FAQs
-
Before booking your expedition
-
What is included in the price of the room?Basically, everything, once you arrive in Puerto Maldonado, is included, such as:
- All meals
- Accommodations
- Tours, Services, Guides
- Transfer from and to the airport of Puerto Maldonado
- All river transportation
Things that aren’t included are:- International or domestic airfares,
- Airport departure taxes or visa fees,
- Excess baggage charges,
- Additional nights during the trip due to flight cancellations,
- Alcoholic beverages or bottled water, snacks,
- Insurance of any kind,
- Laundry,
- Phone calls or messages, reconfirmation of flights and items of personal nature.
-
When is the best time to visit Tambopata?
- When is the dry season?: Although it can rain at any time of the year, the Tambopata region tends to be drier from May until October. The rains start up in earnest in November and continue until April with the rainiest months usually being November and December. The upsides to visiting during the dry season are trails that aren’t as muddy, little chance of activities being affected by rain, and more macaws and parrots on the clay licks. The downsides to visiting during the dry season are hotter weather, less bird activity on sunny days, more difficulty in finding amphibians, and more travel time on rivers due to low water levels.
- Why visit Tambopata eco-lodges during the wet season?: Although you can expect a lot of rain, there will probably be fewer fellow ecotourists (if you like a lot of extra elbow room), it usually rains in the afternoon, it tends to be a bit cooler, and there may be higher bird activity on account of the cloudy weather. The ponds and temporal wetlands that form at this time of the year in the rainforest can also make it easier to find reptiles and amphibians. Parrots and macaws tend to visit more clay licks as they will need the clay for the brain development of their chicks during the first months of the year which coincide with the wet season. Also, the rainy season is fruit and flower season, so wildlife will find food everywhere.
- When will I see the most animals?: In all honesty, no month is particularly better to see animals than any other. While you will have more sunlight to see parrots and macaws at the clay lick during the dry season, other animals are encountered with the same frequency no matter what the time of the year. A much bigger factor that comes into play for seeing Amazonian wildlife is the guide’s level of experience and training. From July to September, we have the most jaguar observations along the river banks.
- When is the best time to see monkeys?: If you visit lodges such as the Tambopata Research Center, Refugio Amazonas, or Posada Amazonas, you have a very good chance of seeing several monkey species throughout the year. The rollicking calls of Dusky Titis echo from vine tangles, Red Howler Monkeys call from the canopy, and troops of Squirrel Monkeys roam through second-growth near oxbow lakes. Black Spider Monkeys may be a bit easier to find during the wet season because it’s usually easier to locate the fruiting trees they feed on but a good guide will increase your chances of seeing them no matter what the time of the year.
-
What kind of luggage should I bring?Your luggage is hand-carried by our staff at various stages of the trip for a long distance. Luggage is restricted to 15 kg per person (33 pounds). You can leave your large luggage in our office at Puerto Maldonado. If you are visiting other destinations in Peru or South America that require different kinds of clothing, you can always pack separate bags and safely leave them at our offices in Puerto Maldonado on the first day so we won’t be carrying them around uselessly. Your bag will be waiting for you at the airport the day you leave.
If you wish to bring additional luggage beyond the permitted amount, an extra fee of $ 70.00 per additional piece will apply.We recommend packing efficiently and bringing only the essentials for your stay in the Amazon.
By traveling light, we reduce our environmental footprint and help preserve the balance of this unique ecosystem. Excess luggage increases fuel consumption during transfers. Packing consciously is a way to support the conservation of the Amazon and ensure that its beauty and biodiversity remain alive for future generations.
-
What should I pack ?
Here are some suggestions:
- Binoculars
- Camera gear, bring your long lens!
- Light-colored, long cotton pants
- Long-sleeved, light-colored cotton shirts
- Ankle-high hiking boots and sneakers
- Flashlight (headlamp) with batteries
- Sunblock lotion
- Sunglasses
- Broad-brimmed hat
- Rain suit or poncho
- Insect repellent
- Small-denomination bills
- Small daypack
- Slippers or sandals for walking around the lodge*HAVE IT ON THE HAND*
NOTE :
Please be aware that the recreational use of drones is not allowed in our lodges. For professional use please contact us to process the required permit. -
Should I pack rubber boots?Around the lobby, you will find racks with rubber boots arranged by size. The largest size we have is 46 Peru, 12.5 US or 30.5 cm. You can use these boots for your walks or outings into the forest. Please remember that when walking inside the lodge facilities and in order to prevent bringing mud inside, you must take out your boots or muddy shoes. We suggest using sandals, clean sneakers, slippers, or socks. During the rainy season, the corridors to your rooms get wet, so we recommend bringing light anti-slip slippers to avoid getting your socks wet.
