Madre de Dios River
The Definitive 5-Star Amazon Immersion
To truly understand the Peruvian Amazon, one must surrender to its rhythms. This extended 4-day expedition at Peru's pioneer 5-star eco-lodge, Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica, provides the most comprehensive and luxurious rainforest experience in Tambopata. By adding an extra day to our 3-Day Reserva Amazónica Retreat, you unlock deeper, less-traveled corners of the jungle—connecting with an ecosystem that harbors over 540 bird species and countless exotic mammals.
This ultimate itinerary grants you the unhurried time to experience every facet of the reserve. Design your days from a menu of bespoke à-la-carte excursions: traverse the 344-meter Inkaterra Canopy Walkway suspended 38 meters above the forest floor, glide across Lake Sandoval in search of giant river otters, and cross flooded Mauritia palm swamps on the Anaconda Walk. On Day 3, journey to Gamitana Creek and its model farm to sample exotic Amazonian fruits, followed by a visit to the medicinal botanical trails of Hacienda Concepción. Want to combine this 5-star jungle retreat with the Andes? Explore our 10-Day Amazon to Machu Picchu Expedition or our 15-Day Ultimate Peru Grand Tour.
Retreat Highlights
À-la-carte Excursions
Design your own 4-day adventure upon arrival. Choose from a menu of expert-guided excursions tailored to your interests and physical preferences.
Gamitana Creek & Farm
Unearth the wonders of Amazonian agroforestry. Sample exotic fruits at a local model farm and explore the winding dark-water channels of Gamitana Creek.
Canopy & Anaconda Walk
Observe the jungle from above on a 344-meter suspension bridge network, and cross flooded aguajales swamps on a 200-meter raised wooden boardwalk.
Lake Sandoval Expedition
Board a wooden dugout canoe to glide across a pristine oxbow lake, home to red howler monkeys, macaws, black caimans, and endangered giant river otters.
Suggested 4-Day Reserva Amazónica Itinerary
The Ultimate Experience
Amazon Elevation: 183 m / 600 ft (Puerto Maldonado / Madre de Dios)
DAY 1: Arrival, Trail System & Twilight River
Navigating to the Ecological Reserve
Arrive in Puerto Maldonado, the Capital of Biodiversity. After a welcome at the Inkaterra Butterfly House lounge and a short transfer to the river port, begin your adventure with a 45-minute motorized boat ride along the Madre de Dios River to Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica, set within Peru's first private ecological reserve.
The Trail System & Cabaña Retreat
Settle into your rustic-luxury thatched cabaña. After lunch, join your Inkaterra Explorer Guide along the reserve's Trail System, walking beneath towering Shihuahuaco and strangler fig trees while tuning your ears to the calls of monkeys, trogons, and sloths in the treetops.
Twilight River & Amazonian Dining
In the late afternoon, embark on the Twilight River boat excursion to witness the jungle transform into a nocturnal world—spotting nightjars, owls, capybaras, and white caimans. Return to the main dining pavilion where an Amazonian-inspired à-la-carte dinner is served alongside a complimentary Pisco Sour.
Included Meals: Lunch, À-la-carte Dinner
DAY 2: Lake Sandoval, Canopy Walkway & Anaconda Walk
The Glassy Waters of Lake Sandoval
After an early buffet breakfast, hike a sun-dappled rainforest trail into the Tambopata National Reserve. Board a wooden dugout canoe to glide silently onto Lake Sandoval—a serene oxbow lake that is home to endangered giant river otters, red howler monkeys, red-bellied macaws, hoatzins, and black caimans.
Canopy Walkway & The Anaconda Walk
In the afternoon, climb a 38-meter (124 ft) tower to traverse the thrilling Inkaterra Canopy Walkway—a 344-meter network of seven hanging suspension bridges offering unforgettable views of the rainforest rooftop. Upon descending, follow the 200-meter raised wooden boardwalk of the Anaconda Walk across a flooded aguajales swamp.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, À-la-carte Dinner
DAY 3: Gamitana Creek, Medicinal Botanicals & Night Safari
Gamitana Model Farm & Dark-Water Creek
Journey 25 minutes by motorized boat to Gamitana Model Farm, where local farmers cultivate exotic Amazonian fruits and crops. Sample seasonal tropical fruits before following a winding rainforest trail along Gamitana Creek, a dark-water stream inhabited by piranhas, caimans, and river turtles.
The World's Largest Pharmacy
In the afternoon, visit Inkaterra's sister property, Hacienda Concepción, built on a former cacao plantation and 1950s medical mission. Discover over 200 native plant species in the botanical garden and learn why the Amazon is revered as the world's largest natural pharmacy, followed by a 30-minute dugout canoe ride on the private oxbow lagoon.
Rainforest by Night Walk
Under the cover of darkness, venture out on foot for the Rainforest by Night excursion. Armed with flashlights, explore the primary forest trail with your Explorer Guide to encounter nocturnal frogs, insects, and mammals that emerge after nightfall.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, À-la-carte Dinner
DAY 4: Departure from Reserva Amazónica
Farewell to the Wonderland
Enjoy your last morning in this natural sanctuary as parakeets chatter in the canopy and agoutis scurry between the cabañas. After breakfast and check-out at 10:00 AM, embark on your motorized boat for the 45-minute return navigation along the Madre de Dios River to Puerto Maldonado Airport for your onward flight.
Included Meals: Breakfast. (Note: Excursions are customizable upon arrival with your Explorer Guide).
5-Star Amazon Luxury Lodge
Named among the world's finest eco-lodges by National Geographic Traveler.
Inclusions & Prices
Select Your Cabaña Category
Per Person, Double Occupancy
Superior Room
$782 USD
Private Amazon Cabaña
$919 USD
What's Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Puerto Maldonado (PEM).
- Round-trip motorized boat transfers along the Madre de Dios River.
- 3 Nights accommodation at 5-star Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica.
- Full-Board Meals: 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, and 3 À-la-carte Dinners + Afternoon Teatime.
- Welcome complimentary Pisco Sour cocktail.
- Customizable à-la-carte excursion menu (Lake Sandoval, Canopy Walkway, Anaconda Walk, Gamitana Creek).
- Expert English-speaking Inkaterra Explorer Guide.
- All Tambopata National Reserve entrance tickets.
Not Included
- Domestic flights to and from Puerto Maldonado (Available upon request).
- Spa treatments at the riverfront ENA Spa.
- Optional overnight stay in the Inkaterra Canopy Treehouse (Subject to availability).
- Additional alcoholic beverages and bar purchases at the lodge.
Essential Recommendations
- Riverboat Luggage Allowance: For safety on the motorized canoes, please pack only necessary items in a small duffel bag or carry-on backpack (max 10kg). Large suitcases will be safely stored at the Inkaterra Butterfly House lounge in Puerto Maldonado.
- Packing Essentials: Bring lightweight, breathable, long-sleeved clothing, insect repellent, high-SPF sunscreen, a rain poncho, and a flashlight/headlamp for nocturnal walks.
- Custom Itinerary: Upon arrival, you will sit down with your Explorer Guide to select your preferred à-la-carte excursions based on weather, wildlife movement, and your energy levels.