Tambopata National Reserve

Tambopata Research Center

Length: 5 Days/4 Nights from Lima or Cusco

Season: April – October

For travelers seeking to maximize wildlife viewing during a short extension, few places in the Amazon Basin rival the Tambopata National Reserve in southeastern Peru. Considered one of the most pristine and important rainforest reserves in South America, Tambopata boasts one of the highest concentrations of wildlife and bird species in the Peruvian Amazon.

The Tambopata National Reserve spans over 274,000 hectares of pristine rainforest. Recognized as one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, it is home to more than 600 bird species, 169 mammals, and 1,200 butterfly species—including iconic wildlife such as jaguars, howler monkeys, and vibrant macaws. The Reserve encompasses a variety of habitats, including lowland Amazon rainforest, riverine forest, and oxbow lakes, and features hundreds of tree and plant species. It is traversed by three rivers: the Malinowski, the Tambopata, and the Madre de Dios. The lodge is located approximately one hour by bus and 2.5 hours by boat upriver from Puerto Maldonado.

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY:

DAY 01: CUSCO / PUERTO MALDONADO / TAMBOPATA RESEARCH CENTER

Morning transfer from your hotel in Cusco to the airport for a scenic 50-minute commercial flight across the Andes to the low-elevation forests of Puerto Maldonado. Meet your Southwind representative and begin your journey with a 1-hour bus ride followed by a 2.5-hour motorboat trip to the lodge. 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 (TRC), a boutique eco-lodge set in the heart of the Tambopata National Reserve. Surrounded by projects from the Wired Amazon Program—including the Macaw Project, 8 Primates Project, and Discovering New Species—the lodge is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Your stay includes three daily meals, tea, coffee, guided excursions and activities, and refreshments upon arrival. Guides are provided in small private groups with a 6:1 ratio to ensure personalized experiences.

Attend a night lecture where scientists share 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 yet elusive, the varied shapes and sounds of frogs are easier to observe and equally captivating. (D)

DAY 02: TAMBOPATA NATIONAL RESERVE

Start your morning 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 on the riverbank in a raucous, 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 extensively documented and celebrated in nature publications. Return to the lodge for a refreshment, followed by lunch and time to enjoy the natural surroundings.

In the afternoon, visit the Canopy Tower at TRC. Ascend the 98-foot-high structure for panoramic views above the treetops. From this elevated vantage point, spot treetop wildlife such as monkeys, toucans, macaws, and a diverse array of other bird species, all while taking in the endless vistas of the Amazon canopy. The dining experience is casual yet thoughtfully curated, allowing guests to connect with fellow travelers while immersed in the rainforest setting. (B,L,D)

DAY 03: TAMBOPATA NATIONAL RESERVE

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

In the afternoon, take part in the 8 Primate Project, a hike along a 3.5-mile trail through a prototypical rainforest filled with immense trees, creeks, and ponds. This trail offers excellent opportunities to observe various primate species, including 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. Back at the lodge for dinner, the cuisine blends local Amazonian ingredients with international flavors, offering a variety of dishes to suit different dietary preferences. (B,L,D)

DAY 04: TAMBOPATA NATIONAL RESERVE

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

In the afternoon, embark on the Rainforest Master Hike, a longer trek that ventures deeper into the forest’s extraordinary biodiversity. Led by knowledgeable guides, this hike reveals 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.

After dinner, join the Discovering New Species activity. Accompany researchers at a night light trap to explore the forest and potentially identify new species. This hands-on citizen science experience allows you to contribute directly to ongoing biodiversity research and deepen your understanding of the rainforest’s vast and intricate ecosystem. (B,L,D)

DAY 05: TRC / PUERTO MALDONADO / LIMA / USA

Begin your final morning in the Amazon with a leisurely breakfast and a relaxing time on the lodge’s grounds, savoring the last moments of serenity in this extraordinary rainforest setting. As you depart by boat, keep your eyes on the riverbanks—this is your farewell journey through the jungle, and with your sharpened eye for spotting wildlife, you may notice even more birds and mammals than on your arrival. It’s a fitting close to your Amazon adventure.

Carry with you the unforgettable memories of your journey through the heart of the rainforest, along with the knowledge that your visit has directly contributed to the Wired Amazon program and ongoing conservation efforts in the Tambopata National Reserve.

Upon reaching land, board your private bus for the transfer to Puerto Maldonado airport and catch your flight to Lima. On arrival, meet your private guide for a brief tour of the capital’s vibrant Barranco neighborhood, followed by time to explore coastal Miraflores and sample Peru’s world-renowned seafood. Later, return to the airport with assistance for check-in and prepare for your international flight home—bringing with you a deeper connection to one of the planet’s most biodiverse regions. (B)

Tambopata Research Center: Nestled deep within the Tambopata National Reserve and facing the Bahuaja Sonene National Park in Madre de Dios, TRC is one of the most remote and pristine lodges in South America. Its unparalleled location places you at the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, surrounded by some of the richest wildlife habitats in the region—perfectly suited for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and conservation-minded travelers. This intimate ecolodge offers just 28 rooms, blending rustic charm with comfort in the middle of the rainforest. Accommodations range from cozy 225-square-foot rooms to expansive 893-square-foot suites, each featuring private bathrooms and open windows that frame the forest—inviting you to immerse yourself in nature. While the open-air design may feel adventurous at first, rest assured: all beds are equipped with mosquito nets, ensuring a safe and restful experience.

The lodge’s nearly 1,000 feet of elevated walkways are strategically positioned between the forest floor and canopy—where wildlife activity is most vibrant. During your stay, you’ll visit two of the Amazon’s most renowned clay licks: Colorado and Chuncho, offering unforgettable opportunities to observe macaws, parrots, and other species in their natural rituals. Since 1989, TRC has been a hub for pioneering conservation work. Your visit directly supports ongoing research and preservation efforts in one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems.

Notes: The Day-by-Day Itinerary may vary slightly so as to maximize your wildlife experience and sightings, depending on the weather, reports of our researchers and experienced naturalist guides based at the lodge.

We recommend arriving in Puerto Maldonado before 12:30 p.m. and scheduling your departure flight for after 11:30 a.m. Late arrivals on Day 01 may require an overnight stay in town, extending your itinerary by one day. Two of the most comfortable hotel options are Wasai and Cabana Quinta, both conveniently located near the Tambopata River Boulevard—an ideal spot for your first scenic glimpse of the Peruvian Amazon.