-
Are Kosher foods available at our Lodges in Tambopata?No, unfortunately, we do not have Kosher-certified food in Puerto Maldonado, the closest town to where we get our supplies, like fresh produce, meat and fish, and dairy products.
We invite you to read this and other FAQ questions Here -
Can I bring my drone?No, the use of drones for entertainment is not allowed in our ecolodges since the fauna is quite active and the forest is quite dense.
-
What is the recommended flight to join an expedition?For arrival, in Puerto Maldonado airport (PEM):
- For Posada Amazonas and Refugio Amazonas please make sure to arrive before 13:00 hrs.
- For Tambopata Research Center, please make sure to arrive before 12:30 hrs.
You will be at the lodge between 15:00 - 16:00 hrs.
If arriving by bus around early in the morning. We will be picking you up from the bus station upon your arrival. From there, we will go to our office in Puerto Maldonado and there you will be waiting for our fixed departure time.
For departure from lodges, you will be back in the city around 10:00 hrs.- For Posada Amazonas and Refugio Amazonas the boat departs around 8:00 hrs.
- For Tambopata Research Center, the boat departs around 7:00 hrs.
If you have a later flight:- You can wait at our office until the departure. Note only breakfast is included on the last day.
- Add a late check-out with an additional cost. Ask our Rainforest Specialist to help with this. This will include lunch.
-
What is the best age to bring my kids to the lodge?Tambopata is undoubtedly one of the best places to connect with nature. However, being a remote place, these are our recommendations:
- Children under 3 years old - Due to the weather conditions, location, and orientation of our activities, we do not suggest traveling with children under 3 years of age. Remember that our activities are in group service. Private service is available at an additional cost.
- From 3 to 7 years old - For little adventurers, we recommend Posada Amazonas or Refugio Amazonas. These ecolodges have a playground and activities designed for children. Take note that there are some activities that require getting up early.
Take note that the guides will suggest the recommended activities for your little ones, however, you know them better and you know how much they can walk or not.
Remember that our guides interpret the forest for you and your little one, but they will not be able to help you by carrying them in case they get tired.- From 8 to more - If your child is adventurous and is used to taking walks for more than 1 hour, the Tambopata Research Center is ideal.
While each of our lodges has a topic equipped with everything needed for any emergencies, remember to take your personal first-aid kit with the medicines authorized by your GP in case of any allergic reaction, among others.
-
-
Health and Safety
-
What inoculations are required for Tambopata?While the Peruvian Amazon is an incredible place to visit, make sure you prepare well for your travel to Peru by packing efficiently and getting the recommended vaccinations. Before you travel to Puerto Maldonado or other places in the Peruvian Amazon, visit a health care provider specializing in Travel Medicine who can tell you which vaccinations are recommended due to your health and vaccination history. It is best to see this physician 4-6 weeks prior to your travel to allow time for vaccinations to take effect. You should mention each country you are visiting on your trip in order to receive appropriate advice for all of your travel destinations. While there are no required vaccinations for travel to Peru, the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has the following recommendations:
- Hepatitus A: Vaccination is recommended to all travelers to Peru.
- Hepatitus B: Vaccination recommended to all travelers to Peru, especially those who may have exposure to blood or body fluids through the giving or receiving of medical care, drug injections, tattooing, or sexual contact with the local population.
- Typhoid Fever: Vaccination is recommended to all travelers to tropical South America especially those who may be staying in rural areas where exposure through food or water could occur.
- Yellow Fever: Vaccination is highly recommended for travel to Amazonia and the Southern Amazon basin. The shot should be given at least 10 days before your arrival and at 10-year intervals if you decide to stay.
- Rabies: Vaccination is ONLY recommended to travelers with an increased risk of exposure including long-term travelers living in an area that poses a high risk of exposure, travelers working in occupations who will have direct contact with bats, stray dogs, and cats, or other mammals such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals or researchers.
