Founded and created the same year (1989)  by  Eduardo Nycander and Kurt Holle, the Tambopata Macaw Project, and Rainforest Expeditions were born together in Madre de Dios, PERU.

Under their direction, the project began with the goal of learning about the basic ecology, natural history of macaws, and methodologies for rescuing and rearing macaws in artificial nests so that this information could be used to help their conservation and so that those methodologies could be perfected and put into practice in other places where macaws have disappeared or decreased dramatically. In 1994, an extensive article on the project was published in the famous National Geographic magazine, including a cover that catapulted the fame of the project, Tambopata Research Center, and the macaw clay licks or collpas.

As the project was evolving from 2002 to 2020 a new director assumed the leadership of the project, Dr. Donald Brightsmith, who has contributed important advances in knowledge about wild macaws.

For many years, the project consisted of a long-term multidisciplinary study of the natural history, conservation, and management of macaws and parrots. The main topics of study included monitoring and observation of macaw nests, increasing the survival rates of chicks and juveniles, documenting patterns of clay lick use, and understanding the impact of tourism on the macaw clay lick.

Dr. Donald Brightsmith and his team focused the project on understanding the links between the clay lick, nesting, tree phenology (flowering and fruiting), and movements of parrots in and out of the area. Thousands of mornings of observation of the huge clay wall and literally hundreds of thousands of records may be the largest set of parrot data ever assembled.

Due to their large size and beauty, macaws are excellent flagship species like Harpy Eagles, jaguars, and river wolves, serving as charismatic focal points for ecosystem conservation. Unfortunately, in most tropical America, these umbrella species have suffered large population declines.

In recent years, Dr. Donald Brightsmith has been developing and evaluating techniques to increase the reproductive output of wild macaws, expanding the knowledge of macaw nesting behavior, increasing our understanding of the complexities of collpa use, tracking macaw movements through satellite telemetry, and evaluating tourism as a tool for macaw and forest protection.

Chuncho clay lick by Carlos Gonzales

Some important discoveries developed by his team include:

1. The climate influences the seasonal behavior of the Collpa Colorado, the number of parrots varies depending on whether it is rainy or sunny days
2. Seasonal climatic changes generate fluctuations in the annual food supply for Parrots and Macaws (flowers, green fruits and ripe fruits). Food availability is apparently lowest at the end of the wet season and early dry season (March – July) and highest in the early wet season in mid-December and January.
3.   This fluctuation in the food supply drives two things: the annual movements of Parrots to and from the area around TRC and the timing of breeding.
4. When there is less food, the birds apparently leave the area around TRC as the number of birds in the forest decreases drastically from April to July.
5. The timing of breeding is apparently driven by the food supply: the number of breeding Parrot species is closely related to the number of trees in fruit or flowers. However, not all species reproduce simultaneously. Smaller species apparently reproduce before larger ones.
6.   Parrot movements out of the area during periods of low food abundance reduce the number of birds using the clay lick. When food supplies are high, birds apparently congregate in the vicinity of the clay lick.
7. The timing of breeding also influences the number of birds in the clay lick, as for most Parrot species, the clay lick uses beaks during the breeding season, specifically when the birds have nestlings. Scarlet Macaws feed their chicks large amounts of clay, especially when the chicks are young. As they grow, the amount of clay they receive decreases and the total use of the Collpa decreases as well. 
8. Evidence has also been found that the use of clay licks depends on the bird’s need for sodium. Using soil samples analyzed by researchers at Texas A&M University, it was found that birds apparently prefer soils with higher sodium content over soils that are better at neutralizing toxins.

Scarlett Macaws by Paul Bertner

We at Rainforest Expeditions believe that the key to protecting not only the clay licks and macaws but also the entire forest ecosystem and its umbrella species such as jaguars, otters, and harpy eagles by having more allies for conservation. By giving added value to the forest and producing greater benefits for local communities, these allies form a barrier that protects the forest from illegal activities such as logging, coca leaf cultivation, hunting, and mining.

