HOTELS, CRUISES OR LODGES How much cost a trip to the Amazon?

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How much are trips to the Amazon? – Updated for 2023

How much are trips to the Amazon? Ok, you know that you will travel to Peru and you are very tempted to visit the Amazon. And why not? More than 60% of the Peruvian territory is covered by Amazonian forests. So if the world wonder of Machu Picchu is on your list, the tropical forest should be on your list of wishes, and you can mark the Amazon as one more. 

But first thing first, which Amazon is best for you Tambopata, Manu or Iquitos?

How much does a trip to the Amazon cost?

A trip to the Amazon cost for 2 people for 3 nights, depending on the destination you visit:

  1. From USD$ 740 for staying in a comfortable city hotel
  2. From USD$ 580 staying in a closer to the city basic lodge
  3. From USD00 cruising the Amazon river

But, the first thing you must define is how you want to visit the Amazon and where. In order to not make this article long, I will focus on the 3 great destinations in Peru: Iquitos, Tambopata, and Manu.

Accommodation to travel to the Amazon

The difficulty level is from soft (I) to hard walks (III) , where soft includes easy, short walks on flat terrain, and hard may require a little more physical effort as it may include stairs and terrain with some ups and downs. Usually, this occurs in more pristine places.

I will describe each experience according to the location of the destination on the map, starting with Iquitos, continuing with Tambopata, and finally Manu.

Travel to Iquitos

Iquitos is located in the northeast of Peru. Home of the Amazon River, pink river dolphins, and manatees. Considered one of the natural wonders of Peru. Iquitos has 4 airlines that fly from Lima arriving from 10 am onwards.

Cost of hotels and tours in Iquitos

To get here you must take a flight to Iquitos airport.

The city has an incredible hotel infrastructure with swimming pools and more. You will find hotels in Iquitos from US$ 50 a night to US$ 500. What makes it more or less expensive? The same characteristics that you will find in any city hotel.

The activities that you can find have a cost of for half days up to US$ 200 for full days.

You can find regional restaurants around the square for approximately US$ 10 for each meal

  • Approximate cost: US$ 800
  • Number of people: 2
  • Nights: 3

Cost of ecolodges in Iquitos

With all ecolodges the same rule applies: location, location, location.

Your chances of seeing wildlife and experiencing pristine forests depend on the location and quality of the forest around the lodge where you stay.

Usually the closer to the city, you will get more urban amenities like swimming pools, further away you probably won’t find that but you will enjoy a better connection with nature.

The cost for two people here for 3 nights starts at 00

  • Approximate cost: US$ 1500
  • Number of people: 2
  • Nights: 3

Amazon Cruises in Iquitos

The services begin at the Iquitos airport and end there and include transfers to/from the city of Nauta, meals, excursions, and accommodation.

You can find prices from 0 to 00 per person for 3 nights according to the luxury you are looking for.

Here the level of difficulty includes a couple of easy walks in the forest, canoe rides, and entertainment on board.

  • Approximate cost: Between US$ 1500 to US$ 6000
  • Number of people: 2
  • Nights: 3

In summary, how much does it cost a trip to the Amazon in Iquitos?

How much cost a trip to the Amazon in Iquitos

How to book the tour in Iquitos?

For hotels, lodges, and cruises I recommend that you go directly to their website, this way you not only benefit from the deals but you can also be in direct contact in case of any eventuality.

For activities from the city, you can find some options online. If you are going to buy directly from the same site, a certain level of Spanish is necessary.

Pro tip: check the latest reviews of each company and remember that having 5 stars with 5 reviews is not the same as having 5 stars with hundreds of reviews.

REMEMBER: Wild animals must be in the forest, do not visit or support activities that involve handling wildlife.

Travel to Tambopata

Tambopata is located in the southeast of Peru, very close to Cuzco. The Tambopata National Reserve is known as one of the most biodiverse places in the world. That means your chances of seeing wildlife here are very good. It has flights from Lima and Cusco which facilitates the planning of your itinerary. In Tambopata, there is no cruise service.

Cost of hotels and tours in Tambopata

To get here you must take a flight to Puerto Maldonado airport.

The city has some 2 and 3-star hotels. You will find hotels in Puerto Maldonado from US$ 50 a night to US$ 110. What makes it more or less expensive? The same features you will find in any city hotel and the style of accommodation.

Here the location intervenes since there are boutique-style hotels that are not very accessible and although they look close on google maps, remember that you are in an Amazonian city, and there are no UBER-type taxi services, so it is good to consult these accommodations for their facilities to get closer to the city when you need it.

