Peru's large tract of the Amazon is one of the most unspoiled in South America and a number of wonderful Eco Lodges can be found throughout the regions.
Peru’s Amazon has fared much better than neighboring countries. The accessibility of the eco lodges in either the Northern Amazon near Iquitos or the Southeastern jungle regions closer to Cuzco make it one of the prime destinations for visiting the Amazon Rain Forest.
Northern Amazon/Iquitos Lodges
Muyuna Amazon Lodge (Putomayo 163-B, 242-858, www.muyuna.com) Muyuna attracts a younger mid-range crowd to their lodge on the Yanuyacu river about three hours south of Iquitos (120 kms), which sits near several other lodges, although this is without question the best.
Explorama lodges (800-707-5275 (US), 252-530 (Peru), fax 25-2533, www.explorama.com) Explorama has the most numerous, the largest, the oldest, and the most respected group of jungle lodges in Peru’s Northern Amazon region and some of the best known in all of South America. There are five different lodges within a few hours upstream of Iquitos, ranging form the resort like Ceiba Tops complete with swimming pool to the Explorama lodge complete with canopy trail. Service is unparallel and the buffet meals are considered some of the best in the region. Local naturalist guides have been at their jobs for decades, unlike the younger kids that lead tours in Tambopata. Also own a three level riverboat that is used on rare occasions.
Peru’s Southeastern Amazon
Tambopata National Reserve
Libertador Tambopata Lodge (Nueva Baja 432 (Cusco), 245-695,
www.tambopatalodge.com) Formerly the Tambopata lodge, this excellent facility has become one of the most comfortable in Tambopata since Libertador took it over and completely remodeled it. Hot solar powered water, modern bathrooms, comfortable beds, electricity, private porches, and gourmet meals are among the highlights.
Explorer's Inn (235-342, Plateros 365 (Cuzco, www.explorersinn.com). Although it is older and less comfortable than some of the nearby lodges, it is the only that is set directly inside of the Tambopata National Reserve making it the best location in the area to spot wildlife. Thirty-seven kms of trails and can arrange trips to the Guacamayos clay lick. Access to an oxbow lake with the possibility of seeing giant river otters.
Reserva Amazonica (www.inkaterra.com) The poshest lodge in Peru and a good place to see wildlife thanks to their new canopy walkway, the only one in the Tambopata area. 15km downriver from Puerto Maldonado. Suites. Massage room. Solar powered water. Gourmet food.
Manu Biosphere Reserve
Cock of the Rock Lodge – (www.inkanatura.com) Eight hours from Cusco on a 4500 foot high mountain slope in prime cloud forest within reach of Wooly Monkeys, Spectacled Bears, and of course the Cock-of-the-rock.
Manu Wildlife Center (www.inkanatura.com) A couple of hours by dugout canoe from Boca Manu, this lodge is juts a short distance from the world renown Blanquillo clay lick at the confluence of the Manu and Alto Madre de Dios River. Bungalows have private hot water baths.
