Reviews of Monte Amazonico Lodge

The jungle was wild—but it wasn’t the animals that made it unsafe. It was the manager. Monte Amazonica Lodge is surrounded by staggering natural beauty, and the potential for a transformative experience is undeniable. The rainforest is mesmerizing. The infrastructure is solid. And the supporting staff—especially Ronal, Rodrigo, and the bartender—are hardworking, grounded, and deeply committed to the guest experience. Ronal in particular made the trip worthwhile with his knowledge, kindness, and professionalism. But none of that can outweigh the deeply disturbing presence of the lodge manager, Justin, whose behavior was not only inappropriate—it was predatory, manipulative, and psychologically unsettling. Let me be absolutely clear: Justin is not simply “awkward” or “bad at hospitality.” He is a man who uses his position of power to insert himself into emotionally vulnerable guests’ personal dynamics, manipulate social environments, and perform dominance under the guise of charm. Here’s what happened: • After I expressed clear discomfort with the dynamic forming between Justin and the guest I arrived with—one that I believe involved inappropriate physical intimacy and psychological grooming—I formally requested a new room. That request was ignored. • That same evening, Justin intentionally placed me and that guest alone at a dinner table, in the middle of the lodge, in full view of everyone. It was a power move—deliberate, uncomfortable, and humiliating.

• He later spent over 30 minutes aggressively hacking bushes with a machete behind my cabin, in what felt like an intimidation ritual more than maintenance. Several other guests noticed and commented on how unnatural his energy was throughout the trip. • When I tried to speak to him about my concerns, he pretended not to speak English—despite having had fluent conversations with other guests earlier in the day. • I almost slept in the public lodge area that night because I no longer felt safe in my room and had no access to any staff but him. This isn’t speculation. It’s a pattern. Multiple female guests told me they felt “off,” uncomfortable, or watched by him. I saw the signs myself: charm when it benefited him, passive-aggressive control when it didn’t. He wielded his machete like a stage prop and his authority like a weapon. It was disturbing, disorienting, and entirely preventable. Even worse? Lodge management said nothing for days—even after I submitted my concerns directly after leaving. Their first message came only hours before my deadline to post this review, and included no accountability, no apology, and no refund for the experiences and activities missed due to this situation. They claim Justin resigned. Whether or not that’s true, it only happened after I pushed relentlessly and threatened exposure. No action was taken on its own merit. So let me be the one to say it, since the lodge won’t: Justin should never be in a position of power over guests again. Ever. Until Monte Amazonica publicly acknowledges what happened and institutes actual safety protocols for guests—especially women or emotionally vulnerable travelers—I cannot recommend this lodge to anyone. Come for the beauty. Stay for the rainforest. But beware the man who walks with a machete and smiles while isolating you. Because the jungle should feel wild—not predatory.

The swimming pool was very nice and a great way to cool off after a walk in the forest. Plenty of seating and hammocks for relaxing. Very ready to cater for vegetarians. The canopy walk was excellent. The guides into the forest and along river were very knowledgeable and pleasant. The kitchen staff were polite and efficient.

All the cottages were made up of two units with no separation between them above and no soundproofing between them. So any talking by your neighbours was heard as well as any other noises they might make. There were no facilities whatsoever for getting clean and dry after taking walks in the forest. All guests were divided into groups so it became rather unclear as to what activities one should pay for. The lodge was poorly lit.

Personal muy amable

The unusual sounds of animals at night

I enjoyed the ambiance, location and the facilities. The staff and guides were exceptional in every way and I enjoyed getting to know a few people who work at the lodge. The meals were lage portions, I normally could not finish the dishes provided.

I didn't know when I booked through Booking, that the price I paid didn't include the tours. Until the day I arrived I wasn't aware that I had only booked the room and meals. This was disappointing as the prices of the tours were pretty expensive for what it is that you experience. I've traveled a lot, and even in the Galapagos I paid a lot less for a tour to swim with sharks, sea turtles and sea lions. I think it would be more fair for the prices of the tours to be about half the price being charged. The food was good but could be better if the fish dishes were fried or grilled instead of steamed or boiled. Also, maybe a good idea to allow the groups to mix and go with different guides for different activities.

Great value for money. The staff were very friendly and the guides were knowledgeable.

A few of the facilities could be refurbished. Places like the pool were unusable in the middle of the day because of the sun and bugs. The wifi was broken for 3 days while I stayed.

Food was repetitive but good

As a person travelled 27 countries and earlier worked at hotel business for 3 years, there was a lot of mismanagement in this otherwise piece of heaven. Firstly they do not work with booking.com they have their own agency called Carlos Expeditions and unless you book with them, you slip through the net and you have to chase people (guides) to learn about the daily excursions/plans. That being said, there is no reception/front desk; no-one to address any issues/complaints or ask any questions. There is only Fabrizio as the manager but considering the size of the organisation, one person in charge is ridiculous. The rooms and the dining area are so dirty, you will see dead bugs, cigarette butts and although the shoes are not allowed in the dining area just by walking to your table and back you will have a brown sole of your white socks. Booking.com states there is WIFI which there isn't, there is hint of WIFI by the dining room which only a lucky few are able to connect to. Booking.com states there is laundry, where there isn't and knowing that could be quite useful coming to this establishment right after Inka Trail. And asking for a bucket to self-wash your clothes which never arrives. Coming to the rooms, same as the dining room there are gaps in the nets, in the actual wood pieces of the cabins, in between the door and the floor (even on the mosquito net) which defies the logic of having 4 walls to avoid insects. There are supposed to be functional USB charging stations in the room which of course do not work and your only chance of getting any juice to any electronical item is one of the 3 outlets in the dining room by the pool table if they are not already taken. Because you are not with a package, you will randomly be assigned to sit with a group every meal, a guessing game.