From the minute you get off the boat and begin your walk along the grand serpentine entrance, you will sense the uniqueness of this jungle lodge experience. Depending on the water levels, the entrance will carry you over a lagoon or the jungle floor to the heart of Treehouse Lodge’s 345 acre pristine jungle preserve.
The main lodge is an impressive and beautiful structure that sits in the middle of the vast jungle. It connects to all the treehouses by raised wooden pathways and steel cable bridges. Built with 36 huge beams made from iron wood, the lodge is so strong and dense that it sinks slightly into the water. Each beam required 14 people to haul from the river and winch it into place. From the bottom floor, you can look up to the top of the roof towering over 40 ft high. On the bottom floor, you will enjoy every meal (prepared in our state-of-the-art kitchen), be able to lounge around the bar. The second floor will beckon you to sit or lay under ceiling fans. Not to worry, the entire structure is enclosed by mosquito mesh, so you can appreciate your eating and relaxing time in peace.
As part of your trip, you’ll enjoy regular excursions away from the lodge to see the Amazon animals and rainforest. However, should you choose to stay close to home, you can still appreciate the wildlife that inhabit the jungle. At the lodge, you may be fortunate enough to see 5 different species of monkeys, pink and gray dolphins, sloths, macaws, parrots, and parakeets. They’re rare, but the lodge has even been visited by small tigres and jaguars! Seeing monkeys from the ground is wonderful, but watching 50 monkeys migrate through the lodge from the view of your treehouse or connecting bridges is unforgettable and thrilling.
Treehouse Lodge was designed to give it’s guests the best views of the rainforest and its native animal life. Every treehouse has a lower public platform and an upper private platform where you will stay. All guests are welcome to explore the lodge and rainforest canopy from all of the lower platforms connected by bridges.
Treehouses
Treehouse One – Dos Ramas
- One king bed or two twins
- 36 feet off the ground
- Diameter of 17 feet
- Sleeps up to 3 people
- Closest to the main lodge
Treehouse Two – Laguna Vista
- One king bed or two twins
- 38 feet off the ground
- Diameter of 16 feet
- Sleeps up to 3 people
Treehouse Three – Rio Vista
- One king bed or two twins
- 39 feet off the ground
- Diameter of 19 feet
- Sleeps up to 3 people
- Closest to the Yarapa River
Treehouse Four – Casa Grande
- One king bed and one twin or three twins
- 34 feet off the ground
- Diameter of 22 feet
- Sleeps up to 5 people
- Largest Treehouse at the lodge
Treehouse Five – Bamboo House
- One king bed or two twins
- 39 feet off the ground
- Diameter of 17 feet
- Sleeps up to 3 people
- Private balcony
Treehouse Six – Casa Alta
- Two twin beds
- 67 feet off the ground
- Diameter of 15 feet
- Sleeps up to 2 people
- Tallest Treehouse at the lodge
Treehouse Seven – Solitude
- One king bed or two twins
- 65 feet off the ground
- Diameter of 18 feet
- Sleeps up to 3 people
- Requires crossing 2 bridges
Treehouse Eight – The Cradle
- One king bed or two twins
- 60 feet off the ground
- Diameter of 18 feet
- Sleeps up to 3 people
- Most secluded
Treehouse Nine – Serena
- One king bed two twins
- 40 feet off the ground
- Diameter of 20 feet
- Sleeps up to 3 people
- New, large, and comfortable
Treehouse Ten – Costa Bella
- One king bed or two twins
- 53 feet off the ground
- Diameter of 18 feet
- Sleeps up to 3 people
- Right on the river bank with balcony
Treehouse Eleven – Swiss Family Robinson
- Three queen beds
- 40 feet off the ground
- Diameter of 18 feet
- Sleeps up to 6 people
- Features 3 separate rooms and 2.5 bathrooms
Eco Friendly Treehouses
Treehouse Lodge has recently added a solar power system that will operate all of the electrical needs of the amazon lodge including lights, fans, kitchen, refrigeration and freezing, and communication. We collect sun all day and store electricity in batteries and consume it in the evenings and nights. Only on very overcast days do we have to rely on a generator. We even have a special solar freezer which is designed to use low power continually instead of heavy power in bursts.
