refugio amazonas: family expedition to the peruvian amazon

Arrive in Puerto Maldonado, capital of Madre de Dios, and join a 1-hour bus and 1-hour boat journey to the lodge. Your first taste of the Amazon culinary will be in the river while you let the city behind to enjoy the amazing jungle landscapes. (BL, D)

In the morning, you'll begin your day with a peaceful canoe ride around Condenado Oxbow Lake. As you paddle through its calm waters, you'll be surrounded by the rich wildlife of the area. Look for hoatzins perched in the trees, caimans basking on the shore, and the distinctive calls of horned screamers echoing through the canopy. If you're fortunate, you may even spot the elusive otters, though they are rarely seen. Overhead, vibrant macaws often fly by, adding color and life to the landscape. Mid-morning brings an exciting opportunity for your kids to participate in the Shahijani (Agouti) Treasure Hunt. Led by an expert guide, you'll explore various trails in search of hidden seeds, such as Brazil nuts and palm seeds. These seeds, already prepared, are ready for crafting into bracelets and necklaces. Your journey continues as you reach the great Ceiba tree, where the hidden treasure awaits. Here, the guides will share a sacred message from the Masters of the Forest. This experience is designed to help children connect with nature in a fun and educational way, making it a memorable adventure for the whole family. Next, you'll enjoy a unique cultural experience by getting temporary tattoos in the rainforest. Using a paste made from the Huito fruit and achiote, you can create designs inspired by animals or patterns from the jungle. These tattoos are temporary, lasting only a few days, and will serve as a special keepsake from your time in the Amazon. In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a relaxing boat ride along the Tambopata River. This leisurely two-hour journey offers the perfect opportunity to take in the beauty of the river while your guide explains the dynamics of this vital Amazonian waterway. Keep an eye out for more wildlife, and with a bit of luck, you may spot macaws soaring above. The tour culminates with one of nature's most breathtaking sights—the jungle sunset, casting a golden glow over the river and forest. This itinerary includes three delicious meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you can fully immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine while enjoying your unforgettable Amazon experience. (B, L, D)

Two hours from the lodge, deep within the Tambopata National Reserve, you'll make your way to the Chuncho clay lick. After a brief five-minute walk, you'll have the chance to witness an incredible spectacle: dozens of large macaws feeding on the sodium-rich clays along the riverbank. This clay lick likely attracts more macaws than any other site in the world, and watching these vibrant birds take flight is a truly unforgettable experience. The timing of your stop will depend on the weather and the macaw activity, as the birds do not visit the lick during rain. Next, you'll head to the canopy tower for a unique perspective of the Amazon rainforest. Rather than simply pointing to the stars, you’ll get the chance to reach the canopy itself. Just a short 20-minute walk from the lodge, this 35-meter-tall scaffolding tower offers breathtaking views of the treetops. Here, you’ll see researchers program drones for their daily routes, and you'll even have the opportunity to launch a drone yourself. This experience provides a fantastic chance to capture unique aerial photos and videos of the canopy, giving you a bird's-eye view of the incredible diversity of Amazonian trees and plants. In the evening, you'll gather around a circle of fire to hear ancient Ese’eja stories. The wisdom of the forest has been passed down through generations of the Ese’eja people, who once lived apart from the outside world, learning from the forest and its interactions. Around the fire, you’ll listen to tales that explain the simplicity of their lifestyle and how deeply connected they are to the land. This warm moment is the perfect opportunity to bond with your family and connect even more with the spirit of nature. For children, the Ese’eja legends offer a special way to deepen their connection to the forest through storytelling. This itinerary offers a perfect blend of wildlife observation, aerial exploration, and cultural immersion, creating a rich and unforgettable experience in the heart of the Amazon. (B, L, D)

We retrace our river and road journey back to Puerto Maldonado, our office, and the airport. Depending on airline schedules, this may require dawn departures. (B)