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Inside Refugio Amazonas and the Tambopata Research Center

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Tambopata Research Center
Returning to the Tambopata Research Center after a nature hike

As 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.

 

Lima Travel GuideDave's 160-page, all-original Lima Travel Guide is now available for Kindle and PDF.

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About Dave

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 65 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Originally from New York, Dave now calls Austin, TX home. Find him on Instagram and Twitter.

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Comments

  1. Kelly says

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

    • Dave says

      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.

  2. Elle of Solo Female Nomad says

    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!

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