The advantages of a self-sustainable amazon treehouse lodge are immense. Just to name a few:
- Experience: Even being in the middle of the amazon jungle we can provide a beautiful experience for our guests without negatively impacting the environment we’re trying to share.
- Water: We have all the water we need by pulling directly from the river and purifying in a multiple tank process.
- Electricity: All electricity used at the jungle lodge comes from the sun.
- Waste: Disposal of waste is done in eco-friendly sceptic systems.
- Cost savings: Gasoline and diesel fuel are expensive in this area. The up front costs of solar power are large, but the long term savings are even larger.
- Sound: The sound of the jungle is one of its most mesmerizing features. At Treehouse you are absorbed in jungle sounds instead of the constant rumbling of a generator.
Our goal was to build a treehouse lodge which allowed our guests to live among the animals and view the forest up close. Our hope is that every guest will return home with an increased appreciation for and commitment to the preservation of the Amazon rainforest. Treehouse Lodge was built by hand, with no heavy equipment, careful to leave the most minimal footprint possible. Every effort was made to preserve every tree and plant on the property.
Treehouse Lodge is powered with sustainable principles. Solar panels collect energy throughout the day that is stored in batteries and then used in the evening to light the ecolodge and power the fans and electrical outlets. Minimal amounts of power are required during the day to power the freezer, refrigerator, and kitchen. We have a generator for backup purposes, but our ideal is to leave it unused. You’ll appreciate the silence of solar power when you immerse in the sounds of the jungle.
At Treehouse Lodge, we bring in fresh, purified water for drinking and cooking to ensure the health of our guests. Most of the water used at Treehouse comes from the river. We have a 4-tank water purification system that provides water for showers, toilets, sinks, and cleaning. The first tank allows the sediment to settle. The second two tanks are for purification. The final tank sits atop a high tower for pressure. Additionally, every treehouse has its own purified water tank for showers, toilets, and sinks.
What You’ll See
When you join the Treehouse Lodge, you will literally be coming to the beginning of the mighty Amazon River. This area is abundant with some of the most biodiversity in the world. Over time, many animals that normally lived in the ocean like dolphins, manatee, stingray, and crabs have adapted to the fresh waters of the Amazon. Pink and gray dolphins are frequently spotted at the confluence of rivers. We have two close by: the confluence of the Marañón and Ucayali; the confluence of the Yarapa and Cumaceba. The latter is exactly where Treehouse Lodge sits.
5 species of monkeys are often seen and heard right at the lodge. You’ll never forget the experience of 50 – 100 Squirrel Monkeys migrating across your treehouse or bridge. Many mornings you will be awakened by the eery sound of Howler Monkeys. Their sound is notorious for unnecessarily frightening visitors. Sloth, caiman, and many others are not too hard to find. We’ve even seen a small cat called Tigre swimming in the river in front of the lodge.
Most people are accustomed to seeing a lot of birds. But in the Amazon Rainforest, you might see a couple of colorful Macaws fly across the top of the canopy and then a flock of Parakeets or a couple of Parrots a minute later. It’s also possible to see the primitive-looking Hoatzin, Harpy Eagle, Horned Screamer, Toucan, and many more nearby. If fishing is your thing, try fishing for Piraña. They’re abundant in this area and are not too difficult to catch. We’ll remove the hook for you!
When you’re not looking for them, insects can be annoying, but our knowledgeable guides can fascinate the most skeptical. You’ll be amazed at their stories and how they’ve adapted to the rainforest for survival.
