Frequently Asked Questions

The Peruvian Amazon is a year-round destination with two distinct seasons:

• Dry Season (May to October): Characterized by lower rainfall, clearer trails, and lower river levels that expose wide sandbars where jaguars, tapirs, caimans, and river birds frequently bask. This is the optimal season for walking trail exploration and wildlife photography.
• Green / High-Water Season (November to April): Characterized by frequent tropical downpours and higher river levels that allow boats to navigate deep into flooded forests and remote oxbow lakes. Plant life is luxuriant, flowers bloom, and macaw clay lick activity reaches its peak.

We recommend the Yellow Fever vaccine (administered at least 10 days before arrival) and updating routine vaccinations (Tetanus, Hepatitis A). Consult your travel physician regarding malaria prophylaxis, although malaria risk is very low in the high-conservation areas of Manu and Tambopata. High-potency insect repellent (DEET 20-30% or Picaridin) and light long-sleeved clothing are your best everyday protection.

• Manu Cultural Zone: Located in the high cloud forest and transition zone. Easiest road and river access from Cusco; ideal for budget-conscious explorers, magnificent orchids, cloud forest birds (Cock-of-the-Rock), and indigenous community visits.
• Manu Reserved Zone: Deep, pristine primary rainforest protected by strict government permits with no permanent human settlements. Offers the highest density of undisturbed wildlife in South America, including Giant River Otters, Jaguars, and 13 species of monkeys.
• Tambopata National Reserve: Accessible via Puerto Maldonado (short flight from Cusco or Lima). World-famous for gigantic macaw clay licks (such as Colorado and Chuncho) and Sandoval Lake, home to resident giant otter families.

While nature is wild and unpredictable, our expeditions regularly observe:

• Mammals: Giant River Otters, Capybaras, Squirrel Monkeys, Howler Monkeys, Spider Monkeys, Tamarins, Peccaries, Tapirs, and high chances of Jaguar sightings along riverbanks in the dry season.
• Birds: Scarlet, Red-and-Green, and Blue-and-Gold Macaws, Toucans, Harpy Eagles, Hoatzins, Amazonian Umbrellabirds, Herons, and Kingfishers.
• Reptiles & Amphibians: Black Caimans, White Caimans, Yellow-Spotted River Turtles, Poison Dart Frogs (Ranitomeya), and Tree Boas.

• Lightweight, quick-drying long-sleeved shirts and long pants (earth tones: khaki, green, brown; avoid bright colors and dark blue/black which attract insects).
• A sturdy pair of hiking boots and comfortable sandals/shoes for around the lodge. (We provide tall rubber boots for muddy trails).
• High-quality binoculars (8×42 or 10×42) and camera with telephoto zoom lens (minimum 300mm recommended).
• Reliable headlamp with extra batteries / red light mode for night walks.
• Waterproof dry bags or zip-lock bags to protect cameras and electronics from tropical humidity.
• Biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellent, wide-brim hat, and reusable water canteen.

Our partner eco-lodges operate on sustainable solar energy and eco-generators. Electricity is available in common areas during designated hours for charging camera batteries, phones, and laptops. Lodges feature private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds with protective mosquito netting, and open-air dining rooms serving gourmet organic meals.

To protect this fragile ecosystem and deliver the maximum ecological experience:

• We maintain a strict Zero Single-Use Plastic policy. All travelers must bring reusable water bottles (purified water is provided indefinitely at all camps).
• Flash photography is strictly prohibited when photographing nesting birds, nocturnal mammals, and amphibians.
• A minimum safe distance of 50 meters is strictly maintained from nesting sites and large predators.
• All waste is packed out of the national park for responsible urban recycling.

Our tours involve moderate walking at a slow, observant naturalist pace along flat or gently undulating forest trails (2 to 4 hours per excursion), as well as tranquil motorized canoe and paddle catamaran navigation. We adapt our walking pace to the fitness level and wildlife interests of each small group.

Yes, absolutely! Our expedition chefs take pride in crafting delicious, hearty 3-course menus using fresh regional produce, vegetables, grains, and native fruits. We effortlessly cater to vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-intolerant, and allergy-sensitive diets at no extra charge. Please inform us during your reservation.

To secure your SERNANP national park entry permits, private boat slots, and lodge accommodations, an initial deposit of 30% to 50% per person is required. The remaining balance can be paid securely online prior to departure or in Cusco / Puerto Maldonado before the trip begins.