ARRIVE PERU | LIMA

Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival, clear Immigration and Customs. You are met outside Customs and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight JW Marriott Lima (Deluxe Room)
No Meals Included Today

 

LIMA

Depart on a half day private guided tour of Colonial Lima and Larco Museum.

Overnight JW Marriott Lima (Deluxe Room)
Breakfast Included Today

 

LIMA | PUERTO MALDONADO | TAMBOBATA RESERVE IN PERU’S LOWER AMAZON REGION

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Puerto Maldonado. Upon arrival at Puerto Maldonado airport. Commence the Tambopata Research Center (TRC) 4 night package operated by Rainforest Expeditions. This package includes the first night at Refugio Amazonas Lodge and the next 3 nights at Tambopata Research Center Lodge.

Rainforest Expeditions guides are tourism professionals, or community members. Unless noted otherwise, our guides speak English. We assign guides at 6:1 ratio in Tambopata Research Center. This means groups smaller than 6 people will be merged with other groups under one guide.

From Puerto Maldonado airport, you will be driven about 10 minutes to the Rainforest Expeditions’ Puerto Maldonado headquarters.  While enjoying your first taste of the forest in our gardens we will ask you to pack only the necessary gear for your next few days, and leave the rest at our safe deposit. This helps us keep the boats and cargo light. We then drive 20 kilometers to the Tambopata River Port, entering the Native Community of Infierno.  The port is a communal business.

The 2 ½ hour boat ride from the Tambopata Port to Refugio Amazonas Lodge will take us past the Community of Infierno and the Tambopata National Reserve´s checkpoint and into the buffer zone of this 1.3 million hectare conservation unit. A boxed lunch is included during the boat ride. 

Upon arrival, the Refugio Amazonas lodge manager will welcome you and brief you with important navigation and security tips. You will have the option of hiking out at night, when most of the mammals are active but difficult to see. Easier to find are frogs with shapes and sounds as bizarre as their natural histories.

Overnight Refugio Amazonas
Breakfast, Boxed Lunch & Dinner Included Today

 

TAMBOBATA RESERVE IN PERU’S LOWER AMAZON REGION

On your 2nd day, in the morning, visit the Canopy Tower. A 30 minute walk from Refugio Amazonas leads to the 25 meter scaffolding canopy tower. A banister staircase running through the middle provides safe access to the platforms above. The tower has been built upon high ground, therefore increasing your horizon of the continuous primary forest extending out towards the Tambopata National Reserve.  From here views of mixed species canopy flocks as well as toucans, macaws and raptors are likely.

Then transfer by boat to the Tambopata Research Center. This is a 4 ½ hour journey to the pristine heart of the reserve!  1 ½ hours into our boat journey, as we cross the confluence with the Malinowski River, we will leave the final traces of human habitation behind. Within the 700,000 hectare uninhabited nucleus of the reserve, sightings of capybara, caiman, geese, macaws and other large species will become more frequent.    

We will stop at the Chuncho claylick. After a brief walk (less than 5 minutes) we will have the chance to see dozens of large macaws feeding on the special sodium rich clays of the riverbank. The Chuncho claylick probably attracts more large macaws than any other claylick in the world and the sight of dozens of macaws taking flight is truly unforgettable. The details of our stopover will depend on the weather and the amount of macaw activity, as the birds don’t visit the clay lick when it is raining.

Upon arrival at Tambopata Research Center, the lodge manager will welcome you and brief you with important navigation and security tips.

Over the next 3 nights, you can choose from a wide range of stand-out Amazon excursions. All excursions offered the Tambopata Research Center are a-la-carte. You will meet with the guides and develop a schedule of activities according to your interests and weather.

Excursions included in your package are below. You will schedule with the guide which ones you desire to do and they will plan out a schedule for your stay:

• Macaw Clay Lick – Colorado: On most clear mornings of the year dozens of large macaws and hundreds of parrots and parakeets congregate in a raucous and colorful spectacle on a cliff located near the lodge. This spellbinding spectacle inspired a National Geographic cover story. We will install ourselves on the opposite side of the Tambopata River at approximately fifty meters (165 feet) from the cliff. From our unobtrusive spot and with the assistance of powerful telescopes and weather permitting, we will be able to observe Green-winged, Scarlet and Blue and Gold Macaws and several species of smaller parrots and parakeets as they descend to ingest clay. Outings are at dawn when the clay lick is most active.
   
