The protected Tambopata national reserve is an eco-oasis packed with a level of biodiversity found in few places on the planet. With record-setting numbers of animals and an incredible range of plant life, discover the wonders of the amazon with this three-day immersive journey designed to make the most of a short trip to the rainforest. Experience a range of ecosystems by day and night, including nature trails, Inkaterra canopy walkway and Lake Sandoval, with the comfort of being based at stylish Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion Lodge.
Itinerary Overview
DAY 1 – Arrive into Puerto Maldonado Airport. Enjoy a -25minute boat ride to Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion lodge. Delve into the depths of the rainforest with the Concepcion Trails jungle walk and take a Twilight River cruise as nocturnal creatures awake.
DAY 2 – Hike through rainforest and glide across glassy Lake Sandoval. Scale the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway for panoramic views and observe secret wildlife activity under darkness exploring the Rainforest by Night.
DAY 3 – Set off by boat from your riverside lodge, visiting a Butterfly House before your departure flight from Puerto Maldonado.
Itinerary Day By Day
DAY 1: Arrive into Puerto Maldonado, coined the Capital of Biodiversity. Begin your authentic Amazon adventure with a 25-minute boat ride navigating the clay-coloured Madre de Dios River to reach hidden jungle lodge, Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion. Settle into your stylish stilted wooden cabaña or room on our private eco-reserve then head to the palm-thatched Casa Grande dining room for a hearty buffet lunch before exploring the depths of the jungle on foot, starting from the Eco Centre.
Take a walk along the Concepcion Trails, winding through the property’s nature trails for an immersive introduction to the intricate ecosystems of the Amazon basin. Backed by the protected Tambopata National Reserve and built on the grounds of a former cacao and rubber plantation, Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion harbours primary and secondary rainforest teeming with exotic wildlife and tropical plants.
At dusk witness the enchanting transformation of the rainforest from a diurnal to a nocturnal environment on a guided Twilight River boat ride, as animals and birds of the daytime give way to species specially adapted to the shadows of the night. See if you can spot caiman lurking on the riverbanks and stars of the southern hemisphere. In the evening enjoy à la carte dining, drawing on local Amazon ingredients for inspiration. Retreat to your cabaña or room to listen to the curious calls and croaks of the rainforest at night.
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Hacienda Concepcion Lodge
DAY 2: This morning visit Lake Sandoval, a glassy, ox-bow lake located inside the protected Tambopata National Reserve, one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. Reached via a sun-dappled jungle trail, Inkaterra explorer guides enjoy regaling visitors with their tales of unexpected encounters with poison frogs and camouflaged creatures. Board a dug-out wooden canoe to quietly paddle through mangroves and glide onto Lake Sandoval, flanked by picture-perfect palms. This serene lake is home to thousands of species of birds, the endangered giant river otter, red howler monkeys, red-bellied macaws, anacondas, side-neck turtles and black caimans. Return to Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, take a 20-minute boat ride across the Madre de Dios River to climb the exhilarating Inkaterra Canopy Walkway. The Inkaterra 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. Originally constructed for our non-profit organization, ITA, to carry out conservation projects, this is an unforgettable opportunity to observe the rainforest from the rooftop and gain a sense of its colossal size. Ascend the first vertiginous tower 38 metres (124 feet) above ground, keeping an eye out for white-throated toucans, woodpeckers, trogons, squirrel monkeys and the three-toed sloth. Come nightfall, under the cover of darkness explore the rainforest on foot as your senses heighten to movements in the undergrowth and the raucous sounds of the rainforest. Back at the lodge, à la carte dinner is served from 19:30.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Hacienda Concepcion Lodge
DAY 3: Enjoy your last morning waking to the cacophony of jungle sounds in this unspoilt natural wonderland, as parakeets chatter away in the trees and monkeys swing through the treetops. Breakfast is served in the Casa Grande with check-out at 10:00. Depending on the time of your departure flight today, lunch can also be arranged (additional cost applies). Embark your ready-waiting motorized wooden boat for the 25-minute return trip along the snaking Madre de Dios River. You will make a short visit to a Butterfly House before reaching the airport. Peru boasts the greatest variety of butterflies in the world, with 3,700 known species. Many of these can be seen at the Butterfly House, which serves to showcase the variety, beauty and adaptability of these fascinating insects.
Meals included: Breakfast
Note: Please note that activities and excursions are subject to change depending on weather conditions at the time of your visit.
Arrival and Transport: A 20-minute flight from Cusco brings you to Puerto Maldonado Airport, where the Inkaterra staff will greet you. Luggage not needed during your rainforest stay can be stored at the Inkaterra headquarters in Puerto Maldonado, located near the airport. Following a 10-minute bus transfer to the port, you will board a motorized dugout canoe for your trip to your selected property. The journey down Madre de Dios River allows travellers to appreciate the spectacular scenery that will be part of the rainforest experience. Transportation by boat is also provided upon your departure.
Experience Pace: Relaxed, moderately paced, nature & ecological walks within the Nature Reserve with some boat rides along the river. Some activities/excursions may be physically demanding, and require hiking. Agility required for visiting the jungle. Not recommended for wheelchair or other mobility aids.
Health: The US Travel Advisory for Peru usually recommends yellow fever shots and malaria-preventive medication for tourists travelling to rainforest regions. Please consult your doctor at least a month before visiting the Amazon Basin. No cases of yellow fever or malaria have ever been reported on our properties.
Water: Inkaterra uses filtered river water that can be used for showers but is not safe to drink. Bottled drinking water is provided to all guests. For the convenience of our travellers, our properties have water containers.
Weather And What To Wear: The weather is tropical, with an average temperature of 32°C (89° F), ranging from 25°C (77° F) to 42°C (107° F). The hotter season usually ranges from December to March and comes with frequent afternoon rainfall. Between June and September you may need some warmer clothing, since occasional “friajes” or Patagonia Cold Fronts can reduce the temperature to 10°C (50°F). Cool comfortable cotton clothes are required to counter the heat while sweaters and jackets may be handy at night. See Equipment and Luggage.
Equipment and Luggage: It is important that you bring only necessary clothing and equipment to the lodge in your carry-on luggage. Due to weight and space limitations on the boat, passenger luggage is limited to 10 kg. (22 lbs.) per person. Additional luggage will be kept in our storage at Puerto Maldonado.