We flew out from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado on a quick 25 minute flight which saved us about 16 hours on a bus. The heat upon arrival at the airport was intense at approx 30 degrees which was a lot higher than the approx 12 degrees that we've had for the past two weeks.

Upon arrival we were collected by the tour company (Eco Amazonia) large tour trucks with open windows. We were then taken to the office of Eco Amazonia where the rest of the group were able to repack a smaller bag to take for 2 days in the Amazon Rainforest.

Then a quick trip to the market (bit of a waste of time) to see some of the local foods (purple corn, brazil nuts and large corn). Then we were dropped at the port and transferred onto the small river boat which fitted about 30 people with an engine size of 115 horse for an hour and a half journey up the river to the lodge where we would be staying for 2 nights.

Really cute bungalows with mesh windows (no curtains) and hammocks hanging in one part of the bungalow. Tepid water only (think cold) in the shower but it was so hot (30 degrees and humid) that for once I didn't actually mind the cold showers.

Our first excursion was in the afternoon to Monkey Island. We thought it was a bit of a have and we wouldn't actually see many animals, but Eco Amazonia are the only people allowed access to the Island and they come fairly regularly to feed and water the monkeys so as soon as our guide put out some bananas the monkey flocked around.

We were about to see lots of different types of monkeys. One little monkey (spider monkey) crept up and the guide told Tony to feed it a banana. As soon as he had given the banana to the spiker money and bigger monkey chased after it and took the banana off him.

Meals were a little bland for the vegeterians (omelette or egg was the option instead of meat), but the watermelon and fruit at breakfast was nice.

Second day we set off in the morning walking to a Lake. Our guide explained the vegetation and what the locals used as medicine, and pointed out what animals we were able to see (a few birds) however a little disappointing that we didn't get to see more animals. The heat was extreme again, luckily we were walking in the bush except for when we got to the lake when we climbed a platform over the lake and then went for a short paddle in the lake in a small canoe.

The afternoon excurion was fishing, however due to the heat and worried about being out in the sun all afternoon Tony and I decided to give it a pass.

I was disappointed that the only non-alcoholic drink served at the bar was Coke-Cola (something I hate).

Final day was an early moring wake up call and then transfer back to the airport for our 25 minute flight back to Cusco.

Airport was tiny (no aircon), and not enough seats for all of the waiting passengers and the flight time was changed to 11 and ended up departing by about 12. Tony and I had the exit rows as we had asked for them at check-in so we had lots of leg room. Pity the flight was only for 25 minutes.