Integrating the scientific community with visitors and promoting citizen science is also crucial for conservation. We launched Wired Amazon, a conservation program in 2018 that includes citizen science projects like AmazonCam, Aerobotany, and Discovering New Species. The latter project, in collaboration with the San Marcos Natural History Museum and the University of Guelph, has discovered 26 new species in just four years.

In 2020, Dr. Donald Brightsmith and his team left the Tambopata Research Center and formed the Macaw Society to continue their work in macaw conservation. 

Attention all fans of the Wired Amazon Program! Exciting news!

After 20 years, Eduardo Nycander returns to Tambopata, where the whole dream of saving the macaws began, where Rainforest Expeditions was born. This time together with the Museum of Natural History of the National University of San Marcos, they will add innovative technology for the conservation of macaws in the region and Latin America. The new goal will be to contribute to the reduction of threats to macaw conservation in the Madre de Dios Region through the use of the best available technology.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn more about the new season and be a part of the journey. Join us now and let’s save the future of the macaws together!

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TAMBOPATA MACAW PROJECT HERE

Birds in Peru? Yes. Actually, the Peruvian Amazon is home to an incredibly diverse range of birds, with over 1,800 species residing in this region alone. With its lush rainforest, winding rivers, and stunning array of habitats, it’s no wonder that birdwatchers from around the world flock to the region to catch a glimpse of its many avian wonders.

Iconics birds in the Amazon Rainforest

One of the most iconic birds of the Peruvian Amazon is the macaw. These large, brilliantly colored parrots are impossible to miss with their bright blue, yellow, and red feathers. Visitors to the region can spot several species of macaw, including the scarlet macaw, blue-and-yellow macaw, and red-and-green macaw. These social birds are often seen in flocks and are known for their raucous calls and playful behavior. One of the unmissed activities to watch these birds in Peru is to visit a Macaw Claylick. A nature show full of sounds and colors.

Scarlet macaws by Paul Bertner

Another spectacular bird species found in the Peruvian Amazon is the harpy eagle. These majestic raptors are one of the largest birds of prey in the world, with a wingspan of up to seven feet. With their striking grey plumage and distinctive crested head, they are a sight to behold. However, they are also elusive and can be challenging to spot in the dense rainforest.

Among all birds in Peru, we’ve been very lucky to follow a couple of wild Harpy Eagles near Refugio Amazonas raising a baby in 2017. The nest becomes very active every rainy season.

Harpy Eagle by Arturo Bullard

The toucan is another iconic bird of the Peruvian Amazon. With its oversized bill and vividly colored feathers, it’s hard to miss this charismatic species. Toucans are frugivores, meaning they primarily feed on fruit, and can often be seen perched on the treetops enjoying a juicy snack.

Fortunately, toucans are all around the pristine forest that surrounds our Amazon ecolodges and the canopy tower is, without doubt, the best moment to spot them.

White-throated Toucan by Paul Bertner

Help me plan my birding trip to the Peruvian Amazon in Tambopata

Other notable species of birds in Peru Amazon include the hoatzin, a unique species with a prehistoric appearance and a distinctive odor; the wattled curassow, a large and striking bird with a bright blue head and red wattles; and the cotinga, a family of brightly colored songbirds known for their stunning plumage.

Oxbow lake visits or even small streams are perfect to find this rare but amazing bird.

Hoatzin Bird in the Peruvian Amazon by Arturo Bullard

With its incredible diversity of bird species and breathtaking natural beauty, the Peruvian Amazon is truly a birdwatcher’s paradise. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or simply enjoy watching these winged wonders, a trip to this region is sure to leave you awe-inspired and enchanted.