The trees and plants of the rainforest are constantly in a fight for survival. Water is abundant so the primary battle is over sunlight. Some trees grow rapidly up to the light above the canopy by climbing up large established trees. They get larger and larger until they eventually strangle the original tree, but now they’re strong enough to stand on their own. Others live in the branches of tall trees and send down roots to the ground. Many of our modern medicines originated in the rainforest. Chew up the leaf of one plant and your lip will go numb. Smell another and it will smell just like lemon or garlic. Insects, plants, and animals often work together for survival.
Don’t go home without spending a little time at one of the local villages. You’ll be touched by the way they live their lives on the banks and rivers in the rainforest. When waters rise, they live in their homes on stilts and their only form of transportation is by canoe. Their homes are very humble, but the kids run around and play with smiles on their faces. They’ve learned a few things about living happy lives. They miss some of the conveniences of other places in the world but lack many of the problems.
Excursions
Note: All the excursions last from 2 to 3 hours depending to the water level and the weather conditions.
Sunrise and Breakfast with the Dolphins
This is the perfect way to start your day in the Peruvian Amazon. About an hour before sunset you will boat along the Yarapa and Ucayali rivers until you reach The Amazon River. Here you will enjoy “breakfast in boat” while observing the world famous Pink and Gray River Dolphins of the Amazon during their morning feeding. Enjoy sunrise over the skyline of the Amazon rain forest. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous you can jump in and swim with the dolphins. As with all excursions, there is always a chance that you catch a glimpse of other types of wildlife such as sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and birds along the edges of the river.
Sunset on the Amazon with the Dolphins
This excursion is a guest favorite. We will often recommend that you enjoy this excursions on the day of your arrival at Treehouse Lodge. It’s the perfect kick-off to an incredible time in the Peruvian Amazon. Just before dusk you will boat along the Yarapa and Ucayali rivers until you reach the Amazon proper. The world famous Pink and Gray river dolphins will start to appear near your boat while the sunset gives the perfect backdrop. Take a moment to breath the freshest air on the planet. Listen to the sounds of the Amazon as you start to welcome nightfall. Just after sunset you will head back to the Lodge and prepare for an evening and night of Amazonian adventures.
Swim In The Amazon River
You’ve traveled across the planet to see the world’s greatest river: the mighty Amazon. This is your opportunity to knock out a bucket list item by going for a swim. You will travel down the tributaries to the main Amazon river with your private guide and navigator. Take as little or as long as you want to enjoy a refreshing dip. If you’re lucky a dolphin or two might appear. When you’re done enjoying a swim you will travel back towards Treehouse Lodge while observing any interesting flora and fauna along the way.
Dugout Canoe Trip
For centuries, River people have moved along the Amazonian rivers on dugout canoes. Even today, this mode of transportation is the best way to explore the creeks: navigating slow, listening to the sounds of the jungle, and observing nature, attempting to imitate the exact way ribereño people see the forest. If you are a bird watcher from the canoes, you can observe and take pictures of many species of birds that feed and make nests close to the river shores. Many species of primates such as brown capuchins, squirrel monkeys, and saddle backed tamarins are easy to spot. You may even be able to observe rare and elusive creatures such as the river otters from the dugout canoes. At some point we will stop and fish for piranha! We will carry aboard wooden poles, with string and meat. When the piranha bites, you lift up the pole and voila. Not to worry, we will retrieve the fish for you.
Fish for Piranhas
One of our most popular excursions, this will be one of the great adventures you have while visiting Treehouse Lodge. Travel by boat to one of the many great piranha fishing spots in the area. Armed with a wooden pole, string, hook, and meat, you will lower the bait into the water. When the piranhas strike (and they will!), simply life up the pole. Don’t worry, we will retrieve the fish for you. We have yet to have a guest that hasn’t succeeded. Once you’re done you can choose to catch-and-release, or, if you prefer, the chefs at Treehouse Lodge will prepare the piranha as a side dish to your nightly meal.
Blowdart Gun Workshop
The natives of the Amazon rain forest have relied on blowgun hunting for hundreds of years. Known in Peru as pucuna, blowguns can be used by skilled hunters to hit animals from a distance of 60-90 feet. During this excursion, you will be mentored by a local villager on how to make your own blowgun. Take your time to craft your perfect blowgun and then feel free to practice throughout your stay and on your excursions.
