passenger reviews of northern peru, Amazonia … & beyond
February 2024: “Muyuna and the waterways around it are absolutely wonderful.
The wildlife is amazing - birds, reptiles, amphibians, dolphins.
The accommodation is excellent, with screened-in rooms, surprisingly good hot water (given that it's all solar-heated), knowledgeable and friendly staff (our guide, Donaldo, was wonderful), the food was plentiful and far higher quality than you might expect (thanks Percy!).
If you can arrange it, and you're feeling adventurous, the 24-hr camping trip is great - truly in the Amazonian wilderness.
If you're inclined to take a break from Internet connectivity this is the best place I can think of to do so.
We'll be back!”
Stephen Collins & Tammy Alvarez
Mexico City, DF
NB. To read their full testimonial & see more photos, click here
January 2024: “What an amazing trip!
Thanks for your help getting the Amazon cruise [La Perla 4D] sorted for us. We loved the boat, staff, naturalists and fellow travelers.
Peru was just amazing!!”
The Meyer family
Canadians living in Houston, TX
December 2023: “The [Rio Amazonas Research] station was great, much better accommodation than is usual for a research camp.
I really enjoyed how geeky the researchers were about their field of study! When I asked questions they were answered well each time!
I really liked that you were seeing and getting to help with real research, I loved the links they have with the local communities.
Trips out on the smaller boats to do data collection meant you really felt immersed in the environment and the range activities meant you were really focused on different aspects of the ecosystem each time you went out.”
Cally Nixon
Head of Biology @ Markham College, Lima
December 2023: “Miles, thank you for arranging a wonderful trip!
First Cusco and the Sacred Valley. The arrangements; the transport, hotels, bus and train went off without a hitch …
… Then the Amazon [Rio Amazonas Research Station]! This was a special experience for me …
Thank you for everything!’
Steven Miller & Patricia Brewer
River Falls, WI
NB. To read their full testimonial & see more photos, click here
November 2023: “It [Laguna de los Condores 3-day trek] went very well. Hard. But very good. It is definitely not for everyone, it’s serious trekking.
Guide was amazing ... Hard-working, strong, Peruvian man.
The trek accommodation was very very basic. But real. Candle and fire light. Bunk beds. With 3 layers of cloths and sleeping bag, slept good.
Very good reset. Far away from civilization and computers ...
We [also] visited Kuelap. What a site!
Amazing experience. I loved all of it.”
Emmanuella Sainz,
French, living in USA
October 2023: “I would just like to thank you for a very well arranged and run tour to Peru [birding in Lima Province & Northern Peru].
Henry was the perfect guide, maybe the best I ever had. He was very knowledgeable and very eager to make it a good trip for us.
Our two drivers were very friendly and drove us safely round the countryside and up and down the mountain roads.
The lodges were nice, apart from the hotel/hostel the first night [Hostal Huachupampa] :-)
I will recommend your company to friends should the they consider a trip to Peru.”
Erik Groth-Andersen
Hillerød, Denmark
September 2023: “I just returned to the US from Peru and would like to let you know that the stay at Chaparri was the highpoint of my visit.
I saw lots of new birds plus fun animals, reptiles, butterflies and insects.
Ismael and Daniel Vallejos did a fantastic job of guiding me around the reserve and Elita prepared a series of excellent meals, each one better than the one before.
Fernando picked me up in Chiclayo right on time and dropped me back there at the end my visit.
Thank you for your help in organizing such a wonderful experience!”
Richard Armerding
Missoula, MT
September 2023: “[9-day Huayuash Trek was] All good, thanks! Ricardo [the guide] was great.
Weather was pretty good, rained most afternoons but sunny when walking. Freeeezing at night!
Walking was pretty hard but probably due to altitude.
The food was very good! Ricardo was a great cook.”
Matilda & Beatrice Salmon
Newmarket, Suffolk
August 2023: “In two words, ‘great vacation’ [to Trujillo, Chiclayo, Amazonas, Cajamarca & Iquitos Amazon] or ‘really satisfied’.”
