Review of Alta Sanctuary - Madre de Dios, Perú

Let the sacred spirit of Pachamama engulf your body and mind as you step into her mysterious garden. An immense cathedral of ancient trees acts as a fertile refuge for captivating insects, animals, and birds. Exotic creatures cry out day and night to stay in tune with her unwavering heartbeat. If you listen closely, you'll become entranced by the hypnotic symphony playing above and below the glistening emerald canopy.

Every breath of thick dewy air invigorates your soul while the smell of decaying brown leaves reminds you of your own inevitable mortality. The circle of life is visible in every direction. Tiny saplings reaching out of the rusty soil to feel the radiant sun, blankets of torrential rain converging into mighty rivers, and delicate spiderwebs echoing the constant dance between predator and prey. To witness even a fraction of this raw nature is a transformative sensory experience.

Alta Sanctuary is an authentic place to behold such a revelation. Not only will you enjoy a magnificent adventure with expert local guides, but also help fund the ongoing efforts to protect a vital corridor of land between the Tambopata and Madre de Dios Reserves. Below I review our four-night stay in a one-of-a-kind treehouse and luxury bungalow, plus activities, to help you decide if Alta Sanctuary is right for you!

Alta Sanctuary

A remarkable aspect of Alta Sanctuary is its mission to help conserve and defend the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest via sustainable ecotourism. The small lodge partners with Tamandua Expeditions and Junglekeepers to form a trinity of low-impact outdoor excursions, meaningful volunteer work, and frontline patrols to combat illegal deforestation due to gold mining, logging, and poaching.

Paul Rosolie, one of the co-founders of Junglekeepers, inspired us to book a stay at Alta Sanctuary. Brad and I were hooked after listening to him explain his passionate work to safeguard the rainforest on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast. Knowing a portion of the money would contribute to the steadfast operation of these courageous organizations made us feel like we were also making a difference in the fight to save Mother Earth. So far, approximately 43,301 hectares (107,000 acres) surrounding the Las Piedras River have been secured!

Booking Process

Reservations are easy to make online with straightforward pricing information and available dates. Submit an inquiry form if you want to create a combination stay. The total cost for a private bungalow (starting at $790 USD per night) or dorm-style cabin (starting at $475 USD per night) depends on the number of guests. Both accommodations have a three-night minimum stay. The treehouse has a fixed rate of $1,450 USD per night and two-night minimum stay.

This bucket list trip was definitely a splurge! Brad and I booked a four-night combination stay between the treehouse and a bungalow for $4,780 USD. We were sent a custom email link to secure our reservation along with plenty of information regarding activities such as birdwatching, night walks, and morning river boat rides. Keep in mind all meals, beverages, ground transportation, and tips are included.

Location & Arrival

Alta Sanctuary is located deep in the southeastern Peruvian Amazon Rainforest. The easiest way to begin your journey is to take a flight to Padre Aldamiz International Airport (PEM) in Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to most jungle adventures in the Madre de Dios region. Brad and I flew in from Lima via LATAM Airlines. All of our flights with LATAM during our travels in South America were reliable and comfortable.

Hop into an affordable tuk tuk at the airport to reach your final destination in Puerto Maldonado. Always confirm the final price beforehand and expect to pay in local currency. We spent a night at the Copasu Hotel prior to our scheduled pick-up time at 9:00 AM the following morning with Alta Sanctuary. I highly recommend the hotel for its comfortable beds, delicious buffet breakfast, central location, and cleanliness. You'll need a restful sleep for the bumpy four-hour shuttle/river boat ride to reach Alta Sanctuary!

Treehouse

After a brief tour of the Las Piedras Biodiversity Station (common area), fruity welcome drink, and friendly staff introductions, we headed to the treehouse with our backpacks and walkie talkies (provided for communication/emergencies). Brad and I were eager with anticipation as we trekked along the short trail buzzing with unfamiliar sounds. Reaching the bottom of the 34 m (110 ft) high treehouse was a jaw-dropping moment. My wide eyes followed the staircase up to the expansive canopy where we were about to have two of the most unique nights of our lives!

A sprawling white quinella tree overwhelmed by a strangler fig supported our steady and winding ascent to the top. My fear of heights began to kick in as I meticulously placed my feet on each step. Soon the shaded forest faded below and morphed into a glowing canopy. Our first glimpse of the horizon was a sea of rolling green treetops, gnarled branches, and blossoms. The panoramic views from the balcony took our breath away!

Once we settled in, Brad and I noticed a few minor differences compared to the photos on the Alta Sanctuary website and Instagram page. The bedroom layout was a bit cramped for two people and we had to use our headlamp to illuminate the room at night. Additionally, the lantern lamp, wide table, flower arrangement, and South America map shown online were missing. The comfortable bed, strong air conditioning, and effective mosquito net made up for the marketing inconsistencies.

The bathroom was a bit perplexing. The empty refrigerator seemed unnecessary along with the half-filled jars of unlabeled body products. There weren't any decorative touches or useful hooks to hang towels/clothes. We noticed several dead bugs including a tarantula next to the electric water heater above the toilet. The shower pressure was almost nonexistent and only the sink had working hot water. Brad and I took cold showers, which really wasn't a problem due to the sweaty temperatures and humidity.