• Jaguar Search at Dawn: The jaguar (Panthera onca), is the largest cat species in the Americas and the third-largest after the tiger and the lion. The jaguar closely resembles the leopard, but is usually larger and stronger. A keystone specie in the rainforest, jaguars are extremely elusive and well camouflaged when in the forest. Our best chance to spot this majestic cat is when it come out to the rive banks in order to drinking water and hunt along the shores of the Tambopata River.
   
• The World of Butterflies: If you love butterflies you will enjoy this activity. The Tambopata region holds the record for more species of butterflies in the world. Our researchers and guides have identified their favorite habitats according to the species. Large, small, colorful, transparent …… you are in for a delightful visual experience. Also this is a great chance to photograph these colorful creatures.  Apart from witnessing an extraordinary nature show, you will have the opportunity learn about their behavior and amazing adaptations methods to survive in the rainforest.
   
• My First Biding: Learn how to become a keen birdwatcher. The bird world at TRC is astoundingly diverse and the ideal place to catch the bird watching fever. During your outing with an expert birding guide, you will learn about the proper use of binoculars and telescopes, the basics about bird watching techniques, how to identify the main families, recognize sounds and their different habitats.
   
• Secrets of the Surroundings: Explore the surrounding area around TRC at a relaxed pace. A pristine primary forest encircles the lodge so it is not necessary to wonder too far to have exiting encounters with a large diversity of flora and fauna. Accompanied by your guide, you will walk in a flood plain forest. Imposing ancient trees are the main feature along a trail that is crisscrossed by creeks and ponds. Among them are imposing tree species like the fig, ceiba and shihuahuaco, which host countless species of insect, reptiles and mammals.
   
• Blue and Yellow Macaw: This colorful macaw (Ara ararauna), also known as the blue-and-gold macaw, chooses old palm trees to build their nests. This short walk will take you through their habitat. You enter a completely different eco-system from everything else in the surrounding forest. Here you have the opportunity to learn about the very important aguaje palm (Mauritia flexuosa) which are the ideal nesting site for the Blue and Yellow nests, and other benefits they provide other forest inhabitants. Capuchin monkeys for example love the fruit from these palms.
   
• Ceiba Walk: Embark on a hike on the Ceiba trail. The highlight during this hike is the encounter with largest tree in the vicinity: a giant ceiba. The native people consider these trees sacred. During the hike we will focus on the natural history of this majestic tree and learn why they are so special.
   
• Monkey Walk: An entirely different habitat featuring smaller, thinner trees atop hills and slopes is covered by this five-kilometer trail. A favorite ecosystem for the many monkey species who inhabit Tambopata region. Great opportunity to learn about these curious and lively habitants of this captivating forest.
   
• Amazon Overlook Trail: A three to five-kilometer hike through a regenerating old bamboo forest will lead us to the edge of stunning overlooks which commands magnificent views of the capriccios Tambopata River as it winds its way into the lowlands.
   
• Island Exploration & Pond: Ten minutes upriver from the lodge is a small pond with a platform in the middle. It is a great place to spot waterfowl such as the beautiful Agami heron, Capped heron, the rare curassow, Muscovy duck, Sunbittern and hoatzins along with woodpeckers, oropendolas, flycatchers and parakeets that call this pond their home. You will also have an opportunity to learn about the varieties of fish that live in the amazon. If you are fortunate you may even get to see a caiman or two.
   
• Toucans Trail: Venture deeper into the wilderness surrounding TRC. The Toucans Trail will take you through pristine rain forest habitat with superb opportunities for wildlife encounters. This hike will take approximately 3-hours and we highly recommended to all hike lovers.
   
• Macaw project nest visit: TRC is the home of the Macaw Project. Scientists are conducting macaw research in Tambopata for the past 30 years. During this activity, you have a rare opportunity to observe first hand the work done by the researchers as they climb giant trees to monitor natural and artificial nest sites around TRC. Nest sites are located close to ninety meter above ground. Researchers with the help of climbing gear reach the nests sites in order to collect the macaw chicks. Carefully placed on plastic buckets the chicks are lowered to the forest ground where researches will weigh and measure the chicks to monitor growth and also check for parasites. Once the monitoring is done, chicks are placed back in their nests.
   
