4 Days: Puerto Maldonado, Amazon Jungle

Tour overview:

This is the rainforest adventure of a lifetime set in a paradise of exotic birds and butterflies. Discover the enchanting splendor of the Amazon surrounded by lush tropical trails, unique wildlife, and an invitation to experience a thrilling treetop canopy bridge and a variety of amazing jungle treks. Journey to Tambopata National Reserve for a range of land and river excursions that introduce you to the magic of the Southern Amazon rainforest.

Day 1 - Puerto Maldonado - Arrival to Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica

Upon arriving in Puerto Maldonado, known as the Capital of Biodiversity, you are transferred by car to the port, where you begin your Amazon adventure with a 45-minute boat ride along the winding banks of the Madre de Dios River. The motorized boat takes you to Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica, located in the heart of the rainforest.

After a brief welcome, settle into your cabin at Peru’s first private Ecological Reserve, preserved by Inkaterra since 1975. After lunch, you may relax in your cabin or enjoy the hammock. Later, select from various excursions with your Inkaterra Explorer Guide, such as exploring the Trail System to learn about Amazonian biodiversity. Observe impressive trees and wildlife while exploring the rainforest and should keep your camera ready for possible sightings of sloths or monkeys.

In the evening, participate in the Night River excursion to discover how the jungle transforms into a nocturnal world, revealing species adapted to the darkness. You may see nightjars, owls, capybaras, and caimans hidden along the banks.

Finally, enjoy an Amazonian-inspired dinner in the main dining room from 19:00 to 22:00, where you will be invited to toast with a complimentary Pisco Sour. Return to your comfortable cabin to rest, lulled by the symphony of the surrounding jungle. (L,D)

*During your stay at the Puerto Maldonado lodges larger luggage will be stored as medium-sized luggage is only allowed. The maximum allowed luggage weight at Inkaterra and Reserva Amazonica is 22 pounds (10 kg).

Day 2 - Tambopata Reserve - Canopy Interpretation Centre

The buffet breakfast will be available from 05:30. This morning, visit Lake Sandoval, a shimmering water mirror located within the Tambopata National Reserve. Board a carved wooden canoe and paddle calmly through the channels that feed the lake, then navigate it flanked by beautiful palm trees. In this serene lake, home to various bird species, the endangered river wolf, howler monkeys, macaws, anacondas, turtles, and black caimans, among other animals, you will have a unique experience. Return to Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica in time for lunch.

In the afternoon, ascend the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway, an ecological system of hanging bridges that offers panoramic views of the Amazon rainforest from 38 meters above. Observe toucans, woodpeckers, trogons, monkeys, and sloths. You may extend your visit to enjoy the sunset with cocktails from an observation tower or spend the night in a treehouse with surprising amenities (additional costs apply).

Upon descending, take a 30-minute walk along the Anaconda Walk: an elevated wooden platform 200 meters (656 feet) long, built over a flooded aguajal forest. In this lush ecosystem, observe various amphibians, birds, mammals, abundant flora, and interesting trees.

Back at the lodge, you may enjoy our daily nature presentation at the Eco Center or book a spa treatment. À la carte dinner will be available from 19:00. (B,L,D)

Day 3 - Walk through Quebrada Gamitana - Night forest excursion

Travel by boat for 25 minutes to the Chacra and the Quebrada de Gamitana to discover more mysteries of the rainforest. The Amazon is an almost inexhaustible source of exotic fruits and vegetables, many of which have healing properties that benefit the local communities living in this remote jungle. At the model chakra Gamitana, surrounded by the sounds and aromas of the Amazon, you see up close how local farmers cultivate a wide variety of ingredients and taste seasonal fruits.

You walk along a path of dense vegetation under the green canopy until you reach the Quebrada Gamitana. This Quebrada, with dark and muddy waters, is home to piranhas, caimans, turtles, and birds that hide along its banks. Return to Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica for lunch.

Navigate 35 minutes upstream to Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción, built on an old cacao and rubber plantation in the 1950s. Founded by Catholic missionaries, this property operates as a medical center and ecological study site. With over 200 different plant species, see why the Amazon is considered the largest pharmacy in the world and learn about its uses and benefits. Then, enjoy a relaxing 30-minute canoe ride, looking for turtles, diving birds, nightjars, and herons before returning to your lodge.

Under the light of the moon, you are encouraged to take the Night Forest excursion. Equipped with lanterns, walk among the foliage while your senses perceive movements in the vegetation and the nocturnal sounds of the forest that emerge from different directions around you. Alongside your Explorer Guide, find animal activity and observe species that only emerge at night. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - Puerto Maldonado - Morning at leisure - Departure

Enjoy your last day at Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica, immersed in nature and surrounded by 540 species of birds. Check-out will be at 10:00 a.m. If your flight schedule permits, we can arrange lunch (additional cost). Afterward, take a boat for a 45-minute upstream trip to the airport. (B)