rainforest EXPLORER

In the jungle town of Puerto Maldonado, as you begin your ecotourism adventure you will be met from your flight by our staff, who will escort you during the fascinating 68-kilometer road and boat trip along the Tambopata River to our Ecolodge (23 km by vehicle, 45 km by boat). Once we leave Puerto Maldonado behind, the forest vegetation will change from colonized deforested areas to virgin rainforest. Time spent on rivers is one of the highlights of any trip to a tropical forest ecosystem, offering the opportunity to observe native flora and look out for examples of Amazon fauna, with the help of one of our experienced naturalist guides. A box lunch will be served aboard our boat. After time to settle in your eco-lodge accommodation, your naturalist guide will invite you to explore the trails in the surrounding forest. Several giant brazil nut trees are located along these trails, while frequently seen fauna includes brown capuchin monkeys, agoutis, blue-morpho butterflies, trogons, toucans and other bird species. In the evening, a slideshow presentation will give you a thorough introduction to the many wonders of the rainforest. After an excellent buffet-style dinner, another guided trail walk in the forest will offer the chance to spot the world’s only nocturnal monkey species, as well as learning about the Amazon’s insects, while enjoying the unique sounds of the nighttime forest.

Following an excellent buffet breakfast and a short morning boat ride, we will set out along a forest trail to explore Condenado oxbow lake by canoe. Swathed in rich tropical vegetation, wetlands are among the best places in the forest for birdwatching and the observation of a variety of aquatic and terrestrial fauna. Continuing our trail walk, tree species include the strangler fig tree and the mighty kapok, which rises high above the forest canopy. Back at the Ecolodge, after a superb buffet lunch in our restaurant, there will be free time for independent walks on our extensive trail system, exploring our gardens, or bathing in our nearby swimming hole, where the clear cool waters of Gallocunca stream can be enjoyed. Or you can simply choose to relax in a hammock on the porch of your cabin. Following a buffet dinner, your guide will give a presentation on the species of caiman found in the forests of Tambopata, after which we will take to the river in search of caimans and other nocturnal rainforest species that fill the tropical forest night air with their sounds.

Today, we will venture much further into the forest to visit the wetland ecosystem around Lake Sachavacayoc. After a short trip downriver by boat, we will access this lake via a long, fascinating forest trail, crossing streams and marshy ground via raised wooden walkways and bridges. Among the tree species seen on this trail are the capirona, strangler fig and palo santo, as well as bamboo, and several varieties of palm tree. The forests around this beautiful oxbow lake teem with birdlife, and the waters are home to black caiman and the magnificent green anaconda. Visitors to this lake may also be fortunate enough to spot the rare Amazon giant river otter. The lake comes to life as we paddle across the water for around an hour, before heading back to the river via a different trail, with our naturalist guide on the lookout for interesting species. Capuchin and squirrel monkeys are commonly seen on these trails. Back at the Ecolodge in the later afternoon, you will have time to relax in a hammock or take a refreshing dip in nearby Gallocunca stream. After a delicious buffet-style dinner, there will be time in the evening to get to know other Ecolodge guests in the bar and lounge.

Your stay in the Amazon forest ends on this fourth day with a magical morning return by river for your flight from Puerto Maldonado. This is an excellent time of day for wildlife observation, as the forest awakens, and looking out for rainforest fauna from our boat with the help of your naturalist guide is the perfect way to bid farewell to Peru’s tropical forests.

At Tambopata Ecolodge, our ecotourism programs include: all fully escorted transport from our guests’ arrival at Puerto Maldonado airport or bus station to their return to the airport or bus station; cabin-style accommodation in comfortable rooms; all meals (most are buffet-style with a selection of traditional Peruvian cuisine) from lunch on day one of each itinerary to breakfast on the final day; all excursions described as part of our responsible ecotourism programs; the services of a professional, experienced bilingual naturalist guide. (English and Spanish. Other languages are available on request, at time of booking –rates may vary.)

Flights / bus services to and from the town of Puerto Maldonado; entrance fee to Tambopata National Reserve; any drinks ordered at the Ecolodge bar; tips.

Prices shown are per person in US dollars. The entrance fee contributes directly to the Peruvian national government’s running of Tambopata National Reserve.