Puerto Maldonado, Peru
Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica
Pioneering rainforest lodge
Puerto Maldonado, Peru
Opened
1975
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Local Design LuxeOutside the door
The house
InkaterraPioneering rainforest lodge
Reached only by riverboat, this remote outpost pairs scientific field research with guided expeditions deep into the Amazonian forest.
“Each cabaña is outfitted in true "jungle chic" fashion, with all the essentials … and a few of the luxuries (eco-friendly toiletries, ceiling fans, lounge furniture, hammocks).”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Daily expeditions through primary rainforest and Lake Sandoval led by local naturalist guides.
Notable
Thatched wooden cabañas raised on platforms, modelled after traditional Ese'Eja tribal architecture.
Notable
A dedicated 24-hour butler ascends the suspension bridge to serve the canopy treehouse.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
The accommodations are an impossible mix of rustic luxe and tent-camp minimalism, the thirty-five cabañas exceedingly comfortable but never too soft.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Trails lead directly into the primary rainforest, and wooden boats head downriver to the wildlife of Lake Sandoval.
The rooms
Screened timber cabañas sit beneath thatched palm roofs, and Tambopata Suites add private plunge pools on open terraces.
The plunge pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A sunken stone plunge pool sits within a screened bamboo pavilion, illuminated by candles in the evening.
The spa
Screened treatment rooms face the Madre de Dios River, where therapists use cold river stones and local botanicals.
At the table
The thatched pavilion serves Peruvian dishes made with Amazonian fruits, and bartenders shake pisco sours at the timber bar.
How it began
Founder José Koechlin established the reserve in 1975 after co-producing Werner Herzog's jungle epic Aguirre, the Wrath of God.
Puerto Maldonado
More like this
Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion
“Thatched rainforest lodge”
Amazon Field Station byInkaterra
“Amazonian research outpost”
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.