-
What happens in the case of a medical emergency?In case of emergencies we have a first aid kit that is equipped to deal with most cases that may reasonably arise in the area. Our guides are all certified by the Red Cross, which means they are prepared to deal with foreseeable emergencies (broken bones or snake bites, for example) but not complex emergencies (such as appendicitis). For snake bites, unheard of at Tambopata so far, we have extractors and an anti-venom at the lodges. In case of evacuation, we need to travel by boat to Puerto Maldonado. During the day, evacuations take about 20% less time than our regular boats. During the night, evacuations take about 30% more. In Puerto Maldonado, there is access to a state clinic.
-
Is leishmaniasis or malaria present?Leishmaniasis is present throughout the rain forests of southeastern Peru. It is a skin lesion caused by a protozoan transmitted by a certain kind of small biting fly. There is no vaccination against it but it is curable in every case. The selected cure, injections of pentavalent antimony (Glucantime), is uncomfortable. Leishmaniasis is also very easy to prevent by wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, and repellent on exposed skin at all times, and sleeping under mosquito nets. If you are interested in receiving complete information on leishmaniasis contact us before your trip. Malaria is present but extremely rare. If you wish to take medical precautions against malaria consult your physician or a specialist in tropical medicine.
-
Is there a safe in my room?We ask you to keep your valuable belongings and documents in the safe. Do not leave them valuables in plain view. Equally, if you have food or candies please keep them in the safe. Do not leave them outside. This way you will avoid attracting insects and other animals. Ask the lodge manager or guide to inform you about the proper use of the safety box
-
Where can I take my COVID test before departing?To return to your country of origin, some airlines will require a negative COVID test before boarding. We recommend booking this test online in advance at the UNILAB laboratory at the Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima. Note the page is in Spanish. You have to scroll down until you find the name of the airport. Select the type of test you need and click on the button RESERVE SU CITA. It will ask you to register in order to continue with your name, full name, email, phone number, document type, and number. Then click the red button: REGISTRAR and will show you a calendar to book the date of your test. Select the day, press CONTINUAR and select the hour and CONTINUAR. Then will ask you to fill in the information about the patient.
-
Do you offer Ayahuasca Ceremonies at the lodges?
Ayahuasca is a traditional brew used in spiritual ceremonies by Indigenous communities of the Amazon. These practices carry deep cultural and communal meaning and should not be treated as a “travel experience.”
In recent years, there have been cases of travelers joining ceremonies outside of this cultural context that unfortunately ended with serious health and safety issues. For this reason, Rainforest Expeditions does not offer ayahuasca ceremonies. Our focus is on providing you with authentic nature and cultural experiences that are safe, responsible, and enriching.
-
Is it dangerous to travel to an ecolodge in the Peruvian Amazon?
Traveling to the Amazon is not dangerous when done with an experienced company and proper safety protocols. As with any remote natural environment, there are logistical challenges, but at Rainforest Expeditions, we have developed systems that ensure the safety and peace of mind of our guests.
We have more than 35 years of experience operating in this region, and our lodges are located in areas accessible exclusively by river, with no nearby roads—allowing us to maintain a more controlled and secure environment.
Safety is supported by:
-Strict emergency protocols.
-Continuous monitoring during all transfers.
-Trained staff in safety and first aid.
-Ongoing surveillance at the lodges, with supervision and cameras in common areas.
Additionally, we maintain 24/7 satellite connectivity through Starlink in buses, boats, and lodges, ensuring constant communication even in the most remote areas.
This allows us to transform a destination that may seem challenging into a safe, well-organized, and deeply enjoyable experience.
-
-
During your stay at the lodges
-
Is there electricity at the lodge?The lodge is run mainly through a generator. Communications are powered by solar energy and there is wireless internet available at night. We use LED bulbs in public areas at night.
The plugs are as follows:
-
Can I drink the water?We provide natural spring water 24 hours per day. Please use the water wisely. We advise you not to drink the water from the river, lake, or any of the taps. Consumable water can be found throughout the lodge from many dispensers and pitchers as well as a variety of other beverages available. All the water that the lodge provides is purified with an ozone treatment. We also suggest that you use this water to brush your teeth. Please turn off the water flow while lathering and soaping up to reduce unnecessary water usage.
