DISCOVER Embracing nature in the canopy

Stories

Conquering Heights in the Canopy Tower at Tambopata Research Center

It’s lunchtime, and as if the forest is listening, the sounds change. The wildlife takes a nap too, as it’s the hottest time of the day. The playful sounds of parrots and macaws surround us, becoming the soundtrack to our meal looking forward to visiting the canopy tower at Tambopata Research Center

After a break, and waiting for the forest to cool down a bit, we set out to walk again. This time, our excursion is the new Canopy Tower.

Imagine being in one of the most remote lodges in the world, and now picture what it would be like to observe it from above.

Landscapes of Tambopata by Carlos Gonzales

Landscapes from the Tambopata River – Photo by Carlos Gonzales

Tambopata Research Center, inside the Tambopata National Reserve and in front of the Bahuaja Sonene National Park, continues to amaze us with its wonderful opportunities for wildlife observation and the breathtaking landscapes from the river. But what happens high up in the forest? That curiosity leads us to explore the new Canopy Tower.

Our guide awaits us at the entrance, gives us instructions, and the exploration begins. Walking through the forest is revitalizing inexplicably. Despite the heat and humidity, the contact with nature is overwhelmingly impressive. All my senses awaken; I run my hand over the freshly watered moss on the bark of a tree, take a deep breath, and a mix of pure scents fills my senses.

Connecting with the forest by Carlos Gonzales

Connecting with nature – Photo by Carlos Gonzales

In the background, a symphony of parrots, macaws, other birds, insects, and occasionally monkeys engage in a well-orchestrated conversation. It feels like I’m inside one of the BBC documentaries or that the National Geographic photos come to life around me. By the way, a few of them were filmed just here.

After almost 40 minutes of walking through the forest, we climb a few staircases. The tower is on naturally elevated ground, surrounded by patches of bamboo, ancient trees, and a natural scarlet macaw nest. We walk a bit more and finally arrive.

I know Tambopata Research Center’s forest very well; I’ve been a guide in the area for many years and always find my happy place here. The forest can constantly surprise me, and I never tire of it.

Canopy Tower at TRC by Louis Guillot

Canopy Tower at Tambopata Research Center by Louis Guillot

The canopy tower is 30 meters high, and its structure is so well designed and developed by Architect Gengis Seminario and his team that the stability is impressive. There’s no sense of movement even if several people climb up at once.

Upon reaching the top, we are not only surrounded by an endless Amazonian forest but also on the other side of the tower, we can appreciate the Carabaya mountains of Puno. Our guide tells us that in winter, we might see the snow-capped peaks. I look over there and think: we are the last on this path, so close to that eminent mountain.

We stay for the sunset with a landscape that simply takes your breath away and fills you with an inexplicable energy.

Canopy Tower at Tambopata Research Center by Louis Guillot

Canopy Tower view at Tambopata Research Center by Louis Guillot

We return to the lodge through a new path. Monkeys, birds, and other forest creatures graciously escort us, ensuring they act as ambassadors of the forest.

We wash our boots and place them on the rack. With a heart full of emotions, we bid farewell to our guide for now until our next expedition, and all we can say is a big THANK YOU.

By Rocio Guzman

Banner photo by Louis Guillot

  • What our guest say

    • Valuation Excellent
    • 5/5

Nancy Hodgson March 2026

Lesly Lagos March 2026

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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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