Rainforest Expeditions operates three luxury lodges deep in the Amazon, along the Tambopata River in Peru. Posada Amazonas is located within the Ese Eja Native Community, on the edge of the Tambopata National Reserve, where comfort and nature come together with great attention to detail and service. Daily excursions take you into the rainforest through guided walks, river journeys on the Tambopata, and wildlife spotting, while expert guides introduce you to the rich biodiversity and sounds of the jungle. In this article, I take you to Posada Amazonas and share more about Rainforest Expeditions, the activities, and what to expect from life in the Peruvian jungle.
The Tambopata National Reserve is located in the province of Tambopata in southeastern Peru and consists of 274,690 hectares of nature. Because Tambopata is a remote and protected area, you will find a very large biodiversity here. Many consider Tambopata to be one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Numerous plants and animals have been recorded, including 1,200 species of butterflies, 600 species of birds, 100 species of mammals, 180 species of fish, 100 species of reptiles and more than 1,200 trees and plants. The city of Puerto Maldonado is the gateway to an adventure in the jungle of Peru, about which more at the bottom of this article.
From the Rainforest Expeditions s headquarters in the jungle town of Puerto Maldonado, the journey begins with a short bus ride of less than an hour to the small community of Infierno. From here, you board a boat for the final leg to Posada Amazonas The river journey takes about 45 minutes, but it rarely feels that short. Along the way, you’re likely to spot your first caimans, monkeys, turtles, capybaras, and countless bird species. There are several stops to take photos and soak in your first impressions of the Amazon rainforest in Tambopata. And I can tell you, it’s a truly unforgettable welcome to the jungle.
It’s always a little exciting to see where a boat ride through the jungle will take you. From the Tambopata River, a staircase leads up into a narrow jungle path, followed by another set of steps. It’s a bit of a walk to reach Posada Amazonas lodge making you even more aware that you are deep in the Peruvian Amazon. The trails are easy to navigate and your luggage is carried for you. And then, almost out of nowhere, Posada Amazonas appears, a beautifully designed jungle lodge built entirely of wood, seamlessly blending into its natural surroundings.
Upon arrival, we are welcomed with a refreshing drink, followed by a short briefing. We soon learn that all rooms are open to the surrounding jungle, a conscious choice designed to experience nature in its purest form. I must admit, I hadn’t fully realized what this meant at first. There’s no need to worry, the staff reassures us. Animals don’t enter the rooms, unless perhaps a curious frog, as long as no food is left behind. Otherwise, there’s a good chance of attracting an opossum, something we are strongly advised to avoid. Any food must therefore be stored in a specially designed safe. A mosquito net ensures a comfortable night’s sleep, keeping insects at a respectful distance.
Posada Amazonas is a successful collaboration between Rainforest Expeditions and the Infierno Ese Eja indigenous community. 80% of the staff comes from this community. In addition, 75% of the profits directly benefit the community. Your visit has a direct impact on the local indigenous population.
Sustainability plays an important role at Rainforest Expeditions, with energy used efficiently and thoughtfully. Electricity is available during set hours, while hot water is available 24/7. Electricity, internet, hot water, standing there in the heart of the jungle, I’m genuinely amazed by the level of comfort and luxury.
Curious about a stay in the Amazon rainforest in Tambopata Peru? Check out the availability and latest rates of Posada Amazonas jungle lodge Peru here.
Posada Amazonas features several rooms connected by long wooden walkways. The entire lodge is built a few meters above the jungle floor, a practical design choice due to rising water levels during the rainy season. The rooms themselves are spacious and distinctive, with open sides that allow the sounds and scents of the rainforest to flow freely inside. It feels a little adventurous at first, but after one night you quickly get used to it, and soon begin to appreciate it even more.
The beds are generous and incredibly comfortable, while the spacious bathrooms feature a lovely shower with hot water and soft bathrobes. Some rooms also include a small seating area and a hammock, perfect for slowing down and soaking in the surroundings. Spending the night in the middle of the rainforest, surrounded by nature yet enjoying this level of comfort, feels truly special.
