Overnight Andes-to-Amazon Bus Adventure

Andean Departure 

In the evening, be ready for your pickup at your accommodation for a quick transfer to the bus station.  Board your comfortable bus in Cusco and prepare for an overnight journey. Settle into your seat, relax, and watch as the city lights fade, knowing you’re on the way to a whole new world.

Overnight Journey Across Diverse Landscapes

As the bus rolls through the night, you’ll wind your way down from the majestic heights of the Andes toward the lush, steamy lowlands of the Amazon basin. Grab some sleep so you’re refreshed for the adventure ahead.

Arrive in the Heart of the Jungle 

By sunrise, you’ll have arrived in Puerto Maldonado, the lively gateway town to the Peruvian Amazon. Step off the bus feeling the warmth and humidity of the rainforest—a world away from Cusco’s mountain air.

Wildlife Encounters: River Arrival & Night Safari

River Adventure to the Lodge 

Next, you're whisked away to the port, where an exhilarating one-hour boat ride awaits. Glide along the Madre de Dios River, absorbing the sounds and sights of the rainforest as you head to the lodge. On arrival, receive a warm welcome and sip on a fresh, local fruit juice before settling into your room.

Monkey Island Exploration 

After lunch, the adventure continues! Cross the Madre de Dios River to visit fascinating Monkey Island, home to playful species like brown capuchins, squirrel monkeys, saddle-back tamarins, and white capuchins. Enjoy watching them in their natural habitat before heading back to the lodge.

Nighttime Wildlife Safari

Once darkness falls, grab a flashlight and set out along the banks of the Madre de Dios River in search of caimans. Keep your eyes peeled—you might even spot the formidable capybara, the world’s largest rodent! After this nighttime adventure, return to the lodge for a hearty dinner and your first overnight stay surrounded by rainforest sounds.

Sandoval Lake Wildlife Odyssey & Night Walk

Lake Sandoval Adventure 

Start your day with an early breakfast before embarking on a short, scenic boat ride to the entrance of spectacular Lake Sandoval. After checking in at the reserve’s control point, lace up for a 3-kilometer (2-mile) walk through pristine rainforest—the path is alive with sounds and glimpses of Amazonian wildlife.

Wildlife-Spotting on the Lake

Reach the tranquil shores of Lake Sandoval, renowned for its crystal waters and thriving piranha population. Here, hop into a traditional rowing boat and join your guide for a serene paddle across the lake. Keep your senses alert as you search for a dazzling array of birds—such as hoatzins, cormorants, jacanas, and herons—as well as eagles soaring overhead. Watch for playful troops of howler, squirrel, and black capuchin monkeys, and with a bit of luck, spot elusive tamarins or a sloth nestled in the branches. If fortune favors you, encounter a family of giant river otters, stretching nearly two meters long, and perhaps see the impressive four-meter-long black caiman, the Amazon’s largest alligator.

Return and Refresh 

After your wildlife-rich expedition, return to the lodge for a well-earned lunch featuring local flavors. Recharge and share stories of your morning’s discoveries with fellow travelers.

Rainforest Nocturnal Safari 

As darkness settles in and the jungle comes alive with mysterious sounds, join your guide for a night walk along rainforest trails. Armed with a flashlight, search for the Amazon’s hidden nocturnal wonders—insects twinkling in the undergrowth, amphibians croaking in the night, mysterious reptiles, and other creatures rarely seen by daylight.

Dinner & Rest 

Savor a delicious dinner back at the lodge and settle in for a restful night, surrounded by the nighttime symphony of the Amazon.

Canopy Walk, Zip-Line & River Kayak Day

Sunrise Canopy Adventure

Greet the dawn deep in the rainforest and set out early for the Canopy Walkway—an unforgettable high-altitude journey through the treetops. Suspended nearly 30 meters above the ground, the series of hanging bridges offers breathtaking panoramic views over the lush rainforest and the sweeping Madre de Dios River. Watch the morning come alive with vibrant birds such as toucans, macaws, tanagers, and orioles—from your privileged bird’s-eye vantage point.

Breakfast and Zip-Line Thrills 

Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast, then prepare for an adrenaline-charged morning! Strap into your safety harness and listen to your guide’s instructions before stepping onto the canopy platforms for your zip-line adventure. Glide from tree to tree, soaring through the jungle on double cables over 30 meters above the ground—feel the wind and pure excitement, knowing this moment will stay with you forever.

Jungle Lunch & Rest 

Recharge with a delicious lunch back at the lodge and enjoy some downtime to relax or chat with fellow travelers about your treetop triumphs.

Kayaking and Sunset Fishing 

The afternoon brings a new challenge—kayaking across the Madre de Dios River. Paddle into the golden glow of the setting sun as its reflections shimmer on the water. Once on the far bank, try your hand at artisanal fishing; with patience, you may catch a glimpse of Amazonian catfish and other local fish species, adding an authentic, peaceful close to your adventurous day.

Jungle Farewell: Homeward Bound to Cusco

Final Jungle Breakfast

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at the lodge, soaking in the peaceful sounds and sights of the rainforest one last time. Savor this farewell moment and recall the highlights of your Amazon journey.

Return Journey to Cusco 

After breakfast, prepare for your return trip. Board the boat for a scenic ride along the Madre de Dios River, followed by comfortable overland transport back to Cusco. Relax during the journey as you transition from vibrant jungle back to the heart of the Andes, your extraordinary adventure in the Amazon rainforest leaves you with memories to last a lifetime.

Cusco Arrival: Farewell & New Horizons