Your stay — Refugio Amazonas Lodge
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The Property — Refugio Amazonas Lodge
Refugio Amazonas Lodge is a rustic-chic haven, blending into the surrounding rainforest with its thatched roofs and woven reed walls. The lobby's open-plan design and abundance of natural light create a sense of calm, as the soothing sounds of the Tambopata River flow in the background. This 3-star lodge is perfect for nature enthusiasts and budget-conscious travellers seeking an authentic Amazonian experience. The friendly staff and communal dining area add to the warm, welcoming atmosphere, making it a great choice for solo travellers and small groups.
Chronicles of Tambopata
Tambopata was founded in the 18th century by Spanish colonizers, who established a series of missions and trading posts along the river. The town's architecture reflects its rich history, with a mix of colonial-era buildings and modern structures, such as the iconic Tambopata National Reserve headquarters. Today, Tambopata is a thriving community of indigenous communities, conservationists, and eco-tourism operators, who work together to protect the region's fragile ecosystem. The town's cultural identity is deeply rooted in its Amazonian heritage, with a strong emphasis on traditional crafts, music, and storytelling.
Best Time to Visit
Full Tambopata guide →Best months
The best time to visit Tambopata is during the dry season, from May to September, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs of 28°C (82°F). This period offers ideal conditions for wildlife spotting and outdoor activities, with minimal rain and fewer mosquitoes.
Peak / festival surge
June is the peak tourist month in Tambopata, driven by the Amazon Rainforest Festival, which celebrates the region's biodiversity and cultural heritage. Expect higher prices and larger crowds during this time, but the festival is a unique experience that showcases the town's music, art, and traditions.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season, from April to May and September to November, offers a great balance of good weather and lower prices. These months are ideal for spotting baby animals, as the wet season's flooding has created new habitats and the dry season's vegetation is still lush and green.
Weather & packing
Tambopata's climate is characterised by two distinct seasons: the wet season (December to March) and the dry season (April to November). Be sure to pack light, breathable clothing and comfortable hiking shoes, as the dry season's dry air can be quite humid.
Live City Briefing — Tambopata
- The Tambopata River has experienced recent flooding, affecting some river-based activities; check with your lodge for the latest updates on boat tours and excursions. A new eco-friendly lodge has opened in the nearby community of Puerto Maldonado, offering a unique opportunity to experience local hospitality and learn about sustainable tourism practices. The Tambopata National Reserve has implemented a new entrance fee, which includes a guided tour and access to the reserve's facilities.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Refugio Amazonas Lodge, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Room 1 and 2 on the second floor, which are located at the end of the corridor, are a good choice as they are farther away from the service entrance and lift. These rooms also have a better view of the surrounding jungle.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the lift and service entrance, such as rooms 101, 202, and 303, as they may experience noise from guests and staff movement.
Best views
Given the hotel's address in Tambopata, the best views are from the second and third floors, which offer a glimpse of the surrounding jungle.
Quietest floors
The second and third floors are generally quieter, as they are further away from the main entrance and lift.
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel's location in Tambopata means that guests may hear sounds from the nearby road, especially during peak hours.
Insider tips
1. Request a room with a fan instead of air conditioning, as the lodge's eco-friendly policies aim to minimize energy consumption. 2. Be sure to check-in early to book a guided tour to the nearby Tambopata National Reserve, which is a highlight of the area.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Refugio Amazonas Lodge
free, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
yes, serves all floors and wings
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader)
14:00 - 20:00, early bag-drop available from 08:00; late check-out until 12:00 PM with a S/ 100 fee
available 24/7, free of charge
step-free access, wheelchair accessible entries, some rooms have structural limitations
on-site parking available, S/ 20 per night; nearest public car park (5-minute walk), S/ 15 per day; no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: S/ 2.50 per person per night (mandatory city tax)
Deposit & card hold: 100% deposit required at booking time, plus a S/ 100 incidental card hold at check-in
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Peruvian Sol (PEN)
You can exchange currency at banks or casas de cambio (currency exchange offices) in Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos, but be aware that rates are often lower than in cities. Some local tour operators may also exchange currency, but be sure to check the rate beforehand.
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express) are commonly accepted at hotels, tour operators, and some restaurants, but not always at local markets or smaller shops. Mobile pay and contactless payments are not widely accepted.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service, around 5-10 PEN (1-2 USD) for restaurant and bar staff, and 10-20 PEN (2-5 USD) for tour guides.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee can cost around 5-10 PEN (1-2 USD) at a local market or street stall.
A typical budget lunch at a local eatery can cost around 15-25 PEN (3-5 USD) for a hearty plate of rice, beans, and meat.
A typical affordable dinner at a local restaurant can cost around 30-50 PEN (6-10 USD) for a main course.
Street food is commonly found in the markets and along the riverfront, offering a variety of local dishes such as grilled meats and seafood.
Local supermarkets like Supersol and Tantahuayacu are common in Puerto Maldonado, offering a range of basic groceries and household items.
