Peru - Tambopata National Reserve

Arrive in Lima at Jorge Chávez International Airport, located in Callao. After clearing customs, walk to your hotel, located just steps from the terminal. Dinner this evening is at your leisure. Overnight at Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol.

Early flight to Puerto Maldonado, the capital of Madre de Dios. Journey with a 1-hour bus ride followed by a 2.5-hour boat trip to the lodge Tambopata Research Center (TRC). As you travel along the river, enjoy your first taste of Amazonian cuisine while soaking in the breathtaking rainforest landscapes.

Cross the confluence with the Malinowski River, leaving behind the last traces of human habitation as you enter the 700,000-hectare uninhabited core of the Tambopata National Reserve. Along the way, keep an eye out for capybaras, caimans, geese, macaws, and other large species that become increasingly frequent as you venture deeper into the reserve.

Arrive at Tambopata Research Center, a boutique eco-lodge set in the heart of the Tambopata National Reserve. Surrounded by projects from the Wired Amazon Program, including the Tambopata Macaw Project, 8 Primates Project, and Discovering New Species, the lodge is a haven for nature enthusiasts.

Enjoy comfortable accommodations ranging from 21-square-meter rooms to spacious 83-square-meter suites, all featuring private bathrooms and open windows facing the forest. Your stay includes three daily meals, tea, coffee, guided excursions and activities, refreshments upon arrival, and transfers to and from the airport. Guides are provided in small private groups with a 6:1 ratio to ensure personalized experiences.

Before dinner, attend a night lecture where scientists provide insights into the ongoing projects of the Wired Amazon Program and discuss the conservation challenges they face.

After dinner, take the opportunity to embark on a night hike, exploring the jungle under the cover of darkness. Although many mammals are active but elusive, the varied shapes and sounds of frogs are easier to observe and equally captivating. Accommodations at Tambopata Research Center (B, L, D)

Start your morning with a visit to the Macaw Clay Lick, one of the most spectacular wildlife events in the Amazon. Dozens of large macaws and hundreds of parrots gather on the riverbank in a raucous and colorful display. From a discreet viewing spot 50 meters from the cliff, watch as Green-winged, Scarlet, and Blue-and-gold Macaws, along with several species of smaller parrots, descend to ingest clay, a behavior that has been extensively documented and celebrated in nature publications.

In the afternoon, experience the Canopy Tower at Tambopata Research Center. Ascend the 30-meter-high tower, offering panoramic views above the treetops. From this elevated vantage point, you’ll have the opportunity to spot treetop wildlife such as monkeys, toucans, macaws, and a diverse array of other bird species, all while enjoying the endless vistas of the Amazon canopy. (B, L, D)

Begin your morning with an exploration of the Bamboo Trail, a surreal journey through a unique bamboo forest. As the sunlight filters through the thin, spindly leaves, you’ll meander along the trail with the tranquil river glinting beside you. The Guadua bamboo, native to the Americas, thrives in the poorly drained upland soils of this region, growing several meters each year and creating a distinct habitat.

In the afternoon, participate in the 8 Primate Project, a hike through a five-kilometer trail in a prototypical rainforest filled with immense trees, creeks, and ponds. This trail provides excellent opportunities to observe various primate species, such as Squirrel Monkeys, Brown Capuchin Monkeys, and Spider Monkeys, as well as peccaries. The Tambopata Research Center’s strategic location within this habitat makes it an ideal spot for primate watching. (B, L, D)

Spend the morning exploring the Creek Trail, a distinctive terra firme forest that’s best experienced from November through March during the rainy season when the creeks are full of water. This half-day hike provides insight into the unique ecology of these creek-crossed forests, offering glimpses of wildlife and the intricate network of waterways that support the rainforest’s biodiversity.

In the afternoon, embark on the Rainforest Master Hike, a longer trek that delves deeper into the forest’s incredible biodiversity. Led by knowledgeable guides, this hike reveals the hidden gems of the rainforest, including elusive canopy birds, various monkey species, and remarkable plant life, leaving you with a profound appreciation for the Amazon’s complex ecosystem.

Remember to attend the nightly lecture at the open lab, where researchers will share additional insights into the ongoing conservation efforts and discoveries. (B, L, D)

This is your final opportunity to observe wildlife along the riverbanks as you make your way back to Puerto Maldonado. Your Amazon adventure concludes with a boat and land transfer to the airport.

Upon arrival in Puerto Maldonado, you will connect with your flight to either Cusco or Lima. The estimated arrival time in either city is between 4:00 and 5:00 PM.

If you plan to connect with an international flight from Lima, we recommend allowing ample time between flights and booking your international departure no earlier than 10:00 PM.

Additional accommodation in Lima or Cusco can be arranged upon request at an additional cost. (B)

Notes:

° This is a suggested itinerary. Clients have the flexibility to choose from the available activities each day upon arrival at the lodge, allowing you to create a perfect Amazon experience.