Reserva Amazonica
Inkaterra-owned Reserva Amazonica is a luxury ecolodge located in a 25,000 acre private ecological reserve in the Amazon rainforest of Tambopata, southeastern Peru.
Reached by a 30 minute flight from Cusco and an hour's boat journey from the gateway city of Puerto Maldonado, the lodge was built following indigenous architectural traditions of the local Machiguenga and Ese-Eja people.
The thatched roof cabanas, raised on stilts, combine natural materials with contemporary amenities, including screened porches & hammocks, ceiling fans, and warm water showers. Light is provided by low-impact electricity in the main building by day and by kerosene lanterns in the cabanas by night.
The main pavilion includes a circular mezzanine with large screened balconies overlooking the Madre de Dios River and the surrounding tropical forest. It also houses the bar, dining room, gift shop and reading room.
Why We Love It
The Tambopata rainforest holds world records for biodiversity, with more than 200 species of native plants, 500 species of native birds and 362 species of ants to be found in the area around the lodge.
Manu Learning Centre Lodge
Located in the heart of the Manu National Park, the Manu Learning Centre isn't just for research and advice, there is accommodation, built in the style of the local Machiguenga tribe and set just above the river.
Up to 36 guests can be comfortably housed in 'pods' linked by raised wooden walkways. En-suite bathrooms are planned for the 2014 season, and in the meantime a fully functioning bathroom block includes western toilets and hot running water.
The learning centre is an Amazonian Mecca, which creates a little something different for its guests, mealtimes are even communal which makes for a real friendly atmosphere with researchers, volunteers and guests coming together throughout their stay to share stories and experiences.
Why We Love It
Environmental sustainability is a cornerstone of the ethos at Manu Learning Centre; solar power, gravity-fed water pumps and recycling all help to achieve this aim.