TOP 10 MUST DO ACTIVITIES in the Tambopata Jungle

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Top 10 Must-Do Activities in the Tambopata Jungle

As Tambopata has risen as an Amazon travel destination, its travel offerings have exploded. These days, it can be overwhelming to choose between different activities — especially when you only have a few days to enjoy the area! Here, I’ve made some tough choices myself to give you 10 Tambopata activities that you really can’t miss.

1. Canopy Tower

The rainforest is spectacular from all angles — viewed from the river, from cliff overlooks, and from trails, of course. But there’s nothing quite like the vista from a Tambopata canopy tower! Reaching up over 100 feet (30 meters), canopy towers offer sweeping views of the treetops, all the view to the Tambopata National Reserve and the distant, rolling hills of the cloud forest. As if the splendid panorama wasn’t enough, you’ll also be able to spot wildlife like Toucans, Parrots, and Monkeys.

Canopy Tower

Canopy tower photo by Paul Bertner

2. Venture into the Amazonian Night

The Amazon Rainforest comes alive at night when the jungle’s shyest creatures come out. Even if you’ve walked the same path a dozen times during daytime, you’ll see an entirely different host of critters once darkness falls! This makes a jungle night walk an essential Tambopata experience. Insect lovers, in particular, will enjoy this activity, where you can see everything from Tarantulas to Stick Bugs.

nightwalk in the Amazon Rainforest

 

3. See Spectacular Macaws and Parrots at a «Clay Lick»

Tambopata has inspired wanderlust in countless travelers since the 1990s when a National Geographic Magazine cover featured the region’s Macaw Clay Licks. These dramatic river bluffs attract hundreds of colorful birds, especially Parrots and Macaws, who eat their nutrient-rich clay. Early risers head out with a guide to watching one of several Clay Licks. As the sun rises, more and more tropical birds flock to the cliffs, creating a brilliant natural spectacle that travelers will never forget.

chuncho clay lick by paul bertner

 

4. Explore an Oxbow Lake Habitat

Hundreds of thousands of years ago, sharp river bends dried up, turning parts of Amazon rivers into small lakes. Because of their curvy shape, locals call these Oxbow Lakes. They’re an essential habitat to visit, with tranquil waters that hold unique wildlife and beauty. You can ply the calm waters in a small catamaran, look for waterbirds, Caiman, and Giant Otters, and even catch-and-release fish for Piranha.

Tambopata Landscapes -

Oxbow Lakes in the Amazon rainforest are some of the best places to spot Cocoi Herons.

5. Connect with Rainforest Science

Science lovers of all ages might be interested in more than just the beauty of the Amazon — as the most biodiverse place on the planet, there’s nowhere better to engage in scientific discovery. Several activities through the Wired Amazon Citizen Science project connect you with real-time scientific research in Tambopata. You can «fly» through the treetops with Amazon Aerobotany, find new insects with the Discover a New Species activity, or spy on shy mammals with the AmazonCam.

wired-amazon camera tramp

 

6. Watch an Amazon Sunset

Everyone who visits Tambopata will enjoy boat rides along the river — most lodges are only accessible this way! Boat rides afford travelers lovely views, water wildlife, and a much-needed breeze to break the jungle’s heart. Taking time for a Sunset Cruise is best of all, combining the relaxation of a canoe ride with one-of-a-kind rainforest views. The wide, peaceful Tambopata River is illuminated with captivating blues and pinks as the jungle sky lights up with color. A rainforest sunset is one of the most memorable, romantic experiences of any trip.

Tambopata River At Sunset

7. Encounter Indigenous Culture

While many think of the Amazon Rainforest as untouched nature, indigenous groups have lived throughout the jungle for thousands of years. Today, native peoples like the Ese Eja serve as stewards of their rainforest home. No visit to Tambopata would be complete without connecting deeply with Amazonian culture and tradition.

eseeja at Posada Amazonas

 

8. Marvel at the Jungle’s Tallest Trees

The Amazon is home to some of the world’s largest tree species, and Tambopata is no exception. You can walk through Terra Firme forest with a guide to gawk at giant Ceiba and Ironwood trees — just as impressive as any redwood in Muir Woods. While you’re at it, you can learn about sustainable agriculture: locals collect nuts from the giant Brazil Nut Tree in the Amazon’s only sustainable harvest.

giants-of-the-rainforest

See that little blue dot? That’s a person, gazing in awe at perhaps the largest tree he’s ever seen.

9. Embark on an Active Adventure

Tambopata also offers a variety of «Soft Adventure» activities for active travelers. Mountain bikers can take advantage of extensive trails leading to an Amazon overlook — a ride with a view.

