86 hectares of Amazonian paradise guided by the indigenous concept of "Sumak Kawsay" (Life in Harmony). A place of research and creation based on ancestral knowledge, sustainable living strategies and technology.
Around 80% of the space is managed as a forest restoration area where nature mainly stays untouched and natural succession is being supported. The remaining 20% of land (~ 17ha) are either used as agroforestry areas (“chacras integrales”) or living space.
Chaikuni intervenes in the forest restoration area in two ways: by replanting native species that are slowly disappearing in this area; as well as by reintroducing native plants that may have been removed by previous owners.
With clayey or sandy soil and huge amounts of rainfall, you will experience life at its maximum potential.
Facilities
Comedor & Library
The central building contains the “comedor” (dining room area), the kitchen, library and an office. It is usually where we have meetings, eat and hang out. There are hammocks, chairs and tables where you can work or relax. In the library, we have collected many books in different languages about lots of different topics. You’re welcome to read, borrow, and leave books here.
Dormitories & Tambos
1.1 Simple room
You’ll have a room for yourself. This includes a bed with a mosquito net, a table, a chair, an open cupboard and a small terrace with a hammock with a view towards the jungle. Shared toilets and showers (usually shared with 1-3 people).
1.2 Private cabin / Tambo (with extra fee)
You’ll have your own big platform house which includes everything in the simple room, plus an extra bed (if needed), your own toilet, shower and sink (for prices check out the enrollment form).
Sanitary places
Toilets
There are several compost toilets spread around the land, so you’ll always have one close by. If you are unfamiliar with how to use them properly, don’t worry, we will show you when you arrive.
Laundry
There is no washing machine available, so clothes will need to be washed by hand. Alternatively, you can take your laundry to the nearby community, where someone can wash your clothes for a small fee.
Of course you can also take your laundry to Iquitos. In Iquitos, we can recommend you “Lavandería Aqua clean” (https://maps.app.goo.gl/9p8XXaU3FreE4Q8S8).
Showers
Several showers are located around the land. The water temperature is usually cold, which is refreshing for the jungle. Water for the shower comes from our rainwater harvesting system, so make sure to not drink it. It’s important to keep in mind that water availability depends on the season. Here in the Amazon the year is divided into the rainy season and the dry season. During the dry season, it is necessary to be aware of your own water consumption as water availability is limited.
If possible, please use natural hygiene products with minimal packaging as this can better protect and care for the forest and environment around us
Kitchen
Food
The big central building (comedor or dining room area) also houses the kitchen. Eating hours are usually 9 a.m. (breakfast) and 1 p.m. (lunch).
Every week one of us will go shopping in Iquitos. Please let your colleagues know if there’s anything you’d like from the town, so we can add it to the shopping list.
Food available includes mostly: rice, plantain (salty banana), beans, potatoes, cassava, eggs, and all kinds of tropical fruits. You can always go to the chacras to harvest seasonal fruits and veggies.
Drinking water
Drinking water comes from a nearby spring. Before we drink it, it is cleaned by a filter with activated carbon. The carbon is replaced once a year to ensure that the water is properly filtered and safe for drinking.
Electricity
Lights and power outlets
Electricity here comes solely from solar panels. That’s why the only power outlets you can find are located in the central building. The comedor and kitchen inside are the only places where you will find electric light at night. For your room, we will provide you with candles.
Charging Stations
There are two charging stations where you can leave your electric devices to charge. Electricity availability at Chaikuni depends on the amount of sunlight hitting our solar panels, which can vary day to day and also seasonally. This sometimes means we don’t have electricity and need to be more careful with our use. Please don’t bring devices that consume a lot of energy, such as electric shavers, electric toothbrushes, etc.
In order to ensure that our basic electricity needs are met (e.g. solar-powered-pumps for the shower, light in the kitchen etc.), electricity and internet access will only be provided during the day.
If you want to be more independent, bring a good powerbank so you can have electricity on the go.
WiFi
We have reliable and fast satelliter internet at our Center.
Maloka
The Maloka is an open space that you can use freely whenever you wish. It’s a great place to do yoga, meditation, workouts, and dancing, etc.
