Who is this workshop suitable for?
This workshop is open to people of all ages and levels of experience in photography. 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 at times, but also incredibly rewarding. You need to be in fairly good shape (be able to walk 2 kilometers in often hot conditions) to participate on these days.
>The accommodation is rustic but very comfortable; Water is not heated but after a long walk in the forest there is nothing more refreshing than to have a cool shower. To minimise noise, we only have the generator running for a few hours a day so you can recharge batteries and plug in laptops. Otherwise, you are free to relax to the amazing sounds of the rainforest by candlelight.
>The farthest we travel into the rainforest (Chuncho clay-lick) is a 5 hour boat trip to the nearest hospital.
>Mosquitoes and biting flies can become annoying at times, although the workshops do take place during August/September, when mosquito numbers are at their lowest.
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 the workshop. If you are travelling with a friend you can request sharing a bungalow/room with them. Each bungalow/room has an en-suite bathroom with a shower and western toilet.
What food will I be supplied?
You will receive a continental breakfast and two filling meals a day. There is a snack bar on site if you wish to purchase 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 may still encounter regular rain storms 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. 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 10 members per workshop.
How do I get to Puerto Maldonado?
You can fly with one of two airlines from both Lima and Cusco to Puerto Maldonado (http://www.lan.com or http://www.starperu.com). 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 9 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 up 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 Tambopata area?
Should you decide to arrive some time before the workshop you might like to explore some of the following in and around Puerto Maldonado:
> Lake Sandoval (Amazing opportunity to see birds and giant river otters – breathtaking scenery)
> Tree climbing (Learn to climb a 20-30 meter tree to reach the canopy)
> Canopy Walk (Get to the canopy by stairway and then walk from treetop to treetop via ‘floating’ walkways)
> Kayaking (Kayak down a small tributary of the Madre de Dios River)
> Serpentarium (Many rescued snakes from the area)
> Animal sanctuary (Many rescued animals from the area)
> Anaconda Lodge, with a luxurious swimming pool and lots of domesticated monkeys (Included in most workshops)
Let us know before-hand and we can help to arrange these activities for you.
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@untamedphotography.org
How will I charge my batteries and laptop?
We have a generator which can be used by Untamed Photography participants. This can be used for charging your batteries and powering your laptops.
Do I need to bring a converter for my electrical equipment?
Please visit this website for more information on electrical appliances – http://treehouse.ofb.net/go/en/voltage/Peru
Please bring along a power strip to plug your various equipment in at the same time.
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:
>A buddy system where you will always be with your ‘buddy’ when you go into the rainforest.
>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.
>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 staff 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 http://www.fco.gov.uk
What other dangers are there in the rainforest?
The rainforest is home to some venomous snakes and various biting insects. However, emergencies are extremely rare and should any incident occur, evacuation by boat from the most remote lodge to Puerto Maldonado, where there is a hospital, can be achieved within 3 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/.60 (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.
I want to come but don’t think I would like the trek to Machu Picchu at the end, is this possible?
Yes, this is no problem at all as we offer an alternative to the trek which includes a city tour of Cusco and a trip to the largest orchid garden in Peru, still ending off at Machu Picchu with the group after having taken a bus and train route instead.
How tough is this trek to Machu Picchu?
The trek is physically strenuous and you need to have good fitness levels to undertake it. If you have any problems with the altitude then mules will be on hand to carry you if you cannot continue. The tour staff are trained in how to cope with such circumstances and will do everything they can to accommodate you.
Do I have to carry my backpack on the trek to Machu Picchu?
You can hire a mule to carry your backpack for around $20 a day. This means you only need to carry a small backpack with water, some snacks and your camera.
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