Puerto Maldonado: Best Amazon Lodge & Tours in Peru
- 11 hours ago
- 9 min read
An Amazon lodge in Peru was high up on our list of things to do while we spent 2 months exploring the land of the Incas.
There are a few ways to access the Amazon Basin in Peru (covering 60% of the country) which I'll detail below, but we ended up staying in Puerto Maldonado, an off-the-beaten-track area known as the capital of biodiversity due to its concentration of wildlife.
Staying on the banks of the Tambopata river with Andean Wings in Sotupa Lodge was the perfect way to immerse ourselves into the jungle with a hint of luxury, something that you don’t often find in Eco Lodges.
Waking up to the calls of the macaw as they gorge themselves on a clay lick, speeding down the river as squirrel monkeys chatter away and heading out at dusk to spot the silent predator - the caiman.
If you want to visit the Amazon in Peru you’re in the right place!
Wild, untamed beauty awaits. We're here to share everything you need to know about visiting Puerto Maldonado: where to stay, what to expect and how to get there.
How To Visit The Amazon in Peru
There are three popular gateways to the Peruvian Amazon, each has their own charm:
Iquitos
Iquitos is deep in the Amazon in northern Peru. It is unreachable by road meaning you have to fly or take a boat (if you’re an overlander you can pop your rig on a barge) making it a proper off-grid adventure.
Although less accessible than Manú and Puerto Maldonado the infrastructure is set up for tourism with plenty of options for tours and lodges. One draw to Iquitos is the remoteness and wildlife, you can even spot pink river dolphins. We saw pink river dolphins in Bolivia and they’re pretty unique!
Iquitos is the only place where you’re on the Amazon River (something we’d love to see)
Manú National Park
Manú is an extremely protected UNESCO World Heritage Site and only a small section is open to tourists. The journey there is along bumpy roads followed by a boat ride. The wildlife here is amazing, however the lodges tend to be pretty basic meaning it suits wildlife enthusiasts and more adventurous travellers.
Puerto Maldonado
More accessible due to the direct flight from Cusco (or a 7 hour drive which we took on) Puerto Maldonado in the Madre de Dios Region sits on the Tambopata River part of the Amazon Basin.
If you end up driving then you’ll realise why it’s a basin. Winding mountain roads take you down tight switchbacks from 4900m to 200m, an incredible drive through Peru’s diverse landscapes.
Below we share our experience of staying in an Amazon lodge in Puerto Maldonado.
Why Choose Puerto Maldonado?
With a convenient flight from Cusco and the option of some more luxury lodges than other areas of the Amazon, Puerto Maldonado is the perfect add on to any Cusco Itinerary.
As well as being accessible it’s also home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. In fact the Tambopata National Reserve has over 600 bird species and you can also spot capybara, caiman, macaws and even the elusive jaguar, although sightings are rare.
What To Expect On A Peru Amazon Tour With Andean Wings & Sotupa Eco Lodge?
As we wound down to the foot of the Andes and entered the Amazon Basin there was a shift. The humidity rose, towns got busier, the side of the road more lush and our breathing eased as the altitude lowered.
We’d entered the Amazon and we could feel it in all our senses. Just a short way outside the city Puerto Maldonado we found our accommodation, Sotupa Eco Lodge and settled into the most luxurious stay in a jungle we’ve had.
But the lodge is just the beginning; Andean Wings take you deep into the jungle on some truly immersive Amazon tours.
Sotupa Lodge Introductory Walk
We met Gabriel who was going to be our guide for our stay and alongside him and his impressive jungle belt we headed into the thick of it on a flora and fauna walk.
Here we learnt about the Amazon’s ecosystem and the Madre de Dios area. Along the way we stopped to create paint with a plant, drawing over our hands with the rich red dye and delved deeper into the history of the famous Ayahuasca plant.
As well as the plants we spotted spiders, a bamboo rat and heard the call of a toucan. This was the perfect way to be introduced to the rainforest.
Amazon Night Walk
As dusk fell we met back up with Gabriel who took us on a night walk. At night different animals come out and we even spotted the deadly wandering spider, with venom that paralyzes your muscles.
As we visited during Friaje (a cold snap in the jungle) we didn’t spot too much on the night walk but hearing the sounds at night allows you to appreciate the wild biodiversity that lives here.
Caiman Watching
Our second night included the caiman watching tour. At last light we boarded the boat and headed upstream. High pitched chattering reached our ears and we were lucky enough to have found a group of spider monkeys playing in the trees.
The driver pulled the boat over and we hacked our way through the jungle to be standing underneath them. A moment of hecticness before the sun set as the monkeys prepared themselves for the night.
Back on the boat and deep darkness had set in. The torches were trained on the water as we looked for the deadly glint of the caiman's eyes.
After about 15 minutes the guide had spotted it lurking in the reeds and we gently pulled the boat up alongside it to stare this predator in the eye.
Elated we’d found one even in the cooler temperatures we headed back to the lodge stopping and spotting another two along the way.
Kayaking in the Amazon
On our last morning we headed out kayaking on the Tambopata River, the perfect way to end our stay. The boat motored us upstream before we transferred to the kayaks and spent the next hour half paddling, half drifting back with the current.
With no experience needed it's suitable for all abilities, and the calm pace means you're free to soak in the scenery rather than focus on staying afloat. Towering jungle walls line both banks with the river stretching out ahead making magical views.
