REVIEW · PUERTO MALDONADO
Canopy Tower, Zipline, Kayak, and Monkey Island …
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Pokakempi Tours · Bookable on GetYourGuide
A jungle day with real height and river time. You’ll hike into the treetops at the Canopy Tower, with your guide pointing out the birds and the life around you as the rainforest opens up above the canopy.
What I like most is how hands-on the crew is: safety gear for the zipline, clear instructions, and a guide who explains what you’re seeing, not just where you’re going. The second big win is the full change of pace—after lunch, you can actually slow down in the hammocks before heading back out.
One thing to consider: Monkey Island and the river time depend on how the day flows (crowds, how active the monkeys are, and water conditions), so it’s smart not to expect every moment to be perfectly timed or equally exciting for everyone.
In This Review
- Quick Take: What Makes This Amazon Day Work
- A Full-Day Amazon Mix: Tower Views, Ziplines, River Kayaks, and Capuchins
- The 200-Meter Walk to Canopy Tower and Lupuna Trees
- Canopy Bridge + Two 190-Meter Zipline Runs
- Lunch at the Lodge and Hammock Time
- Kayaking the Madre de Dios River (Life Jacket Included)
- Monkey Island: Capuchin Feeding With Your Guide
- Bird Spotting From Above the Trees
- Price and Value for $62 and an 8-Hour Day in Puerto Maldonado
- What to Pack and How to Stay Comfortable (You Will Get Wet)
- Who Should Book This Tour—and Who Should Skip It
- Should You Book Canopy Tower, Zipline, Kayak, and Monkey Island?
- FAQ
- What is the duration of the Canopy Tower, Zipline, Kayak, and Monkey Island tour?
- Where does the tour start in Puerto Maldonado?
- What is included in the price?
- What is not included?
- Are there any swim-related requirements?
- What languages is the tour guide available in?
- Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
- Is the tour suitable for people with back problems or mobility impairments?
- Is there a cancellation option or pay-later option?
Quick Take: What Makes This Amazon Day Work

- Canopy Tower built at a lupuna tree base with a 200-meter hike and 35-meter height
- Two zipline rides (190 meters each) plus a 100-meter bridge crossing with helpers on site
- Lodge lunch + hammock break, giving you energy before kayaking
- Madre de Dios River kayak with a support boat and time to swim and cool off
- Monkey Island capuchins (multiple species) with guide-led feeding rules and close observation
- Bird spotting from above the trees while you’re up in the tower area
A Full-Day Amazon Mix: Tower Views, Ziplines, River Kayaks, and Capuchins

This is a classic Amazon “big day” format: hike, height, speed, water, then animals at Monkey Island. If you’re in the Cusco region but basing around Puerto Maldonado, this kind of day trip is one of the most efficient ways to pack in rainforest experiences without planning every stop yourself.
The flow matters. You start in the forest (so you’re not exhausted too early), then you go up for the tower and canopy bridge, then you slide across the treetops on ziplines. After that you eat, rest briefly, and only then do the kayaking and monkey visit—so you’re not paddling while hungry or overheated.
The day runs about 8 hours and returns you to the city around 4:30 PM. You’ll also get a guided experience in English or Spanish, with safety briefings included.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Puerto Maldonado.
The 200-Meter Walk to Canopy Tower and Lupuna Trees

You begin with about a 200-meter hike through the rainforest to reach the Canopy Tower. The tower is 35 meters tall, and it’s built at the base of a massive lupuna tree—one of those Amazon giants your photos can’t fully capture until you’re standing there in the shade.
What’s valuable here is the interpretation. Your guide isn’t just walking you from A to B. They’ll explain local fauna and flora while you move through the forest, so the hike becomes part of the learning, not just a warm-up.
If you’re the type who hates slow, bouncy walking days, keep expectations realistic. This is still a hike, and you’ll want comfortable shoes because you’ll be on your feet more than once during the day.
Canopy Bridge + Two 190-Meter Zipline Runs

