Fodor's Expert Review Tahuayo River Amazon Research Center

Staying at this rustic lodge inside the Reserva Comunal Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo means almost constant exposure to tropical nature. More than 600 bird species and 15 monkey species live in the surrounding forest, and the Tahuayo River holds an array of fish and caimans. Visitors combine stays here with nights at Amazonia Expeditions' Tahuayo Lodge, and though it is more spartan than its sister lodge (toilet facilities are in a separate building), the quality of the food, excursions, and guides is top-notch. Rooms are in duplexes separated by a wall that doesn't go up to the roof, there is little privacy between neighbors. The payoffs are the views of the rain forest, Tahuayo River, and wildlife.