The activities that you can find have a cost of US$ 70 for half days up to US$ 180 for full days. Again, if your hotel is far from the city, ask the tour operator if they can pick you up from your accommodation or if you will have to go to a meeting point.

You can find regional restaurants around the square for approximately for each meal

  • Approximate cost: US$ 740
  • Number of people: 2
  • Nights: 3

Cost of ecolodges in Tambopata

It is worth repeating that your experience in ecolodges in Tambopata will depend on the location as we mentioned before, plus a super plus: in the region, different ecolodges distribute their resources for the development of conservation, science, and work with native communities. This is a super plus if you are looking for this trip to leave a positive impact on the forest and its inhabitants.

Madre de Dios, the region where Tambopata is located, for many years had agriculture as one of the main activities, so here more than anywhere else it is important to know the health of the forest if your interest is the observation of wildlife.

How do you know if the lodge you visit has a good forest for wildlife observation? Ask on their social networks when was the last time they saw jaguars, spider monkeys, and tapirs. Or check on travel forums what other travelers are saying about this topic.

The exploration of the forest and the chances of seeing wildlife can reach 5 stars if the lodge is well located. Here comfort could be sacrificed for the exploration of fauna, but it is not in all cases. You will not find air conditioning or swimming pools, but your contact with nature is much richer.

Our eco lodges are designed for just that, to connect with nature at all times, that’s why you won’t find walls in the common areas or on the bridges. In your room you will find only 3 walls, so one is open to the forest. And yes, if you can have visits from moths, butterflies if you are lucky a frog. But also the best opportunities to see wildlife very close to the lodge you could even see troops of monkeys from your room. After all, we are in the middle of super-healthy forests.

The cost for 2 for 3 nights starts at US$ 580 up to US$ 3417

  • Approximate cost: From US$ 580 to US$ 3400
  • Number of people: 2
  • Nights: 3

How do you book this tour in Tambopata?

Directly on its website, you can find the best deals, in addition to being able to count on personalized attention that will answer all your questions. Our specialists are nature lovers and love to organize expeditions to our favorite place in the world: Tambopata.

For activities from the city, most are only accessible from the city itself through agencies located around the square. Take note that these excursions are in group service, so you may want to know how many people are needed for the tour to depart.

Pro tip: In Tambopata, you will find two important rivers, the Madre de Dios and the Tambopata. The last one crosses the Tambopata National Reserve so its forests are much healthier, however here the location raises the price of the experience since the logistics are more expensive. Two ecolodges in the region are located within the Tambopata National Reserve. Remember location, location, location.

In summary, how much does it cost a trip to the Amazon in Tambopata?

How much cost a trip to the Amazon in Tambopata

REMEMBER The Amazonian forests are dense, and the wildlife is not arranged like in a zoo. You will not be able to handle animals.

CHECK AVAILABILITY

Travel to Manu

Manu is located in the southeast of Peru between Cuzco and Madre de Dios. You have the best chance of seeing wildlife because the Manu National Park groups together various types of clouds and rainforests. There are daily flights to get to Cusco from Lima and other departments of Peru. The trip from the city to Manu takes approximately 7 hours.

Cost of ecolodges in Manu

To get here you must take a flight to the airport in the city of Cusco. Stay in a hotel in the city for at least one night as expeditions to Manu leave early in the morning and they usually have Cusco main square as a meeting point.

The Manu National Park has two visitor areas, including the cultural area where the native communities are located. Make sure you visit the area of ​​your interest and confirm that you will be able to visit the protected natural area and not just the buffer zone to maximize your chances of seeing fauna, the qualification would be as follows:

  • Approximate cost: US$ 740**
  • Number of people: 2
  • Nights: 3 nights is the best

Remember that to take this expedition you must have booked the night before in the city of Cusco.

** The cost on internet does not specify if the accommodation is inside the park. Ask for this, when dealing with the tour operator.

How do you book a tour in Manu?

Ideally, direct on the website of the local operator you hire.

Here is a map where you can see how to get to each destination.

How to travel to the Amazon

Are you thinking about how it will be to travel to the Amazon and explore its forest? Take one of our virtual tours

Or chat with our rainforest specialist.