While these critiques aren't crucial to a pleasant stay, especially in the middle of the remote Peruvian Amazon Rainforest, it's important to know the reality. A stay in the treehouse isn't cheap and expectations should be throttled. Brad thought it was a tad overrated. Articles published by TIME and The New Yorker magazines paint a rosy picture of luxury, which didn't quite match our experience. I must admit having a flushable toilet in the middle of the night was a nice amenity!

Overall, we didn't have much time to relax in the treehouse since we were eager to fill each day with busy adventures. Waking up in the misty canopy to the eerie roars of howler monkeys was otherworldly. Evenings were just as magical with the kaleidoscope of twinkling stars. One night, we were entertained by a rather large gecko scurrying around on the bedroom ceiling. Always be prepared for a surprise visitor at Alta Sanctuary!

Bungalow

Halfway through our stay we moved into one of the A-frame bungalows. Brad and I were blown away by the beautiful construction, spacious design, and open-air views of the rainforest. There were plenty of spots to lay out our gear and the shower had ample hot water/pressure. The photos on the Alta Sanctuary website and Instagram page were accurate. I could tell Brad was relieved by the twinkle in his eye!

The bungalow felt like a mini oasis and the outside world seemed to melt away. One tranquil afternoon, we sat silently in the reclining wooden chairs to watch the rain. The golden hue of the lantern lamps created a romantic ambience at night. Even though the bungalow didn't have air conditioning, we slept comfortably. Ultimately, the bungalow was our favorite and felt more luxurious than the treehouse.

Food & Beverages

The on-site chef at Alta Sanctuary whips up a variety of flavorful, nutritious, and filling meals with local ingredients. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are typically served in the common area depending on your schedule for the day. You'll sit alongside fellow guests/guides, share wildlife sightings, and learn about the history of Alta Sanctuary. Be sure to inform the staff if you have any dietary restrictions, allergies, or preferences. Drinking water is always available.

Breakfast was often a combination of scrambled/hard-boiled eggs, sliced white bread, tropical fruit, pork, cheese, yogurt, pancakes, jam, coffee, tea, and juice. We looked forward to the generous portions at lunch and dinner. Vegetable soups, creamy sauces, hearty fish, yuca, white rice, cold salads, spicy salsas, and tender chicken dazzled our taste buds. Our plates were practically licked clean!

Dessert wasn't served during our stay. Immediately after we returned to Puerto Maldonado, Brad and I went to a bakery and devoured a piece of chocolate cake! I highly recommend bringing your own snacks, such as potato chips, cookies, or trail mix, if you need to satisfy a sweet/salty craving between meals. Please take out what you take in and leave no trace, including biodegradable food which can harm the ecosystem.

Nature Experiences

Alta Sanctuary has a prime location nearby the Las Piedras River, which is accessible via motorized boat to see caimans, deer, capybaras, and birds. If you're lucky, you may even spot a jaguar or giant otter. Every stay is customized to suit your preferences. Popular activities include night walks, birdwatching, stream exploration, packrafting, waterfall hikes, tree climbing, and a visit to the Macaw Clay Lick. Never before have I witnessed a treasure trove of biodiversity on this scale!

A crucial part of any Amazon adventure is a knowledgeable guide who is familiar with the flora and fauna of the region. Based on our interest in birdwatching and photography, Alta Sanctuary picked Alex Durand to accompany us during our stay. Brad and I were extremely grateful that one of the top birdwatching professionals in Perú was brought in just for us.

Birdwatching

Alex truly made our stay one for the record books. Together we spotted approximately 80 bird species and had a blast capturing shots from different perspectives. The treehouse was a spectacular vantage point to see colorful birds of all sizes including trogons, woodpeckers, acaracis, tanagers, barbets, cotingas, and toucans. Our collective excitement was palpable as we weaved over and under the massive branches and descended the spiral staircase to get the best shots. A troop of agile Peruvian Spider Monkeys and two Black-capped Capuchin Monkeys even made an appearance!

Early morning river boat rides and afternoon trail walks also proved to be rewarding. Kingfishers, nightjars, herons, swallows, and macaws swooped in along the banks while puffbirds, jacamars, nunbirds, and wrens kept us on our toes in the jungle. Despite being masters of hide-and-seek, Alex was always able to pinpoint camouflage birds with ease and helped us add numerous lifers to our list.

Over 600 bird species have been recorded around Alta Sanctuary! Alex and I both used the Merlin Bird ID app by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to identify, log, and call in birds. Download the Perú bird pack to keep track of your encounters. The app is easy to use and takes birdwatching to another level. Alex also set up a spotting scope on the treehouse balcony and lent us a pair of binoculars, which were useful tools to see faraway birds. I highly recommend Alex for his enthusiasm, patience, approachability, professionalism, and impressive expertise!

