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Posada Amazonas: 30 Years of Community-Based Tourism and Conservation in the Amazon
Posada Amazonas: 30 Years of Community-Based Tourism and Conservation in the Amazon
Thirty years may seem like a short time for an Amazonian forest. The trees that now dominate the Tambopata canopy were already here long before lodges, roads, or reserves existed. The macaws continued to visit the clay licks every dawn. The giant otters continued to roam the lakes. And the Ese Eja families maintained a deep connection to a territory that their ancestors had protected for generations.
However, in the history of a community, three decades can change everything.
Posada Amazonas was founded in 1996 as the result of a shared vision between Rainforest Expeditions and the Ese Eja Native Community of Infierno: to demonstrate that the forest could create opportunities for people without ceasing to be a forest.
Thirty years later, that vision is not only still alive—it has become one of the most successful examples of community-based tourism and conservation in the Amazon.
Today, Posada Amazonas is celebrating much more than just an anniversary. It is celebrating three decades of trust, shared learning, and a common commitment to the future of Tambopata.
A partnership that transformed community-based tourism in the Peruvian Amazon
When this story began, the goal was ambitious: to create a lodge that would generate income for the community, protect the forest, and allow visitors to experience the Amazon from the perspective of those who call it home.
The Ese Eja Native Community of Infierno contributed something invaluable: their ancestral territory, their knowledge of the forest, and a long-term vision based on living in harmony with nature.
Rainforest Expeditions contributed operational expertise, investment, and access to international markets.
Together, they brought Posada Amazonas to life, a project that redefined the relationship between tourism, conservation, and local development. The model has evolved significantly. Currently, 75% of the revenue generated by the lodge is distributed directly among families in the community, while much of the operation is led by members of the Ese Eja Native community who have been trained in hospitality, guiding, logistics, conservation, and tourism management.
What began as an innovative initiative became a tangible demonstration that tourism can strengthen communities while protecting ecosystems and contributing to forest conservation.
30 Years of Conservation Led by the Ese Eja Community of Infierno

The Ese Eja Territory as seen from the observation tower at Posada Amazonas. Photo by Carlos González.
More than 3,000 hectares of communal land remain under strict conservation, free from extractive activities. Thanks to these sustained efforts, iconic species such as macaws, giant otters, and various primates continue to find refuge in one of the most biodiverse landscapes on the planet. Today, nearly 220 families benefit directly or indirectly from this partnership, demonstrating that human well-being and conservation are not conflicting goals, but rather part of the same solution.
Discovering the Amazon Through the Ese Eja Culture

Rodolfo Pesha, a guide from the Ese Eja Native Community of Infierno, with visitors. Photo by Carlos González.
There are many ways to visit the Amazon. But few allow you to experience it from the perspective of those who have lived there for generations. Visitors walk along ancient trails, discover medicinal plants at the Ñape Center, and learn about the relationship between culture and biodiversity from guides who grew up in this region.
Every trail, every story, and every encounter with the forest reflect knowledge passed down through generations. That human connection is, perhaps, one of Posada Amazonas’ greatest assets.
Because you can’t truly understand the forest just by observing it. You also come to understand it by listening to those who have learned to live alongside it.
Science, Conservation, and a New Chapter for Tambopata

Guests in the «Discovering New Species» project at Posada Amazonas. Photo by Carlos González.
Thirty years after its founding, Posada Amazonas continues to evolve.
In recent years, the alliance has incorporated scientific research as a new pillar of conservation through Wired Amazon, an initiative that connects travelers, scientists, and local communities through participatory science projects such as the Tambopata Macaw Project, AmazonCam, and Discovering New Species, which allow visitors and community members to actively contribute to the generation of scientific knowledge.
This approach has turned Posada Amazonas into a living laboratory where tourism, research, and conservation work together to better understand the forest
How the Ese Eja Community Protects the Tambopata Forest
For generations, the Ese Eja Native Community of Infierno has protected this Amazonian territory through its deep knowledge of the forest, its species, and its natural cycles.
Today, that legacy lives on through a partnership that has made the community a key player in conservation and sustainable tourism in Tambopata, involving them in the conservation of their territory as Guardians of the Forest.
The Shijoo artisanies initiative brings together artisans from the Ese Eja Native Community of Infierno, who transform the knowledge passed down from their ancestors into unique pieces inspired by the Amazon. Each creation reflects a deep connection to their culture. More than just crafts, these are stories that preserve an identity, create opportunities for families in the community, and allow every visitor to take home a small piece of the Amazon.
The people featured in this story—guides, artisans, cooks, community leaders, researchers, and entire families—represent three decades of collective effort to demonstrate that another model of development is possible.
One where the forest still stands. One where the culture remains alive.
