Corto Maltes Amazonia

If you want to combine the thrilling nature of the Amazon jungle in an accessible fashion while receiving world-class service from the staff at a modern day luxury lodge in the jungle, then Corto Maltes is the PERFECT spot for you. I’ve traveled across the world in search of adventure and culture (and nature) through photography, and the Amazon— specifically the Corto Maltes lodge— meets those interests perfectly. From the moment you arrive off a water taxi from the Tambopata River, you’re greeted with smiling faces and chilled beverages. Immediately, the science and tropical setting takes prominence, but it’s not long before more members of the friendly staff arrive to welcome the guest for their stay. I took the Taricaya tour, which focuses on a lot of nature and wildlife. Near the lodge, caiman tours are a daily and nightly activity. Howler monkeys can be heard creating a vocal jingle melody quite often, and beautiful toucans and macaws paint the airwaves in different tropical colors. There’s a nearby animal rehabilitation center, which gives you the opportunity to see the healing process for a host of animals that would otherwise be difficult to spot in the wild. As for the lodge itself, the buildings have beautiful wood paneling and are decorated in stunning, trendy yet cultural fashion. The grounds are kept in pristine condition by landscaping standards, and there’s a large, refreshing pool located in the middle of the campus. Each bungalow is large enough for comfort and storage while providing the perfect home style touches like a hammock and patio (or balcony) to make the accommodation feel like home. If you’re more of a foodie, you’ll love the Corto Maltes menu. With an active kitchen cooking on-site breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the day, the chefs focus on a French-Peruvian fusion cuisine since the founder of the lodge has French roots. What this creates is a visually appealing, tasty combination of diverse, fresh Peruvian ingredients that are cooked and styled according to the rules and guidelines of classical French cooking. The meals are filling, which is key when spending time in the Amazon, and the desserts are among the most decadent I’ve ever had— even after eating heavily in Italy! Oh, and there’s a fun, lively bar at the lodge with super friendly bartenders and it’s always playing good music, so that’s a great place to unwind and relax. Overall, the entire experience is filled so tu unforgettable moments. From the canopy walk where we viewed the rainforest from high above to the numerous caiman searched we embarked upon at night to meeting the native Machiuenga tribe that lives nearby, this experience ranks at the very top of a long list of cherished, thrilling memories. I will absolutely be returning to Corto Maltes soon, likely in a few more months, when it will be time for me to scratch that adventure-filled itch once again.