Adventure into the heart of the Amazon

2nd - 11th May 2026

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 guides 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.
— Brene Brown


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 kitchen team, 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 adventure in the jungle are a moveable feast as weather and general conditions will dictate the day to day, but you can expect a combination of:

  • Dawn chorus with howler monkeys

  • 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

  • Stream walks

  • Checking camera traps for nocturnal animal sightings

  • Hiking to waterfall

  • Pack rafting

  • Forest bathing

  • Visiting the ranger station and learning about their work

  • Medicinal plants walk

  • Piranha fishing

  • Cayman spotting by boat at night

  • Stargazing

  • Reptile and amphibian identification

  • Sunset viewpoint

  • Guided night walks

  • Hammock time

  • Time for personal reflection

  • Being in the company of other wonderful women

This is a full immersion adventure, but please feel free to participate in as much or as little as you like.

Our exclusive 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.

*Please note that a good level of fitness and stamina is required for this adventure which takes place in a hot and humid environment. You will be required to sign an acceptance of risk form by our in-country partners on arrival.


*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

  • 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, water and fruit juice

  • 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.