Pick-up: One of our experienced English-speaking naturalist guides will pick you up on arrival at the airport or bus station in Puerto Maldonado then transfer you to the lodge office. Here you can leave any luggage not required for your trip in our safe deposit (a lighter boat means lower carbon emissions too!) You’ll have time to freshen up before the journey, which is comprised of 2 hours by road followed by 2 hours by boat.  

Road trip: We will drive from Puerto Maldonado to the Lucerna Port on the banks of Las Piedras River, firstly via the Interoceanic Highway through villages with names such as "Happiness" and "Beautiful Horizon" and then along a shady secondary road that winds (bumpily) through thick stands of giant Brazil-nut trees. We will stop off at a couple of places along the way to stretch our legs, admire the view, and gawp at an impressively large tree or two.  

River trip: Once on our boat, with lifejackets on, box lunch, binoculars and cameras at the ready, we will head upriver past waterfalls, logjams, sandy beaches, and red-clay cliffs, with good chances of spotting capybara, caiman (a crocodilian), turtles, and numerous species of bird. After roughly 2 hours we will reach the lodge at the heart of the 25,000 acre Las Piedras Wildlife Reserve.  

Box lunch on the boat  

Arrival at lodge: On arrival we will take the short path from the river to the lodge reception area where we'll be met by the manager, other staff members, and a refreshing tropical fruit drink (or two!) We'll receive a quick briefing to help orientate ourselves before being shown to your room, each of which has a suite bathroom with hot water, air conditioning and a view of the tropical garden, Soledad Lake and the jungle beyond.  

After we’ve settled in we will meet in the dining room and then go on a late afternoon walk along one of the forest trails that borders the Soledad Lake. Here we will take in the wildlife and the tropical scenery as flocks of birds ranging, from parrot to hoatzins return to their roosts. At this time the resident family of giant otters frequently ventures out into the center of the lake for a final meal of fish before heading into their den for the night.  

Dinner  

Evening: After dinner we will move to the bar and relaxation area and our guide will explain some of the important research and conservation activities going on in the reserve, as well as the lodge's work with the native and mestizo communities. After this, and before its time to turn in for the night, you will be advised to plug in and recharge your camera s batteries near the bar!  

Night at lodge  

Despite its remote location, free high-speed internet, air-conditioning and large fresh meals are all available at the lodge.  

Private, air-conditioned bungalows allow you to sleep well and relax in comfort during the hottest time of the day. For when air-conditioning is not appropriate, screened windows can be opened and fans are available. Ensuite bathrooms with a hot shower are standard.  

The main lodge itself has a large dining area and lounge with comfortable chairs, sofa and hammocks to relax in.