FAQ’s

You WILL need your passport to travel.

Keep it in a *safe location at all times. (*American passports are highly desired in Colombia, Peru, and Brazil.)

Keep a copy of your passport on you at all times, and take a picture of your passport and send it to your team leader, and one or more of your teammates.

Please note: You will need to renew your passport if it expires within 6 mos of any of your travel dates, including the return date. Also, be sure there are at least FOUR blank pages in the back of your passport for stamps as you will be checking in and out of 2-3 countries.

We recommend the following Apps: WhatsApp, American Airlines, Latam Airlines or Avianca (depending on which we use for in-country flights), Google Translate (be sure to download the Spanish and English languages before you leave country), Currency Converter, Life On Mission (this is the app we use for sharing the gospel).

Teams will fly from their closest international airport into Bogota, Colombia and then onto Leticia, Colombia, where a commercial bus will take the team from the airport to the mission boats. This consists of 30 minutes to Leticia port, and then a small boat will take us across the Amazon River to the border of Peru and Colombia where we will board the 414 Mission Boat(s).

Then we will boat up the Amazon River (approximately 2 hours) to the Mission Station in CushilloCocha.  

Small teams (8 or less) will stay on-site at the Mission Station in Cushillococha, along with the missionaries. There are electrical outlets for CPAP machines and charging phones. And the bedrooms have a/c.

Larger teams (9+) will stay at a hotel in the neighboring village, 20 minutes west called Caballococha. The rooms have a/c and it works 90% of the time.

Breakfast will be provided at the mission station. Lunches and dinners will be either served at the mission station or at a local restaurant.

Fresh drinking water is available at the mission station, so bring your water bottle.

Types of food: Typically the main staples are chicken or fish and a side of one or more of the following: rice / potatoes / yucca / beans. The food has been said to be very delicious by the majority of our past team members. There is not a lot of fiber, so if this is a problem for you, you may want to bring/use supplements. And be sure to have snacks with you for times between meals or while in smaller villages where food may be unavailable.

Some areas do have cell range. The majority of the smaller villages the cell range is either spotty or non-existent. All 414 Missions boats are equipped with Wi-Fi so while in transit on the river you can use it. Wi-fi will also be available in some jungle hotels for a fee, and while at the Mission base, there is Wi-fi.

Locals can provide laundry service via washing in the lake for a small fee (full day or two turnaround). There is a washing machine at the mission station for emergencies.

Although temps may show 80 - 95 degrees, don’t be fooled. Humidity is typically 90% - 100%, which makes the 'feels like' temperatures much higher, and without a/c in most places you will feel your body slowly wind down. It is imperative to hydrate all day long, rest when needed, use a cooling rag, and do not over exert yourself. It is also recommended that you are in good shape before coming. 

This is the Amazon, and you will see many bugs. Bringing proper bug spray (non-aerosol) with at least 30% - 40% deet for mosquitos is required. A 20% Picardin spray or lotion is also very effective with the ants, sand fleas, and biting flies. 

The short term teams stay in hotels each night which will have showers (not usually warm) and toilets (with seats). Please remember when you are in the Amazon region, YOU CANNOT FLUSH YOUR TOILET PAPER, so there will always be trash bins by the toilets. You will want to have a small amount of toilet paper on hand with you at all times in case you need to use the restroom while in the villages. DO NOT use the tap water to drink or brush your teeth! You will need to brush your teeth, swish, rinse, and clean your toothbrush with drinking water to reduce your chances of contracting any parasites.

First and foremost, we serve the hard-working indigenous pastors and missionaries serving in the local area. In partnership with them, we will serve the Ticuna people, and other indigenous tribes on the Amazon River. 

Each trip is different based on the team's abilities. It can be medical, dental, reading glasses, VBS, youth ministry, evangelism, discipleship, water purification training, water well drilling, and construction projects. Sometimes we have team members who come solely with the purpose of serving those who serve, through cooking, cleaning, or providing immediate care for their needs. We often play futbol (soccer) or volleyball as a way to connect.

Our last day typically includes some tourism and souvenir shopping in Leticia, Colombia and/or Tabatinga, Brazil.

