Day 1: Welcome to the Tambopata
Arrive in Puerto Maldonado, the capital of Madre de Dios, and start your journey with a 1-hour bus ride followed by a 2.5-hour boat trip to the lodge. As you travel along the river, enjoy your first taste of Amazonian cuisine while soaking in the stunning 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. 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.
Day 2: Macaw Clay Lick and Canopy Tower
Begin your day with a visit to the Macaw Clay Lick, one of the Amazon’s most spectacular wildlife events. Dozens of large macaws and hundreds of parrots gather along the riverbank in a vibrant and noisy display. From a discreet viewing spot 50 meters from the cliff, watch as Green-winged, Scarlet, and Blue-and-gold Macaws, along with smaller parrots, descend to ingest clay—a behavior that has been widely documented and celebrated.
In the afternoon, explore the Canopy Tower at Tambopata Research Center. Ascend the 30-meter-high tower to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest. From this elevated vantage point, you can spot treetop wildlife such as monkeys, toucans, macaws, and a variety of other bird species, all while taking in the sweeping vistas of the Amazon canopy.
Day 3: Bamboo Trail, 8 Primate Project and Sunset Cruise
Begin your morning with an exploration of the Bamboo Trail, a unique habitat dominated by Guadua bamboo. This fast-growing bamboo species thrives in the Amazon’s poorly drained upland soils, creating a distinct ecosystem. As you navigate the trail, keep an eye out for bamboo specialists like Antbirds, Rufous-headed Woodpeckers, and Capuchin Monkeys. Listen for the cricket-like calls of the Bamboo Frog, a tiny amphibian that lives inside the bamboo stalks, adding to the trail's enchanting ambiance.
In the afternoon, participate in the 8 Primate Project, where you'll hike a five-kilometer trail through a typical rainforest filled with towering trees, creeks, and ponds. This trail offers 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.
Conclude your day with a serene Sunset Cruise along the Tambopata River. As the sun sets, the sky is painted with hues of orange and pink, reflecting off the water in beautiful patterns. This peaceful journey offers a perfect opportunity to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures, often accompanied by sightings of wildlife along the riverbanks.
Day 4: Relaxation, Wildlife on the Riverbanks, and Departure
Enjoy a leisurely morning with breakfast and some final moments of relaxation in the lodge’s hammocks, soaking in the tranquility of the Amazon. This is also your last chance to observe wildlife along the riverbanks as you make your way back to Puerto Maldonado. Often, animals come out as if to say goodbye, providing a fitting end to your Amazon adventure.
Your journey concludes as you depart via boat and bus for your flight, carrying with you unforgettable memories of your exploration through the heart of the Amazon. Your visit has directly supported the Wired Amazon program and conservation efforts in the Tambopata National Reserve.
*Suggested Program