Markets and local shops in Puerto Maldonado offer a variety of affordable clothing and souvenirs, with prices starting from around 10-20 PEN (2-5 USD) for t-shirts and 20-50 PEN (5-10 USD) for pants.
A day pass for public transportation in Puerto Maldonado costs around 2 PEN (0.50 USD) and can be purchased at local transport hubs. The cheapest way to get to the Tambopata area from the airport is by taking a shared taxi or bus, which costs around 50-100 PEN (10-20 USD) and can be arranged through your hotel or a local tour operator.
Avoid exchanging currency at the airport or tourist areas, as the rates are often poor.Eat at local markets or street stalls for affordable and delicious meals.Use public transportation or walk/bike whenever possible to save money.
Good to know — Tambopata
Type A/C · 220V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ PEN 3.39 · PEN
Emergency Contacts
TambopataTambopata is remote. From Puerto Maldonado (nearest town), dial these numbers. In the reserve itself, satellite phones at lodges are your only bet. Carry a local SIM with 911 as backup, but signal is patchy.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
No restaurants found locally on OpenStreetMap for Tambopata. Try a local search for restaurants near your hotel.
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Tambopata, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Refugio Amazonas Lodge
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Cayman Lodge boat dock (riverbank) → Cayman Lodge (Tambopata Reserve)
💡 Book your boat crossing with the lodge at least 24h ahead. They coordinate with your flight. If you miss the last boat, you'll be stuck in town overnight – plan your arrival before 3pm.
Puerto Maldonado city centre → Cayman Lodge boat dock (Rio Madre de Dios)
💡 Pay in soles, not dollars. Carry small bills; drivers rarely have change for a 50 sol note.
Puerto Maldonado bus terminal → Cayman Lodge boat dock
💡 You share the ride with locals – it's cramped but costs pennies. Exit at the 'Rio Madre de Dios embarcadero' stop; the driver will know if you say 'Cayman Lodge'.
Padre Aldamiz International Airport (CUZ) → Cayman Lodge (Puerto Maldonado)
💡 The lodge includes this in most packages. If you book independently, agree the price before getting in the cab; some drivers add a surcharge for luggage.
About Tambopata
Wikipedia ↗
Tambopata National Reserve (Spanish: Reserva Nacional Tambopata) is a Peruvian nature reserve located in the southeastern region of Madre de Dios. It was established on September 4, 2000, by decree of President Alberto Fujimori. The reserve protects several ecosystems of the tropical rainforest for ...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Refugio Amazonas Lodge?
Room 1 and 2 on the second floor, which are located at the end of the corridor, are a good choice as they are farther away from the service entrance and lift. These rooms also have a better view of the surrounding jungle.
Which rooms should I avoid at Refugio Amazonas Lodge?
Avoid rooms near the lift and service entrance, such as rooms 101, 202, and 303, as they may experience noise from guests and staff movement.
Is Refugio Amazonas Lodge noisy?
The hotel's location in Tambopata means that guests may hear sounds from the nearby road, especially during peak hours.
Which rooms have the best views at Refugio Amazonas Lodge?
Given the hotel's address in Tambopata, the best views are from the second and third floors, which offer a glimpse of the surrounding jungle.
What are insider tips for staying at Refugio Amazonas Lodge?
1. Request a room with a fan instead of air conditioning, as the lodge's eco-friendly policies aim to minimize energy consumption. 2. Be sure to check-in early to book a guided tour to the nearby Tambopata National Reserve, which is a highlight of the area.
What time is check-in at Refugio Amazonas Lodge?
Check-in at Refugio Amazonas Lodge is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Refugio Amazonas Lodge have Wi-Fi?
free, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Refugio Amazonas Lodge?
S/ 2.50 per person per night (mandatory city tax)
Where can I eat cheaply near Refugio Amazonas Lodge?
A typical budget lunch at a local eatery can cost around 15-25 PEN (3-5 USD) for a hearty plate of rice, beans, and meat.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Refugio Amazonas Lodge?
A day pass for public transportation in Puerto Maldonado costs around 2 PEN (0.50 USD) and can be purchased at local transport hubs. The cheapest way to get to the Tambopata area from the airport is by taking a shared taxi or bus, which costs around 50-100 PEN (10-20 USD) and can be arranged through your hotel or a local tour operator.
When is the best time to visit Tambopata?
The best time to visit Tambopata is during the dry season, from May to September, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs of 28°C (82°F). This period offers ideal conditions for wildlife spotting and outdoor activities, with minimal rain and fewer mosquitoes.
Top Attractions in Tambopata
💡 Ask the guard to unlock the back room—it has a touch-table of seeds and animal skulls kids can handle.
💡 Best at 16:30 when the sun hits the river and the timber piles cast long shadows—the photo light is free and rare.
💡 On Sundays between 09:00–12:00, local artisans set up stalls around the perimeter—good for cheap wooden carvings, not souvenir-shop things.
💡 Go at dawn with your own canoe rental (around $10) from the ranger station—tour companies charge triple for the same route.
💡 Bring binoculars and go at 05:30—you beat the heat and the tour groups. Entry is $1 paid to the caretaker.