Tip: Make sure to use your mosquito net. At the end of the day, you will observe insects that you have never seen before. But don’t worry, not in a scary way.
Every morning, afternoon, and evening, an extensive buffet is served in the restaurant at Posada Amazonas. The kitchen works with fresh, local ingredients, and many typical Peruvian products such as yucca, potatoes, quinoa, and tropical fruits are part of the menu. Everything is thoughtfully prepared and well taken care of. What I especially appreciate is that the selection is generous but not excessive. I personally don’t need an endless buffet where much of the food inevitably goes to waste. Lunch and dinner are served at set times, while breakfast times vary and are discussed daily with your guide, depending on the day’s activities, yes, sometimes as early as 5 a.m.
Coffee and tea are available 24 hours a day, along with a jar of local Brazilian nuts. There is also a generous fruit buffet where you can grab something to take with you on excursions. After every morning activity, fresh juices and cake are waiting for you, a very welcome treat after time spent in the jungle.
All activities are included during your stay, and each day you discuss the next day’s program with your guide. Excursions are tailored and take place in small groups, always with your own guide. Mornings start early, sometimes at 5 a.m., followed by lunch and a short siesta, which you’ll definitely appreciate. The afternoon brings another activity, and in the evening a night walk is a must. The days are full, but every experience is worth it. Below is an overview of some of the most beautiful excursions at Posada Amazonas.
Curious about a stay in the Amazon rainforest in Tambopata Peru? Check out the availability and latest rates of Posada Amazonas jungle lodge Peru here.
From Posada Amazonas, it’s just a 10-minute walk to El Mirador, the canopy tower, which is often visited right after arrival on the first day. Rising 42 meters above the forest floor, the tower offers spectacular views over the endless treetops of the Tambopata rainforest and the winding Tambopata River below.
Birds fill the canopy in every direction, and with the guide’s telescope you can spot toucans and parrots up close. Toward the end of the day, the light turns magical and the sounds of the jungle slowly shift from day to night. Take your time, it’s easy to spend hours here.
Upon arrival, you immediately notice that there are two towers, a modern one and an older one. From below, it almost looks as if people are standing on the older tower, but halfway up it becomes clear that it has been completely taken over by monkeys. Watching them is pure joy, like a small stage performance in the jungle, with each monkey showing off its own personality and movements.
On the second day, a visit to Oxbow Lake is a must. The lake is famous for the giant otters that live here, and who wouldn’t want to spot these incredible animals? But Oxbow Lake is special for much more than just its otters. Over the years, part of the Tambopata River changed course, creating a lake with its own unique ecosystem. Thanks to its calm waters and high acidity, the lake has become a true paradise for birds.
Very early in the morning, around 5 a.m., we set off on foot through the jungle to reach the boat, which dropped us at the starting point of a half-hour walk to the catamaran. Along the way, we spotted several caimans and even a family of capybaras, a magical start to the day. The catamaran tour itself is wonderful. Made up of two wooden boats with a small deck, chairs, and benches, it glides silently across the water. To avoid disturbing nature, there is no engine, the skipper propels the boat by hand. The absence of engine noise makes the experience even more special. Soft morning light, birds calling overhead or resting on floating trees, and the stillness of the lake create an incredibly calming atmosphere.
Along the way, we were able to see a black caiman, countless birds, kingfishers, herons, macaws, toucans, bats clinging to tree trunks, and in the distance, a group of giant otters. These impressive river seals can grow up to two meters long, and seeing them here fills me with pure joy. Our visit ended with piranha fishing, after which we gradually returned to Posadas Amazonas via the same route.
Ever heard of a clay lick? It’s a fascinating natural phenomenon where large numbers of parrots gather to feed on mineral-rich clay, both for its nutritional value and the social ritual of finding a partner. Posada Amazonas is lucky to have a clay lick less than a 20-minute walk from the lodge. We were fortunate enough to spot parrots already on our very first day, even from the boat. Still, it’s absolutely worth visiting the clay lick one or more times with your guide. From a small, carefully constructed shelter, you observe the clay wall through narrow openings, waiting for the birds to arrive. When they do, the scene is nothing short of magical.