It's slightly unnerving to think that the night before we'd been spotting caimans in the exact same stretch of water - but that's the Amazon for you. Peaceful and wild at the same time.
Boat Tour to Sandoval Lake (added extra)
Whilst we didn't make it to Sandoval Lake on our visit, it came highly recommended by Andean Wings and is easy to add on to your stay.
The lake is reached by boat and is known for its abundant wildlife, keep your eyes peeled for capybara grazing on the banks and if you're lucky, giant river otters, one of the Amazon's most elusive and spectacular residents.
Wildlife You Might See At Sotupa
One of the biggest draws to Puerto Maldonado is its extraordinary biodiversity and during our stay we were lucky enough to encounter a good variety of wildlife. Here's what we personally spotted:
Macaws - a highlight every morning as they gathered noisily at the clay lick near the lodge, a spectacular sight and sound to wake up to.
Spider Monkeys - an unexpected bonus during the caiman watching tour. We pulled the boat over and spent time watching a troop playing in the canopy above us.
Caiman - the star of the night tour. Spotting that deadly glint of eyes in the torchlight on the river is something we won't forget in a hurry. We found three on the same night.
Wandering Spider - spotted on the night walk, one of the world's most venomous spiders.
Bamboo Rat - an unexpected spot on our jungle walk
Toucan - we heard its distinctive call during our jungle walk
The Tambopata National Reserve is also home to jaguar, giant river otters, capybara and over 600 bird species. Sightings depend on season and luck but the wildlife density here is genuinely exceptional.
Andean Wings Sotupa Eco Lodge
Sotupa Eco Lodge, run by Andean Wings, sits on the banks of the Tambopata River just outside Puerto Maldonado.
With over 18 years of experience, Andean Wings are deeply committed to sustainable, authentic travel across Peru. At Sotupa you see this in everything: guides who grew up in the local community, biodegradable products throughout, and meals built around authentic Amazonian ingredients. Responsible travel done properly.
What To Expect From The Rooms
Unlike other jungle lodges we’ve stayed in, Sotupa has an art of luxury. The crisp white sheets across the biggest bed we’d ever seen, a warm shower (a luxury in Peru) and views over the Tambopata river. Explore the rooms at Sotupa Lodge here.
Meals at Sotupa Eco Lodge
The meals were equally impressive. Fresh local fish with seasonal vegetables for dinner and our favourite Amazonian fried rice for lunch. We genuinely wished we'd asked for the recipe.
Breakfast is a generous buffet, perfect for fuelling up before a morning on the river, with fresh juice always on hand.
Where is Sotupa Eco Lodge?
Sotupa Eco Lodge is located just outside Puerto Maldonado in the Madre de Dios region of southeastern Peru, sitting on the banks of the Tambopata River. It's close enough to the city to be accessible but far enough to feel completely immersed in the jungle.
How To Get To Puerto Maldonado?
We chose to drive from Cusco, a journey of around 7 hours that we'd recommend to anyone who loves a scenic road trip. The route takes you down from 4,900m through tight Andean switchbacks, watching the landscape transform from mountain to cloud forest to dense jungle as you drop to 200m.
If you're short on time, or don’t have a car, there are direct flights from Cusco which take around 30 minutes. Buses are also available from Cusco for the budget conscious, though the journey can take considerably longer.
Best Time to Visit Puerto Maldonado
We visited during the dry season (April to October) which we'd recommend for most travellers. Trails are more accessible, river levels are lower making wildlife spotting easier, and you're less likely to encounter the heavy downpours of the wet season.
One thing to be aware of is Friaje. An occasional cold snap that can hit the Amazon even during the dry season, usually between June and July. We experienced this during our visit and while it didn't dampen the experience, it does mean some cold-blooded wildlife like caiman can be less active and you’ll need to wear a few more layers. A plus though, there were less mosquitos!
What To Pack For A Stay In Peru Amazon
Binoculars - These are essential for seeing the wildlife up close
Mosquito Spray - Get the best
Cap and Sun Cream
Raincoat - For those tropical downpours
Head Torch - Essential For Night Cruise or if you’re staying on the river
Dry Bag - To keep any electronics safe
How To Book A Stay At Sotupa Eco Lodge
Sotupa Eco Lodge is bookable directly through Andean Wings who handle all tours and accommodation or you can book here on booking.com We'd recommend booking in advance, particularly for the dry season when availability fills up quickly.
Andean Wings tailor packages to suit different budgets and lengths of stay, so whether you have two nights or a week, they can put together an itinerary that works.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Puerto Maldonado
The Peruvian Amazon had been on our list for a long time and Puerto Maldonado delivered in every sense. From the moment we dropped down through those Andean switchbacks and felt the humidity wrap around us, to staring a caiman in the eye on a dark river at night it's an experience that you’ll always remember.
The wildlife, the jungle, the river, the food, the comfort of Sotupa all made our experience incredible and if you're planning a trip to Peru, don't make the mistake of skipping the Amazon.
Puerto Maldonado is accessible, extraordinary and utterly unlike anywhere else on earth.
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Thank you for reading and enjoy your Peru adventure. Reach out to us over on Instagram @KateandMikesTravels. We always love to hear from people who read our blogs!
* We were kindly gifted our stay at Sotupa Eco Lodge although all opinions are our own.
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