Before Your Trip

Flights and Airport Information


The Infinite Light program is based out of Iquitos, Peru (from there we take you on the boat to the village.) This means, most often people fly to Lima, then to Iquitos. The only airline that flies direct is LAN, who offers flight to Iquitos from Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK) and Miami (MIA) Airports. Everyone else goes through Lima first.


The prices fluxuate, but airlines that tend to have decents rates to Lima (from the US at least) are Copa Airlines, Avianca Airlines, and Delta. I'm sure there are more. Sidestep also allows search of multiple airlines, including Orbitz and Travelocity. Tuesdays and Saturdays are historically cheaper to fly, and be willing to search different times and nearby airports to reduce the price. I've seen them as low as $600 and up over $1000.


If you buy a ticket from Lima to Iquitos separately, the airlines that fly there are Peruvian Airlines, LAN, Aerocondor and Star. Peruvian Airlines is often the cheapest.


There is an airport fee leaving both Iquitos ($6) and Lima ($30). Lima airport is open all night, and is a safe place to hang out overnight if you come in late and leave for Iquitos early. There are restaurants, internet cafe and phone center, a Starbucks with free Wifi, a massage station, and an in-restaurant smoking lounge.

 

Booking Hotels


Infinite Light will gladly book a hostal room at La Casona, our favorite place in the Plaza de Armas. You pay when you arrive (single rooms around $15 per night). You can also practice Spanish by contacting them yourself! www.hotellacassonaiquitos.com

 

Almost all the Infinite Light participants stay there, due to their affordable prices, clean rooms, and warm, safe environment. There is a common area in the center, consisting of a refrigerator, sink, small stove and drinking water. There are also beverages for sale, such as drinking water, soda, and coffee. They are near an international call center, internet cafe and the boardwalk full of fun and restaurants.


Vaccinations


It is recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention that you seek information on vaccinations and other preparations before your trip.  Visit their website or look for a local Passport Health Center.


Things to Bring


The weather is tropical, and it can be chilly on the boat ride and during ceremony. Here are a few things you may want to bring:


  • Summer Clothing (shorts, tank tops, thin pants, swimsuit)
  • Boat/Ceremony Wear (raingear, sweats, socks)
  • sandals/Chacos, sneakers/hiking boots (may get dirty or wet)
  • Bug Repellant/Soap/Toiletries
  • Towels
  • Adjustable Headlamp (red setting best) - Highly recommended for all, required for ASL users
  • Journal
  • Extras you may have around the house! Infinite Light and the Village of Herrera appreciate whatever you got (see COMMUNITY SERVICE/DONATIONS section)

 

VISA Information


No VISA is required for stays under six months.

There are more options after that; contact us for more information.


Click HERE to continue on to the In Iquitos section...