Peru: Into the Amazon

Welcome to the Amazon! Upon arrival to Puerto Maldonado, take a 45-minute boat ride along the Madre de Dios River, to arrive at Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica lodge. We recommend a guided walk along the Trail system, into the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica natural area, where you will discover the Amazon Basin. We also recommend on the first night the Twilight River excursion — a guided afternoon boat ride on the Madre de Dios river. Overnight at your lodge. (BLD).

After breakfast, visit the Lake Sandoval excursion into the Tambopata National Reserve. Glide in a wooden canoe, across a beautiful, mirror-like oxbow lake that is home to the endangered giant river otter, as well as red howler monkeys, red-bellied macaws, anacondas, side-neck turtles and black caimans. Return to the Inkaterra lodge for lunch. After lunch, consider the remarkable Inkaterra Canopy Walkway. Ascending the first tower, 29 meters above the forest ground, you begin your encounter with the treetop realm. Return to the lodge. (BLD)

After breakfast, enjoy a trip to Gamitana Creek, located 25 minutes by boat from the Inkaterra lodge. For one and a half hours, explore the rainforest along the banks of a winding, dark-water creek. You will return to Gamitana Farm to do a short guided tour to see how local farmers raise fruits and vegetables. Return to the lodge for lunch. After lunch, enjoy the Hacienda Concepcion excursion, with over 200 different plant species, and learn about the uses and benefits of traditional topical flora. This is followed by a 30- minute canoe trip to look for turtles, sun grebes, nightjars and exotic herons. Return to the lodge. (BLD)

After breakfast, take a boat trip back to Puerto Maldonado for your onward flight. (B)