Mornings offer the best chances for sightings, but our fantastic guide Luis managed to spot macaws during every visit. During an afternoon walk, we watched them high up in the treetops through a telephoto lens, a truly beautiful sight
Near Refugios Amazonas and Tambopata Research Center – the other Rainforest Expeditions lodges in Peru – you’ll find one of the largest clay licks in the region. A visit should therefore not be missed. In the following articles you can read more about Refugio Amazonas jungle lodge andTambopata Research Center, in Peru and how to best visit this clay lick.
Each activity from Posada Amazonas is worth it, because you never know what you will encounter along the way. Are you looking for a macaw? Then you suddenly see a sloth in the tree. Are you going to a place to learn more about medicinal plants? Then you suddenly come face to face with a tapir.
Hiking through the Peruvian Amazon is something you can never do often enough, taking in the lush surroundings, listening to the ever-changing jungle sounds, and unexpectedly encountering a group of monkeys along the way. Moments like these truly highlight the value of a great guide. The guides at Rainforest Expeditions have an incredible eye for detail and a deep knowledge of the rainforest. Make sure to join every opportunity offered, it’s the best way to get the most out of your stay
In the jungle you should never touch a plant or tree. But after a night walk, you don’t even dare to do this anymore. In the evening you see the most fascinating, yet somewhat scary insects on trees, underneath leaves and on twigs. You wonder where these creatures stay during the day. From Posada Amazonas, you go out in the evening almost every day. And really, it is special every single time.
We encountered countless spiders, stick insects, scorpions, and insects I couldn’t even name. One evening, we suddenly caught the reflection of glowing eyes in the dark, an opossum and an entire family of wild boars. It’s incredible how quickly these animals sense your presence and quietly observe you from a distance. Together with our guide, we even crawled along the ground to catch a better glimpse of them, an unforgettable experience in the heart of the jungle.
Do you want to relax after all the activities? Posada Amazonas jungle lodge Peru offers different massages. There is nothing nicer that taking some time to relax after all the impressions of the day.
This garden is located near the small jungle community of Infierno and offers a short but fascinating walk past a variety of medicinal plants. Along the way, you learn more about local traditions and the deep connection between the community and the rainforest. The guide explains the hallucinogenic effects of ayahuasca and the chacruna plant, the aphrodisiac properties of para para, and the important role of the local shaman within the Amazon rainforest of Tambopata, Peru.
The guides also introduce you to plants and roots that help repel mosquitoes, reduce inflammation, such as cordoncillo with its subtle peppery flavor, or even provide a temporary natural anesthetic. I’m always amazed by how much nature offers us, completely for free.
On the boat ride to the medicinal plant garden, one of my long-held dreams came true: spotting a tapir. From the river, we watched this incredible animal as it was drinking at the water’s edge. And luck was on our side. Halfway through the walk later that day, we encountered the tapir again, this time from very close by. Moments like these remind me that the most beautiful experiences often happen when you least expect them.
It probably won’t surprise you when I tell you that a good and professional guide is important when you are in the Amazon rainforest of Peru. And over the years, I have been on the road with many great and mediocre guides. But at Rainforest Expeditions you really realize what a great guide means.
At Posada Amazonas, I was lucky enough to explore the jungle with Luis, and his eyes are truly exceptional. Spiders, scorpions, monkeys, sloths, birds of prey, otters and toucans: Luis seemed to spot everything. Often, while we were still trying to understand what we were looking at, his telephoto lens was already pointed in the right direction for a perfect close-up. Although Luis made a lasting impression, it’s clear that all guides at Posada Amazonas are highly professional and true experts. The Rainforest Expeditions guides don’t just show you the Amazon rainforest of Tambopata, they help you truly see it, in all its detail, diversity and magic
Depending on your budget and available time, I would recommend staying at Posada Amazonas for at least two nights, and ideally three. On the first day, you depart from Puerto Maldonado around 2 p.m. and travel to Posada Amazonas jungle lodge by boat. A simple yet tasty lunch is served along the way, and upon arrival you head straight out for your first introductory jungle walk, ending the day with a beautiful sunset moment in the rainforest.
