Just across the river from Alta Sanctuary lies one of the Amazon’s most stunning and reliable natural events: the macaw clay lick. Nearly every day—weather permitting—dozens of brilliantly colored scarlet, blue-and-yellow, and chestnut-fronted macaws descend in waves to feast on mineral-rich clay banks. This behavior helps neutralize toxins in their diet and provides essential nutrients, making the clay lick a vital part of their ecology.

Most often occurring mid-morning, the gathering creates a mesmerizing show of movement and sound, with macaws circling, calling, and squabbling for space along the cliffside. But it’s not just macaws—visitors often see large flocks of Mealy parrots, white-eyed parakeets, and other parrot species sharing the mineral feast. The blind (a shaded hide) allows you to quietly observe this wild celebration of life from up close, without disturbing the birds.

Whether you're a birder, photographer, or simply a lover of wild moments, this spectacle is a soul-stirring reminder of the Amazon’s raw beauty and daily rhythms.

Unique to Alta Sanctuary, our packrafting experience is a one-of-a-kind adventure that immerses you in the jungle from an entirely different vantage point—on the water. Depending on river levels and seasonal conditions, your journey might begin on a quiet jungle stream, or on a stretch of the majestic Las Piedras River itself. In some cases, you'll begin with a short jungle walk or a motorized boat ride upriver, before inflating your individual raft and gently floating back toward the lodge. Other times, you may hike in and glide out—or vice versa—adding variety and surprise to each outing.

Once on the water, you’ll be surrounded by towering trees, overhanging vines, and the songs of forest birds echoing off the riverbanks. This gentle, low-impact mode of travel allows you to move quietly and observe wildlife with minimal disturbance. It's not uncommon to spot sunbathing turtles, fishing herons, or families of capybara lounging near the water’s edge. With a bit of luck, you may even glimpse a shy deer, or the rare and elusive tapir emerging for a drink. It’s an incredibly peaceful, meditative way to explore the rainforest—completely off-grid, and deeply connected to nature.

Whether you're a birder, photographer, or simply a lover of wild moments, this spectacle is a soul-stirring reminder of the Amazon’s raw beauty and daily rhythms.

For those seeking a rare and unforgettable view of the rainforest, our tree climbing experience invites you to ascend into the canopy of a towering, centuries-old strangler fig. Before you begin your climb, our experienced guide will lead the way, scaling the tree first to set up a secure safety line. As they do, they’ll show you one of the best possible routes, pointing out natural footholds and anchor points along the way.

Strangler figs are perfect for climbing, with thick, interwoven roots and multiple strong limbs that make the ascent feel both natural and secure. As you climb higher, the forest floor falls away and the horizon opens up, offering a completely new perspective of the Amazon. The experience is both exhilarating and meditative, giving you time to pause, breathe, and take in the immensity of the jungle.

Keep your eyes open as you climb—spider monkeys and howler monkeys sometimes move through the canopy nearby, curious about your presence or completely unfazed, continuing their own arboreal adventures. This is a rare chance not just to see the jungle, but to become part of it, high in its leafy crown.

^*Subject to the availability of our tree climbing guide.

For guests seeking a deeper understanding of the region and their impact, we offer a unique opportunity to visit the frontline of rainforest protection through our close collaboration with Junglekeepers, the conservation nonprofit based right here in the Las Piedras Corridor. This is more than just an activity—it's an invitation into a living mission.

You'll have the chance to meet our dedicated ranger team and learn firsthand about the challenges and victories of protecting this incredible landscape. Depending on timing and interest, guests may visit a ranger station, observe real-time monitoring technology, or hear stories from the field about wildlife protection, illegal logging prevention, and community engagement. For those who want to go even further, it’s sometimes possible to accompany rangers on a patrol—walking or boating through active conservation zones to experience their work up close.

This experience provides a powerful connection to the land and the people protecting it, deepening your stay with purpose, insight, and the opportunity to contribute to something bigger than yourself.

For guests craving a deeper taste of the region—literally—we offer an informal but delicious cooking class led by one of our talented kitchen staff. This hands-on activity usually lasts under an hour but packs in all the fun (and flavor) of a true cultural experience. You'll learn how to make iconic Peruvian dishes like citrusy, fresh ceviche, and explore the local ingredients and techniques that give Amazonian cuisine its distinct flair.

Classes are light-hearted and interactive, with plenty of opportunities to chop, stir, taste, and ask questions. Whether you're an enthusiastic home cook or just looking to try something new, it's a joyful and flavorful way to connect with the people and traditions of the region.

^*Subject to the availability of kitchen staff.

At Alta Sanctuary, we have access to dozens of miles of trails that wind through some of the most pristine and varied rainforest in the region. Each walk is tailored to your pace, interests, and curiosity—whether you're eager to observe wildlife, learn about rainforest ecology, or simply soak in the magic of the jungle. Walks range from short 1-hour loops to more immersive 3-hour treks, always accompanied by our expert naturalist guides.

Depending on the trail and terrain, you may explore terra firme forest (dry upland jungle), riverbanks teeming with life, or seasonally flooded swampy areas. Each ecosystem reveals a different cast of characters—from towering trees and climbing vines to elusive mammals, darting lizards, and colorful frogs. Your guide will adapt the walk based on recent wildlife sightings and your preferences—whether you're drawn to medicinal plants, fascinated by insects and butterflies, or on the lookout for monkeys, reptiles, or other mammals.

These walks are never just a hike—they're a deep dive into the complexity, wonder, and pulse of the Amazon. With every step, you’ll build a richer understanding of the web of life that surrounds you.