-
What can I expect in the rooms?Our open and spacious rooms offer lots of natural light and fresh air while providing safe but close contact with the forest environment. Our three-wall rooms allow you to connect with nature, but no worries nothing will enter into your room. The lodge and rooms are 3 meters away from the forest and 1 meter and half above the ground. Each room is also equipped with private bathrooms for your convenience. The use of mosquito netting on each bed is strongly recommended to ensure your comfort and safety. We try to be as eco-friendly as possible so we request that you only change towels when really needed. At your room, we kindly ask that you lower your voice to allow all guests to enjoy the sounds of the forest.
-
What type of soap and shampoo do you recommend?According to our environmental policies, we only use biodegradable soap and shampoo which you will find in the bathroom. We wash the towels and bed sheets using biodegradable detergent and we clean the bathrooms with biodegradable products as well.
-
Is there a phone at the lodge?We do not have a telephone available in our lodge. In case of emergency, we could get a cell phone signal, only at Posada Amazonas and Refugio Amazonas. We do have WIFI, nevertheless, we invite you to enjoy a digital detox.
-
Is laundry available at the lodges?We don’t have a laundry service available at our lodges. However, if you wish to wash some clothes during your stay, you can hand-wash them and hang them on the lines near the open windows. Please keep in mind that due to the high humidity in the rainforest, it may take a few days for your clothes to fully dry. We recommend guests pack lightweight, quick-dry clothing that can be easily hand-washed and air-dried during their stay.
-
Is smoking allowed?Smoking is allowed in the lobby and bar except at mealtimes. Please do not smoke in your room, the dining rooms, boats, or during activities
-
What are the meal times?Breakfast time depends on your scheduled activity according to the lodge. Your guide will advise on this at the lodge. Regular breakfast is at 7:15hrs. Lunch is served at 13:00hrsand dinner is served at 19:30hrs. Please let us know if you are vegetarian or have any special dietary needs. We do offer a special menu for children, if need it, please inquire in advance.
-
What is the weather like in Tambopata?The lowland rainforests of Tambopata lie far enough south of the Equator to provide a cooler, drier winter season between May and October. The general weather conditions are warm and humid. In Tambopata, the average daytime high temperature is between 78F and 93F (24C and 31C) The average nighttime low is between 66F and 78 F (20C and 24C). Cold Fronts - May through September Cold fronts from Argentina can sweep into southwestern Amazonia and push daytime highs down to 50° F (9° C) and the nighttime lows to 43° F (5° C). Thus, during that season always be potentially prepared for cold and drizzle. Rainy Months - November through April Be prepared for heavy rain that can continue for hours or days. Around 80% of the annual average 3000 mm rainfall occurs during this season.
-
About gratuities
Gratuities are not included in the cost of your stay. If you’d like to recognize the work of our team, we suggest a tip equivalent to 10% of the total value of services, which will be distributed among all lodge staff. You can leave it in the tip box located at the lodge, or hand it directly to the resident manager during check-out.
If you’d like to thank your guide personally, a tip of around USD 30 per person, per day is customary — though the amount is entirely up to you. We recommend giving it directly at the end of your journey.
Your appreciation means a lot to us. Thank you for supporting the dedication and care of the people who make this Amazon experience possible.
-
How do I pay for the extra services?During your stay, you can add your extra services such as the drinks in the bar, the boutique, and the massages to your room number and pay all with a credit card on the last day. We do not accept cash for security, but you can use it for gratituides.
-
Can I go piranha fishing during my visit in the Peruvian Amazon?
Although piranha fishing has become a popular activity in some parts of the Amazon, we choose not to offer it. Catching and then releasing these fish often causes them harm, which goes against our sustainability principles and our commitment to protecting the rainforest’s delicate ecosystems.
Instead, we invite you to experience the lakes in a way that respects their natural balance, by quietly observing wildlife such as giant river otters and colorful birds in their natural habitat. This way, you connect with the Amazon in a responsible and meaningful way.
-
-
Cancellations and Refunds
-
What are the cancelation policies?
BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS
– Full payment and complete information are required 30 days before arrival
– Special offers require full payment in advance at the time of booking and are non-refundable.
