Luxury in the Amazon: Staying at Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica
Luxury in the Amazon:
Staying at
Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica
Thanks to movies such as Jumanji, Jurassic Park and Jungle Cruise, I’ve had a constant urge to visit the Amazon – to feel like an epic explorer traversing the landscape and encountering all types of exotic wildlife. But if you’re anything like me, the actual logistics of being without electricity, as far away from civilization as you can possibly imagine and with was always just a bit too much…until now.
Enter Inkaterra Amazonica Resort, an all-inclusive eco-luxury resort located in Puerto Maldonado, about a one hour flight away from Cusco. When I first found this resort while researching places to go in Peru, I couldn’t believe it. Here was a place I could finally experience the wonders of the Amazon in a way that (1) had fun and stress-free ways to explore, (2) didn’t give up any of the creature comforts I wasn’t quite willing to part with and (3) also protected the rainforest’s ecosystem and environment.
So if you’re intrigued by luxury travel to the Amazon, here’s my full review the resort, where I spent a wonderful three days and two nights – the absolute perfect amount of time for a grand and daring Amazon adventure.
inkaterra reserva amazonica
The Bungalows
Inkaterra offers four eco-friendly room options:
- Tambopata Suite
- Amazónica Suite
- Bungalow with a river view
- Bungalow without a river view
I stayed in a regular bungalow not too far away from the river’s edge. Even in the starting rate option, I still feel like I got Inkaterra’s full luxury experience.
My bungalow included a plush bed, fuzzy bathrobes and hypoallergenic pillows – absolute musts for my sensitive and sunburn-prone skin. It also had amenities I wouldn’t have normally thought of, but that provided the best rainforest comforts: umbrellas, kerosene lamps, and even citronella candles to keep the mosquitos at bay.
One of the highlights from my Reserva Amazonica bungalow was spending a few hours in the afternoon napping in one of my room’s hammocks. I’m not normally much of a hammock person, but after spending the morning exploring (and sweating!) in the rainforest, the hammock was the perfect way for me to relax without dirtying my bed.
In terms of electricity, the hotel offers a few hours of power and hot water in the morning, at midday and during the evening each day. Outside of these hours though, access is completely shut off to minimize the hotel’s carbon footprint .
For security and privacy, each bungalow is equipped with adjustable window coverings and door latches. There are also a large lockable drawer to hide away any valuables while exploring.
Despite being in such a remote location as a solo female traveler, I felt extremely safe during my stay at the resort.
The cherry-on-top to this experience was that Inkaterra gifts each guest with a reusable water bottle to take home after their stay! I loved this eco-friendly souvenir!
inkaterra reserva amazonica
The Activities
What set Inkaterra apart as a luxury property is that all excursions are planned and personalized based on your arrival time, days at the resort and interests. Most are even included in the price of your room! Once you reach the hotel, staff will walk you through some basics, introducing you to your guide, or guides, who will take you and other guests through the rainforest during your stay.
Because of the resort’s remote location, most excursions begin and end with a journey the Madre de Dios river. I’ve never felt more like Emily Blunt; exploring the Amazon on an actually authentic Jungle Cruise.
And because you truly do have an authentic experience, you have an opportunity to spot wildlife you might have only read about before. During my stay I was lucky enough to spot capuchin and howler monkeys, an anaconda, a sloth, capybaras and various types of caimans.
My favorite excursions were Lake Sandoval and the Canopy Walk. There was something new and exciting to see around every corner. I can’t remember the last time I felt like such a kid!
My only regret is not having taken advantage of the onsite spa. With a full plunge pool and massage tables overlooking the river, this is one Amazonian experience that will be hard to find anywhere else.
Want a more in-depth look at Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica’s excursions? Check out: Exploring Puerto Maldonado in the Amazon
inkaterra reserva amazonica
The Food and Drinks
Imagine you’re in the most immersive tiki bar you’ve ever laid eyes on, but give it a dash of warmth and grandeur.
That’s the main lodge of Inkaterra, where you’ll be able to sip expertly-crafted cocktails, play challenging board games, and eat mouthwatering Amazonian cuisine.
Remote locations usually have limited food options, but Inkaterra provides plenty to choose from for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And what’s more – all meals are included in your room rate!
Start each day at the hotel’s comprehensive breakfast buffet. I loved the warm sausage and fresh tropical fruits!
After excursions, enjoy the individualized three course lunches and dinners. These menus include three options per course and change daily so you’ll have plenty of choices during your stay.
My favorite menu item was the Peruvian Chaufa, which being in the Amazon, had a distinct tropical rainforest influence.
Finally, I was impressed with how well the hotel accommodated my dairy allergy on the fly. The only downside for the food was that there were not technically any snacks available in between meals. But, it’s easy enough to plan ahead and grab some prior to arrival in Puerto Maldonado.
inkaterra reserva amazonica
The Verdict
Although rates are on the higher end, they’re definitely worth it since they include meals, most excursions and airport pick-up. There’s of course a few ancillary costs you might incur (alcohol, the spa, etc.), but they’re mostly optional.
From arrival to departure, I was completely blown away with Inkaterra’s level of detail and service. They made my stay feel extremely personalized and special. It’s a hotel and hospitality group I would gladly stay with again.
Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica
Puerto Maldonado, Peru
Type: Luxury
Price: $$$
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