Lodge, cruise or hotel? All you need to know for your Amazon adventure

The Peruvian Amazon is globally renowned for its stunning rainforest and wildlife. But where to base yourself to best explore the winding rivers and towering forest canopies of the Peruvian Amazon? Many questions will appear, and because of that, we share All you need to know for your Amazon adventure. Whether your upcoming adventure is a hotel, cruise, or lodge-based, we’ve put together the pros and cons of each to help you experience the best of what this stunning region has to offer.

Better to read all you need to know for your Amazon adventure

Hotel-based

A handful of hotels can be found in Puerto Maldonado, the gateway town to the Peruvian Amazon. These generally cater for those spending a night or so before venturing further into the jungle on a lodge-based Rainforest Expedition or cruise-based tour. Although it is possible to have extended stays here relaxing by the pool, a hotel is not recommended if you are looking for deeper nature immersion.

Pros

• Time: Short on time? A hotel close by to the main hub limits travel time but still allows you a small taste of jungle on a day trip or boat trip.
• Distance: From Puerto Maldonado, you don’t have to travel far to reach a small taste of the Peruvian Amazon.
• Price: As you are close by to town, hotels work out to be a lot cheaper than a cruise or lodge-based options, as generally, you are paying for accommodation rather than a package experience.

You’ll take in spectacular views of the endless Amazon rainforest, even while flying into Tambopata. Photo by Lianne Herbruck.

Cons

• Environment: Rainforest and jungle have no doubt felt the pressure of human impacts. Therefore, flora and fauna just aren’t the same close to hotels as it is further off the beaten track in reserves such as Tampota National Reserve heaving with wildlife.
• Looking from the outside in Hotel-based you are really only knocking on the door of the amazing Peruvian Amazon forest and all it has to offer. Personally, we’d recommend a deeper exploration if time and budget permit.

Cruise-based

With many to choose from and a growing number of luxurious offerings, a cruise-based trip offers a relaxing journey through some of the Amazon’s stunning waterways from the comfort of the upper deck.

Pros

• Amenities: Floating down the rivers and waterways of the Amazon doesn’t mean skimping on facilities. Luxury abounds – think jacuzzis, sun-decks, and well-equipped cabins. On average, the facilities available on cruises are top-notch (but not without the added price tag!).
• Distance traveled: During the high-water season (December – May), atop a cruise boat means you are able to explore areas that can be inaccessible or challenging to access by foot.
• Activities: Cruises generally include land-based activities also, therefore you don’t miss out on experiences such as canopy walks, clay-licks, and cultural activities.

Cruising through the Amazon affords beautiful views of the iconic river, but there is less flexibility in choosing activities.

Cons

• Seasonality: Although cruises run year-round, the routes and activities vary seasonally based on rainfall. During dryer times, areas not reachable by boat are accessed via foot, and you may be using your legs more than you had expected!
• Set Itineraries: Cruise-based trips generally have set activities…so if you are a family or group looking for flexibility, this may not be the option for you.
• Space: Compared to roaming free in the jungle in a lodge-based option, atop a boat you can be quite limited in space. If this is a problem, you may want to opt for a lodge and take river trips instead.

Lodge-Based

Based amidst the rainforest, lodge-based options give you an authentic taste of nature, deep in the Peruvian Amazon. Far away from towns, lodges offer a safe, secure, and comfortable stay embedded in the lush forest! It’s what you traveled to this glorious region to experience, right?

Pros

• Location: Unlike hotels or cruise-based trips, lodges offer you an authentic taste of what the Amazon is all about: nature. The pristine rainforest that can only be accessed far away from major cities and towns is all around you. Even better, Rainforest Expeditions lodges are open-air, offering a truly immersive stay in the Peruvian jungle.
• Flexibility: Lodges offer extremely flexible itineraries and budgets based on your needs, and are perfect for both long and shorter stays as families, groups, or individuals!
• Budget: As you can pick and choose, a lodge-based Amazon experience works out cheaper, but doesn’t skimp on the range of experiences you can have.
• Impact: Reputable eco-lodges ensure minimal negative impacts on the environment they are in, fund wildlife research, and carbon offset your stay so that you can relax knowing your visit is having a positive impact on the natural settings around you!

Rainforest Expeditions Jungle lodges offer a real taste of the jungle, with only three walls!

Cons

• Travel times: A jungle immersion naturally means longer travel times to reach your lodge, however, think of this as the opening act to your Amazonian Rainforest Expedition. The boat trip to reach the Tambopata Research Centre provides ample time for bird watching, or if you are lucky a jaguar!
• Jungle eventualities: Not all lodges will have 24/7 electricity or Wi-Fi like what you can access in main towns or cities. However, as you are busy adventuring, learning, or taking some downtime, you will barely notice you’re missing anything!

We hope this blog helped you understand the differences between hotel-based, lodge-based, and cruise-based Amazon itineraries. No matter which accommodation type you choose – we are sure you will love the Amazon. If you have any questions, we are always here to help, just fill out the form below and our team will get back to you within twenty-four working hours.

By Natasha Martin