My Blog
Blue Morpho Tours--Not Worth It
BlueMorpho Tours, is in my opinion, not worth the investment. I know many people have toured with them and praise them highly. I am very happy for those people and in no way wish for my opinion to take away from theirs. I urge you to make up your own mind if you are considering booking a tour with BlueMorpho. The following is part of my experience with them and the opinions expressed are solely my own:

When I booked my tour with BlueMorpho, their website advertised and still advertises at this writing-"Jungle hikes
Birding
Sport fishing (piranha fishing)
River Swimming
Boat Excursion and Chakra Therapy, Theory, Balancing
Energy Work, Guided Shamanic Journeys and Soul Retrieval
and Walking trails offer our guests a great opportunity of seeing a variety of exotic and colorful wildlife during their stay."

When I was there, none of those activities were offered and a staff member told my group there were "no animals around here". Also, the website states, "Hamilton Souther (owner) leads the shamanic tours." When I was there, Hamilton passed off duties to apprentices, one in particular who, although very nice, seemed completely overwhelmed by the responsibility. This apprentice told my group--over 30 of us--that the Ayahausca we'd drink during the ceremonies would cleanse us through vomit and/or bowel movements, but not to worry because "The Spirits always ensure there is not a line for the bathrooms." When I was there, there was a long line all night. We were told we could call the Shamans mentally and they would come help us during the ceremonies. I tried that. No one came. We were told Hamilton was always available to talk to/counsel us at all times. But we only saw him at meal time and ceremony time. Even while preparing the Ayahausca, he wandered off. I expected that preparation to be treated with reverence and respect. In my opinion, it was not. We were given a "10 minute one on one" session with him in which an apprentice was present. My session was about 5 minutes long during which Hamilton appeared disinterested. He didn't make consistent eye contact, either. After our first ceremony he gathered us in a room to talk about our experience then walked out and left us with his apprentice once again.

My group was not counseled or given much information about what to expect drinking Ayahausca for the first time. In my opinion, we were unprepared. When I was there, Hamilton and his staff seemed very tired and over worked. I asked an apprentice where all the activities were that they advertised and was told, "They all happen naturally during the ceremonies." I spoke to others in my group who were new to BlueMorpho and they were unhappy like me.

I left the tour early--as did at least two others I know of. When I got back to the States, I asked for my money back through the credit card company I paid with. BlueMorho refused for several months telling the credit card company that they would have "negotiated" with me had I gone to them directly. I contacted them and offered to pay for half even though I believed they should refund my money in full. They refused to refund half the money. I implied I would write the Peruvian government and tell them all about my experience with them and then they said would "consult their attorney and accountant" and try to "figure out" a way to refund my money. What Hamilton figured out was a "return of monies" contract he wanted me to sign, have notarized and sent back to him. That contract stated that he would indeed refund my money in full, but I would never be able to speak about him or BlueMorpho not only publicly, but privately as well. I didn't sign.

Although he did apologize once, Hamilton never once acknowledged any of my specific complaints (there were more than I've listed here) even though I quoted him, his staff, and his website when explaining why I wanted a refund. He kept saying, "Amazonian Shamanism is not for everybody." I kept telling him I had no problem with Amazonian Shamanism, but with his tour specifically. I acknowledged that it must be hard to receive negative feedback and told him I sincerely hoped my group was the first and last to experience anything negative. He still never addressed my complaints which included safety issues and fire hazards.

I wish him and BlueMorpho the best. I hope everyone who chooses to go there is happy with their tour. I, however, cannot recommend them in any way. When I went last September, I paid $685.00 and they required a $100.00 deposit for a 6 day tour. They now charge $1640.00 and require a $820.00 deposit and only offer 9 day tours.

Best of luck and much love.