BE PART OF the Amazon Science

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A Citizen Scientist’s Amazon Experience

A tropical rainforest inspires wonder no matter who you are. It is teeming with the bizarre and beautiful, and anyone who has the privilege of visiting these places comes away overwhelmed with amazement. Those feelings are heightened by engaging with the production of scientific knowledge. How do scientists delve into the mysteries of the forest? Can anyone become a scientist of the forest? How does participation in scientific inquiry deepen our appreciation of this place?

 

I knew from experience working in other rainforests across the planet that every place has its own magic. I have taught a course in primate behavior and ecology in the rainforests of Costa Rica for several years. Through Wired Amazon, a citizen science initiative powered by Rainforest Expeditions, I had the perfect opportunity to combine a vacation with the wonder of scientific discovery.

 

I participated in the AmazonCam Tambopata project and earned Travel Credits by identifying animals caught on camera traps spread across 200 square kilometers of lowland Amazonian rainforest in the Tambopata River basin. At first, this task was daunting, even for a biologist like me who has visited other rainforests – many of these were species that I had never seen before. But the website was easy to navigate and provided plenty of information to guide my work. As I completed my identifications, my excitement kept growing – these were species that I had a good chance of seeing in person very soon!

Wired-Amazon-Scientists-1

Why is it important to develop scientific research in the National Protected Area?

Research within Protected Natural Areas is essential to the long-term conservation of Amazonian forests. By studying ecosystem dynamics and the species that inhabit them, scientists generate the knowledge needed to design effective strategies for protection, restoration, and sustainable management. These efforts directly support the objectives of SERNANP (National Service of Protected Natural Areas of Peru), ensuring that conservation goals are achieved while safeguarding biodiversity, strengthening local communities, and preserving these forests for future generations.

 

Is that a new species of tiger moth I just helped collect?

 

During my stay in the Peruvian Amazon, I participated in the Discover A New Species project run by the Wired Amazon scientific team at the lodges. I can vividly recall how a white sheet and halogen lamp transformed at night into a living canvas of insects and marveling at the diversity of forms, colors, and sizes. Another lasting memory from my Tambopata visit is the canopy tower at Refugio Amazonas. I climbed a seemingly endless set of stairs and arrived at a platform that afforded a view across an ocean of trees that stretched across the horizon in all directions. I had previously visited rainforests in Central America and Africa that were heavily fragmented by deforestation, so this continuous canopy was truly exceptional.

Brown Capuchin Monkey in Tambopata

Spotting a capuchin monkey in the canopy at Tambopata Research Center

On the surface, rainforests across the planet may appear the same – lush green landscape filled with birds with colorful plumage, monkeys squealing and hooting, intricate spider webs stretching across your path, leaf cutter ants marching along their carefully groomed paths, and much more. But, I observed closer and differences emerged in my Amazon experience: the unmistakable vocals of the red howler monkeys, the unbelievably huge capybaras that I spotted along river banks, the astounding numbers and diversity of macaws and parrots I saw at the Colorado clay lick…

Macaws on a clay lick

Macaws  at the clay lick in Tambopata

 

Five days in the rainforests of Tambopata left me in no doubt about one of the principles of biogeography: the larger the ecosystem, the greater the diversity. I was familiar with this fundamental concept through books and articles I had read during my training as a biologist. But as a citizen scientist via Wired Amazon, I finally got the opportunity to experience it firsthand!

by Nancy Barrickman

  • 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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