Mountain biking in the Peruvian Amazon

10. Learn about Amazon Healing

Finally, you should explore a different, but equally fascinating aspect of jungle biodiversity: medicinal plants. Many of these gardens, which are home to plants like Ayahuasca and Uña de Gato, are cultivated by indigenous communities, and still serve as a source of healing and medicine. By visiting a medicinal plant garden — sometimes they’re called ethnobotanical gardens — or a shamanic clinic, you’ll gain insight into both Amazon nature and culture.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our guide to Tambopata’s top activities — believe me, it was hard to choose! Keep in mind that any of these activities will feature fantastic wildlife sightings and, if you’re with an experienced guide, almost any activity can teach you a great deal about rainforest ecology, preservation, and ways of life. All 10, though, will give you the Amazon trip of a lifetime! To learn more, chat with our experts about Amazon travel options.

NEW-Medicinal-plants-trail

 

By Merin McDivitt

  • What our guest say

    • Valuation Excellent
    • 5/5

Maria Carrero June 2026

Lauren Kuenstner June 2026

Adam C June 2026

Perry Killam June 2026

Brad Taylor-White June 2026

Sue_szb April 2026

Beam May 2026

David Staro May 2026

Serg Averkin April 2026

Carlotta May 2026

Asha S May 2026

Laurence W April 2026

We stayed last february for 4 nights in the TRC lodge. I never could have imagined that I would explore the amazon in such confortable and immersive way. The lodge itself is such a luxurious place, in the middle of nowhere! The food was nicely curated everyday to offer new bits and pieces of the Peruvian cuisine. The absolute highlight of our stay here was for sure the activities and our guide Carmen, who accompanied us everyday! We were able to choose our everydays activities with our very reduced group and our guide. Carmen guided us on very activity, spotting and explaining what animals we saw and interesting facts about our surroundings. Her knowledge and excitement were so infectious that it would even make the sightings even more special! Read all

One of the most unique experiences we’ve had! You are deep in the heart of the Amazon and truly feel immersed in nature. Our guide Dino was awesome and taught us so much about the rainforest-he is like a walking encyclopedia, and his love for the forest really shows. Also very unique to listen to nightly talks from the research team-it really adds to the experience. Food was great and staff very friendly. Bring lots of bug spray and an adventurous spirit! Read all

The lodge was fantastic; they were very attentive to our needs. The dining staff brought special bread for my wife because of her celiac disease and offered to prepare dishes specifically for her to meet her dietary needs. The lodge guides were truly knowledgeable and went out of their way to help us see all the local wildlife. I especially loved the mosquito net service they provided. I was worried we’d be eaten alive, but their setup is fabulous; I had no concerns once I saw how they installed the impenetrable nets and curtains. The meals were as good as—or better than—anywhere else we ate in Peru. We saw the following animals: macaws, parrots, parakeets, pale-winged trumpeters, tamarins, caimans, capybaras, and a ton of insects on our night hike. Read all

We had an excellent guide who was very knowledgeable about the local animals, birds, and plants. I learned a lot. We also participated in the Wired Amazon experience and just received the video clips of the animals that walked by - ocelots, agoutis, ... some amazing animals. It was fun to set up the camera traps, and now I'm inspired to get one for our backyard. Read all

Refugio Amazonas was one of the most memorable and immersive experiences of our entire trip to Peru. From the moment we arrived, it felt like we had entered a completely different world. Waking up to the sounds of the rainforest, exploring the Amazon with knowledgeable guides, spotting wildlife, and disconnecting from everyday life created an experience we will never forget. The guides and staff were exceptional throughout our stay. Everyone was warm, welcoming, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about the rainforest and the guest experience. Their enthusiasm and expertise added so much to every excursion and activity. For this type of Amazon adventure, Refugio Amazonas felt top-tier. The wildlife experiences were remarkable, the setting was beautiful, and the overall level of immersion was exactly what we were hoping for when we added the Amazon to our Peru itinerary. Read all

Wow what an experience! If you want to be fully immersed in Amazon life in a wonderful , comfortable eco lodge, and not have expectations of a 5 star city hotel (I'm not sure why you would, but some reviewers seemed disappointed it wasn't!) you will love this. You will be in a group, 6 in ours, but you don't all have to do the same activities, you just join another group. Plenty of spaces to chill and downtime if you need it...its hot and humid! There's a fan in the room and I heard the superior rooms have a fan under the mozzie net. Take a torch! We were never bitten, used deet repellent only. They provide rubber boots if you want them, some of the trails were very muddy, but we managed in our walking boots. We loved the open wall to the jungle, despite some bugs, but not too many surprisingly. Sooooo much wildlife, all sorts of monkeys, otters, turtles, caiman, different birds, capybara etc. Luis M was our guide, a local, and he could spot a spider from 5 metres I'm sure... great sense of humour and a wealth of knowledge, loved him. We spent 3 nights 20th-24th April, it rained on a couple of occasions but not much. Perfect holiday for an immersive wildlife experience! Read all