On days one and two, you have plenty of time to explore the Amazon rainforest through a variety of activities. On the final day, you can choose to join an early morning excursion before returning to Puerto Maldonado, either to catch your flight or continue your overland journey.
It is recommended to leave your large luggage at the Rainforest Expeditions office and only travel with small luggage. Do you want to know what to take with you during an Amazon rainforest trip in Peru?In the next article you will find an extensive packing list. It is good to know that you also have a small shop at the Rainforest Expeditions office for your last purchases.
Are you planning to visit the Amazon in Colombia as well? Then you want to spend the night at Calanoa Amazonas jungle lodge. This boutique hotel is on the Condé Nast list of the most beautiful hotels and that is for a good reason. In the next article I will tell you more about my experiences at Calanoa Amazonas jungle lodge and give you tips for your visit to the Amazon of Colombia.
From the Rainforest Expeditions headquarters in Puerto Maldonado, you travel by bus to the small community of Infierno in under an hour. From here, you board a boat for a scenic one-hour journey along the river to Posada Amazonas jungle lodge. Puerto Maldonado is the capital of the Madre de Dios region and is easily reached with daily flights from Lima and Cusco. It is also possible to travel overland from Cusco, but this involves a long, bumpy road, an adventure in itself, but not for everyone.
Rainforest Expeditions is a Peruvian travel company, committed to sustainable tourism. The conservation of the tropical rainforest plays a leading role. In addition, local communities are involved in their protection and care. Rainforest Expeditions has three lodges in and around the Tambopata National Park, each with its own atmosphere and character. Refugio Amazonas andTambopata Research Center, also serve as a major research institute called Wired Amazon, where scientists and researchers are active in the field of wildlife. With your visit you contribute to the projects and researches of Rainforest Expeditions and this has a direct impact on the local indigenous population.
Want to read more about Rainforest Expeditions? Have a look at the website and follow them on instagram and facebook. Curious about a stay at Posada Amazonas jungle lodge Peru? You can find the availability and latest rates here. Make sure to also read my reviews about jungle lodge Refugio Amazonas andTambopata Research Center, which is located deep in the Tambopata National Park. So you can choose your perfect jungle adventure.
Are you looking for useful tips for your stay in the Amazon rainforest of Tambopata Peru?In the next article you will find everything you want to know.
Planning a trip to Peru or just starting your research? In the next travel guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about traveling to Peru, including practical tips, essential travel info, and inspiration for where to go and what to see. Hopefully, my articles will help you get the most out of your trip, or convince you to add Peru to your travel bucket list.
Let me take you on a further journey along the most beautiful destinations and attractions in Peru in the next articles.
Disclaimer: I was invited to stay at Posada Amazonas jungle lodge Peru but this review is based on my personal view and is independent from the invitation. This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something using one of our links, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you, which helps us keep this blog alive. Thank you for your support! Please see our disclosures for more information.
Are you interested in the world? Do you want to learn more about a country and its culture? Let me take you on a journey with Passport the World.
As a travel reporter, producer and tour guide, I have been traveling around the world for the last 20 years, looking for the most scenic places and stories that are worth sharing. In Passport the World, I am guiding you along scenic and cultural places, cities, art, viewpoints, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you get the most out of your travels or to just get to know a country and culture better!
Are you interested in the world? Do you want to learn more about a country and its culture? Let me take you on a journey with Passport the World.
As a travel reporter, producer and tour guide, I have been traveling around the world for the last 20 years, looking for the most scenic places and stories that are worth sharing. In Passport the World, I am guiding you along scenic and cultural places, cities, art, viewpoints, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you get the most out of your travels or to just get to know a country and culture better!
