THINKING about traveling alone

Stories

Three Easy Options for Solo Travel in the Peruvian Amazon

When we make plans for a trip, one of the first things we have to figure out is whether we are going to do solo travel, share the adventure with family, or travel with a friend or two.

This decision is the primary one because it will affect where we go and how we do the trip. For example, if we decide to travel with friends, we should plan the trip together to make sure that everyone is on the same page in terms of what we hope to see and do. The same goes for a family trip along with whatever is required for traveling with children or senior citizens. With that in mind, it almost goes without saying that you have a lot more freedom when traveling on your own. In fact, since you don’t have to meet any other expectations than your own, you have all the freedom in the world to hike the Inca Trail, sample the best in Peruvian ceviche, and even explore the Amazon jungle.

For our three options for solo travel, read below! And don’t forget to check out our free guide to Amazon jungle travel here:

Download Your Free Guide: How To Choose your Amazon Jungle Lodge Here

chuncho clay lick by paul bertner

Macaw clay lick – Peruvian Amazon jungle excursion for solo adventurers. Image by Paul Bertner

Well, maybe not that last idea because wouldn’t you need an expedition team to explore the Peruvian Amazon? Well, that would be best if you wanted to try and reach little-explored areas but thanks to successful ecotourism projects in certain parts of eastern Peru, you don’t need an expedition to experience the wild heart of the Peruvian rainforest.

Here are three ways that even the least experienced  solo travelers can make that happen in the Amazon:

1. Visit Tambopata

This wild corner of the Amazon is much easier to visit than most people realize. It only takes a short flight from Lima – almost 2 hours – or a much quicker flight from Cuzco – just 30 minutes – to land in Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the rainforests of Tambopata. Upon arrival, you are met at the airport by your personal guide and transferred to your jungle lodge.

 

Tambopata-Landscapes

Tambopata-Landscapes-Lianne-Herbruck

You’ll take in spectacular views of the endless Amazon rainforest, even while flying into Tambopata. Photo by Lianne Herbruck.

2. Stay at Unique Lodges with a Purpose 

Guests (including folks who go their own way) who stay at Posada Amazonas or Refugio Amazonas Lodge can take guided hikes through the wild, mature rainforest, watch for monkeys, and birds from canopy towers, and take part in other activities recommended by their personal guide. But also, these rainforest lodges make your travel unique since each of them is alive for a purpose.

While Posada Amazonas is the only lodge in the region owns by the Native Community of Infierno, part of the Ese Eja tribe. The lodge wants to exchange cultural experiences and share out all over the world thru its visitants their traditions and stories.

Refugio Amazonas, on the other hand, believes that the protection and conservation of the area can be possible thru science. Because of that, they encourage every guest to become a citizen scientist and save the Amazon across the activities they have at the lodge.

 

Tapir

Solo travelers have more opportunities to spot wildlife when traveling to the Amazon. Image by Louis Guillot

3. An off-the-beaten-path experience inside the National Reserve of Tambopata 

Head further upriver is located at the Tambopata Research Center, the only lodge inside the National Reserve of Tambopata, fronting the Bahuaja Sonene National Park. Here you can access one of the wildest parts of the Amazon, even if you do the trip on your own. As with the other Rainforest Expeditions lodges, a personal guide will take you on trails through the wild Amazonian rainforest in search of wildlife, bring you to an incredible macaw clay lick, and make sure that you have an unforgettable and safe Amazonian experience even if it happens to be your first trip abroad.

Solo travel to Amazon isn’t just possible — as long as you go with an experienced operator like Rainforest Expeditions, it’s downright easy. They have helped thousands of solo travelers experience their jungle lodges in the wild Amazon, contact them to see how they can help you achieve the trip of a lifetime!

TRC aerea

Tambopata Research Center inside the National Reserve of Tambopata. Image by Paul Bertner

 

By Patt ODonnell

  • What our guest say

    • Valuation Excellent
    • 5/5

Nancy Hodgson March 2026

Lesly Lagos March 2026

Batya K. February 2026

S. K. February 2026

Julian S January 2026

Flora Warfel January 2026

Julian Sack January 2026

Laura Franklin December 2025

Lee Wozencroft December 2025

Suraj Vijayan December 2025

Claudia A. January 2026

AMJNZ November 2025

This trip was the highlight of our travels through peru. The lodge was absolutely 5 stars for everything. The room, food, people. We had a private guide, Allen, who grew up locally and really had deep knowledge of the land, the history, and the variety of plant and animal species in the jungle. His knowledge and passion were invaluable to our experience. There are a variety of tour companies and lodges you can book to visit the Amazon, however, I would only recommend Rainforest Expeditions as they are truly connected to the community and offer high quality first class amazon experience! Read all