We invite any age from elementary age (with parental supervision) to senior adults. There is no limit to how many can go, we have had couples come by themselves, and teams as large as 24. There will be a team of 6-10 missionaries and local Peruvians serving alongside the teams (missionaries, pastors, translators, security, cooks, and maintenance workers). 

Although every trip is different, most follow a typical pattern based on a 10-day trip.

• Day 1/2: Travel to Leticia and boat to Cushillococha
• Day 3-7: Begin ministry, locally and surrounding villages by boat
• Day 8: Return to Leticia (souvenir, explore)
• Day 9/10: Return home 

Again, every trip is different, but this seems to be the most common pattern…

• 6 am Sunrise (TAG: Time Alone with God)
• 7 am Breakfast & Group Devotion
• 8 am Each team goes to their assigned areas of ministry
• 12-2 pm Lunch/siesta
• 2-4 pm Each team continues ministry
• 4 pm Free time - Rest & clean up
• 6 pm Dinner with Team
• 7 pm Team building / Free time
• 10 pm Lights Out

Trip prices will vary based on time of year and airfare cost. The base trip cost is $1800 + airfare. This would be a total range of $2,800 - $3,500.

This price covers airfare, food, lodging, and transportation. It does not cover personal items such as passports, vaccines, airport hotels, meals, tips, or travel insurance. We will provide team meetings via google meets and training for sharing the gospel.

There’s always a notable risk with international travel. However, we have been taking teams for over 8 years now and everyone has safely returned. We also have trustworthy and qualified American and Peruvian and/or Colombian workers who will accompany us at all times.

The biggest threat is sickness. We suggest being overly careful when eating / drinking in any 3rd world country. 

For the latest travel advisories, check out the State Department at: 

PERU:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Peru.html 

COLOMBIA:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Peru.html 

BRAZIL:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/brazil-travel-advisory.html 

Currently, vaccinations are not required to enter Peru, Colombia, or Brazil, but there are several recommendations by the CDC.

Please see the CDC Website for most current vaccine requirements. Because we are on the tri-border, you will want to check Peru, Colombia, and Brazil:

CDC Recommendations

For donations by a third party toward a missions trip:

414 Missions is a non-profit organization and donations given in support of a trip fee are non-refundable donations to 414 Missions and are not contingent on a any certain team member's participation in a trip. If a team member has to drop or a trip is canceled, donations toward their trip will be held as a trip credit (less any airline penalties and/or credits) up to two years after the original trip date. Expired 414 Missions trip credits will be used by 414 Missions to further its charitable purposes.  

*For trips purchased by team member, please see the "What is 414 Missions’ Trip Cancellation Policy?

If a ticket is purchased for a team member and the ticket is canceled, 414 Missions will send the trip credit to the team member, or the person who paid for the ticket, and they can use it as needed. It is possible that the airline credit will be less than the original ticket value due to airline cancellation penalties and fees. In the case that the team member schedules a later trip with 414 Missions, the full price of the new ticket for the new trip will be will be included in their new trip, or they may use their trip credit from previous (canceled) trip (plus or minus any changes in fare).

For the airline ticket portion of the trip, see above airline canceled ticket policy.

The remaining trip cost, up to $1,500, will be distributed as follows:

• 0-15 days prior to trip: non-refundable
• 15-45 days prior to trip: 50% refund
• 45-60 days prior to trip: 75% refund
• 60+ days prior to trip: 100% refund (up to $1,500)

If 414 Missions has to cancel for any reason, the trip costs will be credited toward the future trip. If the person chooses not to schedule a future trip, they will receive the airline credit and be refunded up to $1,500 of their payments received.

Passport (required):
- Have 1 color copies made and place in a ziplock to keep with you at all times
- Share a photo of your passport with 1 or more team members.

