Refugio Chabelita – A family’s warmth in Puerto Maldonado

1. How was Refugio Chabelita born? What inspired you to open this accommodation deep in the Tambopata jungle?

In the beginning, our work was only agriculture. We have a 15‑hectare farm located one hour from here, in the community of Jorge Chávez. Many people, both tourists and locals, came to buy our products from the land. We worked very hard, but little by little, the neighbors in the community gave us the idea to take advantage of the growing interest of travelers. That is how we began to invest in the hostel. We started with 7 rooms and now we have increased to 10 to better welcome those who visit us. Everything came about naturally, with the support of our community and a great desire to share what we have.

The name “Chabelita” has a special meaning. Could you tell us its story?

Of course! My mother’s name is Isabel and in Peru we have the custom of giving affectionate nicknames. My mother is a very respected person in the community because she always supports others, and the community members affectionately call her “Chabelita”. When it came time to choose a name for the hostel, that special nickname came naturally. That is how Refugio Chabelita was born, a name that represents the affection, closeness and trust we want to convey to every guest.

2. What is the philosophy that guides your hospitality? How do you make every visitor feel at home?

Our philosophy is very simple: we want every person who arrives to feel as if they were in their own home. For us, receiving a guest is like adding another member to the family. That is why we like to share with them, ask them what they would like to see and do, and when they ask us to eat together, we do so with great pleasure. We love exchanging experiences, because we also learn from them. That genuine affection is what makes the difference and makes travelers take a piece of our home in their hearts.

3. Describe in a few words what a guest can expect upon arriving at Refugio Chabelita. What is daily life like? What moments are usually the favorites?

Upon arrival, guests find a family that welcomes them with open arms. We like to ask them what they wish to discover in order to tailor their experience. Daily life here is calm, in contact with nature. One of the favorite moments is the walk through the village, where they can appreciate medicinal plants, cacao, and if we are lucky, observe animals such as snakes, parrots or pavas. They also greatly enjoy the contact with community members, who share their customs. It is a place where disconnection and authenticity are lived at every moment.

4. Besides accommodation, what additional services do you offer? Tell us about the food, tours and activities.

We have a small restaurant where my mother mainly cooks, although in reality we work as a family and we all support each other. We offer American breakfast included in the rate, using products from the region and from our own farm, many of them organic. For lunches and dinners, we prepare typical dishes such as juanes, patacones, patarasca, Amazonian chaufa and others, always with fresh and local ingredients.

Regarding tours, we offer the Eco‑Safari by boat on the Tambopata River, where you can observe caimans, capybaras, taricayas (turtles) and various birds. We also organize visits to Sandoval Lake with an official guide from the neighboring community, and to Yakumama Lake, among others. In addition, we provide airport transfers (the airport is only 10 minutes away) and we can coordinate excursions according to each traveler’s interests.

5. You are located in a high biodiversity area. What sustainable practices do you implement? Do you work with the local community?

From the beginning, our goal has been to care for the environment. We manage kitchen and garden waste through composting with air and moisture to improve soil fertility. In addition, we reforest our land with timber, medicinal and fruit plants. For the tours, we work with community members and official guides from the area, thus supporting the local economy and promoting responsible tourism that respects both nature and the traditions of our communities.

6. What do you like to teach your guests about the flora, fauna or customs of the region? Is there any special anecdote you remember?

We love sharing our knowledge, especially about medicinal plants: what they are used for, how to prepare them. Since the hospital is a little far away, we are used to healing small wounds with what nature offers us. We also teach about the animals, how they feed and how we protect them.

There are so many anecdotes in such a short time that it’s hard to highlight just one. But the most beautiful thing is that they also teach us a lot; we learn from their life stories. We become deeply fond of them and on several occasions the farewell is difficult. Seeing the affection they give back to us is a great pride because it means we have reached their hearts.

7. Who are the members of the Refugio Chabelita team? What is it like to work as a family on this project?

We work mainly as a family: my parents, my two brothers, my brother’s partner and myself. We support each other in everything according to the daily needs. In addition, we collaborate with community guides and local taxi drivers for transfers and tours. For us, working as a family means that each person gives their best, and that is reflected in the warmth with which we treat our guests. Informing, teaching and exchanging is part of our DNA, and we live it every day.

8. What recommendations would you give to those staying for the first time in Puerto Maldonado? What is the best time to visit and what should they pack?

The best time is summer: it’s hotter, but the river is calmer and there are more animals on the banks. We recommend coming with appropriate clothing for the hot climate, and don’t forget insect repellent, sunscreen, and be mindful of food to avoid discomfort. For tours, we always explain the options according to availability and each traveler’s preferences, so they can choose what motivates them most.

9. What plans or improvements would you like to make at the refuge in the coming years? What is the biggest dream you still have to fulfill?

We want to continue growing as entrepreneurs. We are planning to install a small swimming pool, a relaxation area and games, which would be very useful especially when there is heavy rain. Our biggest dream is to build some bungalows on our farm, which is an hour away from here, so that travelers can be even more connected to nature and the land. We want more and more people to experience the jungle in an authentic and respectful way.

10. Finally, what would you like to say to travelers who are considering staying at Refugio Chabelita?

If they choose us, they will be treated as members of our family. They will be able to learn about our cultures and traditions, and we will always do our best. Here they will not only find a place to sleep, but a home where they can share, learn and take away unforgettable memories. We await them with open arms.

Soon you will find here the reviews of travelers who stayed at Refugio Chabelita Hostel. If you stayed with Chabelita and her family, share your experience!