We had a truly wonderful stay with Rainforest Expeditions. Everyone was incredibly kind and welcoming, and our guide was fantastic — very knowledgeable and passionate about the rainforest. We saw many animals, even from the boat, which made the experience unforgettable. Read all

I just spent 3 days here with my family. The research center surpassed all our expectations. I want to give a special shout out to Carlos who took such good care of us. He went above and beyond to make sure we werr comfortable. And he was always smiling. He made us feel so welcome. We had Erik as our guide who is so knowledgeable and experienced. We learned so much, saw so much wildlife. It really was a dream vacation. Thank you!! Read all

Chose this place to stay at the Amazon, as I heard it benefits the local indigenous community. Life changing experience. Oscar was an excellent guide! We saw so many wildlife! No 4th wall made it such an immersive jungle experience. Since they are eco friendly, there is no AC. It can get pretty hot depending on the season. So better to follow their guidance for clothing choices Read all

If you want to experience the Amazon in all its glory This is the place to come to Staff and guides were excellent Food was just incredible The forest walks were really interesting and informative Read all

If you are a birder, ask for Juan Carlos Yatto. He recognizes an astounding number of bird calls and can duplicate many of them. This place is magical, all I could have imagined. All the staff and scientists are incredible. The experience of a lifetime. Read all

This was the most amazing experience Very well organised The ground staff were so well organised The guides were excellent ( I’m looking at you Carlos!) Food was tasty and very varied Amazed that the chefs managed to get such variety in the middle of the Amazon Do not hesitate Book immediately you will not be disappointed. Highly recommended Read all

I can not say enough good things about my time at the Tambopata Research Center. Between the guides, the boat drivers, the chefs, the staff, the bartenders, the researchers, etc. Everyone was absolutely wonderful! If you are interested in viewing wildlife in the Amazon, this is the place for you! A special thank you to the maître d' Carlos who was so incredibly kind and hospitable and our guide Dino who was like a real life Indiana Jones. I can't wait to come back! Read all

An unforgettable, fully immersive jungle experience. Amazing how Tambopata Lodge delivers luxury touches in such a remote and rugged location. The food is fantastic, the staff incredible, and the wildlife sightings non-stop. The personalised itinerary and one-on-one guiding made the trip truly special—huge thanks to our guide Johan for sharing his passion and knowledge. The Macaw Project is inspiring, and it’s clear the lodge fully supports this important conservation work. Manager Brian was always kind, helpful. Well-done all involved. Read all

The most important fact we are grateful for is the true sense of understanding of the ecology of the Amazon the staff at Rainforest Expeditions (RFE) have shown us. RFE stands out for its stand against the pure, profit-motive initiatives many other tour operators do. We are very grateful to have had Carlos as our guide. Carlos is deeply dedicated, and is able to explain the nuances of the flora and fauna. The world today needs to act as one against the impact of climate change. RFE is one, bright shining light in this regard. Read all

We had a fabulous trip! The people were amazing, kind and very professional. The food was exceptionally good! The facilities are beautiful and well kept. We just loved our second time with Rainforest Expeditions and can't wait to go again!! Read all

Fantastic to be deep in the forest surrounded by incredible wildlife with our amazing guide Juan Carlos Yatto, who really knew his stuff! Also his photography skills meant that we could share our experience even better through his telescope using our phone cameras! We learned so much!! He went to extra lengths to find butterflies and moths for us along with so many different birds and monkeys. This was a travel highlight for us as experienced wildlife travellers. We loved our spacious room with no windows and open to more wildlife visitors but after 5 nights the bed could have been a little more comfortable. Luckily we had a second bed to use. Otherwise it was fantastic with hot water showers and fresh drinking water all the time. We were amazed at the variety of food on offer for breakfast, lunch and dinner and couldn’t believe they could have such a wonderful food offering in such a remote location. Even the wine and cocktails were great. I highly recommend spending the extra money and time getting to this location. We stayed at another lodge later which was closer to Puerto Maldonado and there was far less wildlife. Read all

Join To Our Newsletter

Write your e-mail

Join