1. [Travel Agency Booking]
When it comes to exploring the Peruvian Amazon, two cities stand out as gateways: Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado. Located in northeastern Peru, Iquitos is a more developed destination that has even been featured in popular Korean variety shows. However, if you’re planning to visit Cusco afterward, you’ll need to make a detour through Lima.
On the other hand, Puerto Maldonado, nestled in southern Peru, offers a more direct route to Cusco, saving precious travel time. While its facilities and offerings may be more rustic, we opted for the charm and convenience of Puerto Maldonado.
For travel arrangements, booking in advance is highly recommended. A 3-day, 2-night all-inclusive package typically covers airport transfers, meals, accommodation, and activities. In Iquitos, “Ceiba Tops Lodge” is a standout option, famous as the filming location for the hit show *Youth Over Flowers*.
Though pricier, with quotes around $765 per person, it’s worth considering for luxury seekers. Meanwhile, Puerto Maldonado offers fewer choices but great value-for-money options like “Green Diamond,” where we booked our trip at just $300 per person. If you’d like contact details, feel free to ask!
2. [Preparation Before the Trip]
While the yellow fever vaccine isn’t mandatory, it’s strongly advised—especially since vaccines are in short supply nationwide this year. I traveled from Shanghai to Ningbo to secure my dose, so plan ahead and schedule an appointment well in advance. Ideally, get vaccinated at least 10 days before entering the rainforest.
Mosquito protection is non-negotiable. Equip yourself with full-body anti-mosquito gear (see Figure 11) and bring along mosquito repellent spray—it truly makes a difference. For medications, pack essentials like Levofloxacin for dysentery, diarrhea and enteritis remedies for gastrointestinal issues, Ibuprofen for fever or pain relief, and Vitamin C to boost your immunity.
3. [Transportation]
Your journey begins with a scenic 1.5-hour flight from Lima to Puerto Maldonado. From the airport, it’s a quick 30-minute drive to the dock, followed by a peaceful 30-minute boat ride to your accommodations. To continue onward to Cusco, expect a 50-minute flight—but note there’s only one daily departure, so book early to avoid disappointment!
4. [Activity Schedule]
Day 1:
* 1:00 PM: Savor a hearty lunch.
* 2:00 PM: Immerse yourself in culture during a visit to an indigenous village (Figure 4).
* 3:00 PM: Try your hand at piranha fishing—an unforgettable experience! (Figures 5-7)
* 6:45 PM: Embark on a night cruise along the Amazon River to spot caimans under the stars (Figure 8).
* 8:00 PM: Return for dinner.
Day 2:
* 9:00 AM: Take a thrilling canopy walk high above the jungle floor (Figure 9), or opt for a visit to a wildlife rescue center or Monkey Island.
* 1:00 PM: Enjoy lunch amidst nature.
* 2:00 PM: Venture into the jungle on foot to encounter fascinating wildlife (Figure 10).
* 3:00 PM: Glide across serene lakes by boat to observe animals up close (Figures 11-14).
* 6:45 PM: Experience a one-hour nighttime jungle adventure, discovering nocturnal creatures (Figure 15).
* 8:00 PM: Conclude the day with dinner.
Day 3:
* 4:30 AM: Rise early to watch parrots gather at a clay lick—a mesmerizing two-hour spectacle (Figures 16-17).
* 8:00 AM: Replenish with breakfast (Figure 18).
* 9:00 AM: Check out after a fulfilling stay.
5. [Facilities and Conditions]
Nestled deep within the rainforest, the accommodations consist of charming individual wooden cabins. Despite their remote location, mosquitoes are surprisingly scarce here. Each cabin features a cozy porch equipped with hammocks and chairs, perfect for unwinding while taking in the sights and sounds of the jungle.