– Payments can be made using Mastercard, American Express, or VISA credit cards. We kindly request that you contact your bank beforehand to authorize the transaction. We are not responsible for any banking expenses.
SPECIAL DEALS
– A full non-refundable deposit will be required at the time of booking. This will be communicated via email when you make your reservation. Please note that this does not apply to refunds or changes.
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
– Cancellations made up to 30 days before the arrival date will be fully refunded, less 5% for administrative expenses.
– Cancellations within 29 days before the arrival date will not be refunded.
– Refunds will not apply under cancellations of air, road, lake, river, or trail travel due to changes in airline schedules, bad weather conditions, civil or government strikes, acts of God or government, acts of terrorism, force majeure (including world or local health conditions), criminal activity, or sickness.
– We HIGHLY recommend getting travel insurance to prevent any financial losses in case of any cancelation. -
What happen if I lose my arrival flight?If you lose your arrival flight, contact us. You can either start the next day the entire expedition or rescheduled for later.
-
-
What our guest say
-
- Valuation Excellent
- 5/5
AMJNZ November 2025
Real CBakes November 2025
C M November 2025
giovannaBorneo November 2025
Alyssa Zhen November 2025
citlalli October 2025
Pat October 2025
John W October 2025
Talitha Nizama October 2025
Ronit B October 2025
Rick8469 October 2025
Ronit Bhat October 2025
Fantastic to be deep in the forest surrounded by incredible wildlife with our amazing guide Juan Carlos Yatto, who really knew his stuff! Also his photography skills meant that we could share our experience even better through his telescope using our phone cameras! We learned so much!! He went to extra lengths to find butterflies and moths for us along with so many different birds and monkeys. This was a travel highlight for us as experienced wildlife travellers. We loved our spacious room with no windows and open to more wildlife visitors but after 5 nights the bed could have been a little more comfortable. Luckily we had a second bed to use. Otherwise it was fantastic with hot water showers and fresh drinking water all the time. We were amazed at the variety of food on offer for breakfast, lunch and dinner and couldn’t believe they could have such a wonderful food offering in such a remote location. Even the wine and cocktails were great. I highly recommend spending the extra money and time getting to this location. We stayed at another lodge later which was closer to Puerto Maldonado and there was far less wildlife. Read all
Ederson made the stay at the lodge amazing. I have had many guides around the world and Ederson may be the best I have had across 50 countries. The lodge itself is nice, and has electricity. Food is good, and you really feel immersed in the amazon staying there. Its great that a portion of the money goes back to conservation and research. Noteworthy details: Ederson, the "commander" is the best guide! Read all
Through a travel agency in Lima we booked a 4day/3-night stay at Refugio Amazonas. We were looking for a lodge that was far away from Puerto Maldonado but didn't require almost a day to get there (like TRC), with extensive walking trails and with the principal jungle highlights nearby. We were not disappointed. As we later learned, this is probably the best lodge in the region! Well run, quiet, excellent food, beautifully located in the middle of the forest, everything was "right". Surprisingly there were few mosquitos or bugs. Emperatriz (MP as some call her), our guide, has a keen eye and took us on some unforgettable walks and boat rides, both day and night. The birds at the clay lick were fantastic. The lodge also had evening lectures by young researchers as well as special activities such as collecting night moths and setting a trap camera. We later received videos and photo's of what was found (including a puma!). I can recommend this lodge without reservation. Read all
Abbiamo scelto il Tambopata Research Center perché il nostro obbiettivo era di poter vedere le are da vicino. Ci siamo stati ad inizio dicembre scorso, l'inizio della stagione delle piogge, perciò abbiamo scelto di restare 5 notti/6 giorni, abbiamo messo in conto di perdere delle giornate a causa della pioggia e per la lontananza da Puerto Maldonado, per nostra fortuna durante il nostro soggiorno ha piovuto solo il giorno di partenza proprio quando arrivavamo in aeroporto. Non c'é stato un giorno che non ne abbiamo visto: are di diverse specie e colori e molti altri uccelli e primati, spettacolare l'incontro a pochi centimetri con un formichiere bianco, ma non il giaguaro. Consigliamo di pernottatre almeno 3 notti, il viaggio é molto lungo. Noi eravamo all'aeroporto di Lima già alle 8:00 di mattina e tra un volo in ritardo, uno spostamento in bus di ca. 45 minuti per arrivare al fiume, ed un trasferimento in barca