THE AMAZON
Enjoy adventurous luxury in eco-lodges situated in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon.
Just a short distance from Cusco, and in complete contrast to the rugged mountain terrain, lies the small city of Puerto Maldonado. Located in the Amazon basin, this is the starting point for an exciting journey into the rainforest. Peru is covered by rainforest, and next to Brazil, it has the largest portion of the Amazon, which is split over 9 countries in total. Puerto Maldonardo is exceptionally easy to access, with regular connecting flights from Cusco, which take just 1 hour. With both Manu National Park and the Tambopata National Reserve nearby, there is an abundance of wildlife that can be observed, including parrots at clay licks, giant river otters, howler monkeys, sloths, ocelot and many hundreds of species of amphibian, reptile and insect. The large oxbow lakes, and tiny jungle waterways provide a habitat perfect for an enormous array of wildlife. In the Peruvian Amazon, small communities welcome guests to observe their way of life and learn how they have adapted to coexist with the modern world. Visitors to the communities can learn about what plants are traditionally used for medicinal purposes, try piranha fishing and watch typical food being prepared. The accommodation options in the Peruvian Amazon are exceedingly good – with many luxury eco-lodges and small cruises available, which are perfect for a luxury holiday to experience this remarkable habitat.
WHERE TO STAY
Our favourite luxury hotels
Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion
Built in a former cacao and rubber plantation, this child friendly lodge is located in an enchanting and serenely lush setting surrounded by 819 hectares of natural rainforest. The rainforest acts as a buffer zone between the Tambopata National Park Reserve and the shores of the vast Madre de Dios river, making the location of this new lodge quite unique and wonderfully remote. Hacienda Concepción can only be reached by taking a scenic canoe ride from Puerto Maldonado. There is a selection of different activities that can be experienced from the Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion, all of which give an intriguing insight into life in the Amazon rainforest.
Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica Tambopata
The Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica Lodge is situated in a remote but accessible private reserve, surrounded by the vast Peruvian rainforest. It is the perfect luxury hideaway in the heart of the Amazon. As Peru’s pioneer in nature travel and research, Inkaterra provides an unforgettable introduction to this amazing realm of incomparable biodiversity. Wake to a symphony of tropical birdsong; end your days by lantern light, falling asleep to the gentle night noise of the Amazon rainforest. Creature comforts and rustic charm can be found in the wooden cabanas, which are topped by a high thatched-palm roof. All enjoy soft cotton sheets, hypoallergenic pillows, mosquito nets, plush bathrobes and Andean rubber slippers as standard.
Tambopata Research Center
Tambopata Research Center is a remote yet comfortable lodge offering superior accommodation and excellent activities within the Peruvian Amazon rainforest. Located deep in the jungle, and accessed by motorised canoe from Puerto Maldonado, the Tambopata Research Centre is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The lodge has access to a hide overlooking a large macaw clay lick, a tall tower for canopy observation, plenty of hiking trails and some of the best naturalist guides in the region.
Aria Amazon Cruise
The Aria Amazon is a luxury cruise ship perfectly designed to allow guests to make the most of cruising the Peruvian Amazon in style. The ship offers 16 spacious suites, 4 of which can interconnect for families, and will take you deep into the Amazon stopping each day for excursions to local communities and to spot birds and wildlife. Floor to ceiling windows ensure you will never miss out on the spectacular views and sights in the Amazon. The ship was completely refurbished in 2015 and the design echoes the natural wonders of the Peruvian Amazon. Indigenous Peruvian fibres are woven into the walls and light, polished wood and soft, neutral hues with orange and cream accents complete the understated style.
Delfin I
The Delfin I is the most intimate vessel in the entire Amazon region. With only four suites, each measure close to 680 sq.ft., it is the perfect setting for a romantic getaway or a family holiday and works particularly well for charters. One of Delfin’s big attractions is the feeling of intimacy while still offering the luxury of a big cruise. The boat is designed to blend effortlessly with the natural surroundings, using Amazonian wood in some of the structures and other materials to add authentic, decorative touches. All of the suites have private terraces and two of them have private plunge pools. Food served on board is creative and delicious, drawing on Amazonian roots and carrying through the gastronomy for which Peru is famous.
Delfin II
The Delfin II is a luxury boat, perfect for cruising the Amazon in comfort. It has all the luxuries of a cruise liner with the intimacy of a smaller ship. Authenticity is at the heart with Amazonian materials adding charming decorative touches. The boat has fourteen large guest suites. Four Master Suites and ten Suites, four of which can be interconnected to accommodate families provide all the comfort you would expect from a luxury boat while preserving the spirit of casual and refined elegance. The observation deck is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the surroundings as you float along the river, hopefully spotting some wildlife. Guests can enjoy a relaxing massage or use the exercise room with views out over the river