Adventure into the heart of the Amazon
9th - 18th May 2025 (sold out)
May 2026 (dates TBC)
Madre de Dios, Peru
The Backstory..
My roots are in the jungle. There is nothing like it in this world! The abundance of life that surrounds you, literally energizes you as you walk amongst it. Ancient trees with buttresses so huge that it takes more than 10 women to circle, ferns that quiver to their own dance, teased by the warm updrafts of breeze, and the curious gaze of monkeys who follow your passage through the undergrowth. My first jungle expedition, nearly 30 years ago, is an experience etched deeply on my soul. I’ve wanted to share this biome with you for a long time, and now here we are!
So why Peru? Well, the Amazon is heralded as the lungs of the earth and as we all know, these ‘lungs’ are in trouble. Our expedition supports Junglekeepers a local Peruvian NGO by providing much needed income for their conservation operations. Simultaneously our eyes are opened to the realities of ‘saving the rainforest’ by walking with rangers in the protected area, home to more than 480 bird species, 11 species of monkey, and at least 19+ IUCN Red List threatened and endangered species including the Giant Otter, the Jaguar and the Harpy Eagle.
So we are here on two levels - to experience and protect, to connect deeply with nature and our own place within it, to explore and to advocate, in solidarity and alone. As I move through my own life, I notice how circular things are, how I revisit places I have been before but with a new perspective, a deeper understanding and a more consolidated purpose. I’d be honoured if you’d join me on this expedition into the heart of the Amazon, for another turn in the circle of life.
“The wilderness is an untamed, unpredictable place of solitude and searching. It is a place as dangerous as it is breathtaking, a place as sought after as it is feared. But it turns out to be the place of true belonging, and it’s the bravest and most sacred place you will ever stand.”
Expedition itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in the town of Puerto Maldonado and settle into The Wasai Hotel located at the edge of the river and a natural refuge for wildlife. Many different species of birds, sloths, monkeys, and other mammals are often seen in and around the lodge. Meet for an evening meal, and start to get to know each other. Get a good nights sleep, ready for the adventure ahead!
Day 2
After breakfast, we will head off to our remote jungle base in the heart of the Amazon rainforest on the banks of the Las Piedras river. The journey will begin by road, and then continue by boat to our final destination. After unloading our kit, we will then walk up to our lodgings, the perfect position from which to explore the jungle yet have a comfortable retreat to come back to. After lunch, provided by our in-house chef, we will then go on an orientation walk and get to know more about the flora and fauna of this incredible ecosystem.
Settling into our new home with the cacophony of rainforest sounds and the exquisite sights of iridescent humming birds flitting around as the sun sets we begin to fully enjoy the natural rhythms of the forest.
After a candlelit dinner, head to bed and sleep soundly in mosquito-netted comfort listening to the sounds of the forest.
Days 3 - 8
Itineraries on any expedition in the jungle are a moveable feast as weather and general conditions will dictate the day to day, but you can expect:
Dawn chorus yoga/meditation
Early morning boat ride to observe wildlife
Over 18km of jungle trails to explore and monitor wildlife
Visits to local macaw clay-lick where hundreds of birds gather daily
Assisting rangers with patrols
Checking camera traps for nocturnal animal sightings
Tree climbing with harnesses to experience the canopy up close
Hiking to waterfall
Forest bathing
Medicine walk
Cayman spotting by boat at night
Reptile and amphibian identification in nearby streams
Guided night walks
Hammock time
Time for personal reflection
Circling
Writing prompts in nature
This is a full immersion expedition, but please feel free to participate in as much or as little as you like.
Our exclusive use accommodation is in an incredible location in the heart of the rainforest with simple, rustic, cabin-style rooms, showers, toilets and solar powered lighting, fully supported by a team of cooks, guides and experts who will help bring the jungle to life for us!
Day 9
After a final jungle breakfast we pack up and head back down to our boat and begin the journey down river to Puerto Maldonado and the comforts of the Wasai Hotel with its swimming pool and close proximity to markets and restaurants, gathering again in the evening for a final farewell meal.
Day 10
Breakfast at the Wasai, then onwards to our next destinations whether that be home or a continuation of your travels in Peru.
*deposits are non refundable
What’s included
All expedition costs including:
~ 7 nights shared cabin accommodation
~ Delicious meals cooked by in-house chef
~ All activities mentioned in the itinerary above
~ All boat and vehicle transport to and from Puerto Maldonado
~ Insight into conservation practice
~ Daily dawn yoga and mindfulness sessions
Airport transfers
2 nights’ shared hotel accommodation in Puerto Maldonado
2 evening meals and breakfasts in Puerto Maldonado
Not included
Flights
Personal travel insurance & visas
Beverages other than tea, coffee and water
Lunches whilst in Puerto Maldonado
Site fees for opportunistic cultural/historical visit
Tips for local staff
Booking platform service fees
Cathadventure is partnered with Inspired Ventures who specialise in adventure travel to support social and environmental projects around the world. Inspired Ventures is a UK travel company that ensures our trip has all the necessary insurance and complies with the necessary standards and laws in the UK. ‘Deepest Peru’ benefits from ABTOT bonding.