Roberto & Paola
Turin, Italy
NB. To read their full testimonial & see more photos, click here
July 2023: “We have enjoyed our trips with PeruNorth [Arequipa & Colca; Trujillo, Chiclayo & Chaparri] and all the guides have been responsible, knowledgeable and very pleasant.”
Renée & Nabal Apolin de la Cruz
Rutherfordton, NC
July 2023: “Overall very pleased with the trip [6 days overland from Jaen to Chachapoyas to Cajamarca] and the service.”
Tony Christiansen
Great Barrier Island, NZ
NB. To read his full testimonial & see more photos, click here
May 2023: “Hi Miles,
Just a short feedback, everthing was well.
The lodge [Reserva Amazonica] was fantastic. We had a great expierence with thrilling expeditions, good food and a wonderful service.
Even when I had to go to a dentist, the staff organized everything and the problem was solved.
Thank‘s a lot for your support. All the best for you and your business in the future.”
Ingo Fuchs & Claudia Abeln
Cappeln, Germany
April 2023: “We really enjoyed our stay at Pumarinri, the tours were great from the guides to the translator as well as the variety of food.
The canopy rooms are really lovely and in a secluded location so it’s private enough. It’s spacious and has everything it needs!
We will definitely recommend!”
Delia Lopez & Charles Geater
UK
April 2023: “Yes, it [Chaparri Lodge] was quite an adventure! But we absolutely loved it. A very unique experience.
The wildlife was amazing - it was just teeming! Fantastic to see all the birds, especially the white-winged guan.
Ismael was so knowledgable.
The bears were enchanting. The tarantula we saw on the walk to see the bears, less so!
Ismael and his brother and their wives were fantastic hosts and we loved the food.
We have recommended it to all our friends and family!”
Jenny Brown & Joseph Morris
Norwich, UK
March 2023: “In reply to your email concerning our thoughts on our [Hidden Chachapoyas] tour, Yelsin was an excellent guide. We were very pleased with him.
Our driver was careful & considerate. The vehicle was good for the sometimes difficult road conditions.
The accommodations & meals were very satisfactory.
This was a mainly hiking tour which was sometimes challenging with the unfortunately wet weather for the first few days, but it could have been worse of course.
… Having said that, when we finally got sunshine on our hikes, it was glorious.
All in all, we had an enjoyable adventure with Yelsin.”
Steve & Carol Clancy-Peleshok
Calgary, AB
February 2023: “Thank you for the Amazon trip [Grand Amazon Lodge] support, it was great. Just lots of mosquitos!
[Guide] was good and attentive, put effort into showing us new things. Very happy.
Accommodation clean. No hot water but didn’t expect it. Daily room clean and [drinking] water which was nice.
Food was good. Fresh fruit veg and fish.”
Marius & Christine Vermaak
British living in Lima, Peru
February 2023: “I indeed had a very great time at Ceiba Lodge. Everything was great, my guide is a legend and everyone at the Lodge was amazing.
Thank you so much for recommending this lodge.”
Nic Berninger
German living in Abu Dhabi
January 2023: “Our stay at Heliconia lodge was one of our favourite parts of our trip to Peru! Not to mention some of the best food we’ve eaten in Peru too!
Our tour guide Alfredo was highly knowledgeable about wildlife and life in the Amazon, he also made us laugh and entertained us at meal times by playing the guitar and singing.
I honestly can’t thank all the staff at Heliconia lodge enough for such an amazing stay.
I hope these pictures will help other travellers see how much fun we had!
Many thanks again for all your help Miles.”
Lucy Powell & Pete Minaeian
Bristol, UK
December 2022: “The northern part of Peru has a lot to offer and is very rich culturally, historically and in terms of nature. There are many pre Inka remains that are well preserved and others still in excavation process.
The cities all have their distinct histories and cultural background.
We feel lucky to have been able to visit and explore this wonderful part of Peru.”
Marthese Grech & Gregory Ellul
Balzan, Malta
NB. To read their full testimonial & see photos, click here
November 2022: “Muyuna was great … the lodge, the food, the guide - everything was wonderful.
I felt really welcome, all the excursions were exciting … in between I spent hours in my hammock... adventurous and relaxing at the same time - it has been a great time!