veloce, siamo arrivati al lodge verso le 16:30. All'aeroporto ci ha accolto la nostra guida privata Alfred, che ci ha seguito per tutto il soggiorno, di giorno in giorno abbiamo deciso le escursioni da fare, ed Alfred si é rivelato essere una super guida, un occhio di falco per scoprire anche il più piccolo uccellino, con pazienza é riuscito a farci camminare chilometri nella giungla, ci ha spiegato molto sulla flora e fauna. Bravissimo a far video e foto con i nostri telefoni col suo binocolo e cavalletto che si portava sempre appresso, queste foto sono dei magnifici ricordi. TRC non é un hotel, é un centro di ricerca per le are, in mezzo ad una foresta ed a ore dal primo centro abitato, perciò non avevamo delle grandi aspettative ne sul cibo ne sull'alloggio Read all
This place is a treat!! Incredible flora & fauna, food and service - the staff is quite attentive. Interesting research, with lots of potential. Visiting the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest is a must do! Read all
We had the most amazing time EVER at Refugio Amazonas, and I am so very glad I booked our stay here. Honestly, this is to date probably the best travel experience we have ever had and I will never forget our time in the Amazon here. First of all, the lodge is beautiful. Our room was lovely. The beds were comfy. The bathrooms are large. It is incredible waking up to the sounds of the jungle and falling asleep to the insects at night. We did have some insects in our room, and a rodent, and even a tarantula (non poisonous)! But it was part of the experience. The food was great and they prioritize native and local ingredients. My partner and I are both vegan and they took SUCH good care of us. The food was delicious, and we had ample vegan options every meal. Everything from the first email contacts with Katia to the transfers to the first night info session to the activities-- which I will get to in a second-- was incredible. It is a bit pricey, but everything is included and there is nothing you need to worry about, and it was so worth it. OK now for the best part-- the activities. Holy wow. First of all, we had the best guide EVER-- Juan Carlos. He was amazing. He is a bird expert, knows so much about the animals who live in the rainforest, the insects, the trees, the plant life, it was incredible. He also so clearly cared that everyone in our group had an amazing time. He took so many pictures for us, pointed out so many animals for us, and made sure we all enjoyed every moment. I can’t thank him enough because it made our time here so very special. We went on many activities that were amazing, and we saw so many animals— capybaras, howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, so many incredible insects, frogs, tarantulas, so many many birds and butterflies. Every activity was amazing but the highlights were the macaw clay lick and the canopy tower. And we were super impressed and happy to hear about their commitment to conservation, protecting the animals, and supporting the native community nearby. There is so much I could say about our stay here but I would recommend a 3 night stay over 2 nights (so you can do more activities), and make sure you read the guides they send via email before you come so you pack correctly and know what to expect and bring--the guide includes everything so that there are no surprises, and we knew exactly what to expect, although our stay exceeded our expectations! I highly, highly recommend staying here, it was magical, it was a once in a life time adventure, and I will never forget it. I also want to shout out the manager of the lodge, I forgot her name, but she was incredible, as well as the service staff at meal times, who were so kind and helpful to point out what was vegan all of the time. I truly hope we can come back some day!! Read all
The lodge was kept very clean, and the staff paid close att to people's needs. It was very easy find activities and the guides were excellent with a genuine intended approach towards sustainability and environment longevity. Read all
A superb stay in a top class Lodge which gave a wonderful insight into the Amazon wildlife. Our guide was Juan Carlos who has incredible knowledge and a lovely sense of humour. The staff in the lodge were so friendly and the meals provided were something to look forward to. A wonderful experience! Read all
I traveled with my mom, who is elderly, and we were a little scared but decided to go for it. Upon arrival, our guide, Christian Herrera, was waiting for us. He was very friendly and had extensive knowledge of the area. The lodge is wonderful, 100% connected to nature. The food is delicious, and everything there is to do near the lodge is incredible. I highly recommend going to the tower at sunset and the macaw clay lick at dawn. Thank you guys for everything, the stay was a dream. Read all
