Monte Amazonico — Local services in Tambopata

The jungle was wild—but it wasn’t the animals that made it unsafe. It was the manager.

Monte Amazonica Lodge is surrounded by staggering natural beauty, and the potential for a transformative experience is undeniable. The rainforest is mesmerizing. The infrastructure is solid. And the supporting staff—especially Ronal, Rodrigo, and the bartender—are hardworking, grounded, and deeply committed to the guest experience. Ronal in particular made the trip worthwhile with his knowledge, kindness, and professionalism.

But none of that can outweigh the deeply disturbing presence of the lodge manager, Justin, whose behavior was not only inappropriate—it was predatory, manipulative, and psychologically unsettling.

Let me be absolutely clear: Justin is not simply “awkward” or “bad at hospitality.” He is a man who uses his position of power to insert himself into emotionally vulnerable guests’ personal dynamics, manipulate social environments, and perform dominance under the guise of charm.

Here’s what happened: • After I expressed clear discomfort with the dynamic forming between Justin and the guest I arrived with—one that I believe involved inappropriate physical intimacy and psychological grooming—I formally requested a new room. That request was ignored. • That same evening, Justin intentionally placed me and that guest alone at a dinner table, in the middle of the lodge, in full view of everyone. It was a power move—deliberate, uncomfortable, and humiliating. • He later spent over 30 minutes aggressively hacking bushes with a machete behind my cabin, in what felt like an intimidation ritual more than maintenance. Several other guests noticed and commented on how unnatural his energy was throughout the trip. • When I tried to speak to him about my concerns, he pretended not to speak English—despite having had fluent conversations with other guests earlier in the day. • I almost slept in the public lodge area that night because I no longer felt safe in my room and had no access to any staff but him.

This isn’t speculation. It’s a pattern. Multiple female guests told me they felt “off,” uncomfortable, or watched by him. I saw the signs myself: charm when it benefited him, passive-aggressive control when it didn’t. He wielded his machete like a stage prop and his authority like a weapon.

It was disturbing, disorienting, and entirely preventable.

Even worse? Lodge management said nothing for days—even after I submitted my concerns directly after leaving. Their first message came only hours before my deadline to post this review, and included no accountability, no apology, and no refund for the experiences and activities missed due to this situation.

They claim Justin resigned. Whether or not that’s true, it only happened after I pushed relentlessly and threatened exposure. No action was taken on its own merit.

So let me be the one to say it, since the lodge won’t:

Justin should never be in a position of power over guests again. Ever.

Until Monte Amazonica publicly acknowledges what happened and institutes actual safety protocols for guests—especially women or emotionally vulnerable travelers—I cannot recommend this lodge to anyone.

Come for the beauty. Stay for the rainforest. But beware the man who walks with a machete and smiles while isolating you.

Because the jungle should feel...

Overall represents great value for money, although a few things to mention, we did the 3D 2N Sandoval lake and macaw clay lick tour. We were a bit surprised by all the negative comments as feel these are quite unfair - if you are expecting luxury accommodation and an intimate private tour this is not for you - it is more of an experience which allows maximum tourists to get exposure to wildlife and the jungle, but you do get good exposure to the Amazonian flora and fauna for a very reasonable price.

Things we enjoyed: we got to see a variety of wildlife and lots of activities packed in, overall the guides were knowledgeable and friendly. The trip to lake Sandoval was great. we were always well fed and the portion sizes are large, despite being basic meals for the price the lodges are well equipped and the rooms are comfortable, they are not luxurious and the showers are cold but they have electricity and they provided us with blankets as it got cold. The pool is nice when it’s warm. the staff at the lodge including the waiters, chefs and the bartender were all super friendly, the rooms are made up daily and you are provided with towels and soap which is great!

Things that weren’t so great/ could be improved: -it is a big lodge, and it does feel like mass tourism at times- if you want a personally tailored and more intimate tour, this is not for you. The group size often felt too large , for example we visited the monkey island with about 20 other people and we couldn’t hear the tour guide being at the back of the group. On the caiman tour we were on the boat with the same number of people and the boat didn’t turn around so we could never get a good look. -the itineraries were quite chaotic and things often seemed quite disorganised- we moved groups several times and we all seemed to be doing different activities which felt odd, it all seemed quite cobbled together. Punctuality was also an issue- we were told to meet at 4am for a tour and the guide was 20 mins late, which was a bit frustrating we had to wait due to the early start. We were also collected 30 mins late on the first day and then had to wait in the office for an hour. Communication and organisation could be improved. -the English level of some of the guides could be improved, we were left quite confused at times. We were shouted at multiple times to be quiet at the clay lick whilst sitting silently whilst the boat driver and guide had a loud conversation - this was very odd! I also didnt like how the guides disturb the insects during the night tour and was teasing some people who were frightened with them- just leave them in their natural habitats (we also heard from some guests their tour guides were picking up small caimans which I don’t think is appropriate) -the food is basic and often cold by the time you eat it, and the breakfasts aren’t great

Overall we had a good time, for the price I don’t really think you can argue and the wildlife was...

I just want to share some information that I would have liked to know. I'm not saying whether it is good or bad. There is no hot water. Not even a tap for hot water. This was not mentioned anywhere. Your food will nearly always be cold. The website says that they "offer fresh water, coffee or tea, and soft drinks during meals. Additional orders of soft drinks etc. will be charged". There are no soft drinks with meals. The water is filtered by them and put in a big 18L bottle. It is not purchased bottled water. We ended up with GI issues. There are curtains on some of the windows but not black out curtains. Use the mosquito nets provided as the screens on the windows have holes in them. There is no glass on the windows. You are unable to flush toilet paper(all of Peru) but your stinky garbage is not emptied daily. Very few of the staff speak English and really aren't interested in trying to help you. We had an unusual cold spell and they ran out of blankets. The beds just have a sheet on them. The lodge was never "illuminated by soft and romantic light of kerosene lamps" It was pitch black. Bring a head lamp or flashlight. We were initially put in a room #31 .This is a four plex. You don't want any of these rooms. This room was nothing like the pictures. We had nowhere to put luggage and had to hang clothes on the bathroom door knob. You don't want to put belongings on the floor as insects crawl under the doors/walls as the gaps are quite big. After our first night we were moved to room #27. It looked like the photos on the website. Much nicer. 4 days 3 nights is really 2.5 days. Your first day you arrive at the lodge around 1 pm. On your last day they want you out of your room at 7:30am and on the boat to Puerto Maldonado at 9 am. I feel you would be better to stay in town and do day trips to the different areas. The best part of our trip was our guide. His name was Ronal. He knew everything and spoke English very well. Any problem you had he could help. I don't know how this place runs without him. He was helping guests that weren't even in his group.

Over all, I would say it was...