Andrea Glorius
Bregenz, Austria
November 2022: “Hey Miles !
I had the absolute best time there [Chicama Boutique Hotel]. The surf was amazing and the hotel was also great ! Thanks for everything !”
Tessa van der Westhuyzen
Canada
November 2022: “Hi Miles,
I loved my stay at the Avatar Lodge. My room was basic but had everything I needed and I felt very safe (at night).
The food was incredible, even for a vegetarian like me. …
… I really loved the canopy and zip line adventure. That was something extra and so much fun!
The swimming pool was great, too!
I also loved the fact that we were given ‘rest’ between the activities so that I could freshen up or just relax.
I also really liked the fact that there were only 9 houses. I was the only one not speaking Spanish and the staff and guests didn’t speak English (apart from my guide). But the fact that everyone was so friendly and tried to communicate with me (and I tried in Spanish) was the best thing ever.
I really felt at home and that was something special. So thank you very much!”
Niki Townsend
Netherlands
November 2022: “The whole trip [overland from Chiclayo to Yurimaguas] was really great - I enjoyed it and it was a phantastic experience. The more as I had no problems with crime and brought all my costly equipment back home.”
Richard Kienberger
Germany
NB. To read an article Richard wrote about the experience, click here
October 2022: “Hi Miles,
Thank you for organising an amazing trip. The lodge [Muyuna] was great and we had a fun time with our guide George who was a wonderfully knowledgeable man.”
Dr. Oliver Chow
Putney, NSW
September 2022: “Hello Miles,
Best wishes and again – thanks a million for your support, selection and good advise.
The vacation [to Southern Peru & Iquitos Amazon] was really awesome, 😊”
L. Gilfert
North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
September 2022: “We had an amazing time in the Amazon with Muyuna.”
Patrick Duke & Austin Pugh
Calgary, AB
NB. To read their full testimonial, click here
September 2022: “I'd like to thank you for all the assistance and recommendations on a wonderful trip to the Treehouse and La Perla river cruise, everything was great and everyone really had a good time.”
Matt & Joe Barth and Virgil Burkhardt,
Dallas, TX
NB. To read their full testimonial, click here
August 2022: “The trip to El Brujo [was] very good!!! We like it!
A very good explanation!
The German guide was super!”
Debora Maehler & Family
Frankfurt, Germany
August 2022: “This [Delfin III Amazon River cruise] was an excellent trip. I really enjoyed all of it.
I loved visiting the village on the last day. I also loved the night boat ride (even though it rained!), and enjoyed the jungle walk …
We had a variety of guides, and they were all excellent.
[Our cabin] was great - pretty big, awesome windows, great bed.
Well done!”
Kylie & Daniel Orme
Chicago, IL
August 2022: “Hi Miles
Just thought I’d drop you a quick email now we’re back in Iquitos. Treehouse Lodge was awesome in all respects.
Thanks for all your patience and organisation. It’s been an awesome trip [to Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Lake Titicaca & Peruvian Amazon].
Treehouse was the icing on the cake!”
Sharon Wignall & Family
Bracknell, Berks.
July 2022: “Thanks for organising a cracking trip [to Cuispes & Chachapoyas] for me.”
Sam Watkins
Malaga, Spain
NB. To read his full testimonial, click here
June 2022: “We had an absolutely fantastic time.
We were in Peru for a full month saw Machu Picchu and a number of very memorable spots, but the La Perla cruise was a major highlight. I think one of the only regrets is that we didn't do the full week.
The entire crew was wonderful, absolutely loved the live music and our naturalists Juan and Roger were truly terrific.
We went on multiple wildlife spotting excursions, did a canopy trek, fished for piranha, met a local shaman, planted trees, went canoing and visited the manatee rescue centre on our way back to the airport.
Being an lover of conservation and wildlife I have to admit two of my best moment were seeing Roger catch an adolescent anaconda and having lunch amid a pod of fishing pink river dolphins where we returned later to swim ...
All in all the experience was 5 out of 5 and something we won't forget.
Thanks a ton Miles.”