This place totally stole the show! We came to Peru for Machu Picchu, but I think it’s safe to say Refugio Amazonas became the absolute highlight of our trip.It manages to be as luxurious as a stay in the Amazon can be without feeling like too much hand-holding. The rooms don't have windows, which lets you be super close to nature. Sure, that means moths, but it also means drifting off to the peaceful sound of cicadas and waking up to howler monkeys. I honestly can't remember the last time I had such deep, peaceful sleep.The food is another major plus; it's exceptionally fresh, especially considering it’s a buffet. You should absolutely check out their menu, too—it’s one of the most thoughtful and best-designed ones I’ve ever seen. Kevin hosted us at dinner most nights, and he was such great company and so mindful of my wife's dietary restrictions. It really adds to the experience when you feel that people genuinely care.We also took advantage of the exceptional massage here. After a long trip, a massage by Kelly was exactly what the doctor ordered.But the real star of the show is the activities and the guides. We got incredibly lucky with the very best: Juan Carlos. He was funny, great company, and extraordinarily knowledgeable. All the guides at Refugio Amazonas understand that it's not about just ticking a box but about living the experience. That’s why you might take 30 minutes longer to complete a hike—because you decided to spend some time watching Tamarins playing with each other. Jonathan was another guide we had a wonderful, very knowledgeable, and fun time with. We honestly just didn't want to leave and wish we could have stayed longer. Read all
We just finished three weeks in Peru and without a doubt Refugio Amazonas lodge was a real highlight of the trip. You need to know there is NO AC but honestly you don't need it at night in October, There's a ceiling fan and the bed was super comfortable with netting and additional fan within the bed area. The sounds of the jungle at night and Howler monkeys in the morning was great experience. The staff was excellent with a special mention for Paul our guide. He is an excellent Birder as well and can't thank him enough for over 110 new bird species during our four days there. The early morning Macaw clay lick experience with the boat ride in the dark was very cool. The buffet style meals were ok, make sure you bring shoes for mud and extra to walk around with in the lodge. Refugio provides boots for water on trails. See photos Read all
This place totally stole the show! We came to Peru for Machu Picchu, but I think it’s safe to say Refugio Amazonas became the absolute highlight of our trip.It manages to be as luxurious as a stay in the Amazon can be without feeling like too much hand-holding. The rooms don't have windows, which lets you be super close to nature. Sure, that means moths, but it also means drifting off to the peaceful sound of cicadas and waking up to howler monkeys. I honestly can't remember the last time I had such deep, peaceful sleep.The food is another major plus; it's exceptionally fresh, especially considering it’s a buffet. You should absolutely check out their menu, too—it’s one of the most thoughtful and best-designed ones I’ve ever seen. Kevin hosted us at dinner most nights, and he was such great company and so mindful of my wife's dietary restrictions. It really adds to the experience when you feel that people genuinely care.We also took advantage of the exceptional massage here. After a long trip, a massage by Kelly was exactly what the doctor ordered.But the real star of the show is the activities and the guides. We got incredibly lucky with the very best: Juan Carlos. He was funny, great company, and extraordinarily knowledgeable. All the guides at Refugio Amazonas understand that it's not about just ticking a box but about living the experience. That’s why you might take 30 minutes longer to complete a hike—because you decided to spend some time watching Tamarins playing with each other. Jonathan was another guide we had a wonderful, very knowledgeable, and fun time with. We honestly just didn't want to leave and wish we could have stayed longer. Nearby activities: We did the macaw clay lick, mammal clay lick, night walk, medicinal trail, canopy walk twice, and the oxbow lake. Safety: As safe as you can be in the Amazon rainforest Food & drinks: Excellent varied buffet lunches and dinners every day. Read all
-
October 23, 2012 Three Easy Options for Solo Travel in the Peruvia...
When we make plans for a trip, one of the first things we have to figure out is whether we are going to do solo travel, share the adventure with family, or travel with a friend or ...
Read more -
February 10, 2018 The Brazilian Wandering Spider is also a natural ...
The Brazilian Wandering Spider (Phoneutria fera and P. nigriventer) is on any list of the top 5 venomous spiders in the world. In Brazil, they know this well. Emergency wards a...
Read more -
May 03, 2018 What is an Osteoderm? And how it helped caiman su...
Spectacled Caiman ( Caiman crocodilus) . Well-developed osteoderms are the reason why they are abundant in places like the Orinoco River, whilst the Orinoco crocodile is not. So…...
Read more