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Inside Refugio Amazonas and the Tambopata Research Center

Tambopata Research Center

Returning to the Tambopata Research Center after a nature hike

[A]s excited as I am to share the wildlife we saw in the Peruvian Amazon, including jaguars and monkeys, I also want to show you what it was like to stay in the eco-lodges.

Refugio Amazonas is the largest of the three lodges operated by Rainforest Expeditions, and it's where I spent the first and last night of the trip.

Here, you can book extra activities like mountain biking, kayaking, or massages. I opted to conclude my adventure with a 40-minute jungle massage (highly recommended).

The Tambopata Research Center (TRC) is nestled deeper in the Tambopata National Reserve. The design is very similar, and the bedrooms are equally comfortable, though guests have shared bathrooms as opposed to the private ones at Refugio Amazonas.

Refugio Amazonas

The bar at Refugio Amazonas

The bar at Refugio Amazonas is a popular place to hang out and exchange stories at the end of every day

The dining room at Refugio Amazonas

The open-air dining area at Refugio Amazonas

The bedroom doors are actually pieces of cloth which can be slid closed for privacy

Kerosene lamps are used to light common areas at night. Bedroom “doors” are actually pieces of cloth which can be drawn closed for privacy.

Candles are available in each bedroom

Candles are available in each bedroom, and provide a softer, warmer light than that of flashlights and headlamps. Mosquito nets are provided for everyone.

Private bathroom at Refugio Amazonas

At Refugio Amazonas, all the rooms feature private bathrooms

The semi-outdoor shower

The semi-outdoor shower

Tambopata Research Center

The Tambopata Research Center on a rainy morning

The Tambopata Research Center on a rainy morning

The building which houses the shared bathrooms at TRC

The building which houses the shared bathrooms at TRC

Recharging batteries and gadgets at Tambopata Research Center

Recharging batteries and gadgets at Tambopata Research Center

The Food

Pancakes and fresh fruit for breakfast

Pancakes and fresh fruit for breakfast

Aji de gallina (chicken with a creamy sauce over rice and potatoes) is a Peruvian classic

Aji de gallina (chicken with a creamy sauce over rice and potatoes) is a Peruvian classic

An Asia-inspired steak and noodle dish

An Asia-inspired steak and noodle dish with yuca and salad

Arroz con pollo with potatoes Huancaina (the name of the yellow sauce)

Arroz con pollo with potatoes Huancaina (the name of the yellow sauce)

Rice and chicken packaged in a green leaf so we could eat during a boat ride

Rice and chicken packaged in a green leaf so we could eat during a boat ride

The food on this trip was way beyond my expectations. I routinely went up for seconds, and there was always enough for many others to do the same.

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Disclosure: This tour is in partnership with Rainforest Expeditions. As always, any opinions expressed are entirely my own.

 

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RB

Saturday 19th of March 2016

Hey dave, ALL Peruvian travelers should go to the Amazon! Hope that my adventures I just wrote about add to the discussion and interest of the Tombopato reserve ... huge trees of the Tombopato Reserve and the macaw clay-lick on the Tombopato River of Peru hope it might adds!

Elle of Solo Female Nomad

Sunday 12th of August 2012

I have just come back from Peru and so regret not visiting this place, it really looks incredible. I guess its a good reason to go back to Peru!

Kelly

Saturday 11th of August 2012

The Eco lodges look pretty cool and the food looks good too! Btw what exactly is a jungle massage? I am intrigued!

Dave

Sunday 12th of August 2012

Looking at the massage description, aside from the fact that the setting is IN the jungle, they use certain herbs in the massage oil. It also says leaves and river stones are used, but I don't recall either.

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