Nestled within a private reserve in Peru’s Amazon Basin, Refugio Amazonas is an eco-lodge offering family-friendly, soft-adventure, and science-focused multi-day programs. This is one of our favorite rainforest lodges–a great option for intrepid travelers.
Refugio Amazonas is located on a 494-acre private reserve in the fabled Tambopata jungle. Refugio Amazonas is home to Wired Amazon, a Citizen Science program that engages guests in gathering scientific information. You might even discover new species during your stay.
Most of our guests stay three or four nights. During their stay, our clients enjoy a range of rainforest walks, canoe tours of the tributaries and flooded forest, cultural visits, and wildlife observation. You’ll likely encounter several primate species, sloths, caimans, turtles, giant river otters, and dozens of bird species. If you follow the thinking that birds are dinosaur descendants, this is Peru’s Jurassic Park.
The most popular programs at Refugio Amazonas include group-basis transportation to / from the airport town of Puerto Maldonado (connections to Cusco and Lima). These programs also include meals and group-basis excursions and activities with expert guides. LANDED can also arrange private transportation and privately guided explorations throughout the rainforest.
Amenities & Services
The dining room at Refugio Amazonas is an open-air structure designed to take advantage passive cooling and ventilation. The second-floor loft overlooks the rainforest canopy, and provides a comfortable observation platform for viewing birds and primates.
Among the amenities at Refugio Amazonas are a boutique, a spa area (with optional massage and aromatherapy treatments), and on-site games and activities. WiFi is available at Refugio Amazonas; however, remote rainforest internet connections are notoriously unstable; the signal quality varies with weather conditions and guest demand. This is a place to unplug, let the pressures of work slip away, and focus on the now.
Refugio Amazonas features a 100-foot rainforest canopy observation tower. We can help you schedule a visit with your guide or the resident aero-botanist.
The lodge’s jungle farm sustainably produces tropical fruits, cacao, and medicinal plants.
The lodge is surrounded by rainforest trails, some of which are designed specifically to delight young children.
Accommodations
Rooms at Refugio Amazonas are constructed with one wall facing the surrounding jungle. Each guest room has en suite bathroom with sink, flush toilet, and shower. Yes, you’ll have hot and cold running water. In-room amenities include eco-friendly toiletries, a security box, and umbrellas.
Comfort Rooms and Suites add Wi-Fi and a hammock.
Electricity at the rooms is available three times per day: From 6AM to 8AM – From 12PM to 2 PM – From 5 PM to 10 PM (referential times, subject to change and weather conditions).
Pack light, and leave your melty cosmetics in Lima. Rubber boots and walking sticks will be provided.
Suites
Each of the Suite category guest rooms (approximately 604 square feet) is furnished with two queen-size beds. These rooms also feature an indoor sitting area with ceiling fan and complimentary minibar.
Comfort Rooms
Comfort rooms (approximately 453 square feet) are furnished with two double-size beds.
Superior Rooms
Superior Rooms measure approximately 453 square feet and can be furnished with either two or three twin-size beds.
How do I reach Refugio Amazonas?
As you read this section, keep in mind that remoteness has its advantages. It is axiomatic that observation of rare wildlife requires travel away from heavily peopled regions.
First, you’ll arrive in the port / airport city of Puerto Maldonado in southeastern Peru, usually by regular / commercial airliner from Lima (90 minutes) or Cusco (30 minutes). Outside the airport’s baggage claim area, representatives from Refugio Amazonas will meet you and assist with your luggage. You’ll be taken by shuttle bus (one-hour) to the Filadelfia River Port. Then you’ll continue by motorized riverboat–earplugs are helpful–along the Tambopata River. The river portion of the journey generally spans an hour, but may vary as eagle-eyed guides spot wildlife en route: macaws, herons, caimans, sloths, and capybaras.
Contact LANDED for help with your flights. Pick up from the airport is available at 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM, while transfers from the lodge to the airport depart at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM.
Luggage is transported by hand in several stages of the trip, so guests are asked to limit luggage to 32 pounds per piece. You can pack bags separately and leave them safely in the hotel’s offices in Puerto Maldonado if you prefer. You may prefer to lock your luggage, but we have yet to find that necessary.
Once you’ve arrived to the wild jungles of Tambopata, access to the lodge requires a little muscle. A staircase leads upward from the riverbank to the lodge–between 70 and 90 steps depending on the season and river level. Take your time. We’ve had even mobility challenged guests manage this without breaking a sweat. A welcome drink awaits!
READY TO VISIT THE AMAZON? ARE YOU CONSIDERING A STAY AT REFUGIO AMAZONAS? LANDED PROVIDES PERSONALIZED, CUSTOM TRAVEL WITHIN CENTRAL AMERICA, SOUTH AMERICA, AND THE ANTARCTIC. WE’LL CREATE A UNIQUE ITINERARY PLAN TAILORED TO YOUR INTERESTS AND DREAMS. EXPERIENCE THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME. SPEAK WITH ONE OF OUR EXPERT TRAVEL PLANNERS TODAY AT 801.582.2100.
