News from Latin America - May 2026

Our friends at Rainforest Expeditions in Peru will be opening a new rainforest lodge next year, their first in over 20 years! They already have lodges Posada Amazonas, Refugio Amazonas and the Tambopata Research Center (TRC).

www.lastfrontiers.com/peru/regions/tambopata-manu

The new Kuaii Amazonas is nestled within thousands of hectares of protected rainforest managed alongside the Ese Eja native community of ‘Infierno’, in a privileged area connected to the Tambopata National Reserve, one of the most biodiverse and important conservation landscapes in Peru. From Puerto Maldonado it is approximately one hour by road followed by a 40 minute boat ride along the Tambopata River. Perfect for a 2 or 3 night stay.

We loved the rain forest and the lodge, but you have to know what you’re getting into. I think we were very lucky because it was dry and reasonably cool while we were there, very few insects and easy to get around – it is probably harder when the weather is hot and humid or rainy. We were also happy with the activities, especially the Oxbow lake hike and the macaw clay lick trip. - HD (2019)

At another one of our preferred Amazon lodges, this time in Brazil - Cristalino Lodge has a new wilderness camp experience launching in August this year. This luxury tented experience will comprise of two large safari-style tents with king-size beds and private outdoor bathtubs, indoor & outdoor showers and separate room for children. Traditional Amazon food will be prepared on an open fire and meals taken by candlelight. The camp is designed for those wishing to spend one night in the forest, away from the main lodge.

www.lastfrontiers.com/hotels/brazil/alta-floresta/cristalino

The small, beautiful lodge is the only one in the extensive Cristalino Reserve and our excursions were in very small groups, so we felt like we had the rainforest to ourselves! With our great guide we saw more wildlife than expected, including different monkeys, caiman and stunning birds. Cristalino is a hidden gem! - GL (2014)

In February, Caiman in Brazil’s southern Pantanal opened the Wild Animal Care Centre. This is the world’s first research centre dedicated to xenarthrans, conducting studies on health and reproduction to preserve these historic species. The facility also serves as a veterinary hospital to provide emergency care in situations such as fires and road accidents. To save you googling like I had to, xenarthrans include modern day sloths, anteaters and armadillos.

www.lastfrontiers.com/hotels/brazil/pantanal-lodges/caiman

We had a fantastic time in Caiman, saw their 'Big Five' and much more. Great guides, excursions and very comfortable. - MC (2025)