I’ll be honest, traveling to the Amazon Rainforest in Peru was not on my list of top travel destinations. But after visiting as part of our guided 14-day tour of Peru, I fell in love with this place of untamed beauty and unparalleled biodiversity. The experience exceeded my wildest expectations, and I think any adventurous traveler should add a visit to their must-see list.
Here are five reasons why the Peruvian Amazon should be at the top of your bucket list, and a few tips to enjoy it to the fullest:
#1. Accommodations: Rustic Elegance in the Heart of Nature
Where do I even begin with sharing my love for Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion? From the moment I arrived at our rustic, open-air bungalow, I knew this trip would be special. This jungle oasis on the Madre Del Dios River is not far from Puerto Maldanado. The moment you step foot on the property, you're fully transported into a bubble of serene nature and adventure. The accommodations include luxurious private cabanas enclosed by screens that offer unprecedented nature spotting from the windows. The supersized bed draped in mosquito nets was among the most comfortable I've ever slept in.
The grounds are well maintained with amenities including a lounge area for the afternoon tea, riverside hammocks, and even a spa. Despite offering luxury in the jungle, the resort balances some rustic conditions. Power is limited to 5 am to 2 pm and 6 pm to 11 pm with wifi only available during those times in the mainhouse. Limited electricity meant that our evenings were illuminated by the warm glow of oil lamps or headlamps, adding to the sense of adventure. I think I'll be dreaming of this resort for the rest of my life.
#2. Nature Spotting: A Wildlife Enthusiast's Dream
The Peruvian Amazon is a wildlife paradise, and I was fortunate to witness its incredible diversity firsthand. If you know me, you know that capybaras are my favorite animal. Just imagine my surprise when we spotted 20 (!!) of them along the riverbank while on a nighttime river cruise. Actually, you don’t have to imagine; here’s my genuine reaction:
Other animal encounter highlights included spotting a three-toed sloth hanging lazily from the trees during a canoe ride on the resort property and watching a family of red howler monkeys enjoying breakfast in a tree on Lake Sandoval.
We didn’t have to stray far to see countless animals. Right outside our cabana, we watched two different species of monkeys playing and swinging from branch to branch.
Immersing ourselves in nature during this stay felt like an endless safari. We were incredibly lucky with our nature spotting during our visit and I’m so thankful to our naturalist Pedro for all his commentary about the animals we encountered.
#3. Exciting Activities: Adventures Abound
Every day in the Amazon offered a new adventure through Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion. We participated in the following activities:
Flora and Fauna Walk: Our first activity was a guided walk through the resort where we learned about the diverse flora and fauna. Our guide pointed out various plants providing fascinating insights into the rainforest's rich biodiversity. I enjoyed getting familiar with the area and hearing a preview of some of the experiences we’d enjoy during our stay.
Nighttime River Cruise: The nighttime river cruise was particularly memorable. Prior to our departure, I let our guide know that I had one goal on this cruise; to fulfill my lifelong dream of seeing a capybara in the wild. Fortunately, as we navigated the dark waters, we spotted a family of 20 capybaras, their eyes glowing in the boat’s lights as they foraged by the water’s edge. The experience moved me to tears (yes… I cried over a giant river rat) and made for a vacation highlight.
Lake Sandoval Visit: The morning trip to Lake Sandoval surprised me. It involved a 4-mile hike through the forest and a 90-minute scenic canoe ride. The pristine beauty of the lake, located in the Tambopata National Reserve, and the opportunity to see caimans, giant river otters, and a variety of bird species made the journey spectacular. We were even treated to a show of around 14 red howler monkeys enjoying their morning breakfast in a tree. This excursion was among my favorites during our stay.
Canopy Walk: Seeking a bit of adrenaline, we loved walking across seven suspension bridges over the rainforest canopy on Inkaterra’s Reserva Amazonica property. After climbing a 12-story tower, we embraced sweeping views of the rainforest canopy. Bounding across the suspension bridges brought me so much joy (and some awesome photos as well).
Creeping with the Crawlers: Honestly, an evening walk in the jungle on our resort property to view snakes, spiders, and scorpions sounded unnerving before we set out on the adventure. That said, the jungle transformed at night. With our knowledgeable guide, we safely explored its hidden secrets including a tarantula nest, massive spider webs, a docile snake, and several scorpions that glow under black light.
Medicinal Plant Greenhouse Tour: A morning trip to a local greenhouse introduced us to Peruvian plants and their medicinal uses. This educational tour offered a glimpse into the traditional knowledge that has been passed down through generations. I particularly enjoyed tasting Brazil nuts and getting "tattoos" with a plant used by the native people for dye. My boyfriend even had the opportunity to eat a live worm (an experience I politely opted out of).
Mammal Clay Lick Observation: We visited a clay lick, hoping to observe wildlife in the form of tapirs, agouti, or monkeys. Though we saw nothing, the anticipation and learning about the behavior of creatures that frequent these mineral-rich spots added to the experience.
Piranah Fishing: We whipped out some cane poles and tried our hand at fishing for piranha on an oxbow lake on the resort's property. Despite being told the lake wasn't the best place for fishing, I was lucky enough to snag a bite. As a bonus, we also spotted a three-toed sloth on this adventure!
#4. True Tranquility: A Retreat from Modern Life
The Peruvian Amazon provided a unique opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Every night, when the power turned off, the rainforest came alive with restful sounds of trees rustling and crickets chirping. I looked forward to this natural lullaby every evening.
Being truly disconnected from society, with limited internet and phone service, allowed me to fully immerse myself in the present moment. The tranquility of the rainforest fostered a deep sense of peace, making it the perfect place for reflection and rejuvenation. Each night, I found myself looking through the photos of the day and feeling so grateful for the world around me.
My partner and I even spent a few hours laying in a hammock along the serene Madre de Dios river at the end of the trip. I wish we would've found this spot earlier on during our stay as it proved to be a perfect place to find a (very rare) breeze.
#5. Incredible Service: Hospitality at Its Best
One of the standout features of my trip was the exceptional service. Our naturalist guide, Pedro, was a true gem. His detailed knowledge and passionate storytelling brought the rainforest to life. Pedro's expertise and enthusiasm ensured that each excursion was informative and engaging. With each animal encounter, I could see the joy and interest wash over Pedro's face. He's truly doing something he loves and it shows as he interacts with his guests.
The dining experience was equally impressive, with attentive dinner service that catered to our every need. Meals were often crafted from fresh, local ingredients, offering a taste of regional cuisine that was both delicious and nourishing.
Housekeeping was prompt and efficient, maintaining spotless rooms despite the challenging environment. Their efforts to make our stay comfortable and memorable were truly commendable, adding a personal touch that enhanced the overall experience.
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