Jungle Walk: Medicinal Plants of the Amazon
The rainforest is like a green pharmacy where you can find many plants used to treat different diseases. You can find forest medicines for headaches, stomachaches, broken bones, hernias, and rheumatism – even for diabetes. On this Amazon Jungle excursion, you will explore through this greenery in search for some medicines found in each plant or tree, learning the secrets of the jungle and the relationship between plant and man; all the while bringing you closer to Mother Nature, protector of all the living organisms on our planet earth. The Amazonian people are the preservers of knowledge passed from one generation to another. Before cutting a plant in preparation for extracting medicine, many medicine men ask permission of the protector of the forest; if they don´t ask permission the medicine doesn’t work. This ancient belief is responsible for keeping the superpower natural forces in harmony.
Jungle Walk: The Giant Water Lilies of Oxbow Lagoon
Participate on a fascinating jungle walk to this isolated lagoon that was once part of the river many years ago. The Oxbow Lagoon hosts many species of aquatic plants such as the giant water lilies that can grow to 6 ft. in diameter with flowers the size of cabbage. You will also observe the strangely interesting hoatzin, a bird feeds exclusively on poisonous plants that it can keep in its crop for several hours. Another species of bird you will find on this amazon jungle walk is the horned screamer that is related to the geese family and feeds on water lettuce and water hyacinth. Lastly, though perhaps most fascinating, you will be able to spot the wattled jacana, nick-named Jesus Christ because it can walk on water. These are just a few of the many animals that live into this varzea forest.
Jungle Walk: Night Monkeys, Sloths, Hoatzins, and More
Join this jungle walk to witness the only nocturnal monkey that can be spotted during the daytime. These primates make their homes in tree holes and, once located, can be seen sticking their heads out to take a peek. You will walk along a trail that runs close to an old tree where these night monkeys can be seen. They have a good sense of hearing, are very curious, and apparently evolved into nocturnal animals in order to avoid competition over food. On this walk there is also a chance that you can spot any of the following species of monkeys: owl monkey, pigmy marmoset, monk saki, squirrel, red howler, duski titi, wooly monkey, and tamarins.
Daytime Jungle Cruise
Embark on an adventurous boat ride through the tributaries of the Amazon. You will see abundant wildlife and nature in all of its glory while we search for the Amazon River’s specialties such as Blue and Yellow Macaws, Wattled Jacanas, Trogons, Black Collared Hawk, Oropendolas, Yellow-Headed Cara Cara, and Tanagers, among others. Your guide will also help you spot sloths and monkeys in the trees above you as you cruise around the Yarapa and Cumaceba rivers.
Nighttime Jungle Cruise
If you enjoy the river by day, just imagine the life that awakens at night. On our night excursion, you will travel along the river, looking for wildlife with flashlights. The chances of spotting wildlife are good. You will see creatures like beautifully colored frogs resting on the floating plants on the edges of the creeks. You will see fishing bats that catch their prey using their talons like hawks, detected by sophisticated sonar. By the light of your flashlight, you will see potoos, owls, and caimans (located through their red eyes) that venture through the dark to catch their prey. At night you will also find creatures such as kinkajoos that feed on fruits and berries. They are easy to see while jumping from branch to branch on trees along the river. Even the opossum that feeds on birds can be spotted primarily at night. These are just a few of the many creatures that love to come out at night.
Nighttime Caiman Spotting
Depart Treehouse on a motorized canoe along the Yarapa and Cumaceba rivers. The mysterious sounds of the jungle will be a highlight throughout the excursion. Caimans are close relatives of the alligator that can be found throughout the Amazon rain forest. Like their crocodilian cousins, Caimans live near rivers and other bodies of water. Most caimans are around six or seven feet long, but the largest species, the black Caiman, can grow to a length of 15 feet. The young caiman are much smaller and easier to find. While the Caiman is hypnotized by the bright light, your canoe will slowly approach it until your guide is close enough to attempt to catch it with his bare hands and actually lift it out of the water for all to see. After closer viewing, the young Caiman will be returned, unharmed, to the water. After the thrill of this incredible hunt in the dark you will transfer back to Treehouse Lodge.
