Otorongo
Ecolodge & Amazon River Wildlife Tours

About Otorongo Amazon River Ecolodge

Otorongo Ecolodge is a remote ecotourism destination located on the Amazon River and adjacent to the Oran river tributary, approximately 52 miles downstream from Iquitos, Peru. Protecting about six hectares of mostly secondary Amazon rainforest and surrounded by millions of acres of pristine Amazon rainforest, the lodge serves as a gateway to one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Designed for wildlife photographers, herpers, and birders, Otorongo offers a unique combination of rustic, but comfortable accommodations, expertly guided tours, and sustainable tourism practices. Guests can immerse themselves in the natural splendor of the Amazon while enjoying service precisely tailored to their interests, goals, target species, and their individual abilities.

The lodge is accessible via speedboat, with transportation included in the all-inclusive daily rate of around $200 USD. This rate covers three large meals per day, lodging, guided tours, and transport to and from Iquitos. The lodge itself is designed to blend into its surroundings, constructed with sustainable materials and featuring accommodations that balance comfort with an authentic Amazonian experience. Guests can choose between private cabins with solar-powered 220v electricity and group cabins with 12v lighting and USB charging stations. Photographers will have no trouble keeping their camera bateries, flashlight bateries, and phones charged. Both cabin options provide flush toilets, showers (only cold water), and thoughtful finishes in the local Shipibo style, ensuring a comfortable stay, even in the hot and humid Amazon rainforest.

What sets Otorongo apart is its commitment to conservation and community. The lodge supports local employment by hiring guides, cooks, and maintenance staff from nearby communities, promoting ecotourism as a sustainable income source. Guided tours are a central part of the experience, as guests are not permitted to explore the lodge’s trail system independently. While this policy may not appeal to those who prefer solo exploration, it enhances the quality of wildlife encounters by leveraging the expertise of local guides. These guides are skilled at spotting and identifying species, from camouflaged reptiles and amphibians to elusive birds and mammals, ensuring that guests make the most of their time in the rainforest. Whether you are targeting sloths, monkeys, river dolphins, giant river otters, macaws, hoatzins, parrots, bushmasters, fer-de-lance, poison frogs, or any other species, the expert guides will know the absolute best places to look for them, and have super human abilities in spotting well camoflauged and hidden animals. The guides will uncover far more animal sightings than a visitor could on his or her own.

Otorongo’s biodiversity is a significant draw for visitors. The surrounding rainforest is home to an astonishing variety of species, including reptiles such as rainbow boas, anacondas, and bushmasters, as well as seven species of poison dart frogs, one of which was discovered by the lodge’s founder, Anthony Giardenelli. Birdwatchers will be thrilled by the presence of over 413 bird species in the area, including rarities like the spotted antpitta and wire-tailed manakin. Mammal enthusiasts can observe eight species of primates, gray and pink river dolphins, three and two toed sloths, and more, with boat excursions offering access to habitats impossible to reach on foot.

The lodge’s location at the confluence of varzea (flooded) and terra firme (non-flooded) forests provides unique opportunities to explore diverse ecosystems. Activities are designed to maximize wildlife encounters, with options including nocturnal hikes, canoe trips, and excursions to see giant water lilies and ancient kapok trees. Guests can even visit nearby native communities to learn about traditional customs and crafts. For those seeking deeper adventures, multi-day treks into remote areas of the rainforest offer the chance to discover prehistoric fossils, tapir trails, and secluded waterfalls. Whether you’re a herper eager to photograph the highly coveted bushmaster, a birder chasing your next “lifer,” or a wildlife photographer capturing the iconic Amazonian sloths, monkeys, and river dolphins, Otorongo Ecolodge offers an unparalleled experience.

Herping Otorongo

For herpers, Otorongo offers some of the most exciting opportunities to find and photograph reptiles and amphibians in their natural habitat. With 163 species confirmed in the area, guests can encounter a wide variety of snakes, lizards, frogs, turtles, and caimans. Nighttime herping tours are particularly fruitful, with guides skilled at spotting elusive species in the dark. Commonly seen herps include rainbow boas, anacondas, bushmasters, and poison dart frogs, including a rare morph discovered by lodge owner Anthony Giardenelli. Additional species include seven species of anoles, 48 snake species, 71 frog species, and three species of caimans.

