DAY 1 : Puerto Maldonado – Lodge – Introduction to the Peruvian Amazon
Arrive at Puerto Maldonado Airport, known as the “Biodiversity Capital.” Begin your Amazon adventure with a relaxing 25-minute boat ride along the Madre de Dios River to the lodge. Upon arrival, settle into your cabin or room in our private ecological reserve, and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch in the Casa Grande dining room.
After lunch, start your rainforest exploration on foot, beginning at the Eco Center, and hike the Concepción Trails that cross the property for an immersive experience with the intricate Amazonian ecosystems. The lodge is located adjacent to the Tambopata National Reserve, built on the site of a former cacao and rubber plantation, and it features primary and secondary rainforests full of exotic wildlife and tropical plants.
As dusk falls, embark on a guided boat ride along the river at twilight, observing how the ecosystem shifts from day to night, as diurnal animals and birds give way to nocturnal species. Keep an eye out for caimans along the riverbanks and stars in the southern hemisphere.
The evening culminates with a la carte dinner inspired by local Amazon ingredients before retreating to your cabin to listen to the mysterious sounds of the rainforest at night.
DAY 2 : Lake Sandoval – Canopy Walk – Hidden Forest Excursion
If you wish, you can join us early in the morning, with buffet breakfast available starting at 5:30 AM.
Next, we head to Lake Sandoval, a peaceful lake surrounded by the Tambopata National Reserve, accessible via a scenic trail. From there, board a traditional dugout canoe to glide along the stream and into the lake, surrounded by beautiful palm trees. The lake is home to a variety of birds, the endangered giant river otter, red howler monkeys, red-bellied macaws, anacondas, side-necked turtles, black caimans, and more.
We return to the lodge in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, we recommend taking a walk on the Canopy Walkway, a unique elevated observation experience. The walkway consists of seven suspension bridges that connect eight observation platforms in the treetops, offering a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest. From the first tower, which rises 38 meters (124 feet) above the ground, you can spot toucans, woodpeckers, monkeys, and sloths. If you like, you can enjoy a sunset drink from the top of the tower or even spend a night in a specially designed treehouse (additional cost applies).
In the evening, you have the option of joining the Hidden Forest excursion, equipped with flashlights, to explore the rainforest in search of nocturnal animals. Alternatively, if you prefer to relax, you can book a spa treatment at the Nua Spa, located in the heart of the rainforest. Please consult with our advisors about available options.
A la carte dinner will be served from 7:00 PM.
DAY 3 : Rainforest Flora and Fauna – Fitzcarrald steamboat – Inland Collpa excursion
After breakfast, you’ll learn about the tropical plants of the rainforest and their medicinal uses in a visit to our organic bio-orchard. Following that, we will take you to the Palmetum, a 30-hectare area dedicated to rainforest restoration and conservation, which is home to an impressive collection of Amazonian palms.
After lunch at the Casa Grande dining room, enjoy a relaxing canoe ride on the oxbow lake. During this peaceful journey through the clay-colored waters, you can enjoy the landscape and observe birds such as hoatzins, tyrants, and gray-necked woodrails, with the distant calls of howler monkeys echoing in the background.
You will also have the opportunity to see the remains of the Fitzcarrald steamboat, which is semi-submerged in the water, and learn about its fascinating history that inspired the movie Fitzcarraldo, directed by Werner Herzog.
In the afternoon, you will take part in the Inland Collpa excursion, where you can observe various species of animals as they approach the clay-licks to lick the earth in search of essential salts.
DAY 4: Breakfast – Puerto Maldonado
On your final morning, wake up to the sounds of the rainforest as parakeets chatter in the trees and monkeys swing between the branches. Breakfast will be served at Casa Grande, with check-out at 10:00 AM. Depending on the time of your return flight, lunch can be arranged (additional charge applies).
Afterward, board a motorized wooden boat for the 25-minute return trip along the Madre de Dios River to the airport.
Please note that activities and excursions may be subject to change due to weather conditions at the time of your visit.
There are destinations that must be explored with the guidance of a specialist. The Amazon is a territory with some risks. Those who have ventured on excursions on their own, have faced dangers that you can avoid Travel safely with Guru Explorers!