Peruvian Amazon: Puerto Maldonado

Peru has no shortage of mind-blowing landscapes — Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and the Sacred Valley often steal the spotlight.

But nothing prepared us for the raw, soul-stirring beauty of the Amazon. Tucked away in the lush jungle town of Puerto Maldonado, we spent three unforgettable nights at Kapievi Eco Lodge, a hidden gem that turned out to be one of the best decisions of our entire Peru adventure. Just us, the rainforest, and a deeper connection to the earth than we ever imagined. Here is how we spent 3 days in the Peruvian Amazon.

Day 1: Sandoval Lake + Sunset Cruise

Day 2: Chuncho Clay Lick

Day 3: Canopy Walk + Monkey Island

Staying at Kapievi Eco Lodge: Our Jungle Sanctuary

From the moment we arrived at Kapievi, we felt wrapped in nature. Built sustainably and run by a small local team, this eco lodge is more than a place to sleep — it’s a way of life. Wooden cabins peek out from behind banana leaves and tropical flowers, and at night, the jungle sings you to sleep with cicadas, tree frogs, and the occasional howler monkey in the distance.

Our Jungle Adventures

Each day in Puerto Maldonado brought a new kind of wonder. Here's what made our Amazon escape truly unforgettable. We made our bookings via - https://tambopataexperience.com/

Day 1. Sandoval Lake ( 6am to 1pm : total 7 hours)

To reach Lake Sandoval, we took a canoe ride (1 hr) and a peaceful jungle hike (~3 km) through towering trees and thick vegetation. This Sandoval lake is famous for its glassy waters and rich wildlife. As we glided across the lake, the jungle came alive—river caymans, capuchin monkeys, turtles, and capybaras greeted us.

The Tambopata National Reserve itself is a protected area spanning over 1.5 million acres and is one of the most pristine areas of the Amazon. It’s a sanctuary for over so many butterfly species, 600 bird species, and countless mammals and reptiles.

Unlike the zoo, where animals are on display, here, it’s all about quietly waiting, watching, and respecting their world. Every sighting felt like a reward.

From the echoing jungle calls to sunsets over the lake—it was a reminder of just how wild and beautiful our planet truly is.

Sandoval Sunset

Walking through Tambopata Reserve

Canoe Ride in Lake Sandoval