River Boat Rides

Getting ready in the pitch-black darkness to board the boat at dawn wasn't always easy, but the payoff was worth the early alarms and sleepy yawns! Gliding along the swirling mocha river obscured by dense fog was indescribable. The flanking rainforest awoke before our eyes with pockets of purple flowers, resting birds, and floating butterflies.

Magic was all around us, from the muddy river banks to the soaring treetops. One by one new critters came into view. Alex found a capybara hiding in the grass, Colombian Red Howler Monkey, several caimans guarding the shoreline, foraging Red Brocket Deer, and turtles sunbathing on steady logs. We also caught a peek of a tayra! Toward the end of each ride, we headed to the Macaw Clay Lick to watch a rainbow of squawking macaws feed on the clay wall to neutralize plant toxins and obtain vital minerals.

Trail Walks

Perhaps the best way to connect with the rainforest is to appreciate it with boots on the ground. Alex took us on a few leisurely walks during the afternoon to find birds, Weddell's Saddleback Tamarins, and lizards. The picturesque trails were full of fungi, overripe fruit from the canopy, dangling vines, and leaves in countless different shapes. Every passage within revealed wonderful discoveries our eyes had never beheld.

One night after dinner, we ventured into the black abyss to find hidden creepy crawlies. Alex used his black light to search every nook and cranny for scorpions. We also saw tiny frogs, bizarre insects, and a caiman cooling off in a swamp. My senses were definitely heightened after a close call with a spider that was using its dragline right above my head! Even though we didn't see any snakes on the trails, I was thrilled to hold two species back at the common area before both were released back into the wild.

Photography

Brad and I put our new Canon 100-500 mm telephoto lens to the test at Alta Sanctuary. The built-in autofocus and animal tracking systems in our Canon EOS R5 camera helped capture some amazing action shots. A high shutter speed with burst mode came in handy for the monkeys and birds. Consider bringing a tripod, especially if you want to record videos or stabilize your camera. A telephoto lens is a must-have if you want to score satisfying results.

Wildlife is unpredictable, which makes birdwatching such a rewarding challenge. Try to stay positive if the tropical weather conditions turn sour. Bouts of rain and fog come with the territory, but often don't last long. A successful day in the rainforest takes a bit of patience and luck. Keep your eyes peeled and your head on a swivel!

Helpful Tips

The best time to stay at Alta Sanctuary is during the dry season (May-October) for a better chance of clear skies, sunny days, and optimal photography conditions. Expect frequent rain, inactive birds, and muddy trails during the wet season (November-April). Brad and I had decent weather and temperatures during our visit in late May 2025.

Backpacks with waterproof covers are the most practical type of luggage. Avoid cumbersome suitcases with wheels, which wouldn't be fun to haul back and forth between the river and your accommodations. Protect your skin against pesky bug bites and sunburn by using a strong repellent and sunscreen. A hat and pair of sunglasses are great accessories to have on the boat.

Bring plenty of reliable gear including moisture-wicking athletic clothes, waterproof hiking shoes, lightweight pants, socks, comfortable loungewear, active sandals, and a rain jacket. You're bound to get sweaty and smelly throughout the day, so take enough items to keep fresh. My attempt at washing a load of laundry in the sink was thwarted by the intense humidity. Nothing dried despite my best efforts!

I highly recommend packing electrolyte tablets, ear plugs, anti-itch cream, biodegradable hygiene products, adhesive bandages, and headlamps with extra batteries. Trusty medicines to combat food poisoning, infections, or headaches are useful in case of minor health troubles. Alta Sanctuary has a first-aid kit and satellite phone for emergencies. Check with your healthcare provider and travel insurance company to make sure you'll have adequate coverage in the remote jungle.

Final Thoughts

The Giving Tree, written by Shel Silverstein, is a poignant book with an important lesson. As an innocent boy grows up and becomes a weak old man, his lifelong relationship with a selfless tree unfolds. At first, the boy lives in harmony with the tree and simply enjoys her company, shade, and apples. During adulthood, he desires to build material possessions and she willingly gives all of her branches and trunk to make him happy. Even though she has been stripped down to her bare stump, the tree invites the tired old man to sit without any resentment during their final meeting.

This heartbreaking story is a stark mirror of the present dangers threatening Mother Earth. Selfish actions, especially greed, are often irreversible and have lasting effects for current and future generations. Over the centuries, most humans have forgotten how to live peacefully with the environment. We all share the responsibility to protect this incredible planet and must demand change before it is too late.

Fortunately, the dedicated men and women behind Junglekeepers are paving a revolutionary way to stop deforestation in Perú. Donations are helping to buy out land contracts, train local rangers, and supply patrols. Every visit to Alta Sanctuary directly supports the ultimate goal, which is to turn the Las Piedras corridor into a protected reserve. Perhaps this brilliant approach can be applied to save other endangered forests throughout the world.

Staying at Alta Sanctuary will not only fuel your passion for wildlife conservation, but open your eyes to the fragile state of all organisms, both big and small. The ancient trees within the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest don't deserve to be chopped down or stripped bare under any circumstances. These towering giants are home to countless species of animals, birds, plants, amphibians, and insects who have coexisted for millions of years. Let's find a way together to do the same.