By Rocio Guzman

 

  • What our guest say

    • Valuation Excellent
    • 5/5

Michelle Smith February 2025

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Such a wonderful experience deep in a part of the Amazon, Tambopata NP. They really involve you with what is happening at the research centre with evening lectures. The meals are outstanding and the rooms are comfortable and I had the best sleep. Dino our guide was outstanding. The river trip to see the Macaw claylicks was a beautiful outing. We saw Capybaras along the river and it was very scenic. The staff are friendly and very engaging. As a tour operator who sends clients to AFRICA for safari, I was hugely satisfied. Thank you, gracious. Food & drinks: Good was simply delicious Read all

An amazing experience in the Peruvian jungle. the information about the centre was very accurate so I knew what to expect but was blown away by the experience and competence of my guide for the four nights, Juan Carlos Yatto. JC was looking for birds for me from the moment he collected me at the airport, so we saw birds on the drive and on the boat ride as well as on the excursions themselves. I was in Peru three weeks and JC was my best guide by far. Don't miss the clay licks for sure, and the tower is also well worth the climb. Food and people are wonderful and the research very interesting. Read all

Das Tambopata Research Center ist eine wunderbare Lodge im Nationalpark Tambopata. Die charmanten, miteinander verbundenen Aufenthaltsräume und Zimmer befinden sich auf hölzernen Stelzen. Bei den offenen Gemeinschaftsräumen gibt es gemütliche Sitzecken, eine wunderbare Hängemattenrelaxzone und einen herrlichen Restaurantbereich, wo zu jeder Zeit Tee, Kaffee und Wasser zur Verfügung stehen. Die stilvollen Zimmer verfügen über bequeme Betten mit Moskitonetz und moderne, saubere Duschbereiche. Die Research Center Lodge mit den Forschungseinrichtungen liegt inmitten des Regenwaldes umgeben von der reinen Natur mit der fantastischen Flora und Fauna, welche dort auch weiterhin erforscht und geschützt wird. Jeden Abend gibt es dazu sehr interessante Vorträge. Die Mitarbeiter sind sehr freundlich, offen und zuvorkommend. Die Buffets waren sehr köstlich und reichhaltig mit Gerichten aus der Region. Es wird großer Wert auf ökologische und nachhaltig umweltschonende Bewirtschaftung gelegt. Von der Lodge aus ist es möglich, mit ausgebildeten Guides in Gruppen von maximal 6 Personen verschiedene Exkursionen zu machen. Speziell Timo war ausgesprochen freundlich, auf unsere Sicherheit bedacht, ging auf die individuellen Interessen der einzelnen Personen ein und vermittelte uns in seiner kompetenten Art umfangreiches Wissen über die Pflanzen- und Tierwelt. Er hatte dabei die wunderbare Fähigkeit, versteckte Wildtiere zu entdecken, und verschaffte uns wunderschöne Momente, auch durch das mitgetragene Teleskop, wodurch wir der Tierwelt näher sein konnten. So sahen wir u.a. Brüllaffen, Kapuzineraffen und Spideraffen mit ihren Kindern, viele Vögel insbesondere Papageien wie z.B. Scharlach- und Gelbbauch-Aras sowie Wasserschweine und verschiedene Insekten. Wir können diese wunderbare Lodge absolut weiterempfehlen. Die herrliche Tier- und Pflanzenwelt in dem wunderbar erhaltenen und geschützten Regenwald des Amazonas war auf unserer Peru-Reise ein wirklich fantastisches Erlebnis! Read all

Rainforest Expeditions is a wonderful company and the Posadas Amazonas lodge is a beautiful location to spend your time in the Amazon. The staff are all incredibly kind, helpful, and knowledgeable. The tours were very fun and we saw lots of animals including River otters, monkeys, birds, and capybaras. We loved our guide Luis and all the people we met. The food was delicious and locally grown and there was never a dull moment. Would highly recommend! Read all

I went to Posada as part of a wider group trip, so did not pay for it directly. The lodge feels very far from anywhere and yet it feels incredibly safe. The rooms are open to nature, but nothing was ever damaged (use the safe boxes as advised, especially for food - not that you'll need any - the catering is excellent, with plenty of vegetarian options, and snacks are also provided between meals). There are flushing toilets, incredible shower facilities and the beds are very comfortable with mosquito nets placed at night by the staff. Drinking water vats are strategicvally placed throughout the lodge but you may have a long-ish walk to the common areas through corridors. Some parts of the corridors are open to the elements, but umbrellas are provided everywhere in case of rain. There is obviously no air conditioning, but this helps you acclimatise. The lodge is run by a family and others from the Infierno community, which gives the place a homely feel, with resident tour guides and a local geologist for citizen science projects. Massage services are available and there is a local shop for souvenirs and essentials like bug spray, clothing and torches. Tons of activities can be arranged, but it's also nice to relax in the hammocks and common areas and listen to the sounds of nature. While this hotel is not going to be for everyone, I had the most incredible time! Read all