This 2-hour round-trip hike takes you to a secluded waterfall nestled in the rainforest where a jungle stream meets the main Las Piedras River. The character of the waterfall changes dramatically with the seasons—in the rainy months, it tumbles with force and energy, cascading over slick rocks into a foaming pool. In the dry season, the water slows, revealing a taller, more delicate flow and a shallower riverbed—ideal for a refreshing swim or a peaceful moment of reflection.

The trail itself offers more than just access to the falls. It’s also a condensed jungle walk through rich terra firme forest, with opportunities to encounter wildlife, observe fascinating plants, and discover hidden corners of the ecosystem. Your guide will tailor the experience to your interests, whether that's spotting colorful insects, identifying bird calls, or quietly watching for monkeys moving through the canopy.

When you reach the waterfall, you’ll have time to pause, breathe, and enjoy the cool shade and clean water of this forest sanctuary. The return journey is by boat, letting you glide gently back along the Las Piedras, surrounded by the sounds and colors of the river corridor.

With over 600 bird species recorded in the surrounding region, Alta Sanctuary is a paradise for bird lovers of every level. Our 1 to 3-hour birding walks are guided by expert naturalists and tailored to your interests and experience—whether you're a seasoned birder with a life list in hand or a curious beginner eager to learn the difference between a toucan and a trogon.

The trails wind through a mosaic of habitats that birds adore: forest canopy alive with tanagers and flycatchers, riverbanks where herons and kingfishers hunt, and stream-fed corridors that echo with the calls of motmots and manakins.

Waterbirds, forest songbirds, canopy dwellers, and understory skulkers—this corner of the Amazon is alive with birdsong from dawn till dusk. And with the patient help of your guide, you’ll learn not just to see, but to understand the rhythm and behavior of these incredible creatures.

Our night walks, typically offered after dinner, are a favorite among guests who want to experience the Amazon in one of its most mysterious and active states. As the forest canopy fades into silhouette and the stars begin to emerge, the jungle shifts into another world—one ruled by creatures of the night.

These guided walks take you along forest trails and into swampy corridors where nocturnal animals thrive. It’s one of the best opportunities to see wildlife that remains hidden during the day. With your flashlight and guide’s trained eye, you’ll search for brilliant tree frogs clinging to leaves, snakes curled in low branches, shy night monkeys peeking through the shadows, and even the occasional tarantula slowly making its rounds.

Each terrain brings its own surprises: flooded trails might echo with the croaks of amphibians, while drier ground can yield lizards, scorpions, or owls perched silently above. The sounds alone—chirps, rustles, distant howls—will stay with you long after the walk ends. Night walks reveal not just another side of the jungle, but an entirely different cast of characters. It’s thrilling, humbling, and undeniably alive.

Mostly offered after sunset, caiman spotting is a river expedition that takes place from the comfort of a boat, cruising slowly along the banks of the Las Piedras River or smaller jungle streams. With a guide scanning the shores and shallows using a spotlight, you'll search for the unmistakable red eye shine of caimans—Amazonian relatives of the crocodile—watching silently from the water's edge.

Caimans are most active and visible at night, but under the right conditions, early morning or late afternoon outings can also reveal them basking on beaches or gliding just beneath the surface. These ancient-looking reptiles often remain motionless, allowing you to observe them up close—from the glint of their eyes to the textured ridges of their armor-like scales.

The experience isn’t limited to caimans: nocturnal river rides also reveal a host of other wildlife, from sleeping birds to foraging bats and night herons. Whether under a sky full of stars or in the soft light of dawn, drifting quietly through caiman territory is a powerful and unforgettable way to witness the stillness and intensity of the rainforest’s waters.

There’s something truly special about the Amazon at dawn. As the first light filters through the mist and the forest begins to stir, guests are invited to board a small boat for a peaceful early morning cruise along the Las Piedras River. On the boat, we serve fresh coffee and tea to warm your hands and ease you into the rhythm of the day.

The river is calm and quiet in the early hours, making it the perfect time to observe wildlife. Capybaras—the world’s largest rodents—are often spotted grazing along the banks or slipping silently into the water. Birdlife is especially active at this time: herons and kingfishers patrol the shallows, parrots and macaws fly overhead, and dozens of other species call out from the treetops. With some luck, you may even spot a family of monkeys starting their morning foraging or catch a glimpse of a shy forest mammal coming down for a drink.

Whether you're a photographer chasing soft morning light, a birder eager to check species off your list, or someone simply looking to absorb the peace of the jungle, this boat ride offers a serene and magical beginning to the day.

This is one of Alta Sanctuary’s most distinctive and adventurous experiences—offering a rare, hands-on way to explore the rainforest by following the jungle’s natural stream systems. Guided by our team, you’ll venture into the shaded corridors carved by flowing water, uncovering a world often overlooked by the average trail hike.

Stream explorations are highly adaptable to your comfort and fitness level. For a light adventure, we can follow shallow, ankle-deep creeks through the forest—ideal for spotting amphibians, small reptiles, insects, and aquatic plant life. For those seeking more excitement, we can access larger jungle streams where the water runs deeper, the current flows faster, and swimming becomes part of the journey.

These environments are rich with hidden life: colorful frogs perched on leaves, lizards basking on stones, maybe even a sleeping boa nestled in the branches above. The cool water, filtered light, and constant movement make it feel like you’ve entered an entirely different part of the Amazon—wild, beautiful, and full of surprises.