Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica

Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, a Michelin Key Selected property nestled deep within the Peruvian Amazon in Tambopata, offers an "eco-luxury" experience that consistently receives high praise from guests. It's an immersive jungle lodge that blends rustic charm with thoughtful comforts and a strong commitment to sustainability.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus among guests is overwhelmingly positive, often describing their stay as an "incredible experience" and a "dream come true." Many consider it the best place to experience the Amazon in Peru. The lodge scores highly for cleanliness, receiving a perfect 10.0 rating in this category on some platforms.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica:

• Impeccable Service & Knowledgeable Guides: The staff, particularly the guides, are frequently highlighted for their expertise, passion, and ability to make guests feel cared for and engaged during excursions.
• Stunning Location & Design: The lodge's setting, right on the edge of the jungle along the Madre de Dios river, is a major draw. Its design, using local materials and blending seamlessly with the rainforest, is highly appreciated.
• Exceptional Excursions: The varied and well-organized excursions, including the Canopy Walkway and visits to Lake Sandoval, are often described as "mind-blowing" and a highlight of the stay, offering close encounters with diverse wildlife.
• Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices: Inkaterra's dedication to conservation, including carbon-neutral stays and funding Peruvian conservation, resonates strongly with guests. The provision of reusable water bottles and natural insect repellent are also noted.

3. Room Quality

The accommodations consist of 35 individual bungalows with thatched roofs and an open-air feel, designed to blend with the natural surroundings while keeping bugs out with screens. Rooms feature comfortable beds, often king-sized, with mosquito nets, and include amenities like bathrobes made of Peruvian cotton, complimentary natural bug repellent, and steel water bottles. A standout feature for many guests is the powerful rain shower, even in the remote jungle setting. Bungalows typically include hammocks, chairs, and tables, with options for river views or suites with private terraces and plunge pools. While there is no air conditioning, bungalows are equipped with fans.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica is highly praised, with all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) included in the rates. The food is described as "fantastic," "fresh," "tasty," and "delicious," often featuring locally sourced ingredients and typical jungle dishes.

• Breakfast: A comprehensive buffet is offered, including fresh fruits, yogurts, eggs, and granola, along with an à-la-carte menu.
• Lunch & Dinner: These are typically three-course meals with daily changing menus that offer multiple options per course. Reviewers mention enjoying items like palmito and fresh avocado salad, Peruvian Chaufa, and a variety of desserts.
• Dietary Accommodations: The lodge is noted for its ability to accommodate various dietary needs, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.
• Bar: The lodge features a bar offering a wide selection of beverages, including exotic tropical blends and Pisco sours.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback consistently highlights the exceptional service and hospitality. Staff are described as "incredible," "extremely nice," "friendly," and "passionate about their surroundings." They go above and beyond, making guests feel peaceful and at ease. Specific examples include personalized service, thoughtful assistance throughout the booking process, and even checking guests in for flights and printing boarding passes upon departure. Guides are particularly commended for their outstanding knowledge and ability to enhance the jungle excursions.

6. Location & Accessibility

Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica is situated within a 17,000-hectare private ecological reserve, adjacent to the Tambopata National Reserve, along the Madre de Dios river. Despite its remote jungle location, it is considered one of the most accessible Amazonian lodges in Peru.

• Getting There: Guests typically fly into Puerto Maldonado (a 1-hour flight from Cusco or 1 hour 30 minutes from Lima). The Inkaterra team provides airport pick-up, followed by a short transfer to a jetty, and then a 45-minute boat ride along the river to the lodge.
• Neighborhood/Attractions: The lodge itself is an attraction, offering a private reserve for exploration. Key excursions include the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway and visits to Lake Sandoval, known for its diverse wildlife.

7. Value & Pricing

While considered a luxury experience with rates on the higher end, guests generally agree that Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica offers great value for money. The cost typically includes meals, most excursions, and airport transfers, which contributes significantly to its perceived value. Prices can vary, but an average weeknight price has been around $569, and a weekend night around $542, though cheaper rates starting from $303 have also been observed. August tends to be the cheapest month, while April can be the most expensive. Additional costs might include alcohol and spa treatments.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few recurring points are mentioned by some guests:

• No Air Conditioning: As an eco-lodge in the jungle, there is no air conditioning in the bungalows, only fans, which some guests find can make nights warm for sleeping, especially given the high humidity.
• Limited Electricity: In line with its sustainability values and remote location, electricity is available during limited hours (morning, midday, and evening), with power generator shut-offs for a few hours mid-morning and mid-afternoon. This means no lights or fans during these times, though guests are typically out on excursions anyway.
• No WiFi or Cell Service: There is no WiFi or cell service anywhere on the property, which some embrace as a chance to disconnect, while others note its absence.
• Mobility Issues: The lodge may not be ideal for guests with mobility issues due to numerous stairs from the river dock and uneven log pathways, which can be a fall hazard.
• Spa Experience: A few guests have noted that the spa can be pricey, and the massage quality was not always exceptional, with some finding the soaking tub less than ideal.
• No Snacks Between Meals: While meals are substantial, some guests noted the lack of snacks available between meal times.

Sources

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8. booking.com
9. inkaterra.com
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