Soles of a Nomad

We spent four days deep in the Peruvian Amazon — holding caimans, spotting sloths, dodging spiderwebs, and trying (and failing) to catch piranha. Here’s what it’s really like to take an Amazon jungle tour from Iquitos.

Most people visit Isla de los Monos (Monkey Island) on a tour. We didn’t. This is the story of how we got there on our own: two boats, zero signs, and more monkey snuggles than we knew what to do with.

There isn’t just one Rainbow Mountain anymore—there are two. Here’s your guide to choosing the right one, setting realistic expectations, and staying safe at altitude.

Delta lost our luggage on the way to Lima, Peru. What followed involved freezing mist, four airport trips, a pile of broken promises, and the slow unraveling of our faith in airlines—and humanity. A ridiculous and totally true travel disaster story.