Meet the Ese Eja Native Community of Infierno
The story doesn’t end here…
As the Amazon faces ever-greater challenges, new partnerships are also emerging that are committed to a different future. Kuaii Amazonas, a new ecolodge established in partnership with the Ese Eja Native Community of Infierno, aims to demonstrate that it is possible to share the forest’s wealth without losing its essence, while creating opportunities for the people who have protected it for generations.
This is simply the continuation of a long-standing partnership dedicated to protecting the forest. Because when conservation and communities move forward hand in hand, every visitor becomes part of a story that helps shape the future of the Amazon.
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What our guest say
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- Valuation Excellent
- 5/5
Maria Carrero June 2026
Lauren Kuenstner June 2026
Adam C June 2026
Perry Killam June 2026
Brad Taylor-White June 2026
Sue_szb April 2026
Beam May 2026
David Staro May 2026
Serg Averkin April 2026
Carlotta May 2026
Asha S May 2026
Laurence W April 2026
We stayed last february for 4 nights in the TRC lodge. I never could have imagined that I would explore the amazon in such confortable and immersive way. The lodge itself is such a luxurious place, in the middle of nowhere! The food was nicely curated everyday to offer new bits and pieces of the Peruvian cuisine. The absolute highlight of our stay here was for sure the activities and our guide Carmen, who accompanied us everyday! We were able to choose our everydays activities with our very reduced group and our guide. Carmen guided us on very activity, spotting and explaining what animals we saw and interesting facts about our surroundings. Her knowledge and excitement were so infectious that it would even make the sightings even more special! Read all
One of the most unique experiences we’ve had! You are deep in the heart of the Amazon and truly feel immersed in nature. Our guide Dino was awesome and taught us so much about the rainforest-he is like a walking encyclopedia, and his love for the forest really shows. Also very unique to listen to nightly talks from the research team-it really adds to the experience. Food was great and staff very friendly. Bring lots of bug spray and an adventurous spirit! Read all
The lodge was fantastic; they were very attentive to our needs. The dining staff brought special bread for my wife because of her celiac disease and offered to prepare dishes specifically for her to meet her dietary needs. The lodge guides were truly knowledgeable and went out of their way to help us see all the local wildlife. I especially loved the mosquito net service they provided. I was worried we’d be eaten alive, but their setup is fabulous; I had no concerns once I saw how they installed the impenetrable nets and curtains. The meals were as good as—or better than—anywhere else we ate in Peru. We saw the following animals: macaws, parrots, parakeets, pale-winged trumpeters, tamarins, caimans, capybaras, and a ton of insects on our night hike. Read all
We had an excellent guide who was very knowledgeable about the local animals, birds, and plants. I learned a lot. We also participated in the Wired Amazon experience and just received the video clips of the animals that walked by - ocelots, agoutis, ... some amazing animals. It was fun to set up the camera traps, and now I'm inspired to get one for our backyard. Read all
Refugio Amazonas was one of the most memorable and immersive experiences of our entire trip to Peru. From the moment we arrived, it felt like we had entered a completely different world. Waking up to the sounds of the rainforest, exploring the Amazon with knowledgeable guides, spotting wildlife, and disconnecting from everyday life created an experience we will never forget. The guides and staff were exceptional throughout our stay. Everyone was warm, welcoming, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about the rainforest and the guest experience. Their enthusiasm and expertise added so much to every excursion and activity. For this type of Amazon adventure, Refugio Amazonas felt top-tier. The wildlife experiences were remarkable, the setting was beautiful, and the overall level of immersion was exactly what we were hoping for when we added the Amazon to our Peru itinerary. Read all
Wow what an experience! If you want to be fully immersed in Amazon life in a wonderful , comfortable eco lodge, and not have expectations of a 5 star city hotel (I'm not sure why you would, but some reviewers seemed disappointed it wasn't!) you will love this. You will be in a group, 6 in ours, but you don't all have to do the same activities, you just join another group. Plenty of spaces to chill and downtime if you need it...its hot and humid! There's a fan in the room and I heard the superior rooms have a fan under the mozzie net. Take a torch! We were never bitten, used deet repellent only. They provide rubber boots if you want them, some of the trails were very muddy, but we managed in our walking boots. We loved the open wall to the jungle, despite some bugs, but not too many surprisingly. Sooooo much wildlife, all sorts of monkeys, otters, turtles, caiman, different birds, capybara etc. Luis M was our guide, a local, and he could spot a spider from 5 metres I'm sure... great sense of humour and a wealth of knowledge, loved him. We spent 3 nights 20th-24th April, it rained on a couple of occasions but not much. Perfect holiday for an immersive wildlife experience! Read all
Beautiful lodge in the rainforest, very well maintained and clean. We had a lot of fun and excellent guides. The rooms and facilities were top-notch! Read all