Herping at Otorongo often requires venturing to different locations by boat, as many species have specific microhabitats. From dense varzea forests to quiet oxbow lakes, these environments offer unique opportunities to observe herps in action. The guides’ expertise ensures not only safety but also increased chances of encountering rare species, making Otorongo a top destination for herpetological adventures.

The South American bushmaster (Lachesis muta) is commonly seen on the trails of the Otorongo property, and the guides are experts at finding them. During a one week stay at Otorongo, visitors have a very reasonable chance of spotting one or more bushmasters. Garden tree boas (Corallus hortulana) are one of the most commonly encountered snakes and are easily found at night by looking for their eye shine, and come in several different color and pattern morphs. The western rainbow boa (Epicrates cenchria) is another relatively common and highly sought after herp target. Two species of poison frog, Ranitomeya reticulata, and Ameerega bilinguis are commonly encountered when requested of your guide.

View A Partial Checklist of Reptiles Recorded at Otorongo → View A Partial Checklist of Amphibians Recorded at Otorongo →

Birding Otorongo

Otorongo Ecolodge is a paradise for birders, boasting over 413 bird species recorded within a 10-mile radius. The lodge’s location at the confluence of distinct ecosystems creates staggering avian diversity, with many species endemic to the region. Guided birdwatching tours cater to all levels of expertise, with guides adept at identifying species by both sight and sound. Around the lodge itself, guests can spot iconic birds such as red-bellied macaws, blue-headed parrots, white-throated toucans, varzea schiffornis, and the wire-tailed manakin.

For serious birders, Otorongo offers multi-day birdwatching itineraries, traversing varzea forests, terra firme trails, and riverside habitats. “Lifers” frequently seen in the area include the ocellated antbird, spotted antpitta, helmeted pygmy-tyrant, and ochre-striped antpitta. Whether you’re aiming to photograph the spectacular sunrise flights of parrots or the secretive movements of forest-dwelling puffbirds, Otorongo’s guided tours ensure remarkable encounters.

River loving birds such as egrets, herons, jacanas, black-collared hawks, osprey, swallows, caracara, and kingfishers are extremely common along the Amazon river and are very easily photographed on boat tours. More secretive birds such as macaws, toucans, and hoatzins, are also easily found via a boat and/or hiking tour...just let your guide know your target species, and he'll know the best places to find it!

View A Partial Checklist of Birds Recorded at Otorongo →

Mammals of Otorongo

Mammal and general wildlife enthusiasts will not be disappointed at Otorongo, where opportunities to observe and photograph Amazonian mammals abound. The lodge’s gardens receive common visits from troops of black-mantled tamarins, and have several resident pygmy marmosets. Guests can also expect frequent encounters with three toed sloths, gray and pink river dolphins, squirrel monkeys, opposums and bats at night, and may request a day trip boating excursion to view giant river otters.

Otorongo’s expert guides use their keen tracking skills to help guests spot more elusive mammals, such as tapirs, and anteaters, which are often found deep within the forest during specialized trekking excursions. The lodge’s dedication to non-invasive wildlife observation ensures that all encounters are respectful of the animals’ natural behaviors, providing photographers with authentic and ethical opportunities to capture the Amazon’s most captivating mammals.

View A Partial Checklist of Mammals Recorded at Otorongo →

Accommodations

Trails of Otorongo Ecolodge

The six-hectare property of Otorongo Ecolodge features a complex web of trails that traverse nearly all areas of its diverse rainforest terrain. These trails provide guests with access to lowland forest, which becomes flooded during the wet season, as well as upland rainforest that remains above the floodwaters. The trails wind through habitats shaped by small creeks that channel the daily downpours of the rainy season, creating essential microhabitats. These waterways are home to fascinating species such as dwarf caimans, aquatic coral snakes, small fish, and countless amphibians that rely on these areas for breeding and shelter.

While guests must be accompanied by a guide when hiking the trails, my personal experience revealed that the guides are remarkably accommodating. Far from keeping you on a short leash, they allowed ample freedom to explore within shouting distance, especially during nighttime hikes. This leniency was particularly valuable for wildlife photographers like me, as the guides were unrestrictive and highly accommodating when I wanted to photograph the snakes and other fascinating creatures we encountered. Their flexibility ensured that I could fully immerse myself in the experience and capture the perfect shots.