Luggage (check airline requirements for sizes) *all luggage should be waterproof or bring a way to cover all luggage as they WILL get wet:
- Checked bags (1 included, extras will require additional fee): Waterproof duffel bags work best but if bringing a suitcase you will want to also bring a waterproof cover, even if just a black garbage bag*
- Carry-on: Backpack style doubles as a day pack (waterproof if possible)*
- Small handbag / purse (waterproof if possible)*

Clothing (avoid cotton or denim clothing) laundry service available for a small fee:
- 3-5 T-Shirts (dri-fit)
- 1 church outfit (pants or dress/skirt)
- 3-5 shorts or pants if desired
- 5-10 underwear
 -Walking shoes(w/socks), flip-flops and/or strapped sandals
- Swim suit (optional)
- Ultra-light rain jacket
- Hat

Bedding / Bath:
- Light blanket (opt)
- Travel pillow (opt)
- Towel; thinner the better - humidity levels limit drying (opt)
- Wash rag (opt)

Devotion Material (required will have a *) be sure to put in a ziplock bag to protect from humidity and rain:
- Bible*
- Notepad*
- Pen* (ball point is best as gel pens will run with the humidity) / Pencil / Highlighter

Toiletries (required will have a *):
- Soap*
- Shampoo*
- Deodorant (no aerosol)*
- Tooth brush / Toothpaste*
- Comb/brush
- Razor
- Floss
- Q-tips
- Sunscreen (no aerosol)*
- Insect Repellant (30%-40% deet) and/or Picaridin (no aerosol)*
- Chapstick
- Nail clippers (It is recommended that fingernails and toenails be kept very short as bacteria builds up easily in the jungle)
- Foot powder (opt)
- One roll toilet paper* (most public restrooms do not supply tp)
- Baby Wipes / Dude Shower Wipes (you'll thank us later)

Medications (recommended but not required):
- Imodium
- Tums
- Dramamine
- Pepto-Bismol
- Tylenol / Ibuprofen
- Benadryl
- Anti-bacterial wipes (such as Clorox)
- Hand sanitizer
- Bandaids
- Anti-itch cream
- Malaria Medication (prescribed by Dr)
- Metronidazole (Prescribed by Dr for E-coli/parasites)
- Additional Rx antibiotics your Dr may prescribe

Dry Storage (recommended):
- 5-15 ziplocks (all sizes)
- Dry storage bags (you will want this for day travel to keep all electronics and personal items dry)
- Day-pack (waterproof or w/ rain cover)
- Poncho
- Waterproof case for phone
- Large ziplock to keep bible, notepads, & devo in
- Plastic bag to put wet clothes in at end of trip (grocery bag or garbage bag works fine)

Electronics (bring at your own risk):
 -Cell phone (w/ waterproof case) pre-check your international plan
- USB wall charger in (110-220v only)
- Portable battery charger
- Extra batteries if needed
- It is not recommended that you bring iPads or laptops

Utilities (recommended)
- Flashlights (head mount or small hand held)
- Utility knife/multi-tool (opt) (be sure this one is packed in your checked bag)
- Watch (basic is best)
- Carabiners
- Plastic/reusable spork
- Travel/reusable straw
- Water bottle
- Cooling towel
- Sunglasses (with wipee)
- Sharpie (recommended but not required)

Snacks (recommended as day trips can be long and you will need the energy... also, if invited to eat at a local village you may want a back-up snack) Here are some good ideas...:
- Trail mix (w/o chocolate)
- Beef jerky
- Granola/cliff bars
- Dried fruit
- Nuts
- Any other snacks you would like to bring (reminder: it is very hot and humid so snacks that could melt: chocolate & gummy bears, are not recommended)

Cash:
- Have cash on hand (the remaining cash for your trip cost, and spending money for you to buy souvenirs, or small items at the tienda’s), crispy new bills are best, you will have an opportunity to convert to COP (Colombian Peso), and PEN (Peruvian Soles) once in country.

Print Packing List (pdf)

There is a way to exchange money for pesos in Leticia (Colombian) which is where most of the souvenirs are located, and you can exchange for soles (Peruvian) in Caballococha, where you will be staying the majority of the time. Because we are in the jungle and not a large city, the rate will not be the same as the international rate you see in your currency converter as the jungle villages/towns take more of a percentage. You will be given the opportunity to buy snacks, drinks, and will have a fun day to get souvenirs and look around Leticia so spending money is recommended. We usually suggest $100-$200(USD) depending on the souvenirs you want to buy, just be sure they are newer crispy bills and can be in 20's, 50's or 100's.