The place to go if you want to see Macaws in the Peruvian rainforest. We stayed at the Tambopata Reaearch Centre (TRC) for three days and had Juan Carlos Yatto as our guide for the duration of our stay. We loved the mission of the TRC ie Macaw conservation and the link between Macaw nest site availability and the overall health of the rainforest. Juan Carlos Yatto (there is another JC at the research centre) was a fantastic guide and really made a difference to our experience at the TRC. His knowledge of the different species of wildlife and plants was amazing, his ability to spot things in the day or at night was phenomenal and he really made things accessible for our group. His English is excellent (including great humour when appropriate) and is a super guy. I really do recommend the TRC abd Juan Carlos Yatto as a guide. We saw an abundance of wildlife of all descriptions thanks to him and learned a huge amount without being overloaded. Read all

Two planes, a bus and a boat…that’s how we made it to TRC, and every minute was worth it. Tambopata is a jewel, from the moment you are greeted by the guide assigned to you (Juan Carlos Gonzales for us) to the last boat ride back to civilization. Juan Carlos was amazing…on just one hike he found five of the seven species of monkeys in the area! He is truly an expert..can hear, see and even SMELL animals, birds and insects to point out to us. We upgraded to a deluxe suite and it was decadent! An elegant outdoor tub and shower on a private balcony was soo nice’ Although we went in the rainy season, it never rained while on a hike or excursion. It rained for a few minutes on our late afternoon cruise , but not enough to dampen our enthusiasm, or prevent us from seeing a capybara in the mid! (And despite the warning of a lot of mosquitoes, I have been bitten more in my own back yard!) The bar is great, there’s PLENTY of food…we are going home feeling so lucky to have had such a great connection to the beauty of the Amazon. Read all

We had a fantastic time for our 3N/4D stay at Tambopata Research Center. The whole experience was marvellous. Rooms and facilities were great and meals superb. The Staff, ably led by Tanya the manager, were all friendly and helpful. This is the only lodge actually inside the Tambopata National Park, and we enjoyed being so "remote". I like that you have one guide who coordinates and takes you on all your activities; Jair our guide was amazing. One morning our planned activity was rained out, and I liked that they have alternative "wet weather" activities planned. There are lectures each night by researchers, which were very interesting. Also citizen science projects that you can participate in. All up, it was a fantastic way to experience the Peruvian Amazon. Read all

Posada Amazonas by Rainforest Expeditions is an extraordinary place. From your arrival at the airport in Puerto Maldonado all the staff is always attentive to your needs. You travel by boat to the hotel Posada Amazonas and it is a unique experience. It really is a total disconnection and a recollection with Mother Nature 🌎 The buffet lunch is delicious (already included in the price). You have a guide who speaks Spanish and English at all times and accompanies you to explore the jungle, the river and other activities. The price is worth it. Outside my room I caught a glimpse of monkeys :) The night sky is starry and very spectacular ✨️ 5 star service. I will definitely come back. Read all

I stayed with my parents at Refugio Amazonas for 3 days. We really enjoyed our stay and had a wonderful time here. The staff were extremely kind and well informed. The lodge manager- Arturo in particular was very helpful. To highlight their culture: They prepared special vegetarian meals for my parents, always ensured we felt comfortable and all our needs were met. A stay here is a must do to get a real feel of the Amazon rainforest on your trip to Peru! Noteworthy details: There are a lot of activities for kids and families to do, but my personal favourites are: Macaw Claylick, OxBow river ride, sunset cruise and the canopy tower. Read all

An incredible and unparalleled experience I felt fortunate Read all

I can't express how amazing our guides were. Incredibly knowledgeable and able to spot birds, frogs, spiders, animals, etc. with an almost unbelievable ability. The research and contributions to the jungle they are making at the Center are to be commended. The facilities were nice and kept clean and the staff was great, but between the walls in the rooms being open to the jungle, the heat, the bugs, underpowered fans, having to completely cover up for hikes due to bugs and then getting overheated, etc. it made for a tough stay. The food was good but after a couple days became repetitive. I would recommend this for serious birders who are willing to endure a bit for an incredible adventure. Read all

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