After the forest walk, you cross the canopy bridge as you move into the zipline area. From there you get the main event: a guided zipline experience with harness and safety equipment, plus instructions on how to ride.
Here’s what you’ll do:
- Glide along a 190-meter zipline to the other side
- Then cross a small 100-meter bridge, with help from an assistant
- Return via another 190-meter zipline back to the start
That second ride is a big deal. It’s not just a “one and done” thrill. You get the chance to relax your grip a little, re-check your body position, and enjoy the view the second time.
If heights make you tense, be honest with yourself. This tour isn’t a good match for people afraid of heights. Also note the general physical limitation: it’s not designed for mobility impairments or back problems.
Lunch at the Lodge and Hammock Time
Once you’re back from the zipline equipment, you head to the lodge for lunch. This is one of those small details that makes the whole day feel more human. You’re not just rushing; you get a real meal before the next activity.
After lunch, you can relax in the hammocks. That short downtime matters in the Amazon. Even if you love action, you’ll likely feel the heat and humidity after the walking and the zipline.
Then there’s a short siesta-style break before the kayaking starts. This pacing is one reason the itinerary can work even for people who are not lifelong adventure athletes.
Kayaking the Madre de Dios River (Life Jacket Included)
Kayaking starts right from the lodge area. You’ll take the kayaks and paddles, wear life jackets, and board with the group.
Then you paddle down the Madre de Dios River. A support boat accompanies the group, which is reassuring if you want to focus on enjoying the ride instead of constantly worrying about what happens if you get tired or drift a bit.
The best practical expectation: you will likely get wet. The activity is designed so you can cool down, and it’s a great chance to swim in the river waters. That means swimwear is not optional advice—it’s the difference between being comfortable and being miserable.
Also remember: water isn’t listed as included, so bring it (or buy before you go). If you’re the one who forgets water during hot activities, this is the kind of day that punishes that habit.
Monkey Island: Capuchin Feeding With Your Guide
Monkey Island sits about 15 minutes downstream from the lodge. This is where the tour turns from outdoorsy adventure into up-close wildlife time.
You’re looking for capuchin monkeys, including:
- Capuchins in the black group (Cebus apella)
- White-faced capuchins (Cebus albifrons)
The key idea is that they’re accustomed to human presence, which makes close observation possible. Feeding them with your guide is part of the activity as well, with clear rules on how you should and should not interact.
Now for the reality check: you’re in a place where lots of groups can be present. The guide and your timing will influence how many monkeys you see and how smoothly feeding goes. If you can accept that, you’ll enjoy this more—because even when the monkeys aren’t in full display mode, watching their movements and social behavior is still worth it.
Also, follow the rules: you shouldn’t touch animals. The guide will keep you aligned with those boundaries.
Bird Spotting From Above the Trees
One of the underrated rewards of the Canopy Tower part of the day is seeing birds from a higher viewpoint. The guide will help you spot them as you’re up in the tower area.
Even if you’re not a bird expert, the tower and canopy bridge give you better sightlines than the forest floor does. In a rainforest, where everything is green and moving, that extra height makes a noticeable difference.
This is one reason the Canopy Tower stop is more than “just a photo opportunity.” It gives you a different way to read the environment.
Price and Value for $62 and an 8-Hour Day in Puerto Maldonado
The price is $62 per person for roughly 8 hours with lunch, a guide, zipline safety equipment, kayak and paddles, life jackets, and a support boat during kayaking.
So what are you really paying for?
- Guided canopy activity with harness safety gear
- Two substantial zipline runs (not a short trial ride)
- River kayaking with gear and supervision support
- A structured visit to Monkey Island with guide-led interaction
- A full meal (lunch) plus time to rest
Transportation to and from the city is not included. That’s important when you compare value. If your hotel isn’t near the meeting point, you’ll need to factor in how you’ll get there and back.
What you’ll likely feel at the end of the day: this tour gives you multiple rainforest experiences in one shot, instead of forcing you to pick only one. For many people, that’s the best value—time-saving and packed with variety.
What to Pack and How to Stay Comfortable (You Will Get Wet)
You’ll have a few clear packing needs based on the activities:
Bring:
- Swimwear (kayaking is wet work)
- Camera (you’ll want it for canopy height and monkeys)
- Sunscreen and a hat (sun hits during breaks and on open platforms)
- Water (water is not included)
- Comfortable clothes and shoes for walking and kayaking
- Insect repellent
Wear:
- Clothing that can handle humidity and some river spray
- Shoes with grip for forest paths (you’ll be walking)
Also note what’s not allowed:
- Smoking
- Touching animals
- Touching plants
If you do only one thing: pack a change of clothes in a sealed bag. The kayak segment plus possible swimming is the part most likely to ruin your day if you show up dry and leave without a backup outfit.
Who Should Book This Tour—and Who Should Skip It
This isn’t an any-body-fits adventure. It has real height and water components.
It’s not suitable if you have:
- Back problems
- Mobility impairments
- Fear of heights
- Non-swimmers
If you’re a confident walker and okay with height (even if you’re not a thrill-seeker), this tour can be a great fit. It also suits people who want a structured day: you get a plan, equipment, and a guide keeping the flow moving.
It can work well for families with older, capable kids—though there’s no explicit age rule provided here. When in doubt, ask the provider what they require for safe participation.
Should You Book Canopy Tower, Zipline, Kayak, and Monkey Island?
Book it if you want one full day that hits the Amazon’s highlights: canopy views, zipline speed, a river paddle, and capuchin encounters. The inclusion of lunch, zipline safety gear, kayak equipment, life jackets, and a support boat makes it feel like a complete experience rather than a collection of separate extras.
Skip it—or at least think hard—if you’re worried about heights, you can’t swim, or you’re dealing with back or mobility issues. Also, if you hate uneven wildlife timing, set your expectations for Monkey Island as flexible. Some days you’ll get more monkeys visible than others, and the crowds can affect feeding moments.
If you go in ready for a wet, active day, this is the kind of itinerary that leaves you with more than one kind of memory.
FAQ
What is the duration of the Canopy Tower, Zipline, Kayak, and Monkey Island tour?
The tour lasts about 8 hours.
Where does the tour start in Puerto Maldonado?
The starting location is Av. Coronel Enrique Leon Velarde 147.
What is included in the price?
The guide, zipline safety equipment, kayak and paddles, life jackets, a support boat during kayaking, and lunch are included.
What is not included?
Transportation to and from the city, personal expenses, and water are not included.
Are there any swim-related requirements?
You should bring swimwear. You should also be prepared to get wet during the kayaking activity.
What languages is the tour guide available in?
The tour guide is available in English and Spanish.
Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
No. The tour is not suitable for non-swimmers.
Is the tour suitable for people with back problems or mobility impairments?
No. It is not suitable for people with back problems or mobility impairments.
Is there a cancellation option or pay-later option?
There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later.



















