There is something so inherently romantic about the idea of a safari.
Peru
Though rarely billed as official safaris, the wildlife-viewing ops in the Peruvian Amazon rival any game drive in the world—so otherworldly are the creatures (from peek-a-boo pink dolphins to mobforming macaws to anacondas the length of the average wedding aisle runner). And two local lodging options are sufficiently swank that you’ll never forget you’re on your honeymoon.
The first is Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica Rainforest Lodge, an easy-access gateway to the wildlife-crammed Tambopata National Reserve. Upon arrival, a staffer will help you devise the best possible lineup for your tastes and time considerations. One offering you shouldn’t miss is the Canopy Walkway: a series of towers, bridges and platforms that takes you through the toucanand parrot-populated treetops and gives new meaning to bird’seye view.
Photo courtesy of Inkaterra
For a natural high of a less literal sort, take the half-day trip to Lake Sandova — home to many a hoatzin (a winged minidinosaur with a mohawk and blue eyes), howler monkeys and macaws. You may also have run-ins (from a respectful distance) with giant river otters, caimans (crocodile-like creatures) and anacondas. And though honeymooners wouldn’t be faulted for wanting to take full advantage of their cabana after dark, consider going on at least one excursion at night, when you’ll see a whole new cast of characters — especially those of the amphibious variety.
Photo courtesy of Inkaterra
Among the four cabana styles on offer, options include screenedin porches with hammocks, ceiling fans, warm-water showers and low-impact electricity. Vying for the title of most eco-romantic are the Tambopata Suites (with private plunge pool, terrace and outdoor shower) and the Canopy Tree House (the most secluded place to stay — on a 90-foot-high platform alongside the aforementioned Canopy Walkway).
Photo courtesy of Inkaterra
As for the fresh, local meals — they begin at 5 a.m. daily in the interest of early-bird excursions — though any late riser (or Homo Newlywedus, in rainforest taxonomy terms) can catch breakfast until 10 (room rates start at $492 per person and include three nights accommodations, meals, round-trip transfers, guides and most excursions; inkaterra.com).
Photo courtesy of Inkaterra
The second, and even swankier, way to take in the Peruvian wildlife is by boat — specifically, aboard an Aqua Expeditions cruise into the pristine Pacaya Samiria Reserve. Departing from Iquitos (a short flight from the capital Lima), the 12-suite M/V Aqua and 16-suite M/V Aria are packed with amenities (oversized lounge chairs, high thread-count linens, luxury toiletries and massive picture windows, among others).
Photo courtesy of Aqua Expeditions
But the most important feature is arguably the dinghy that takes you on your daily excursions. As you motor ever deeper into the surrounding waterways keep your eyes peeled for the area’s most elusive residents. Amazingly, whether the pink dolphins that seem loath to flash more than a dorsal fin, or the sloths that climb treetops in super-slow-motion as if to avoid detection or the anacondas that lurk beneath the water lilies, no creature will go too long without being spotted by your guide. Don’t be surprised, however, if during the course of the cruise, you develop expert eyes yourselves. Of course, when massive, multiple flocks of birds are sharing the waterways with you — as tends to happen in the early morning and evening — you can be the least observant spotter in the history of the Amazon and still get a total eye feast (room rates start at $2,550 per person for the three-night cruise and include all meals and excursions and transfers aquaexpeditions.com).
Photo courtesy of Inkaterra
—Abbie Kozolchyk
