Our time in the Amazon has come to an end, and while I am sad to say goodbye I am so joyous for the memories made! This was a bucket list item for me, and I couldn’t be more thankful for how it played out. The jungle was just as wild and beautiful as I thought it would be, yet it surpassed every expectation. The lovely people at Monte Amazonico made our stay fun and homey. The food was top tier, and so were all the hikes and activities! Later down the road I will definitely be revisiting.
Amazon Adventures
Our second day started a little rough, with a rainstorm moving in over night and well into the morning. We were unable to make our planned meeting time of 5:30 am because of the amount of rain, but luckily we all had the chance to grab some extra sleep and set out right after lunch. We took a short boat ride down the Madre to begin our hike to Lake Sandoval.
This lake is located in Tambopata National Reserve, declared protected by the Peruvian government in September of 2000. After a short hike we made it to the canoe docks. These are situated in a small off shoot of the lake, and once you paddle out, the water and sky open, welcoming you with a midday warmth.
Lake Sandoval is teeming with life, and the giant palms sway in the breeze and shake under monkeys and birds. We were lucky enough to see plenty of those, as well as a few caiman. Our guide told us a family of river otters inhabit the lake, but unfortunately they were not out for us to see. I didn’t mind at all though, as the scenery surrounding us was exquisite. The vibrant greens contrasting the clear sky made it feel like we were floating in an oasis. We were out there long enough to watch the sunset, which made the water shimmer even more than before.
We returned back to the lodge and set out for our night walk, where we got to see various small insects like spiders and caterpillars. Our guide, Fernando, found a tarantula den and taught us how to coax one out. To my surprise (and slight horror), as the giant lept out, Fernando caught it! I was not very interested in the giant creature, so I took a small peak and promptly walked a few steps away. On our way back, we walked through a banana grove that the lodge uses to supply the fruit for guests and monkeys! We also got a great view of the stars, which are incredibly clear in that area, due to the low light pollution.
Our last morning we awoke and set out for the canopy walk, where we got to walk amongst the tree tops! I could’ve stayed up there for hours it was so incredible. The early morning light and mist made the jungle look like it was still sleeping, but the birds had begun to chirp like a soft alarm clock. This is also where we got to zip line! Now that was a moment that will be hard to beat. I don’t want to sound dramatic, but it was EXHILARATING. Flying through the tree tops and amongst the mist, felt straight out of a movie. By far one of my favorite experiences of this trip!
The Amazon Ecosystem
While the jungle and lodge were very clean and free from liter, the Madre de Dios River was unfortunately not. There was constantly trash flowing down the river, and one day we even spotted a massive tin barrel. It was weird to me that with the forest being treated so intently, the river was not. I thought for sure our boat guides would stop and pick up any trash they saw, but that never happened.
The lodge itself had plenty of recycling and trash cans all around, and the entire place was powered off solar energy. The outdoor lights were motion censored, and only in necessary places. We were told all of their food was grown on site or sourced locally from others along the river and in Puerto Maldonado. The guides were very respectful of the wildlife, and also very knowledgeable about the biodiversity.
Overall I’d say that Monte Amazonico did a great job of balancing tourism and protecting their surrounding environment. The jungle can endure a lot, but we need places like the lodge that help educate people in how to enjoy AND protect natural environments.
Environmental Law and the Amazon
In 1978, all 8 of Amazonian countries agreed to and signed into action the Amazon Cooperation Treaty. The treaty’s main objective promote the sustainable development of the Amazon region while conserving its natural resources. This is done by coordinating policies to address deforestation and environmental degradation, scientific and technological cooperation, as well as conservation and rational use of the ecosystem. It is currently the only international agreement specifically focused on the Amazon Basin and its ecosystems. That right there is crazy to me. With how many countries the forest spreads across, it’s wild that they don’t have more hard and fast rules when it comes down to it.
Wrap Up
After our departure from Puerto Maldonado, we took a short flight to Cusco. We landed safely and took it easy for the afternoon to adjust to the high altitude. A small group of us did take a walk around, and we happened upon the most amazing restaurant! I got Andean Alpaca Anticuchos, and it was quite possibly the best meal I’ve ever had in my life. Plus, our waitress was the nicest person ever and gave us free tea and chocolate cake! Highly recommend Ukllay Restaurant in the main square.
Tomorrow we start our first tours around Cusco! We get to visit sole markets and have two corporate visits. I’m already loving my time here, and I can’t wait to see what comes next! For now, buenas noches y dulces sueños.
Sarah K in Peru! 
Leave a comment