We stayed at Posada Amazonas Lodge in May 2026, and it was a truly unique experience. It’s important to note that the concept is unlike a traditional hotel: the rooms (the lodge has around 30 in total) are built entirely of wood and open completely to the rainforest, with no windows. The walls are about two meters high, and everything is open-air, meaning you can hear your neighbors as well as the sounds of the forest throughout the night. There is a hot-water shower with drainage flowing through wooden beams beneath the floor, and the beds are protected with mosquito nets. The food is delicious and nutritious, and one pleasant surprise was the excellent Wi-Fi connection (Starlink) available both at the lodge and on the boats. The logistics are flawless from the moment you land in Puerto Maldonado, including a short car ride (accompanied by a security company) followed by a forty-minute cruise along the Tambopata River. The staff is incredibly friendly. Our guide, Luis M. (a member of the local community that manages the lodge), was simply outstanding, with eagle-eyed vision for spotting wildlife and always wearing a smile. Tour highlights: Canopy Tower: a 42-meter tower rising above the treetops with panoramic views. We loved seeing the river, the rainforest, and even the distant Andes Mountains on the horizon. We returned at night during a nocturnal wildlife tour, where we spotted tarantulas, white sloths, and tree frogs. Lake Tres Chimbadas: a peaceful catamaran ride (without a motor) where Luis showed us a group of red-bellied monkeys, giant otters, and caimans. The scenery and tranquility are incredible. Trek to the “Great Tree”: a forest hike where we saw deer, jaguar tracks, a three-toed sloth, and more wildlife. At the end of the trail, we reached the gigantic ceiba tree: around 500 years old, approximately 60 meters tall, and with an impressive 11-meter base diameter. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to experience the true Amazon! Read all
An exceptional experience that truly exceeded all expectations. What impressed me the most is that here they genuinely want to make your stay as comfortable as possible — and that, to me, is what real high-level service is all about. The guide really tries to fill every excursion with emotions and memorable moments, turning simple activities into meaningful experiences. The kitchen team puts great effort into variety and introduces you to Peruvian cuisine — it feels like a small гастрономic journey. Housekeeping works like invisible bees — you don’t notice them, but everything is always perfectly taken care of. Another big highlight is the comfort level: stable electricity and surprisingly good internet both on the way and at the lodge, powered by Starlink. Having this level of connectivity in the middle of the jungle is something truly special. From reception and the bar to the boat driver — everyone is genuinely warm and happy to have you. You can really feel that each person is a small but important part of one big system delivering outstanding eco-tourism service. Bravo — achieving this level of service in the wild is not easy, and it shows. This experience was very valuable for me and my family. I won’t get tired of thanking you for the emotions you gave us. Highly recommended. Dear travelers — don’t hesitate. Go, enjoy the incredible nature and the level of service. This is something you will remember for a lifetime. Read all
We had the most amazing time at Refugio Amazonas for 3 nights, with a huge thanks to our guide Juan Carlos! On the first afternoon we sat down and planned our activities, which we loved! We came face to face with hundreds of birds, tarantulas, leaf carrying ants spanning 10 meter motorways to work and deliver the leaves to the ant house for food, parasites, and even leaves that cause natural dyes on oxidation - we learned so much. Carlos was genuinly interested in showing us everything the jungle had to offer, humorous and caring too. Carlos knew anything and everything about what was around us, pointing out things and creatures that the untrained eye would miss, carrying a telescope at all times for us to see the birds, ensuring we got magical videos on our phones using the telescope! Read all
Many thanks to Refugio Amazonas for an unforgettable experience! Brenda and team were so wonderful and accommodating, and Alan was a great guide. Thank you for a memorable experience! :) Read all
We had an excellent time at Tambopata research center. We are tourists like most who now visit the center, but it’s great to know that you can support research and the local community by visiting a place like this. Our guide for our trip, Esau, was extremely knowledgeable and showed great passion for his job. He described it as a hobby and he would get very excited if you spotted a specific bird or a tree. His specific knowledge about each and every creature in the forest was very impressive and I would recommend asking for Esau to be your guide in the future if you plan to visit. The hotel itself is unique. You are in the middle of the Amazon rainforest - the accessibility to nature is second to none. There are no windows in the hotel rooms. We had bugs in our room, of course, but the mosquito nets keep everything out and, actually, we both slept very well. The bar staff, Harrison, is very knowledgeable with drinks and works very hard. The food isn’t the best you’re ever going to have, but you have to remind yourself you are in the middle of the rainforest and that it takes a 6 hour round trip to get to the nearest town, and so the job that the hotel does in respect of the food is actually intuitive and very good. I would recommend this hotel to my peers and I would love to visit again in a few years time. Read all
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