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Where are the Best Peru Amazonia Booking Destinations?
Peru is a very large country and most travelers don’t realize that it’s about the size of the state of Alaska. This means that travel between one location and another can take a lot of time. Add to this the majestic Andes mountains and the vast Amazon basin and there are really only two locations we can recommend; Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado.
Iquitos is located in the Amazon of Northern Peru. This jungle city can only be reached via a flight, while you can boat in from other jungle cities, this is takes time. So for the average tourist taking a flight in from Lima is most recommended. Iquitos is located in the Loreto region of Peru and the city itself has no road connections to the rest of Peru. This creates a much more relaxed city that is not overly congested with vehicles. The only drawback to visiting Iquitos is expensive and limited flights in and out of the city, book tour Amazonia tickets in advance.
Our other Amazonia booking recommendation is Puerto Maldonado in Southern Peru. This jungle city is located only about an hours flight from Cusco. It’s distance from the popular Inca city is it’s main draw as most who visit Machu Picchu can catch a quick and cheap flight to visit one of Puerto Maldonado’s many lodges. While Puerto Maldonado can also be reached by bus via Cusco, we still recommend the flight, as the jungle roads can cause bus delays and the trip itself takes 9 to 10 hours.
Below are our recommendations for Amazonia booking options and lodges near each city:
Puerto Maldonado Lodges
Corto Maltes Amazonia
Corto Maltes Amazonia Jungle Lodge is a highly regarded lodge located in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon. Located about a 30 minute boat ride from Puerto Maldonado, this lodge is for travelers who want to get to know the Amazon quickly and are on a budget. The lodge offers guests an immersive experience in the Amazon rainforest with its comfortable accommodations, experienced guides, and breathtaking surroundings.
Corto Maltes Amazonia is known for its eco-friendly approach, which includes the use of sustainable materials and practices that minimize its impact on the environment. The lodge offers a range of activities, from guided jungle walks and river trips to bird watching and fishing. With its prime location and commitment to responsible tourism, Corto Maltes Amazonia Jungle Lodge is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a unique and authentic Amazonian adventure.
Ready to make a reservation? Click here for Corto Maltes Amazonia Booking
EcoAmazonia Lodge
Nestled within the lush and vibrant rainforest of Tambopata, Peru, Eco Amazonia Lodge offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Located two hours from Puerto Maldonado by navigating the Madre de Dios River, the lodge is home to a magical conjunction of vibrant forests, winding rivers, and vast swamps, making it a biodiversity hotspot and the capital of the Peruvian Amazon.
Eco Amazonia Lodge is designed to bring visitors closer to nature, offering a comfortable and safe retreat surrounded by the beauty and wonders of the Amazon rainforest. With 50 bungalows built from local materials and following the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility, the lodge provides guests with a comfortable and authentic experience. Each room is properly furnished with a comfortable bed, private bathroom with hot water, hair dryer, and bath kit, as well as a private balcony and safe.
Enjoy delicious meals and refreshing drinks at the lodges’ restaurant and bar, or relax by the pool after a day of exploring. The lodge also features a game room and ample opportunities for activities such as guided jungle walks, river excursions, wildlife watching, and fishing trips. With its commitment to preserving the Amazonian environment and its exceptional amenities, Eco Amazonia Lodge is the perfect destination for anyone seeking a luxurious and eco-friendly escape in the heart of the Amazon.
Eco Amazonia booking information can be found here
Refugio Amazonas Lodge
Refugio Amazonas Lodge offers a luxurious escape into the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, situated in a 200-hectare private reserve within the buffer zone of the Tambopata National Reserve. This 32-bedroom jungle lodge is the perfect destination for nature lovers and families, with a wide range of kid-friendly, adventure-focused, and science activities to choose from.
Located approximately two hours from the Puerto Maldonado airport, reaching Refugio Amazonas requires a short plane trip from Lima or Cuzco, followed by a scenic one-hour road trip and a tranquil 1-hour boat ride along the Tambopata River. Once you arrive at this secluded jungle oasis, you’ll be surrounded by the lush beauty of the Amazon rainforest, with opportunities for exploring and discovery at your fingertips.
As the headquarters of the Citizen Science program, Wired Amazon, Refugio Amazonas offers guests the unique chance to contribute to science and discover new species while on their jungle adventure. With its luxurious amenities and commitment to sustainable tourism, Refugio Amazonas is the perfect destination for those seeking a unique and unforgettable experience in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon.
To make a reservation click here for Refugio Amazonia Booking
Iquitos Lodges
Heliconia Jungle Lodge
The Heliconia Jungle Lodge, located on the banks of the Amazon River, offers an idyllic retreat in the heart of the Peruvian jungle. Just 50 miles (80 km) from the bustling city of Iquitos, this jungle lodge provides a peaceful escape from the chaos of urban life.
