Matsés Amazon Expedition 2027

Into the Matsés homeland

Arrive by river. Stay with the people.

Fly into Angamos, then travel by boat along the Río Yaquerana, camping beside the river on the way to Puerto Alegre. Here, deep in the Peruvian Amazon near the Brazilian border, we will sleep in the community maloka and spend time with Matsés families.

Hear the history from those who lived it

Sit with elders who carry memories of first contact and the changes that followed. Ask questions. Hear their accounts in their own words. Walk with people whose knowledge of the forest has been learned through hunting, gathering, growing food and working with its plants.

Contacto Matsés / 30 August

On 30 August, Matsés communities gather to commemorate peaceful contact in 1969. Songs, dancing, food, games and stories bring generations together. We are invited to be there as people remember their past and celebrate the culture they continue to carry forward.

Reciprocity and community support

The trip supports the families involved in hosting, guiding, transport, food preparation and cultural activities. Funds also contribute towards community supplies, projects and traditional knowledge preservation. Previous support includes the maloka, built with contributions from our 2024 trip, and school supplies. Buy crafts directly from their makers.

Experience life in the forest

• Walk into the rainforest with Matsés hunters and guides, learning how they read and move through the forest.
• Sit with the elders. Hear stories of life before contact, what changed and what they want remembered.
• Share everyday life with families: food preparation, language, conversation and time together in the village.
• Experience Kambo directly with Matsés practitioners, where offered, within the community that carries this knowledge.
• Look for Acaté frogs in their natural habitat and learn about traditional Kambo collection, where conditions allow.
• Learn about Nunu, Sananga and the plants, vines and roots used by Matsés practitioners.
• See how traditional clothing and crafts are made, with opportunities to learn from their makers.
• Travel the Río Yaquerana by boat, with forest on either bank and nights camping beside the river.
• Join Contacto Matsés as invited guests and buy handmade crafts directly from Matsés families.

Some days will take us into the forest or onto the river. Others will centre on village life, conversations and celebrations. We leave room for what our hosts want to share. Traditional medicine participation is entirely voluntary.

The elders on camera

A documentary made to Netflix-level production standards will be filmed during the expedition, focusing on Matsés culture, history and firsthand accounts from the elders.

Some elders lived through first contact. Their memories hold details that outside accounts have missed: how events were experienced, what was lost and how life changed. The documentary will record these firsthand voices while the people who carry them can still tell their own stories.

A film crew and filming activity will be present during the trip. Arrangements for appearing on camera, including consent, will be explained before filming. Community permission and respect for restrictions on recording remain essential.

Netflix-level describes the intended production standard. It does not indicate a confirmed Netflix commission or distribution agreement.

Iquitos to Puerto Alegre

01 / Iquitos

The expedition begins in Iquitos. Arrange and pay for your own travel to and from the city. The final meeting point and departure arrangements will be shared before travel.

02 / Angamos

We plan to fly from Iquitos to Angamos. Flights are heavily dependent on weather and may be delayed.

03 / Río Yaquerana

Continue by boat towards Puerto Alegre, with approximately two nights camping along the riverbank on the outward section. Bring your own lightweight waterproof tent and sleeping equipment.

04 / Puerto Alegre

Stay in the community maloka and sleep in hammocks. Expect basic washing and toilet facilities, insects, humidity and limited privacy.

Allow time for disruption

Departure and return may shift a few days either side. Keep travel arrangements flexible and allow additional time around the expedition.

Offline and off-grid

There is no phone signal in the village or during the river section. Expect to be offline after leaving Angamos until we return. Electricity is extremely limited. Inform family beforehand, bring power banks and protect electronics from humidity.

What your booking covers

Included

Flights between Iquitos and Angamos, with the arranged baggage allowance; boat transport, fuel and local expedition transport; food while in Matsés territory; community accommodation; Matsés guides and boat drivers; entry permissions required for the planned route; community activities, treks and forest walks; traditional medicine experiences where offered.

Not included

International flights; travel to and from Iquitos; Iquitos accommodation and meals before and after the expedition; personal travel insurance; medical preparation; passports, visas and other documents; tents and personal equipment; spending money and craft purchases.

Health and insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance covering remote travel, medical emergencies and emergency evacuation is mandatory. Check cover for the planned activities and any traditional medicine participation you intend to undertake. Medical care is difficult to access in this environment.

Be ready for extended boat travel, jungle walking, heat, humidity and basic sleeping arrangements. Seek individual travel-health advice before departure. Share relevant conditions, medications, allergies and mobility needs during booking.

Payment and responsibilities

Full payment by 1 May 2027

Choose one payment in full or three instalments. The full balance must be paid by 1 May 2027.

Cancellation by a participant

All payments are non-refundable. If you cancel your booking, the full price for your chosen payment option remains payable by the deadline, subject to your statutory rights.

Respect and conduct

Follow the guidance of Lewis, Matsés guides and community leaders. Stay with the group and do not leave the village or enter the forest alone. Respect homes, community rules and personal boundaries. Obtain permission before photography or filming, and respect restrictions on recording ceremonies and knowledge.

Confirm the final meeting and flight arrangements with Lewis before making travel arrangements.

Packing and preparation

Pack for rain, humidity and limited electricity. Bring lightweight clothing, waterproofs, suitable footwear, your tent and sleeping equipment, mosquito net, dry bags, head torch, power banks, refillable water bottle, personal medication and first-aid supplies. Protect documents, medication and electronics from water. Pack only what you can carry.

The full PDF includes a detailed packing checklist, final preparations and optional community gifts. Coordinate gifts to reflect current community needs.