Erika lodge is a living family legacy in the heart of the Amazon. More than a business, it began as a place of life and connection with nature. Founded in the 1960s by the Gerlach family and cared for by them for three decades, it has been lovingly stewarded by the Yallico family for the past 36 years. As foresters and conservationists, we have protected these forests from exploitation and strengthened them through natural regeneration, preserving a vibrant, ever-renewing ecosystem where visitors can experience birdsong, ancient trees, and the quiet rhythm of the rainforest.
Since welcoming its first travelers in 1964, Erika Lodge has been an open home for visitors from around the world. We offer more than accommodation: we invite guests into a well-preserved natural refuge, rich in biodiversity and rooted in authenticity. By staying at Erika Lodge, you directly support the protection of around 500 hectares of Amazon forest, helping fund a resident forest ranger and ongoing conservation efforts. Our vision is simple and enduring—to remain a place of encounter, learning, and rest, guided by family values and a deep commitment to truly sustainable tourism.
Our Services
From planning to your return home, we tailor each step. Travel with locals who
know the forest’s rhythms and stories.
Local Experts
A small team of guides and specialists who grew up in the region.
Commitment to Sustainability
Trips that fund conservation and respect local communities and cultures.
Your Stay
Sleep to rainforest sounds, wake to scarlet macaws, and stay with families who protect Manu.
Your payment goes straight to families maintaining forest guardianship.
Wildlife first
Low-impact outings at dawn/dusk maximize sightings without stressing habitats.
Simple & comfortable
Clean rooms, mosquito nets, filtered water, and great home cooking.
How do I get here?
Start in Cusco
Fly into Lima (LIM) or another Peruvian hub, then connect to Cusco (CUZ). Starting in Cusco is easier and safer than approaching from Madre de Dios thanks to better roads, more frequent services, and simpler logistics.
Gateway to Manu
From Cusco's main bus terminal you can take shared minibuses (colectivos) towards Pilcopata/Atalaya, or ask any reputable agency around the Plaza de Armas to arrange a private 4x4. It's about 3-4 hours to Paucartambo, an atmospheric colonial town that's perfect for a lunch stop along the way. Then another 3-4 hours over the Acjanaco pass and through cloud forest to Atalaya via Pilcopata. Travel times vary with weather and road conditions. Note: Cash is useful for snacks and bathroom stops, carry a light jacket for the cool high pass and insect repellent for the rainforest that follows.
Erika Lodge
From Atalaya, continue along the Alto Madre de Dios by motorized canoe. This calm stretch skirts Manu's buffer zone with great rainforest scenery and wildlife chances. The ride to Erika typically takes ~1-2 hours depending on river level. Most boats depart in the morning—book ahead if possible. On arrival, step ashore at Erika's river landing and follow a short, trail to the lodge. Check in and relax, you're inside our private ecological reserve.
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Start in Cusco
Fly into Lima (LIM) or another Peruvian hub, then connect to Cusco (CUZ). Starting in Cusco is easier and safer than approaching from Madre de Dios thanks to better roads, more frequent services, and simpler logistics.
Gateway to Manu
From Cusco's main bus terminal you can take shared minibuses (colectivos) towards Pilcopata/Atalaya, or ask any reputable agency around the Plaza de Armas to arrange a private 4x4. It's about 3-4 hours to Paucartambo, an atmospheric colonial town that's perfect for a lunch stop along the way. Then another 3-4 hours over the Acjanaco pass and through cloud forest to Atalaya via Pilcopata. Travel times vary with weather and road conditions. Note: Cash is useful for snacks and bathroom stops, carry a light jacket for the cool high pass and insect repellent for the rainforest that follows.
Erika Lodge
From Atalaya, continue along the Alto Madre de Dios by motorized canoe. This calm stretch skirts Manu's buffer zone with great rainforest scenery and wildlife chances. The ride to Erika typically takes ~1-2 hours depending on river level. Most boats depart in the morning—book ahead if possible. On arrival, step ashore at Erika's river landing and follow a short, trail to the lodge. Check in and relax, you're inside our private ecological reserve.
