Tambopata Research Center

Tambopata Research center

05 Days / 04 Nights

Our beloved Tambopata Research Center is the only lodge that lies within the Tambopata National Reserve, making it one of the most remote lodges in South America!

The lodge’s pristine location means it’s surrounded by the best wildlife the Amazon jungle has to offer. There are no humans nearby, so you can see more monkeys, Macaws and other large and endangered species than anywhere else. One in three guests here even spots a Jaguar!

The Tambopata National Reserve features an amazing and almost incredible biodiversity. It’s believed that the area is home to 30% of Peru’s bird species, and nothing less than 90% of the country’s amphibians, reptiles and fresh-water fish species.

Numbers for the 275,000-hectare reserve are extraordinary: 160 mammal species, 630 bird species, 200 fish species, 100 amphibian species, 1,200 types of butterflies, jaguars, ocelots, giant armadillos, and other endangered species have found a refuge within the reserve boundaries.

One of the most visited spots in the reserve is the Colpa de Guacamayos, the world’s largest known mineral clay lick. Hundreds of parrots and macaws congregate each day to feed on the minerals contained on the red clay cliffs.

Itinerary:  

Day 1: Welcome to the Amazon! – Tambopata Research Center

Arrive in Puerto Maldonado, capital of Madre de Dios, and join a 1-hour bus ride and a 2.5 boat journey till the lodge. Your first taste of the Amazon culinary will be in the river while you leave the city to enjoy the amazing jungle landscapes.

As we cross the confluence with the Malinowski River, we will leave the final traces of human habitation behind. Within the 700,000 hectares uninhabited nucleus of the reserve, sightings of capybara, caiman, geese, macaws and other large species will become more frequent.

Tambopata Research Center awaits, a spacious boutique eco-lodge, with bar, a massage center, and buffet service in the heart of National Reserve of Tambopata, being the only lodge inside the reserve surrounded by dozens of macaw nests belonging to the Macaw Project.

Your stay includes three meals daily, teas, coffee, guided excursions and activities, refreshments upon arriving, and transfers to and from the airport. This afternoon joining the overlook a three to five-kilometer hike will lead us to overlooks commanding magnificent views of the Tambopata winding its way into the lowlands. The forest on this trail, regenerating on the old bamboo forest, is good for Howler Monkey and Dusky Titi Monkey. You will have the option of hiking out at night when most of the mammals are active but difficult to see.

Day 2: Tambopata Research center

On most clear mornings of the year, dozens of large macaws and hundreds of parrots congregate on this large river bank in a raucous and colorful spectacle which inspired a National Geographic cover story. Discretely located fifty meters from the cliff, we will observe Green-winged, Scarlet and Blue-and-gold Macaws and several species of smaller parrots descend to ingest clay. Outings are at dawn when the lick is most active. This five-kilometer trail covers the prototypical rain forest with immense trees crisscrossed by creeks and ponds. Amongst the figs, ceibas, and shihuahuacos we will go for a monkey search Squirrel, Brown Capuchin, and Spider Monkeys as well as peccaries.

Tambopata research center is located within this habitat. Ten minutes up-river from the lodge explore the island where is a tiny pond with a platform in the middle. It is a great place to spot waterfowl such as Muscovy duck, sun bittern and hoatzin along with the woodpeckers, oropendolas, flycatchers, and parakeets that call this pond their home.

After dinner scientists will provide a night lecture, an in-depth look at the biology of macaws, their feeding habits, the theories for clay lick use, their breeding and feeding ecology, population fluctuations and the threats to their conservation.

Day 3: Tambopata Research center

Every morning is different at the clay lick, because of that you have another chance to join the morning excursion. An entirely different habitat characterized by smaller, thinner trees atop hills and slopes is covered by this five-kilometer trail of forest. Saddleback tamarins are frequently found here.

As we walk near the limits of the swamp we will also keep our eyes open for rare tapir tracks. Growing on the remains of an oxbow lake and providing both arboreals as well as terrestrial mammals with fruits throughout the year, the aguaje palms are one of the most important food sources in the rainforest. Demand for these fruits and great conditions for planting rice makes the palm swamp also one of the most threatened habitats.

Day 4: Tambopata Research center

A different kind of Terra firme forest on a half-day activity is available daily. Crossed by several creeks that will eventually reach the Tambopata River, walk in the opposite direction of the river, where you will focus on forest and ecology on this creek trail. Twilight descends early in the jungle. Under the thick tree cover of the rainforest, darkness falls quickly, when the light cannot slip through the foliage any longer.

Now, as afternoon slips into evening, you’re about to see one of the world’s most spectacular sunsets. The Sunset Cruise floats down the wide river, countless oranges and pinks reflecting off the water in lovely patterns.

Day 5: Tambopata Research – Out

It is time to say goodbye, as the expedition comes to an end. Your visit will make a direct contribution to Wired Amazon and the National Reserve of Tambopata. You will take the journey back to the city to the airport for your national flight onwards.

**Prices may vary depending on travel dates. For more information, fill in the form to get in contact with a Travel Advisor.

What’s included:

Shuttle service from/to airport.
All meals.
Accommodation in comfortable traditional bungalows.
All trips and excursions with a specialized guide.

Not included:

International or domestic airfares.
Airport departure taxes or visa fees.
Excess baggage charges.
Alcoholic beverages or bottled water, snacks.
Insurance of any kind, laundry, phone calls, radio calls or messages.
Tips.

Important information:

What to bring?

Binoculars.
Camera gear, bring your long lens!.
Tight-weave, light colored, long cotton pants.
Long sleeved, tight-weave, light colored cotton shirts.
Ankle-high hiking boots and sneakers.
Flashlight (headlamp) with batteries.
Sunblock lotion.
Sunglasses.
Broad-brimmed hat.
Rain suit or poncho.
Insect repellent.
Small daypack.
Slippers or sandals for walking around the lodges.
Most lodges, including all Rainforest Expeditions lodges, loan rubber boots so that you don’t have to bring them.