Peru Amazon Extension | Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica

Arrive into Puerto Maldonado, coined the Capital of Biodiversity. Transfer by road to the pier and begin your Amazon adventure with a 45-minute boat ride along the Madre de Dios River that splices through the rainforest. The motorized wooden boat hugs the meandering riverbanks to reach your eco-lodge, Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, in the middle of the rainforest. After a short briefing, settle into your palm-thatched cabaña set within Peru’s first ever private ecological reserve; established by Inkaterra in 1975, to protect this sensitive environment. After lunch, retreat to your rustic-luxury cabin for a nap or a swing in your hammock before choosing from the wide range of à-la-carte guided excursions with your expert Inkaterra Explorer Guide. We recommend walking along the Trail System for an immersive introduction into the intricate biodiversity of the Amazon basin and the layers of the rainforest. Walk along towering trees, like the Shihuahuaco, as your ears tune in to the croaks, rustles and calls of the exotic wildlife inhabiting this rich ecosystem. There are excellent opportunities for birding and observing an abundance of flora. Keep your camera ready just in case sloths or monkeys appear on the treetops.

In the late afternoon, we highly recommend taking our gentle Twilight River excursion to witness the jungle transform from a diurnal to a nocturnal world: where daytime animals and birds give way to species specially adapted to the darkness of the night. You may also be able to spot the likes of nightjars, owls, capybaras and caimans lurking on the riverbanks. Amazonian-inspired dinner is served in the main dining room from 19:00-22:00 where we invite you to enjoy a complimentary Pisco Sour cocktail. Back in your comfy cabaña, listen to the intriguing sounds of critters that inhabit the rainforest surrounding the lodge.

The sunlight squeezes through the dense trees as jungle inhabitants awake from their slumber. Optionally join them in the early hours, with buffet breakfast served from 05:30. Visit Lake Sandoval this morning, a glassy, ox-bow lake located inside the protected Tambopata National Reserve, reached via a sun-dappled rainforest trail. Board a dug-out wooden canoe to quietly paddle through a stream and glide onto Lake Sandoval, ¬flanked by picture-perfect palms. This serene lake is home to many species of birds, the endangered giant river otter, red howler monkeys, red-bellied macaws, anacondas, side-neck turtles, black caimans amongst others. Return to Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica in time for lunch.

In the afternoon, we recommend climbing the exhilarating Inkaterra Canopy Walkway. The Canopy Walkway is a sophisticated and safe 344 metre (1,135 feet) network of seven ecologically constructed hanging suspension bridges, strung between eight treetop observation platforms above the forest -floor. This is an unforgettable opportunity to observe the rainforest from the rooftop and gain a sense of its size. Ascend the first vertiginous tower 38 metres (124 feet) above ground,
keeping an eye out for bright toucans, woodpeckers, trogons, monkeys and the three-toed sloth. It’s possible to extend your elevated stay with sunset drinks from atop a tower, – or spend a once-in-a-lifetime night in a specially designed treehouse cabin with surprising comforts (additional cost applies).

After descending, enjoy a 30-minute Anaconda Walk that follows a 200-meter (656 feet) raised wooden platform over a flooded aguajales swamp. In this lush ecosystem you may observe various species of amphibians, birds, mammals, abundant flora and interesting trees. Back at the lodge, you can opt to enjoy a daily nature presentation in the Eco Centre or book yourself an indulgent spa treatment. À-la-carte dinner is served from 19:00.

Journey 25-minutes by boat to Gamitana Farm and Creek to unearth more of the wonders of the rainforest. The Amazon is an almost endless source of exotic fruits and vegetables, many with healing properties that support local communities living in the remote jungle. At Gamitana model farm, engulfed by the sounds and scents of the Amazon, you will get to see how a variety of produce is grown by local farmers and sample some seasonal forest fruits. Afterwards follow a dense jungle trail under the canopy to reach Gamitana Creek. This winding, dark water creek is home to abundant -flora and fauna, with many piranhas, caiman, turtles and birds hiding in its murky waters and riverbanks. Return to Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica for lunch. Head 35-minutes upriver to Inkaterra’s sister lodge Hacienda Concepcion, built on an old cocoa and rubber plantation. This site formerly functioned as a medical centre, set up by Catholic missionaries in the 1950s, as well as a centre for ecological research. With over 200 different plant species found here, see why the rainforest is often considered the world’s largest pharmacy and learn about their uses and benefits up-close.

Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing 30-minute canoe trip to look for turtles, sun grebes, nightjars and herons before returning to your lodge. Under the cover of darkness, venture out for the Rainforest by Night excursion through Inkaterra’s Ecological Reserve. Armed with flashlights, duck under tree boughs as your senses heighten to the movements in the undergrowth and nocturnal forest sounds that appear in different directions around you. With your Inkaterra Explorer Guide, encounter animal activity and spot species that only emerge with the veil of nightfall.

With a staggering roster of wildlife found in and around Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica - 540 bird species have been inventoried in the grounds of the lodge - enjoy your last morning in this natural
wonderland as parakeets chatter away in the trees and agouti mammals scurry between the cabañas.

Check-out is at 10:00; depending on your departure flight time lunch can also be arranged today (additional cost applies). Embark your ready-waiting boat for the 45-minute return trip along the snaking Madre de Dios River until arriving at the airport. Please note that this three-day journey is a suggested itinerary. Activities and excursions can be chosen on an à la carte basis on arrival at the lodge and are subject to change depending on weather conditions at the time of your visit, until arriving at the airport.