• Enthusiastic Birding: If you’re already familiar with the basics of birding and the proper use of your birding equipment, you are ready for the next step. On this excursion we will shift our focus from learning the basics to a more in-depth birding experience. Our main emphasis with the assistance of our birding guides, is to learn to differentiate between different habitats and to better understand the behavioral patterns of your favorite bird species.
   
• Birdwatching: This is the ideal activity for seasoned birdwatching lovers. With the assistance of our professional birding guides, we will help you find those species missing from your list. Tambopata holds a vast diversity of specific species. Get ready for an intense 4 hour birding session in order to search and try to find the elusive birds missing from your list.
   
• Amazon Creek Trail: Continue your exploration of the rainforest and it’s endless diversity by hiking in the Terra Firme forest, which is traversed by many creeks that wind their way towards the Tambopata River. Our main focus during this activity is to have an in-depth understanding of the surrounding forest and creek ecology.
   
• Bamboo Trail: One of the most remarkable and mega diverse ecosystems in Tambopata is the bamboo forest. Bamboo is a fast growing plant. Where it grows, bamboo takes over and establishes a total different habitat. Learn more about what species choose this ecosystem as their home. This trail is particularly attractive for bird lovers since this is home to highly specialize species of birds, including some endemics.
   
• Palm Swamp Trail: Growing on the remains of an oxbow lake and providing both arboreal as well as terrestrial mammals with fruits throughout the year, the aguaje palms are one of the most important food sources in the rainforest. Unfortunately, this habitat is also in high demand by humans since the swamps provide ideal conditions for planting rice, making the palm swamps one of the most threatened habitats in the rainforest. Once thing is certain. Swamps are truly picturesque habitats and should be in everyone’s short list of places to visit during your stay at TRC.
   
• Adventure to de Bowl: Ready for a challenge? Join us on a 4-hours walk crossing different habitats. This is an early morning activity and one of the most rewarding in terms of wildlife encounters. Once at the Bowl, you learn about how this patch of forest changes through the seasons.
   
• The Rainforest Master Hike: This is the perfect outing for the hardcore hiker and nature lover. Crisscrossing through an array of ecosystems and an endless network of trails, this hike will take around 6 hours and maximize your opportunities for wildlife. Bring plenty of water and repellent!!!!!
   
• Sunset Cruise: Sunsets in the Tambopata River have no equal. There is something magical about floating the Tambopata, listening to the river gently flow downstream. Add to this the concerto featuring the local fauna, accompanied by the mesmerizing views of the rainforest and having, as it’s main protagonist the a rain forest sunset that will remind art lover at the striking and bold sunsets colors you find in a J. M. W. Turner painting. An unforgettable experience provide by the best artist of all…..Nature.
   
• Rainforest by night: Walking through the rainforest at night challenges all your senses. In deep darkness, surrounded by an array of jungle sounds and with the aid of your guide’s powerful spotlight, you enter a world inhabited by the most unique, diverse and shy night creatures. If fortunate, you will be able to find poison dart frogs, night monkeys, tarantulas, amphibians and insects with the most unique adaptations to life under the cover of darkness.
   
• Macaw Project Lectures: After dinner scientists will provide an in depth look at the biology of macaws. You will learn about their feeding habits, the theories for clay lick use, their breeding and feeding ecology, population fluctuations and the threats to their conservation. These lectures also will provide you with an opportunity to find out how to get involved and/or support this amazing project.

Overnight Tambopata Research Center Lodge
Breakfast, Boxed Lunch & Dinner Included Daily

 

TAMBOBATA RESERVE IN PERU’S LOWER AMAZON REGION | PUERTO MALDONADO | LIMA

Scheduled departure with other guests, from the lodge is around 5:00 am. Early this morning, we retrace our river and road journey back to Puerto Maldonado, our office and the airport. Arrival to Puerto Maldonado in time to check in for your flight to your Lima.

On arrival late this afternoon, outside baggage claim, you are met and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight JW Marriott Lima (Deluxe Room)
Breakfast Included Today

  

LIMA | DEPART PERU

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight out of Peru.

Breakfast Included Today