Are you a grant-funded researcher or independent scientist interested in biological, geological or archaeological research here in Peru? Is your university or other institution looking for the means to provide your research group with equipment, food, medical supplies and transportation to hard to reach areas in the Andes Mountains or Amazon Rainforest? We look forward to sharing your passion.
We can be working for you before, during and even after your research expedition. We can also help in finding you information which is not available on the internet. Sometimes visiting a place is the only means of determining if an expedition is feasible by talking to and working with the locals. Many Peruvians in rural areas don’t have access to the internet and cell phone service or may even prefer face to face interaction. We can get your project off the ground by finding out if a route is possible. A route may seem possible after some internet searches or by looking at satellite imagery but this may not be the case. Real testimony by locals can confirm whether or not a route is accessible. We can investigate before you invest your time and effort.
Lodges and tour operators generally aren't willing to stray from a routine and will most likely either refuse or overcharge for anything out of the ordinary. We are not limited to any one river or mountain route. We are always willing to put in the effort to make a new expedition along an unknown route possible. During our search for new trip itineraries we’ve discovered what works and what doesn’t and can estimate costs at times almost precisely.
With our years of experience in searching for that perfect tour itinerary we’ve crossed mountain passes, high plains, jungle swamps and primary forests. In doing so we've developed an ability for finding new routes through difficult terrain. We use satellite imagery, topographical data and rely on our knowledge of climate zones.
We have both a USA trained Biologist and Lifeguard and a Peruvian trained Archeologist and English speaking Tour Guide leading the way. We also have a multitude of drivers, motorboat captains, muleteers, scientists, Peruvian officials, police, first responders and chefs available.
With any new expedition to unknown areas a Spanish-Speaking guide is a necessity. Sometimes things don’t go as planned or a proposed route can take us into someone’s proclaimed “private property”. In the case of any unforeseen event a guide and translator can make sure the research expedition isn't cut short.
We're able to get you to your destination using any combination of vans, planes, motorboats, mules and hiking equipment. We also provide on-site chefs for large groups and dehydrated meals for small groups and satellite trips away from base camp.
We have motorboat contacts along the entirety of the Madre de Dios River from its headwaters in Manu National Park to Puerto Maldonado and Bolivia. We also have contacts along the Tambopata and Las Piedras Rivers. Motorboats are not limited to these rivers and may reach other rivers or oxbow lakes through waterways known as "quebraras". Boats are designed to carry up to 10 people comfortably and usually provide PFDs and roofs for protection against the sun and rain. In areas which are less touristic 2-stroke motorboats with canoe-like hulls “Peke Pekes” are more common while outboard engines may not be available.
We can provide mule transportation for hard to reach areas for both gear and riding (uphill only). At least one emergency mule for riding will always be available. Mules are limited to areas where muleteers are already operating or within a few days range. Each mule can carry 70 kilos max or the equivalent of gear and food for one person for one week. If a researcher would like to ride more than walk two mules will be required, one for gear and one reserved for riding.
We can provide on-site chefs to handle all of your meals for groups of up to 20 people. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Snacks are included as well as hot rags when showers aren't available. Both Peruvian and American cuisines are available.
We prefer meals prepared from fresh ingredients whenever possible but when it comes to multiple days when weight becomes a factor especially during satellite overnight or multi-day trips away from base camp dehydrated meals will have to suffice. We prepare dehydrated, ready to go meals individually wrapped for these occasions. You can find our menu at incachef.com
We are fully stocked with multiple base camp shelters, tents, hammocks and equipment for exploring, cooking and for providing some comfort during your research expedition.
We can provide group no-see-um mesh tent bug shelters and large tarps suitable for up to 10 people each. Both of our mesh tents are big enough to enclose a standard outdoor table with benches and then some. The large tent has a floor dimension of 3.8 by 2.6 meters and the medium tent has a floor dimension of 3 by 2 meters.
We have 2 Hex XL Screen Houses with curtains which are held in place with a steel frame made by Eureka. Both are sufficient for either a dining tent for group of 10 with a separate kitchen tent or both used for two groups of 10 as 2 dining tents. These Screen Houses are stable enough to handle the extreme wind of the Andes Mountains but require mule transport due to their weight.
Our tents consist of 2 separate pieces, one as the mesh tent (3/4 mesh) and the other as the detachable tarp. The door can be held up as a porch providing additional shade. These 3 season clip system freestanding tents are best in the Andes above the tree line but can also be used in the rainforest for those who prefer a tent instead of a hammock or for beach camping along the river when river levels are safe.
In addition to group base camp shelters where cooks and researchers have sufficient space for preparing meals, dining or enjoying a card game we provide personal hammocks with either attached or cocoon style bug nets. For each hammock and bug net we also include tarps which center above the hammock and provide shelter from the rain. By using these personal hammocks researchers can spread out away from base camp and enjoy more privacy and intimacy with the forest. These personal setups are also very lightweight and portable for any overnight or multi-day trip away from base camp.
We currently have 7 Alpackaraft packrafts in our fleet. Packrafts offer a way to reach destinations which were previously unreachable. Inflatable and weighing only a few lbs each small groups can hike in, inflate a boat, cross a lake or river, deflate and hike again. They are especially useful for maneuvering up a creek where a small motorboat, kayak or canoe won’t do. For researchers they are a valuable tool for getting to those areas off the main river which are still intact and uninfluenced by any human activity. With each raft we provide Fisherman’s (utility) PFDs, and ultralight 4 piece breakdown paddles.
Do you need to get up into a tree? We have everything you need including harnesses, repelling devices, climbing and auxillary ropes, pulleys, helmets, anchor webbing, caribiners etc. Let's make your canopy research a reality!
We offer 70 - 120 liter dry bag backpacks and various 10 - 30 liter dry bags made from durable PVC. We have enough to fit and make sure your equipment stays dry and safe.
• High Output Stoves
• Portable 15 L Propane Tanks
• Aluminum Full Sized Pots and Utensils
• Stainless Cutlery, Plates and Mugs
• Full Size No Stick Pans
• Coffee Filters, Cutting Boards, Tea Infusers etc.
• Ice Chests
• Gas Canisters and Stoves
• Small Aluminum and Titanium Pots
• Small No Stick Aluminum Pans
• Pan Handlers
• Alcohol Stoves
• GPS Devices with Birdseye Imagery
• AA / AAA Flashlights
• Lanterns
• Camp Stools
• Mask and Snorkel
• Folding / Throwing Knives
• Machetes w/ PVC Sleeves
• Rain Ponchos / Rain Gear
• Water Shoes
• Umbrellas
• Solar Chargers
• 4K Photographer
Where there's a will there's a way - Albert Einstein