The Amazon in Peru
Discovery Tours to the Amazon
Our Discovery Tours eco lodge is located in the Tambopata National Reserve, which is part of the larger Tambopata - Candamo Reserved Zone. Officially created in 1990, zone is located south east of Puerto Maldonado. The zone comprises 1.5 million hectares (3.5 million acres) of the Madre de Dios and Puno regions.
During the 2 night/3 day excursion we stay at the Explorer's Inn eco lodge approximately 3 ½ hours motorised canoe ride from Puerto Maldonado. Part of this journey may be undertaken in a land vehicle, depending on the season. The eco lodge has been in operation for over 30 years and supports research into a host of projects undertaken by resident naturalists who are willing to share their vast knowledge about their projects with visitors.
Activities at the lodge include free time to enjoy the jungle surrounds, a night-time nocturnal animal spotting excursion, then a trek through the jungle (or free time if preferred) on day 2, accompanied by expert naturalists. There is a fascinating museum on site, including displays describing the latest research undertaken at the lodge, plus opportunities for visitors to leave their own record of the bird and animal sightings they’ve made while at the lodge.
Accommodation is on a twin or multi share basis, with all bedding and towels, mosquito nets and candles or oil lamps provided. Most cabins have ensuite bathrooms with cold or tepid running water, a toilet and shower. Electricity is only available for a short period in the morning and evening. All meals are provided and there is a bar onsite selling alcohol and soft drinks.
Adventure Tours & Independent Travel to the Amazon
Adventure Tours to Peru include a 3 day / 2 night excursion to the Madre de Dios area of the Tambopata National Reserve, staying at the Eco Amazonia eco lodge approximately 1 ½ hours motorised canoe ride from Puerto Maldonado. Part of this journey may be undertaken in a land vehicle, depending on the season. There are also Independent Travel packages available at this lodge.
Eco Amazonia is unique in that it owns and protects an animal sanctuary called Monkey Island, 5 minutes from the lodge and located in the heart of the Madre de Dios river. In one location on the island there is a feeding spot where your naturalist guide will put out food to attract the monkeys to come down and eat. As a result you will be able to see the various types of monkeys such as maquisapa, martin, little lions, frailes, achué and ronsocos at quite close range.
Apart from monkeys the guide will also show and tell the group about different type of trees and medicinal plants that can be found in the area. During your visit you have the opportunity to take a trek into the jungle, exploring marsh areas, dense vegetation and giant trees. You also have the chance to enjoy panoramic views from an observation point near the Apu Victor Lake and take a boat ride to look for giant otters and other unique wildlife. You may spot spot parrots, guacamayos, toucans, camungo, shanshos, herons, and other animals like caimans, turtles, butterflies and a vast variety of birds.
Accommodation is on a twin or multi share basis, with all bedding and towels, mosquito nets and candles or oil lamps provided. Most cabins have ensuite bathrooms with cold or tepid running water, a toilet and shower. Electricity is only available for a short period in the morning and evening. All meals are provided and there is a bar onsite selling alcohol and soft drinks.
Free time in Cuzco
If you do not wish to participate in an included excursion to the Amazon in Peru, a discount will be taken from your tour cost (see prices on tour page) and you will have free time to enjoy the sights in Cuzco. If you do not want to visit the Amazon, you MUST advise your travel consultant at the time of booking.
During your free time in Cuzco,the ancient capital of the Inca empire, you could visit numerous museums, galleries, impressive Inca ruins, churches and historic colonial buildings.
Best time to visit the Peruvian Amazon
Although it is generally easier to travel to the Peruvian Amazon during the dry season, there is very little variation in temperature throughout the year, so the best time to travel is whenever it suits your schedule best. It rains all year round so make sure you bring a rain jacket or poncho and perhaps waterproof trousers no matter when you travel.
During the dry season, generally June to September, sudden friajes (cold fronts) bring rain and cold weather to Tambopata / Madre de Dios, especially in July, so it pays to be prepared for the worst. Temperatures can drop from 32°C (90°F) to 10°C (50°F) overnight. However, there are fewer mosquitoes and that can make the experience more comfortable.
The jungle experiences its wettest months in the period of December through May, but even then the rain rarely falls for more than a few hours at a time. However, many people prefer to visit during the wet season due to the higher water levels of jungle rivers.
