JUNGLE FROGS are going to save the World

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These Jungle Frogs May Hold the Key to Life-Changing Medicines

Deep within the Amazon jungle, an incredible group of frogs perches high above the ground. But monkey frogs aren’t just eye-catching — they’re literally covered in medical secrets yet to be discovered.

So what makes monkey frogs so remarkable, and even potentially life-saving?

These striking animals have unique, chemical-covered skin! Their skin is coated in a protective slime, which is home to an unbelievable array of chemicals. These chemicals probably evolved to shield them from predators, illnesses, and even drying out, but many of the chemicals are amazingly useful to humans, too. Scientists have discovered over 200 unique peptides in the frogs’ slime, and they’re still finding more!

Read below to learn just how mind-blowing these Amazonian frogs are. And to check out more otherworldly jungle creatures — and even help with scientific discovery — join in our Wired Amazon project!

giant monkey frog in the AmazonWe spotted this Giant Monkey Frog in the forests around our Tambopata, Peru, lodges.

What are monkey frogs, anyway, and where do they live?

Here in Southern Peru — home to our Rainforest Expeditions jungle lodges — there are about a dozen species of monkey frogs. These tree frogs belong to the genus Phyllomedusa. They’re called monkey frogs because they crawl along branches like monkeys, rather than hop like a frog! Monkey frogs include large, impressive species like the Giant Monkey Frog, and beautiful types like the Tiger-Striped Monkey Frog.

And just how can they advance medicine?

Forget Spiderman! I think Frogman is more likely to save the world. Scientists discover new chemical peptides on these jungle frogs all the time, and the chemicals have many functions. Take, for instance, the Giant Monkey Frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor). One study looked at the frog’s use by indigenous people in the Amazon. They found that placing the frog on burnt skin causes an «increase in physical strength, heightening of senses, resistance to hunger and thirst, exalted capacity to face stress situations.» Pretty cool!

Other scientists study monkey frogs’ antimicrobial properties. In fact, researchers conduct dozens of studies on the frogs’ skin every year, looking for new discoveries and even medicines!

The frog compounds are still in the testing phase, so they’re not yet used for medical purposes. That doesn’t mean that some humans haven’t found a use for them already — legal or not! Recently, a monkey frog became the center of a scandal when it was used to dope racehorses — making them both excited and numb. Other rumors have swirled about the recreational drug use of the frogs.

So, while we wait to see what useful compounds these incredible creatures provide, stay away from using the frogs’ slime yourself. Many of the chemicals are poisonous, and we don’t know their full effects yet. In the meantime, you can explore the Amazon jungle yourself with Rainforest Expeditions.

To discover these fascinating frogs, along with dozens of other incredible species, book your dream trip to the Amazon today!

  • What our guest say

    • Valuation Excellent
    • 5/5

Nancy Hodgson March 2026

Lesly Lagos March 2026

Batya K. February 2026

S. K. February 2026

Julian S January 2026

Flora Warfel January 2026

Julian Sack January 2026

Laura Franklin December 2025

Lee Wozencroft December 2025

Suraj Vijayan December 2025

Claudia A. January 2026

AMJNZ November 2025

This trip was the highlight of our travels through peru. The lodge was absolutely 5 stars for everything. The room, food, people. We had a private guide, Allen, who grew up locally and really had deep knowledge of the land, the history, and the variety of plant and animal species in the jungle. His knowledge and passion were invaluable to our experience. There are a variety of tour companies and lodges you can book to visit the Amazon, however, I would only recommend Rainforest Expeditions as they are truly connected to the community and offer high quality first class amazon experience! Read all

We had a truly wonderful stay with Rainforest Expeditions. Everyone was incredibly kind and welcoming, and our guide was fantastic — very knowledgeable and passionate about the rainforest. We saw many animals, even from the boat, which made the experience unforgettable. Read all

I just spent 3 days here with my family. The research center surpassed all our expectations. I want to give a special shout out to Carlos who took such good care of us. He went above and beyond to make sure we werr comfortable. And he was always smiling. He made us feel so welcome. We had Erik as our guide who is so knowledgeable and experienced. We learned so much, saw so much wildlife. It really was a dream vacation. Thank you!! Read all

Chose this place to stay at the Amazon, as I heard it benefits the local indigenous community. Life changing experience. Oscar was an excellent guide! We saw so many wildlife! No 4th wall made it such an immersive jungle experience. Since they are eco friendly, there is no AC. It can get pretty hot depending on the season. So better to follow their guidance for clothing choices Read all

If you want to experience the Amazon in all its glory This is the place to come to Staff and guides were excellent Food was just incredible The forest walks were really interesting and informative Read all

If you are a birder, ask for Juan Carlos Yatto. He recognizes an astounding number of bird calls and can duplicate many of them. This place is magical, all I could have imagined. All the staff and scientists are incredible. The experience of a lifetime. Read all

This was the most amazing experience Very well organised The ground staff were so well organised The guides were excellent ( I’m looking at you Carlos!) Food was tasty and very varied Amazed that the chefs managed to get such variety in the middle of the Amazon Do not hesitate Book immediately you will not be disappointed. Highly recommended Read all

I can not say enough good things about my time at the Tambopata Research Center. Between the guides, the boat drivers, the chefs, the staff, the bartenders, the researchers, etc. Everyone was absolutely wonderful! If you are interested in viewing wildlife in the Amazon, this is the place for you! A special thank you to the maître d' Carlos who was so incredibly kind and hospitable and our guide Dino who was like a real life Indiana Jones. I can't wait to come back! Read all

An unforgettable, fully immersive jungle experience. Amazing how Tambopata Lodge delivers luxury touches in such a remote and rugged location. The food is fantastic, the staff incredible, and the wildlife sightings non-stop. The personalised itinerary and one-on-one guiding made the trip truly special—huge thanks to our guide Johan for sharing his passion and knowledge. The Macaw Project is inspiring, and it’s clear the lodge fully supports this important conservation work. Manager Brian was always kind, helpful. Well-done all involved. Read all

The most important fact we are grateful for is the true sense of understanding of the ecology of the Amazon the staff at Rainforest Expeditions (RFE) have shown us. RFE stands out for its stand against the pure, profit-motive initiatives many other tour operators do. We are very grateful to have had Carlos as our guide. Carlos is deeply dedicated, and is able to explain the nuances of the flora and fauna. The world today needs to act as one against the impact of climate change. RFE is one, bright shining light in this regard. Read all

We had a fabulous trip! The people were amazing, kind and very professional. The food was exceptionally good! The facilities are beautiful and well kept. We just loved our second time with Rainforest Expeditions and can't wait to go again!! Read all

Fantastic to be deep in the forest surrounded by incredible wildlife with our amazing guide Juan Carlos Yatto, who really knew his stuff! Also his photography skills meant that we could share our experience even better through his telescope using our phone cameras! We learned so much!! He went to extra lengths to find butterflies and moths for us along with so many different birds and monkeys. This was a travel highlight for us as experienced wildlife travellers. We loved our spacious room with no windows and open to more wildlife visitors but after 5 nights the bed could have been a little more comfortable. Luckily we had a second bed to use. Otherwise it was fantastic with hot water showers and fresh drinking water all the time. We were amazed at the variety of food on offer for breakfast, lunch and dinner and couldn’t believe they could have such a wonderful food offering in such a remote location. Even the wine and cocktails were great. I highly recommend spending the extra money and time getting to this location. We stayed at another lodge later which was closer to Puerto Maldonado and there was far less wildlife. Read all

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