Night Walk to See Insects
Night time is a prime time for feeding. Once the sun sets, many creatures come out, some are the predators and others the prey. On this night excursion, you will see exotic beetles (rhinoceros and elephant species) and moths (sphinx and roschildia species). You will also find some lizards sleeping on the leaves. On our walk, you can see diverse species of frogs like the famous owl frog that makes holes in the ground and weighs over ½ pound. Amazonian people use the skin of this interesting anuran to make drums, but the owl frog protects itself from its predator by releasing a milky liquid from its skin. There is also a frog called gladiator tree frog that makes its nest close to the water to keep it from potential rivals and attract females for mating. At some point on the walk we will ask you to turn off your flashlight and stay quiet to let your senses adapt to the darkness, listening to the sounds of the rainforest in order to identify what they are and where they come from. At this moment, you will truly be able to appreciate the vastness of the Amazon Jungle with all its countless secrets.
Treehouse Canopy Walk
Treehouse Lodge is one of the most unique hotels in the world. Featured by National Geographic as one of the Top 10 Most Unusual Hotels in the World, Treehouse offers the incomparable experience of observing the Amazon rain forest from the treetop canopies. On this excursion you will explore all of the canopy walkways and viewing platforms that dot the are of the Lodge. Learn about the history and architecture of the lodge while you observe wildlife from 30 – 70 feet above the jungle floor.
Early Morning Bird Watching
The best way to witness wildlife is by waking up early to the sound of hundreds of birds and monkeys. The suspension bridges are built to bring you closer to all the wildlife that exists around Treehouse Lodge. You will see many species of tanagers, toucans, parrots, parakeets, antbirds, antwrens, woodpeckers, and monkeys that come to feed on the fruit and insects found on the trees. There are species of birds that never venture closer to the ground because the fruit they eat is found on the tree tops. Being closer to the canopy, it’s easy to see the beauty of these species. In only one early morning, you will observe at least 50 species of birds, 20 of which are uncommon. The variety of wildlife in this type of igapo forest is outstanding. The more appreciation we can gain of these species and the more research we can perform to find new species, the more likely they are to be preserved for future generations.
Stargazing in the Amazon
The Amazon rain forest has no distracting city lights and the sky is wide open. A popular excursion for astronomy buffs, It is breathtaking to stare upwards at millions and millions of twinkling stars. Enjoy the serenity of cruising the tributaries of the Amazon as you try to find the Southern Cross. As you can imagine, this excursion is weather pending. Coordinate with your private guide for when a good night would be for this activity.
Visit an Amazon Community
If you’re looking for a way to truly experience the Peruvian natives, this is it. Visit an Amazon community and interact with the river people who still preserve their traditions, ancient knowledge, and even language. We will get to explore their homes made out of wood and palm trees to see how they live, what they cook, and the way they survive using the natural resources of the rainforest. You’ll find it fascinating to see how they have adapted to coexist with their environment, sharing their space with countless insects, dangerous animals and poisonous plants that can be used to kill or cure depending on preparation. The river people are skillful craft makers and have a communal house where you have the chance to purchase their beautifully hand-crafted items made using materials found in the Amazon jungle.
Kayak the Amazon
This is your chance to captain your own boat and see wildlife from a river perspective. Exploring the river by kayak you are able to explore the rivers and creeks without the noise of a boat engine. This creates a peaceful atmosphere and an ideal situation for capturing wildlife. You might see beautiful birds, monkeys and river otters.
Visit a Monkey Island
Visit an island near Treehouse Lodge that is home to multiple species of monkeys in the wild. On this excursion you could see a variety of animal species, such as Wooly Monkeys and also Coati. Bring your cameras for this excursion!
Inquire
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