Sean Dwyer & Adriana Williams
Toronto, ON
July 2022: “As doctoral researchers in biological sciences ourselves, we were drawn to the TRC for its history as a research center deep in the Amazon jungle ...
... The boat ride up the river really highlights the isolated and private location of the TRC, nestled inside the jungle ...
... The access to the jungle was amazing, stepping just feet from the lodge allowed us to be entirely enveloped in the flora and fauna and we saw many animals even from the porch of the TRC.
The food was tasty and included local foods for the most part allowing us to taste new cuisines.”
Brett Higgins & Ileena Mitra
Mountain View, CA
NB. To read their full testimonial, click here
The first Pisco sour of the holiday!
June 2022: “Our trip to Peru [Lima, Cusco, Short Inca Trail & Tambopata Research Center] was remarkable.
Beyond the spectacular landscape and topography, the people of Peru are warm, welcoming and had such a wonderful authentic vibe that made them easy to love and hard to forget …
… We felt safe the entire trip and were delighted with the locations we visited, people we met, memories we made.
I’ve been to 26 countries and Peru is in the top 5 I’d return to.
Thank you for helping to make our visit possible.”
Margaret Riley
Rochester, NY
NB. To read her full testimonial, click here
April 2022: “Hi Miles. We had an amazing stay [at Wasai Tambopata Lodge]. Everything was organised very well.
Our guide Carlos was wonderful and Nina made sure we were all comfortable. Food was delicious …
… Overall we had a wonderful stay. Thank you”
Harshini Srinivasan & Venugopal Shenoy
Bundoora, Australia
June 2022: “The part of our trip that Miles set up [3 days in Ayacucho & 3 days at Ceiba Tops Amazon Lodge] went very smoothly.
Rides showed up with guides that were informative and spoke perfect english. They worked long hours, the drivers drove carefully, and we were able to see as much as we wanted to see in our limited time there.
It was a fantastic one of a kind trip, and now there are even more things we'd like to see in Peru!
We had a very charmed trip. All our guides were very knowledgeable and friendly and really wanted to make our trip special for us, letting us customize most of our day.
Thank you Miles for giving us such a nice experience in Peru - and even before we left by answering all of our questions before we arrived …
We will highly recommend you to anyone we know traveling to Peru!”
Theresa Kwan & Family
Santa Rosa, CA
April 2022: “I/ we all had a great time with PeruNorth and visiting Gocta Lodge in April [2022].
Visiting Kuelap was the standout natural / cultural destination for our abbreviated, one-full-day trip. I am glad we got to see Kuelap versus taking the hike to Gocta Falls, although we would have loved to have done that if we had time. Just to see Gocta Falls from the lodge was spectacular in itself.
We were fortunate in our limited itinerary to spot a marvelous spatuletail (and other colorful hummingbirds) thanks to our guide Jhon.
The lodge was wonderful. The bar was a great place to relax. Very friendly bartender there. The little design with the spatuletail "drawn" into my pisco sour was a nice touch. The food in the restaurant was delicious.”
Ed Brackett & Family
Rutherford, NJ
March 2022: “My friend and I booked a trip on La Perla this March [2022] and had such a great time.
We really loved all of the Naturalists that gave tours during the cruise. They are so enthusiastic about the wildlife they watch and study. And they made sure we got the chance to see a variety of animals and plants.
I can't say enough good things about this trip, and would recommend it to anyone. And have already recommended it to a few people headed to Peru!
Thanks for everything.”
Shana McInnes & Jamie May
Austin, TX
July 2022: “Hello Miles,
We loved our travels to North Peru and are grateful for your incredible work putting together this trip [3 nights at Gocta Andes Lodge followed by La Petaca & Diablo Wasi Trek].
We will 100% be working with PeruNorth in the future for returns to Leymebamba and travels into the rainforests.
Be well. Thank you.”
Ashley Yezuita & Mark Breen-Klein
Philadelphia, PA
April 2022: “The lodge [Juma] was great thanks. Really enjoyed it. Great for the kids [aged 6 & 8].
Overall smashing - thanks.”
Craig Allison & Family
Faversham, Kent
To see more images from their visit, click here.
