations?

Yes, and we will soon have an address to ship them to. For now, click HERE for more information.

 

Click HERE to continue on to the Pre-Travel thru Iquitos section of the FAQs...