For those seeking to expand their exploration, additional trails can be accessed via a short boat ride up the Oran River tributary. These excursions offer opportunities to explore even more diverse habitats and increase the chances of encountering unique species, making the guided trail experience at Otorongo Ecolodge both enriching and rewarding for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Otorongo's Tours

The tours at Otorongo Ecolodge are designed to be unique and flexible, precisely tailored to meet the goals, needs, and interests of each visitor. Upon booking, guests communicate their preferences to the Otorongo staff, who will craft an itinerary that reflects their desires. Whether you’re focused on birding, herping, wildlife observation, landscape photography, fishing, cultural experiences, fossil hunting, or a combination of activities, your tours will be curated to maximize your experience. The schedule remains adaptable throughout your stay, with the freedom to make requests or adjustments to activities at any time. Your guide will ensure that you are as busy with adventures or as relaxed as you wish.

Typically, guests can look forward to three tours per day (morning, afternoon, and night) with options to request specialized daylong or overnight excursions. For example, a boat tour to search for elusive giant river otters may span both the morning and afternoon, including a packed lunch to keep you fueled for the journey. Nocturnal tours, which run from approximately 7 to 11 p.m., focus on spotting snakes, frogs, and other creatures of the night, offering incredible opportunities for herpers and night photographers.

The guides at Otorongo are exceptionally knowledgeable, with an intimate understanding of where to find your target species. They have near super human abilities in spotting well camouflaged and concealed rainforest wildlife. While herping, guides are lenient in allowing you to search independently within shouting distance, creating a balance between guidance and personal exploration. Additionally, the guides are highly accommodating to photographers, ensuring you have the time and conditions needed to capture the perfect shot of the reptiles, amphibians, and other creatures you encounter. Do not worry about the guides keeping you on too short of a leash while on guided night tours, or preventing you from getting your perfect shot.

Otorongo Videos

Travel Guide to Otorongo

*Caution: Use this section as a starting point for your transportation research, but be sure to confirm accuracy with a second reliable and up to date source. Additional travel information can be found in the Peru Travel Guide.

Getting to Otorongo Ecolodge begins with reaching Iquitos, a unique city renowned for being the largest in the world not connected to the outside world by road. The only ways to access Iquitos are by boat or plane, and for international travelers, flying is the most practical option. Fortunately, frequent domestic flights to Iquitos depart from Lima, Peru’s capital. Most international visitors will first arrive in Lima, where they can easily transfer to a domestic flight that reaches Iquitos in less than two hours.

Once in Iquitos, Otorongo will coordinate your pickup, whether from the airport or a local hotel if you choose to spend a night in the city before heading to the lodge. The specifics of your pickup will vary depending on your arrival time, your plans in Iquitos, and the size of your group, as Otorongo personalizes arrangements for each guest. To give you a sense of what to expect, here’s an account of my own experience.

Otorongo arranged for a licensed taxi to pick me up at the airport, with the fare already covered. Upon exiting the airport, I noticed several taxi drivers actively soliciting rides, but they quickly backed off when I informed them I already had a ride arranged. After a brief wait on a bench outside, a taxi driver approached, showing me my name and destination on his phone to confirm he was my driver. The driver took me to the Otorongo office, located at the Central Hotel in Iquitos, where I met my English-speaking guide, John.

From there, John and I continued our journey in the same taxi to the edge of town near the boat docks. When the paved road ended, John hailed a tuk-tuk to take us the remaining distance to the dock. Shortly after we arrived, the boat to Otorongo was ready to depart. The scenic ride down the Amazon River took about two hours, offering a fascinating glimpse of the rainforest along the way.

Otorongo’s well-organized logistics ensure that your journey to the lodge is smooth and stress-free, allowing you to focus on the incredible adventure that awaits. Note that upon arrival in Iquitos, I found myself without cell or internet service (even though I had service in Lima), and the airport did not have wifi. Be sure to check your email, phone, or whatsapp messages in Lima to check for any messages sent from Otorongo in case there's been a change of plans, and in case you lose service as I did.

❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Otorongo