Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this workshop suitable for?
This workshop is open for people of all ages and backgrounds. However, due to the nature and location of the workshop, please consider the following before applying:
>The days spent with the research teams can be long (sometimes 6am - 6pm out in the field), fast paced and very draining (and also incredibly rewarding!). You need to be in good shape to participate on these days and will need to keep up with the teams.
>The accommodation is basic; cold water and no electricity are the norm. As long as you enter with an open mind about this it adds to the charm and adventure of the workshop.
>The location of the lodge can be reasonably remote (up to a 5 hour trip to the nearest hospital).
>Conditions in the rainforest are very humid (no shock there!), clothes can rot quickly and electrical equipment can be affected if it is not stored correctly.
>Mosquitoes and biting flies are in abundance.
The Amazon is a truly unique place and can offer the photographer an amazing and unforgettable experience. If you enter it prepared with the right mindset, the issues above will seem a mere inconvenience compared with the experiences and memories you will take home with you. If you have concerns about any of the above, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss things with you.
What's the accommodation like?
The accommodation is rustic, but comfortable.
You will share a bungalow/room with one other member of FotoForever. If you are travelling with a friend you can request sharing a bungalow/room with them. Each bungalow/room has an ensuite bathroom with a shower and western toilet.
There is no electricity in any of the accommodation, and the showers are cold. You will be given candles for after dark. The restaurant area has electricity during the evenings.
What food will I be supplied?
You will receive a continental breakfast and two filling three-course meals a day. There is a snack bar on site if you require any more food or drinks.
Is there drinking water at the lodge?
Drinking water is provided by the lodge. If you prefer you can purchase bottled water or soft drinks from the bar.
Do you cater for special diets?
The lodge chefs are happy to cater for vegetarians and vegans. They will also do their best to accommodate any other requirements. Please let us know in advance if you have any special requirements.
Will I actually see any animals in the rainforest?
The Amazon is full of wildlife for those who take the time to look for it. As the name suggests, wildlife is wild and unpredictable, but the chances are that you will see many species of animal during your trip. Most evenings we will also be taking night walks where we have excellent chances of seeing frogs, snakes, tarantulas and many species of colourful insect. Several species of monkey live around the ecolodges which will be hosting us, as do many species of bird including macaws, smaller parrots, butterflies, lizards...the list goes on! You will also have use of our hides which are positioned near to areas frequented by particular species which will increase your photographic opportunities.
What's the weather like?
The workshops take place in the dry season, but you will still encounter regular rain storms (weekly) and you should have good long-sleeved tops and trousers (pants) to protect against biting insects. The dry-season also experiences cold fronts, known locally as Friajes, where the temperature can drop to a humid 10 degrees Celsius. So bring at least one sweatshirt and a pair of jeans or a warm pair of trousers (pants).
How much time will I spend in the forest vs in lectures?
For full details please view our itinerary, which can be seen here. Lectures will take place for a few hours either in the morning or afternoon of the first 4 days. Practical classes will follow these so you can get acquainted with the new skills learned.
What is there to do in the evenings?
Dark falls around 5-6pm. On some evenings we will be going on night walks on the trails around the lodge, other evenings will be free for you to decide what to do. The main lodge building has generator powered electricity during the evenings; this is an ideal place where you can meet with other members, have a cold beer or cocktail, play a game of chess or cards or simply relax and read a book . Various talks and lectures sometimes take place in this building; you are welcome to listen in to these if you please.
How many people will be on the course?
There is a maximum of 8 members per workshop.
How do I get to Puerto Maldonado?
You can fly with various airlines from both Lima and Cusco to Puerto Maldonado (LAN / Star Peru). If you are looking for a budget option you can take a bus from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado (we recommend Movil Tours) which takes around 12 hours.
How will we get to the ecolodges and back?
We will arrange transport from Puerto Maldonado airport to the lodge, and back again. You will be picked up from the airport and will travel by boat for around 3 hours (depending on the lodge) down the Tambopata river.
Who is responsible for my visa?
You are responsible for arranging your visa into Peru. Please check whether you need to organise a visa in advance of arriving in Peru. Remember that your passport needs to be valid for at least further 6 months after you arrive.
What else is there to see in the area?
In and Around Puerto Maldonado
> Lake Sandoval (Amazing opportunity to see birds and giant river otters - breathtaking scenery)
> Serpentarium (Many rescued snakes from the area)
> Animal sanctuary
> Anaconda Lodge, With a luxurious swimming pool and lots of domesticated monkeys (Included in most workshops)
A Backpacker's Dream:
> Cusco
> Machu Picchu
> Lake Titicaca
> Nazca Lines
> Bolivia
> Brazil
Will there be internet/telephone at the station/ecolodges?
Due to the isolated location of the lodge there will not be internet or telephone available, unless required for an emergency. Puerto Maldonado has many internet cafes; you can make international calls at these too. Whilst in the field, emergency only messages from friends and family members can be sent to the Project Manager's email address: info@faunaforever.org
How will I charge my batteries and laptop?
We have a generator which can only be used by FotoForever members. This can be used for charging your batteries and powering your laptops.
Do I need to bring a converter for my electrical equipment?
Is the Amazon a safe place to photograph in?
We have paid special attention to safety measures to ensure that you will be safe during your time with us. These include:
1. A buddy system where you will always be with your 'buddy' when you go into the rainforest.
2. A log of all movements which you will have to complete when you set off into the forest, including which trails you intend to use and what time you will be returning.
3. Clearly marked trails.
Do I need any injections?
A yellow fever injection is required for travel to this area. Go to your general practitioner or travel doctor and talk to them about this and other injections they recommend.
Should I bring anti-malarials?
To the best of our knowledge there have been no cases of malaria contracted at the lodges, and the co-ordinators do not take malarial prophylaxis. However we strongly advise you to follow the recommendations of your doctor. For more information on malaria and safe travel visit http://www.malariahotspots.co.uk or the Foreign and Commonwealth Office http://www.fco.gov.uk
What other dangers are there in the rainforest?
There is a small biting fly that carries a disease called Leishmaniasis. Uta, as it is locally known, is a protozoan which can eat away at living flesh and cartilage. It is carried by wild animals and is transmitted to humans by a small white Phlobotamus fly. Only a very small percentage of the flies carry the disease, but it is possible to get infected. It is curable with a 20-day intravenous treatment of antimony. You should wear long sleeves and long pants in the forest, the one exception being around midday on hot days - the flies don't fly during such conditions, so at this time you can wear shorts and a T-shirt.
Other forest dangers include Africanised bees, wasps (particularly nocturnal species), and several species of venomous snake (vipers and coral snakes). Evacuation by boat from the most remote lodge to Puerto Maldonado, where there is a hospital, can be achieved within 5 hours.
Do I need medical insurance?
Medical insurance is required to take part in this workshop. You need to arrange this yourself and provide us with a copy of the schedule.
How much spending money should I bring?
Once at the lodge the only place you can spend any money is the bar. Everything else will be provided for you. Allow some money for snacks, drinks, your final night in Puerto Maldonado and in case of an emergency.
Are there any additional costs?
There is a charge of S/.30 (US$11) on entering the Tambopata reserve. This goes towards maintaining the park and funding rangers. Apart from this one off fee there is no other additional costs.
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