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 is a popular place to hang out and exchange stories at the end of every day
The open-air dining area at Refugio Amazonas
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, and provide a softer, warmer light than that of flashlights and headlamps. Mosquito nets are provided for everyone.
At Refugio Amazonas, all the rooms feature private bathrooms
The semi-outdoor shower
Tambopata Research Center
The Tambopata Research Center on a rainy morning
The building which houses the shared bathrooms at TRC
Recharging batteries and gadgets at Tambopata Research Center
The Food
Pancakes and fresh fruit for breakfast
Aji de gallina (chicken with a creamy sauce over rice and potatoes) is a Peruvian classic
An Asia-inspired steak and noodle dish with yuca and salad
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
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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Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio, a food blog. He's been to 65 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Originally from New York, Dave now calls Austin, TX home. Read the complete story of how he became a pro travel blogger.
Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:
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- Rail Europe for train passes.
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.