Three friends from Texas - father and son Joe and Matt Barth along with Virgil Burkhardt - ‘did the double’ in the Peruvian Amazon near Iquitos in September 2022 ie a lodge stay followed by a river cruise.
Here are their thoughts on the experience:
Virgil Burkhardt: “Before going into some details just let me say that it was an excellent trip and totally fulfilled my expectations. I’m still telling all my friends about how great it was.
The people we met all over Peru were very friendly, extremely helpful to me as I was not familiar with the Spanish language. They all seemed to have no stress at all.
The other general comment was how delicious the food was everywhere. The presentation was always beautiful; the food was delicious and fresh and just the right-size proportions. It was that way in the hotels, at the Treehouse Jungle Lodge and aboard the La Perla.
Piranha in apple - a classic Amazonian dish!
My first location was at the Treehouse. I still am bragging about it and surprising my friends that I stayed in a tree-house.
I was amazed at the beautiful wood it is constructed from and how comfortable all the accommodations were.
At the Treehouse my guide was Armando and he was great. He spoke excellent English and was very knowledgeable on the jungle walks. I commend him highly.
He took me fishing for piranha and then took the one I caught and had the chef prepare it for my dinner that evening.
After 4D/3N at the Treehouse we boarded the La Perla at Nauta for seven days.
We were welcomed aboard by Cruise Director Patricia Palomino. She was always very pleasant and a lot of help throughout the cruise.
The accommodations aboard were very nice and the crew was wonderful to be around. They all were very helpful, pleasing us in any manner and extremely friendly.
Our jungle tour guide was Robinson and he was very good. He knew the items to point out to us and describe them.
One of the real interests was visiting the villages of the indigenous persons. Most notable was they appeared to all be very happy enjoying their life-styles and welcome to have us visit with them.
While aboard I had a small accident and the boat’s medical person, Marcos Rocano, was very helpful and took good care of me. I very much appreciate his help
Both of the times staying at the Treehouse Jungle Lodge and the week on the La Perla have left me with life-time memories. And I truly thank you for your assistance in making them possible.”
Joseph Barth: “OVERALL a very good trip! All aspects went well.
What was your favourite natural destination in the itinerary?
Amazon river boating
Who were your guides? How did they perform?
All very knowledgeable but Marden at Treehouse was special.
Which was your favourite restaurant?
Maido in Lima; all food everywhere good.
Did your itinerary involve any hiking? How would you rate it in terms of difficulty?
The walkabouts were not difficult.
What was the most pointless item in your luggage!?
Didn’t need slacks.
What was your favourite natural encounter?
Monkeys were best but other animals great too.
Did you suffer any insect bites?
Encountered none (dry season is good).
Did you have much interaction with locals?
Peruvians were all kind/friendly/helpful.
Did you feel your money was going to local businesses and people?
Didn’t talk about staff income but gratuity was appreciated.
Were you given any information regarding sustainability during the course of your trip (e.g. talks on environmental issues from guides)?
Very good awareness.
Thanks for your help in promoting the trip.”