Monte Amazonico Lodge

I kept hoping the trip would improve, and even wondered if we could find a way to leave. The food and accommodation were basic, and the pool was grubby and poorly maintained. Housekeeping did make our beds promptly, though the bug net around the bed smelled of sweat. We saw very little wildlife on our three-day stay: around five baby caimans, one capybara, and one monkey. The lodge is only about 30 minutes by boat from the main town, with a gold-digging site opposite, which seems to reduce the wildlife in the area. Activities included a plant walk behind the lodge and a night walk around the grounds looking at spiders. They advertised small groups, but we were 10 people, with three other groups of 10 on the same boat or following the same route nearby. Our guide seemed inexperienced. When he often couldn't answer questions, he'd veer off into something unrelated. The tour was booked through Howlanders and advertised as a jungle safari full of animals, which wasn't what we got. We were told a car would collect us and take us into town for the 8:30 boat. After checking out, we waited in the lobby and messaged at 8:33. They said someone was on the way. At 9:15, after a few more messages, they replied in all caps: “YOUR PICK UP IS AT 10 BY BOAT.”

The biggest disappointment came on our departure day. We had been promised a final excursion, so we booked a connecting flight for around 6 pm. The evening before leaving, we were told we had to depart for Puerto Maldonado at 8:10 am. There was no excursion after all, and since there was only one boat, we couldn't leave later. We lost the day wandering around Puerto Maldonado. Breakfast began at 7:15, which also left little time for a relaxed meal or departure. We weren't sure whether the lodge or the travel agency was responsible. Update: they offered a complimentary lunch or an excursion to Monkey Island from Puerto Maldonado for the tour we missed. We booked a three-night Amazonas experience through GetYourGuide but stayed two nights at this lodge. Our first lodge had been amazing, so this one was a real letdown. In our room, the safe was locked and unusable, there was no warm water, and we had no Wi-Fi. That last point may matter to some guests, though I didn't mind. The room was in poor condition and we could hear every word from the neighbors as if they were right beside us. At least there were no mosquitoes indoors, so the mosquito protection worked. We had to ask for toilet paper before getting any. Meals were served in a hall, with everyone getting the same plate and sharing large tables, so it wasn't suited to a couple's getaway. The food quality was okay. When we arrived, nobody helped with our luggage and staff watched us carry our suitcases ourselves. We had been traveling around Peru for more than three weeks and had received help at nearly every other accommodation. There was also a motorized cart for moving goods, so a hand would have been a nice gesture. I don't recommend this lodge.

On an evening boat tour, one guide caught a caiman about 60 cm long from the riverbank, brought it aboard, then encouraged guests to touch it and take photos. That was shocking. It was disrespectful to the animal and put both the caiman and visitors at risk. When I challenged him, he showed no understanding and defended himself by saying he was “from Peru,” as though that excused mistreating wildlife or irresponsible tourism. Monte Amazonico Lodge is in the heart of the rainforest, so I expected basic respect for nature and a clear commitment to sustainable tourism. Instead, its practices undermine wildlife protection and guests' awareness. I was deeply disappointed with my stay and can't recommend the lodge to anyone seeking a responsible, respectful rainforest experience.

We had a great time on the tours. They were fun, educational, well organized, and we saw lots of wildlife. It never felt like mass tourism: none of the tours we joined were crowded, and often we were the only tour in the area. The guides, Ron and Fernando, were knowledgeable and friendly, and spoke great English. When my boyfriend got sick one night, the staff were accommodating and rearranged our schedule. The lodge was in a gorgeous setting, with plenty of space and a very comfy bed. There was a lovely pool and hammocks for relaxing between activities. The food was plentiful and tasty, and the place offered great value for money. One thing to keep in mind: the showers are cold, though in the hot, humid weather it usually wasn't a problem. I'd highly recommend staying here.