Beautiful lodge in the rainforest, very well maintained and clean. We had a lot of fun and excellent guides. The rooms and facilities were top-notch! Read all

We stayed at Posada Amazonas Lodge in May 2026, and it was a truly unique experience. It’s important to note that the concept is unlike a traditional hotel: the rooms (the lodge has around 30 in total) are built entirely of wood and open completely to the rainforest, with no windows. The walls are about two meters high, and everything is open-air, meaning you can hear your neighbors as well as the sounds of the forest throughout the night. There is a hot-water shower with drainage flowing through wooden beams beneath the floor, and the beds are protected with mosquito nets. The food is delicious and nutritious, and one pleasant surprise was the excellent Wi-Fi connection (Starlink) available both at the lodge and on the boats. The logistics are flawless from the moment you land in Puerto Maldonado, including a short car ride (accompanied by a security company) followed by a forty-minute cruise along the Tambopata River. The staff is incredibly friendly. Our guide, Luis M. (a member of the local community that manages the lodge), was simply outstanding, with eagle-eyed vision for spotting wildlife and always wearing a smile. Tour highlights: Canopy Tower: a 42-meter tower rising above the treetops with panoramic views. We loved seeing the river, the rainforest, and even the distant Andes Mountains on the horizon. We returned at night during a nocturnal wildlife tour, where we spotted tarantulas, white sloths, and tree frogs. Lake Tres Chimbadas: a peaceful catamaran ride (without a motor) where Luis showed us a group of red-bellied monkeys, giant otters, and caimans. The scenery and tranquility are incredible. Trek to the “Great Tree”: a forest hike where we saw deer, jaguar tracks, a three-toed sloth, and more wildlife. At the end of the trail, we reached the gigantic ceiba tree: around 500 years old, approximately 60 meters tall, and with an impressive 11-meter base diameter. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to experience the true Amazon! Read all

An exceptional experience that truly exceeded all expectations. What impressed me the most is that here they genuinely want to make your stay as comfortable as possible — and that, to me, is what real high-level service is all about. The guide really tries to fill every excursion with emotions and memorable moments, turning simple activities into meaningful experiences. The kitchen team puts great effort into variety and introduces you to Peruvian cuisine — it feels like a small гастрономic journey. Housekeeping works like invisible bees — you don’t notice them, but everything is always perfectly taken care of. Another big highlight is the comfort level: stable electricity and surprisingly good internet both on the way and at the lodge, powered by Starlink. Having this level of connectivity in the middle of the jungle is something truly special. From reception and the bar to the boat driver — everyone is genuinely warm and happy to have you. You can really feel that each person is a small but important part of one big system delivering outstanding eco-tourism service. Bravo — achieving this level of service in the wild is not easy, and it shows. This experience was very valuable for me and my family. I won’t get tired of thanking you for the emotions you gave us. Highly recommended. Dear travelers — don’t hesitate. Go, enjoy the incredible nature and the level of service. This is something you will remember for a lifetime. Read all

We had the most amazing time at Refugio Amazonas for 3 nights, with a huge thanks to our guide Juan Carlos! On the first afternoon we sat down and planned our activities, which we loved! We came face to face with hundreds of birds, tarantulas, leaf carrying ants spanning 10 meter motorways to work and deliver the leaves to the ant house for food, parasites, and even leaves that cause natural dyes on oxidation - we learned so much. Carlos was genuinly interested in showing us everything the jungle had to offer, humorous and caring too. Carlos knew anything and everything about what was around us, pointing out things and creatures that the untrained eye would miss, carrying a telescope at all times for us to see the birds, ensuring we got magical videos on our phones using the telescope! Read all

Many thanks to Refugio Amazonas for an unforgettable experience! Brenda and team were so wonderful and accommodating, and Alan was a great guide. Thank you for a memorable experience! :) Read all

We had an excellent time at Tambopata research center. We are tourists like most who now visit the center, but it’s great to know that you can support research and the local community by visiting a place like this. Our guide for our trip, Esau, was extremely knowledgeable and showed great passion for his job. He described it as a hobby and he would get very excited if you spotted a specific bird or a tree. His specific knowledge about each and every creature in the forest was very impressive and I would recommend asking for Esau to be your guide in the future if you plan to visit. The hotel itself is unique. You are in the middle of the Amazon rainforest - the accessibility to nature is second to none. There are no windows in the hotel rooms. We had bugs in our room, of course, but the mosquito nets keep everything out and, actually, we both slept very well. The bar staff, Harrison, is very knowledgeable with drinks and works very hard. The food isn’t the best you’re ever going to have, but you have to remind yourself you are in the middle of the rainforest and that it takes a 6 hour round trip to get to the nearest town, and so the job that the hotel does in respect of the food is actually intuitive and very good. I would recommend this hotel to my peers and I would love to visit again in a few years time. Read all

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