Hacienda Concepcion

Juanito and I spent our last two nights a 20 minute boatride downriver at Hacienda Conception, a byInkaterra lodge. This is a smaller property, a 4* sister to the 5* Reserva Amazonica. As it is a newer build the acccomodations are a bit more updated and certainly on par with the 5* experience. The service is more casual: meals are served buffet style, the reception desk and electricity only operate certain hours of the day. The guides undergo the same training program at both lodges, and our guides Allan and Gabriel were also top-notch here.

Juan el cazador learning the native techniques

Our first afternoon we took a hike around the lodge's reserve to get acquainted with the different flora and fauna just a short distance and on the other side of the river. In the evening we took another night boat ride where John almost became a snack to a 6 foot caiman!
The next morning we had a 4AM wake up call (are you noticing a theme here?) for a trip to the clay licks down river where thousands of birds fly up to 60km every morning to get the minerals and salt from the riverside - beautiful lime green parrots, blue-headed parrots, macaws, and parakeets flooded the air and then the trees to get in line for their nutrients.
We wrapped up our excursions that afternoon with a canoe ride with Gabriel in the creek, seeing more caimans, birds, turtles, and monkeys. The last evening we spent at the lodge with our new friends and fellow travelers, swapping stories over dinner and Cusquenas.
Another early morning awaits for our flight back to Lima. As much as I have loved the jungle, I have to say I am looking forward to air conditioning!