April 2022: “Hi Miles, it [Gocta Andes Lodge] was great.
That waterfall [Gocta] is amazing and I'm glad I got to see it.
Revash was quiet and there's a lot of history there. That stop tied in nicely with the museum at Leymebamba. I thought the town was nice and I had a great lunch there. The museum was exceptional. I enjoyed both places.”
Bruce Rineer
Dundalk, MD
April 2022: “We had a fab time. Went from São Paulo to Manaus to Juma Lodge. It was totally seamless. No waiting or errors or anything. Super impressed.
The staff at Juma were so helpful and friendly and kind. Amazing excursions and knowledge passed on and good environmental practices.
Bonito is nice but a totally different experience …. But we did nice excursions and the kids loved it.
It was a 5* holiday overall”
Katharina Wendelstadt & Family
London, UK
NB. To read her full testimonial, click here.
April 2022: “It [Tambopata Research Center] was really great. Wish we could have stayed longer!
A really beautiful and magical place.”
Devora Nickolovska & Family
London, UK
April 2022: “We had a great 4-day trip on La Perla. Really enjoyed all of the excursions from the boat -- especially on the water, but land excursions were good, too.
The variety of birds was the best part of seeing wildlife. River dolphins were pretty cool, too.
Time spent deep in the reserve in small boats on water was the highlight along with watching the sunset at the convergence of the two rivers that form the Amazon. The hikes were not very difficult and were worthwhile. Victor was our guide and he did a great job.
The crew was terrific and the quarters were comfortable. Time on the boat was enjoyable. Getting to know other passengers on the boat was fun.
The food was very good and far above my expectations …
Thanks for your help on a great trip!”
Craig & Brian Curless
Germantown, MD
April 2022: “THAT [Santa Cruz Trek]. WAS. AWESOME.
Everything was so fantastic and could not have asked for more. David was a fantastic guide and really helped us have the best time we could.
Overall, the highlights really were just being around the 20k ft mountains, you cannot replace that feeling of being truly small.
The food was great, we especially loved the trout on the first night.
I have to say, the 3 am wake-up call to miss the roadblocks was a bit of a surprise but totally worth it to make sure that everything went well. Those were definitely not things we were used to navigating coming from America and all the more reason to hire your services to help us with that local knowledge.
Again, David was awesome and I've been talking a bit with Romer about getting some maps of the local area and he has been extremely helpful as well.
All and all, you have a fantastic organization and I would highly recommend to anyone visiting to go through your services. Now knowing what we know, just the travel logistics alone of getting to and from trailheads and the beginning and end would have been nearly impossible without significant help.
Thanks again.... and we will definitely be talking (probably not till next year, unfortunately) about the Huayhuash trek soon. That has just jumped to the top of our adventure list.”
Eric Amerling & Taylor Elvin
Salt Lake City, UT
May 2022: “The guides in both places [Cusco & Hacienda Concepcion] were excellent and we felt we learned a lot more than if we just bumbled along ourselves.
Thanks for helping us have a trip of a lifetime.”
Mark & Shirley Fickie
Pocasset, MA
March 2022: “The Treehouse was amazing!
I am so thankful to have had your help along the way. Everything was handled with such care and perfection.
I will send others your way if they are planning a trip to Peru.”
Heather Mitchell
San Jose, CA
January 2022: “First off, thanks very much for your help in facilitating/providing such a wonderful tour.
The boat exceeded our expectations, the food was perfect, the beer was appreciated, and the crew was attentive and polite at all times.
We were saddened that we didn’t get more chance to hike, but we understood that the low waters made access to the research center impossible …
But again, overall, the trip was wonderful and we enjoyed ourselves tremendously, and we would have no problem recommending a trip on the Esperanza to others.
Thanks again.”
Alan La Rue & Family & Friends
Peru, Canada & USA
September 2021: “PeruNorth organized our honeymoon trip to the Amazon rainforest. We stayed at the Treehouse Lodge. It was such a unique and amazing experience! A great combination of relaxation and adventure.
Working with PeruNorth was wonderful - Miles was very informative and organized and helped answer my many questions ahead of our trip :)
PeruNorth took all the stress out of our trip to the Amazon so that we could truly just sit back and enjoy - Thank you!!”
