The very atmospheric Refugio Amazonas jungle lodge is often visited en route to the Tambopata Research Centre, but is well worth a stay in its own right. It is further from Puerto Maldonado than most other rainforest lodges so offers a more remote wilderness experience.

The lodge has been constructed in harmony with its isolated jungle setting, combining simplicity with relative comfort. The design takes advantage of modern eco-technology while using traditional materials such as cane, clay, palm fronds and bright polished mahogany.

The spacious rooms are open on one side, facing the forest so you feel you can almost reach out and touch the natural environment. The private bathrooms have hot and cold water, the latter is rather refreshing given the humidity.

There is also a dining room, kitchen, upstairs relaxation room, and 25m-high canopy observation tower. While there's electricity in the public bar and restaurant at lunch and dinner time, rooms and walkways are lit by candles and kerosene lamps, which lends a real atmosphere of romance.

The lodge offers programmes for young people, with special activities and adventures to inspire their imagination and teach them a bit about jungle life and conservation.