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Refugio Amazonas

Our rating

9/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Immersive Amazon experience
- Best for adventurous travellers
- Activities for all ages, great for families
- Mountain biking, cruises, jungle walks

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Overview

The Peru Nature Portfolio comprises a number of lodges within Peru's Tambopata National Reserve. This chain of lodges provides guests with the chance to gain first-hand experience of what the vast Amazon Rainforest has to offer and immerse themselves in some truly spectacular natural surroundings. Of all the options within the chain, Refugio Amazonas offers the broadest menu of things to see, do and experience, and has plenty to offer for all age groups making it an excellent choice for families. Situated on the edge of the reserve, the lodge is reached via a three-hour motorised canoe ride up the Tambopata River to its picturesque and peaceful setting amidst pristine rainforest.

There are 32 rooms, all opening out onto the surrounding rainforest and offering a generous amount of space. Bedrooms are separated from one another by light cane fencing, with drapes instead of doors so while they are private, they are not soundproof. Amenities include hot water (available at all times), a mosquito net, electrical lamps and outlets, and complimentary eco-friendly toiletries. Note that rooms are open to the jungle, and it can be hot so this property is best suited to adventurous travellers. An electricity generator is turned on once a day to recharge batteries and lodge facilities. Note that although light is provided by numerous kerosene lamps and candles, it does get very dark at night so we recommend bringing good torches.

The food consists of self-service three-course cooked meals, with a selection of Peruvian and international dishes. Specific dietary requirements are catered for and unlimited sterile drinking water, coffee and tea are provided, as well as fruit juice with meals. There's a second story 'loft' above the dining room furnished with plenty of hammocks for that all-important relaxation time and wild animals, including monkeys, are often visible from the lodge.

There’s a huge variety of immersive and enriching group activities on offer, ranging from paddle-boarding and kayaking trips up the river, to mountain biking sessions, hikes to clay licks, sunset cruises, night walks through the jungle and visits to nearby farms where staff grow their own produce. Guests have the unique opportunity to learn about the area’s incredible biodiversity and its fascinating flora and fauna. A particular highlight is the chance to join the 'Wired Amazon' research project - those who opt to do so have the opportunity to study the rainforest from above by drone, set camera traps to capture photos of various animals and maybe even discover a new species. Private excursions can be arranged for an extra charge. A number of massage treatments are also offer for an additional fee.

Of the three lodges in the chain, Refugio Amazonas is the best for families. Many of its activities are child friendly and there are even some tailored in particular to youngsters, such as the rainforest trail for 4 - 10 year olds, along with the lovely on-site playground. It goes without saying that parents should keep an eye on their children at all times due to the lodge’s remote rainforest setting.

Suggested Itineraries for Refugio Amazonas

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.

    MissingClaudia L reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday on 11 January 2024

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