I'm not a celebrity - leave me in here (Puerto Maldonado)

Member Name: catsholiday

Product:	Puerto Maldonado
Date:	18/12/08 (83 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lovely jungle setting

Disadvantages: would have liked to see more animals

A visit to Inka Terra Amazon Lodge up river from
Puerto Maldonado


We flew from Lima via Cusco to Puerto Maldonado with a very short stop in Cusco to let some passengers off and others to board. The flight was pleasant and we had a little box of biscuits and cake as a snack as well as drinks - I think non-alcoholic only - of your choice.

On arrival at the Airport we reclaimed our suitcases and took any toiletries, mosquito repellent and sunscreen that we needed for the jungle out of them and put them in our overnight hand luggage bags. The suitcases were stored by Inka Terra at the office in Puerto Maldonado. We walked out of the tiny airport to be greeted by Inka Terra staff with bottles of cold water and shown the 'bus' which was a lorry with wooden seats and a roof , but it did the job.

We were taken to their check-in lodge 5 minutes from the airport and here we were given cold towels and a cold fruit juice which we completed the check-in forms for our stay. There was also an internet connection so people were able to check on emails if they wanted. The Butterfly farm here didn't get a look-in because of time constraints although there was a queue for the toilet facilities.


Puerto Maldonado is a largish local town, I'm not sure that there are ANY hotels but there may be a few basic ones. It is really a town that has grown up because of Amazon tourism. People pass through on their way to stay at the Amazon lodges.


We were then all back on the lorry/bus for the 15 minute drive to the boat that would take us up river to our lodges. The boat was small with an outboard motor but it did have a roof to keep the sun off. The breeze as we went along was very pleasant as the lifejackets we had to wear were quite warm and a little smelly as they were damp and warm at all times. It was interesting looking at the river side and the jungle but there were not many local villages or animals to see.

On arrival at Inka Terra Amazon Lodge Resort we were once again greeted with cold towels and a glass of delicious fruit juice decorated with a croton leaf. We were introduced to our lovely guides Cesar and Carlos who told us a little about what we were going to do for the rest of the day. We then all went through to the main area - all netted for insect protection- where we were once again given glasses of water and juice and a menu for lunch.

The menu offered a choice of two salads palm hearts or a local fruit called cocona or cold soup for the entrees. This was followed by about 6 choices of main course - cat fish, lomo saltado (a local beef dish), simmered fish, chicken or beef brochettes and a couple of others I cannot remember. This was accompanied by coconut rice, big chips, a pulse dish and a mixed vegetable dish. After all this there was a selection of desserts - local fruit salad and several cake and tart choices. The food was excellent and there was so much that on this first day we didn't go to the evening meal and chose to have an early night instead. The waiters were lovely and the service spot on.
After lunch we had about 10 minutes before meeting in the eco lodge for our afternoon jungle walk. This was just around the lodge area and we saw a variety of plants mainly to give us an idea of the types of vegetation in the area. This lasted about an hour and then we returned to our own lodges for a cold shower to cool off. There is warm water but really a cold shower was wonderfully refreshing after our travelling and the walk.

From 5pm to 6pm you are offered a free Pisco Sour in the main restaurant/ bar lodge which we went over to sample. Very interesting but quite a potent brew especially in hot weather!! You wouldn't want a second one before doing anything strenuous or that required full concentration. It is virtually neat alcohol poured over ice mixed with chopped up limes, a tiny amount of lime juice, topped with beaten egg whites with a squirl of angostura bitters to decorate.

At 6pm we went back to the eco lodge to meet our guides for our night jungle walk. Armed with torches we headed off round the same sort of area that we had walked earlier on. This time however we had the added excitement of the darkness. Our guide had eyes of a hawk and we saw several types of tarantula in the webs, the tiniest frogs of different species as well as fireflies which were all very exciting.

At this time, having started our journey with a 4.45 get up, we decided to miss the evening meal and have an early night. It was very hot in our room as we didn't manage to find the switch for the fan until the next day but the shower was wonderful and the beds extremely comfortable. Our lodge had two hammocks and two bamboo chairs in the front meshed sitting area. The two beds were behind these and a bamboo screen could be pulled across for privacy. There was a bathroom area with lovely big shower on one side and the toilet the other side with the basin and mirror in between. The whole lodge was screened and mosquito nets were over both beds. We were not bothered at all by mossies but it could have been because it was quite dry at this time.

The next day we were up for 5.15 for breakfast which was fruit juices and tea/coffee, fruit, cheeses and cold meats and a variety of breads. All of this was very nicely prepared. After this we joined our guides for a trip up the river followed by a 2 mile walk, before we got on a large canoe to paddle up the creek into Lake Salvonado. We saw a huge variety of native birds as well as Cayman and even a dead snake but unfortunately no giant otters. It was very calm and quiet as no motors are allowed on the Lake which is part of the National Park and a conservation area. There were also hundreds of different colourful butterflies which fluttered around us as we were walking along the jungle path all the while watching for sloths, snakes and other interesting flora and fauna. We then returned to the lodge for lunch.

Lunch was again superb and then we adjourned to our lodge for a rest before meeting up with our guides for the canopy walk at 3pm. We went by boat to the river's edge and then walked to the canopy lodge for the toilet and a bit of a talk. We walked through the jungle to the tall platforms which were about 100ft above ground; we clambered up the steps to the top to survey the canopy walk. There were 7 ladders across at about 100metres high - with a small platform between each. I felt like I was on 'I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of here'. It was great fun although we didn't see any wild life until some toucans joined us on the final platform. We then walked about 20 minutes back to our lodges. This was the time for Pisco Sour hour in the main lodge before boarding the river boat with our guides for our night river cruise searching for wildlife. We managed to see several Cayman and it was very exciting at night with nothing but the large torch to see things. In the distance a storm was brewing, lightening filled the sky with a spectacular show which created even more of an atmosphere.

This was our final activity in this resort and we returned for our last huge dinner during which time the guides came to say goodbye to all of us. Both Cesar and Carlos were excellent guides, very knowledgeable about the area and animals and made our stay really memorable and great fun. It was a really great visit, we were well looked after in a most luxurious style and I would certainly recommend a stay with Inka Terra lodges in the Peruvian Amazon.

Also on Ciao under my name

Summary: Puerto Maldonado - a small town on the edge of the Amazon - not a lot there