Nestled among the lush foliage and rolling hills, Heliconia Jungle Lodge is the perfect starting point for your Amazonian adventure. Whether you’re on a 3-day or 4-day tour of Iquitos, the lodge provides a comfortable and convenient base from which to explore the jungle. With its close proximity to the Amazon River, travelers can easily embark on river expeditions, hikes, and wildlife watching excursions.
The lodge itself offers a blend of adventure and comfort, with hot showers, comfortable hammocks, private bathrooms, and an open-air pool available for guests to enjoy. The lodge is designed to enhance your Amazonian experience, allowing you to relax and unwind while still immersing yourself in the beauty and wonder of the jungle. Whether you’re seeking adventure or simply a peaceful retreat, the Heliconia Jungle Lodge is an ideal choice for travelers to the Amazon.
Otorongo Lodge
Nestled in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, the Otorongo Lodge is a tranquil haven for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Situated just 2.5 hours away from the bustling city of Iquitos, the lodge offers an escape to a world of lush greenery and exotic wildlife.
Each rustic cabin at the Otorongo Lodge has been carefully designed with mesh nets to protect guests from mosquitos and other insects. With a range of activities on offer, from boat rides and hiking expeditions to wildlife sightings of pink river dolphins, parrots, toucans, and macaws, the lodge is the perfect base from which to explore the diverse beauty of the Amazon rainforest.
So if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Amazon, look no further than the Otorongo Lodge – the only national heritage site in the region.
Pacaya Samiria Lodge
Discover the beauty and diversity of the Amazon rainforest at Pacaya Samiria Lodge, an eco-friendly retreat nestled in the heart of 130 hectares of pristine primary forest. This unique location offers guests the chance to experience the region’s incredible biodiversity, including over 200 species of wildlife and 300 species of flora.
At Pacaya Samiria Lodge, visitors can embark on a range of thematic activities, including a primates watching route, a reptile watching route, a Shiringa (rubber tree) route, and birdwatching expeditions both during the day and at night. The lodge also offers excursions to explore the surrounding area, where visitors can spot pink river dolphins, parrots, toucans, and macaws.
As the only ecolodge located on a private reserve in the Amazon rainforest, Pacaya Samiria Lodge takes its responsibility to conserve this incredible natural environment seriously. The lodge regularly collaborates with experts in Amazonian flora and fauna to conduct research and ensure that its activities have minimal impact on the surrounding ecosystem.
Amazonia Booking Tips
Tip 1: Choose a Reliable Travel Agency with a Knowledgeable Guide
The first and most important tip when making your Amazonia booking is to choose a reliable lodge. This will ensure that you have an unforgettable experience in the jungle. Luckily we have included includes some of the best Amazonia booking options above. A knowledgeable guide will be able to show you the best wildlife and cultural richness, and will also make sure that you are safe while exploring the Amazon.
Tip 2: The Best Time of Year to Make an Amazonia Booking
The Peruvian Amazon can be visited all-year-round, but it is important to be aware of the two distinct seasons – dry and rainy. The dry season lasts from May to October and is the best time to visit for wildlife spotting and more accessible hiking trails. However, it is also possible to visit in the rainy season, which is between November to April, but be prepared for limited hiking and more time spent on the boat. By knowing the best time of year for your Amazonia booking, you can ensure that you have the best possible experience in the Amazon rainforest.
Tip 3: Wildlife
For many, the main reason to visit Amazonia is for the wildlife. The Peruvian Amazon is incredibly biodiverse and a paradise for bird watchers, nature lovers, and photographers. There is a chance to spot rare species, but it is important to remember that this is not a zoo, and no wildlife spotting is guaranteed. The best time to see wildlife is early in the morning, late in the afternoon, or at night. The lodges deeper into the jungle or farthest away from the cities give you a higher chance of seeing rare wildlife.
Tip 4: The Price/What You Get Ratio
Traveling to Amazonia is not a budget-friendly activity, but it is worth it if the price/what you get ratio is balanced. A seven-day camping trip can cost roughly $1000 for both, including flight tickets, but it will pay off with the unique environment and the combination of cultural and natural richness. Make sure you give yourself enough time and if you are on a budget and schedule consider making your Amazonia booking closer to the cities and airports.
Tip 5: Be Prepared
Sure there are luxury lodges not mentioned in our Amazonia booking options, and while those can be quite expensive, we provided this Amazonia review with great guides and lodges in mind to make your trip unforgettable and affordable. As you are visiting Amazonia be prepared for a raw and honest experience, and for a variety of weather conditions, depending on the season you choose to visit. Make sure to bring the necessary gear and be prepared for long days exploring the jungle.
For more Amazonia booking options in Peru, visit our Puerto Maldonado tours section!
Founder of Karikuy, an organization in Peru that brings travelers to visit and explore the country. Julio also runs the Karikuy Volunteer program and is the editor of this blog. Julio likes to write about his adventures in Peru as well as Peruvian folklore, mysteries and secluded locations.