Emily & Skyler Thomas
Wheat Ridge, CO
NB. To read their full testimonial, click here.
January 2022: “Hi Miles!
Thank you so much for all of your help, the time we spent the Amazon [Aqua Nera and Treehouse Lodge] was amazing.”
The Hoppmann Family
NYC, NY
Wolfgang, Jana & Vera
Germany
December 2021: “The tour [Zafiro 5D] was very enjoyable since opportunities to view wildlife were abundant. Specifically, the pink dolphins, the caimans, the snakes, frogs and many birds ... We also enjoyed the talk with the local shaman.
... The boat accommodations were luxurious with delicious meals.
We felt safe at all times and the boat operators were very professional.
Thanks for helping us arrange it all.”
Adeliza Flores & Joseph Ledbetter
Silver Springs, NV
January 2022: “Dear Miles,
Happy New Year to you.
We are now back in Switzerland after 3 wonderful weeks in Peru [which included Cusco & Machu Picchu and Chiclayo-Trujillo].
Everything went smoothly and we are grateful to have been able to get away and back again without any drama. Thanks for your assistance organising the trip.
… The vehicles were always clean and in good condition, drivers very friendly and careful and the guides were all excellent. Everyone showed up on time and always with a smile and ready to help with anything we needed.
The included hotels were very good and the 2 included lunches [in Lambayeque & Huanchaco] were very tasty!
Best wishes and again thank you for everything.”
Lisa Stango & Family
Zurich, Switzerland
August 2021: “This was a great trip, and we sincerely enjoyed our time at the Rainforest [Treehouse] Lodge.
Having a chance to wake up and sleep next to the birds and animals of the canopy was unforgettable.
There was an astonishing variety of flora and fauna to explore and learn about; and I would highly recommend this to anyone.
The food and level of comfort was impeccable, especially for a more remote area.
Thank you!”
Harper & Dakota Wallen
Moscow, ID
To read their full testimonial, click here.
August 2021: “We’ve just returned to Lima after a fabulous [Gran Vilaya] trek with Roger and Enoch.
We really enjoyed the sites and the adventure of the trek, and Roger was personable and informative throughout the trip.
... Thanks for your help in organizing the trek. We really had a wonderful adventure!
Sue & Jacob Overgaard & Friends
Lima, Peru
October 2021: “We had a great time in Chaparri. Everything went smoothly and Juan was a great host.
Unfortunately we didn't see any wild spectacle bears, but other than that everything was great.”
Sabrina Benzerfa & Sandra Haessig
Zurich, Swizerland
October 2021: “Overall, we had a marvellous and exciting trip [to Pumarinri Lodge and Gocta Andes Lodge] …
The excursions we chose were all fascinating …We especially enjoyed both waterfalls [Pucayaquillo & Gocta] and the visit to the Cacao farm.
… It was most memorable and it was fascinating to see a different part of Peru and learn about history.
Highly recommended. Thank you”
Helen & Chris Binge
Lima, Peru
NB. To read their full testimonial, click here.
July 2021: “We spent a lovely week traveling from Lima to visit Tarapoto and Cocachimba …
Overall we really enjoyed our trip and would recommend it as a great option for seeing more of the endless beauty of Peru.”
Stephen & Casey Crozier
Lima, Peru
NB. To read their full testimonial, click here.
July 2021: “Isabela (my sister) and I had an incredible three days at Avatar Lodge! It was the beginning of our two week trip in Peru, and the Amazon was the perfect way to start that trip.
Cesar Hidalgo was our guide for all three days, and we were amazed and delighted with his knowledge and love for the area.
Avatar Amazon Lodge was clean, welcoming, and comfortable. It is a beautiful gem just a short hike from the Amazon River, and we felt truly immersed in the Rainforest during our stay.
I would highly recommend Avatar Amazon Lodge to anyone seeking an authentic glimpse into life in the Amazon while enjoying a wide variety of outdoor activities each day.”
Olivia Brewster
Scottsburg, IN
NB. To read their full testimonial, click here.