Covid-19 Stranded in Amazon Jungle

A few words on my story being stranded in the Peruvian jungle during lockdown.

I arrived in PERU on the 3rd of March trekking off into the jungle based in Iquitos (IQT) to find myself locked down here nearly 3 months later of which 6 weeks have been completely isolated. This is because a state of emergency had been declared and all transport prohibited. Only way out of IQT is by plane - there is no ground transportation physically possible .

I had high hopes the ban was going to end on 24th May (three two-week extensions later from the initial ban) and that national flights would start again and I could finally make my way to Lima. This has been my biggest hurdle to date - getting to Lima. This is the only place where repatriation flights take off from.

However, on the morning of the 23rd I received more disheartening news that the ban has now been extended until 30th June with continued extensions facing towards end of October. I’ve been in it for the long haul, with no end in sight and I have run out of funds and with limited resources.

After having repeatedly contacted the South African, French and British embassies with no success as I am classed as low priority because Iquitos is 2nd highest city for infection in the country and that there are few foreigners, out of desperation, I made a video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEQGw1iAJts&t=1s) to reach out to the public to make my story known and get some real help before I would be forgotten in the jungle.

The video was a success as some people have reached out with some leads and contacts and brought me to tears as I have been filled with hope again!

The reality is, as I am one of the very few from this city trying to make it back to Lima, making my way out is more costly than the others who have been stranded in Peru. I have been recommended onto this platform to request and reach out for help! Any support would be greatly appreciated. <3

I am also looking to help raise approximately 4000£ - 4500£ to get myself home.

This is the scary truth of how much the costs are for flights, accommodation, transport, certificates, medical tests and PPE. Any donations and support would be greatly appreciated!!! All I can say in advance, with my deepest gratitude, is thank you for your kindness, support and community. Please help me get home!

So far the costs to date:

1200 euro on accommodation
approx $500 on flights getting to LIMA, transport and medical tests.

Future costs

The average flights from LIMA to Europe are ranging between 800 to 1500 euro

Then a flight from Europe to the UK averaging averages 150-300 Pounds

The minimum accommodation in Lima for 14 days quarantine period will be $532 and based on current discussions with people the average wait time for a repatriation flight is about 3 weeks to a month which will cost more.
I believe as I will be one of the last batches for flights I may be there for a month.

Whatever European country I will be flown to I will be quarantined because of coming from Peru one of the highest infected Countries at the moment which I account for another 14 days which average 40 - 50 euros a night estimating about 700 euro.

Then to help cover any travel and food costs in between would be a great help!

Any funds raised over and above what I need I will help commit to supporting the cause of supporting others.

Thanks again and much love!