PANTIACOLLA LODGE
About Pantiacolla Lodge
Pantiacolla Lodge is a comfortable retreat on the border between the Andes and the Amazon, accessible from Cusco in a two-day journey by car and boat. The lodge features several cozy bungalows: three with two rooms each and private bathrooms, one with three rooms and private bathrooms, and another with two rooms and shared facilities.
The lounge area, powered by solar energy, provides a relaxing space where guests can recharge their devices and admire fascinating artifacts. Among them are ancient pottery pieces found by explorers searching for the lost city of El Paititi in the Pantiacolla Mountains, as well as remains of animals found in the surrounding rainforest.
Rooms are lit by candles, while the lounge has solar-powered lights. Daytime temperatures are usually around 28°C (82°F) and drop to 20°C (68°F) at night. Between May and July, cold fronts can lower temperatures to 18°C (64°F) during the day and 10°C (50°F) at night.
One of the perks of staying at Pantiacolla Lodge is the low number of biting insects, ensuring a more comfortable experience. However, we still recommend bringing insect repellent, as some may still be present. Rest assured, all beds come with mosquito netting for added protection.
Wildlife and Flora
Surrounded by 900 hectares of pristine rainforest, Pantiacolla Lodge is home to an astonishing variety of wildlife. The area harbors eight species of monkey, including the elusive Monk Saki Monkey and the nocturnal Douroucouli. The trails around the lodge also reveal White-Lipped and Collared Peccaries, Coatis, Tayras, and even wild cats like Jaguars, Pumas and Ocelots.
The lodge’s bird list is just over 600 species, and if you work hard, you can see an average of 150 species per day in your first couple of days. The list includes rare species as the Black Tinnamou, Little Blue Heron, Harpy Eagle, Buckly’s Forest Falcon, Orange-breasted Falcon, Uniform Crake, White-throated Quail Dove, Blue-hooded Macaw, Dark-billed Cuckoo, Long-tailed Potoo, Hairy Crested Antbird, Elusive Antpitta, Cinnamon Tyrant-manakin, Cinnamon Flycatcher, Golden-naped Tanager and many others.
The diverse ecosystem features nine distinct forest types, ranging from lowland varzea forests that flood during the rainy season to elevated cloud forests rich in biodiversity. There are enormous Kapok Trees, colorful Coral Trees, many different palm trees and Balsa Trees. Growing on the trees are Anthuriums, Dieffenbachias, Monsteras and Elephant’s Ears. On the beach you can find Cecropia Trees, figs, Caña Brava cane and the little Sensitivity plants.
Adventures & Activities
Exploring the surroundings of Pantiacolla Lodge is an adventure in itself. Over 26 kilometers of trails wind through diverse forest landscapes, offering incredible hiking experiences and great wildlife. The longest trail, stretching 6 km, takes you up to 920 meters above sea level into a secluded cloud forest with unexpected views of the snowpeaked Andean Mountains.
A two-hour hike from the lodge leads to the Petroleo Stream, a scene straight out of Jurassic Park, with towering palm trees, giant ferns, massive rock formations, waterfalls, and natural pools perfect for a refreshing dip. The Monk Saki Trail, at an intermediate altitude, offers a chance to spot the rare Monk Saki monkey.
Closer to the lodge, the Capybara and Tinamou Trails, located at around 350 meters above sea level, boast the highest wildlife diversity, especially for monkeys and birds. The Sajino Trail loops around Ranacocha (Frog Lake), a small lake teeming with frogs. Just 10 minutes away by boat, you’ll find a clay lick where parakeets and parrots gather each morning, along with the elusive Blue-headed Macaws.
For those looking to unwind, you can swim or fish in the Alto Madre de Dios River and enjoy bonfires on the beach at night. Upon request, we can arrange a visit from the Harakmbut Indigenous people of Shintuya, who will share their fascinating rainforest traditions.
Pantiacolla Lodge is an ideal destination for student courses, family-friendly jungle exploration, and even serves as a base camp for those searching for the legendary lost city of El Paititi.
Pantiacolla is a beautiful and comfortable lodge on the entangled frontier between the Andes and the Amazon, from where mountainous and lowland rain forests are within your reach.
