My wife and I are in the planning stages for a trip to Peru in September. One of the areas we're interested in is the Rio Tambopata river near Puerto Maldonado. We're thinking of spending 4d/3n in the area. We're interested in your experiences - good and bad. Any suggestions for lodges? Itineraries?

We're going to Peru in Nov. After much reading and traveler feedback, we chose the Lake Sandoval Lodge; their program meets our timeframes, bird/mammal viewing opportunities and cost. We were also advised to put our Amazon experience at the end of our trip.

Hi, I was in Puerto Maldonado last year and stayed Inkaterra Reserva, this is a great hotel located on Madre de Dios River. They have an all inclusive rate, with excursions a la carte even visiting Lake Sandoval. I got a great experience on the jungle.

Thanks for replies!

sdkiki - Why were you advised to put the Amazon experience at the end of the trip? We were thinking of putting it first?

Hi,
We were told our clothes will be pretty dirty after 4 days in the Amazon and it's easier to pack them home rather than do laundry. also, leaving the Amazon to the end of the trip places us in Cusco before flying to Puerto Maldonado. It seems less of a chance of flight problems and a day lost in the Amazon package is not replaceable.

Thanks to all who responded. We've decided to stay at WASAI Tambopata Lodge - it met our timeframes and bird viewing opportunities.