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As part of my recent trip to Peru, I was lucky enough to spend a few days visiting the Peruvian Amazon Basin. The Peruvian Amazon Rainforest which covers over 60% of the country (including the Peruvian Amazon Basin) is considered to be one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet.
My journey started with a short flight from Cusco (55 minutes) to Puerto Maldonado. Upon arrival I was met by staff from Rainforest Expeditions and taken to their Puerto Maldonado headquarters. On arrival I had time to pack a small rucksack for my trip into the jungle whilst the remainder of my luggage was stored in a secure room.
From Puerto Maldonado it is a 30 minute bus journey along an unmade road to the port, followed by a 45 minute boat ride on the Tambopata river to Posada Amazonas.The lodge is owned by the indigenous Ese-Eja community of Infierno and managed in partnership with Rainforest Expeditions. The main lodge consists of a communal dining area with a bar, an interpretation centre used for presentations, a massage room and small shop selling souvenirs and essential jungle equipment. This is linked to the bedrooms by a series of raised boardwalks.
There are 30 bedrooms in total, all with private bathrooms and windowless verandahs so guests can enjoy the fascinating sights, sounds and colours of the rainforest. Each bed is equipped with its own mosquito net and kerosene lamps and candles are provided for lighting. It’s worth noting that the superior rooms are a bit more sophisticated and have doors (instead of drapes), a limited electricity supply (in the evenings) and complimentary Wi-Fi. All other guests have to use the electricity and Wi-Fi in the main lodge.
With the windowless verandahs you really do feel part of the jungle, and the wildlife is free to fly or wander through your room. In my room I found all manor of insects and bugs!
On my first day my guide (Yuri) took me on a hike to the nearby canopy tower. Climbing this 30 metre high tower is a challenge in itself but once you reach the top you are rewarded with spectacular views across the vast expanses of forest and the Tambopata River. As the sun slowly set over the horizon, we watched scarlet macaws flying through the trees and listened to the howler monkeys calling out. Then a white throated toucan came to join the party.After a hearty evening meal, which was simple but tasty, there was time for a few drinks at the bar before heading off to bed for an early night.
I woke up at 6am the following morning in preparation for my next adventure to the Tres Chimbadas Lake. From the lodge we traveled an hour further down the Tambopata River before taking a 45 minute hike through the rainforest to the lake. At the lake we spent 2 peaceful hours paddling around the river banks in search of wildlife, including a resident family of giant river otters, caiman, monkeys and a whole variety of bird species. Before heading back to the lodgethere was even time for a spot of fishing.
In the afternoon we took a stroll down to the river to the purpose built observation hide where we sat patiently hoping to see the scarlet macaws feeding off the clay lick. Unfortunately we were out of luck on this occasion, but I learnt a lot about their breeding and feeding habits. I had an amazing experience and would thoroughly recommend this lodge for people looking for an introduction into life in the Amazon Rainforest.
19th March 2015
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