Don’t miss the new BIRDS CHECKLIST for our lodges in Tambopata, recently updated by Mr. Silverio Duri, a renowned Birdwatcher in Peru. If you’re interested in planning a complete bird expedition in Peru, don’t hesitate to contact him at: picoplata1@gmail.com

Finally, there are some nonfamous species that our Wildlife Photographer Paul Bertner has found in Tambopata inside the forest. Birdwatching among all excursions is the one that requires more patience but very well deserves it after encountering these beauties.

While in the Peruvian Amazon, in Tambopata, Happy Birding!

Cream-colored woodpecker by Paul Bertner

Amazonian-barred Woodcreeper by Paul Bertner

White-necked Thrush by Paul Bertner

Golden-crowned Spadebill by Paul Bertner

NOW READ: How to see exotic birds in the Peruvian Amazon

 

How much are trips to the Amazon? Ok, you know that you will travel to Peru and you are very tempted to visit the Amazon. And why not? More than 60% of the Peruvian territory is covered by Amazonian forests. So if the world wonder of Machu Picchu is on your list, the tropical forest should be on your list of wishes, and you can mark the Amazon as one more. 

But first thing first, which Amazon is best for you Tambopata, Manu or Iquitos?

How much does a trip to the Amazon cost?

A trip to the Amazon cost for 2 people for 3 nights, depending on the destination you visit:

1. From USD$ 740 for staying in a comfortable city hotel
2. From USD$ 580 staying in a closer to the city basic lodge
3. From USD$1500 cruising the Amazon river

But, the first thing you must define is how you want to visit the Amazon and where. In order to not make this article long, I will focus on the 3 great destinations in Peru: Iquitos, Tambopata, and Manu.

The difficulty level is from soft (I) to hard walks (III) , where soft includes easy, short walks on flat terrain, and hard may require a little more physical effort as it may include stairs and terrain with some ups and downs. Usually, this occurs in more pristine places.

I will describe each experience according to the location of the destination on the map, starting with Iquitos, continuing with Tambopata, and finally Manu.

Travel to Iquitos

Iquitos is located in the northeast of Peru. Home of the Amazon River, pink river dolphins, and manatees. Considered one of the natural wonders of Peru. Iquitos has 4 airlines that fly from Lima arriving from 10 am onwards.

Cost of hotels and tours in Iquitos

To get here you must take a flight to Iquitos airport.

The city has an incredible hotel infrastructure with swimming pools and more. You will find hotels in Iquitos from US$ 50 a night to US$ 500. What makes it more or less expensive? The same characteristics that you will find in any city hotel.

The activities that you can find have a cost of $80 for half days up to US$ 200 for full days.

You can find regional restaurants around the square for approximately US$ 10 for each meal

• Approximate cost: US$ 800
• Number of people: 2
• Nights: 3

Cost of ecolodges in Iquitos

With all ecolodges the same rule applies: location, location, location.

Your chances of seeing wildlife and experiencing pristine forests depend on the location and quality of the forest around the lodge where you stay.

Usually the closer to the city, you will get more urban amenities like swimming pools, further away you probably won’t find that but you will enjoy a better connection with nature.

The cost for two people here for 3 nights starts at $1500

• Approximate cost: US$ 1500
• Number of people: 2
• Nights: 3

Amazon Cruises in Iquitos

The services begin at the Iquitos airport and end there and include transfers to/from the city of Nauta, meals, excursions, and accommodation.

You can find prices from $700 to $4000 per person for 3 nights according to the luxury you are looking for.

Here the level of difficulty includes a couple of easy walks in the forest, canoe rides, and entertainment on board.

• Approximate cost: Between US$ 1500 to US$ 6000
• Number of people: 2
• Nights: 3

In summary, how much does it cost a trip to the Amazon in Iquitos?

How to book the tour in Iquitos?

For hotels, lodges, and cruises I recommend that you go directly to their website, this way you not only benefit from the deals but you can also be in direct contact in case of any eventuality.

For activities from the city, you can find some options online. If you are going to buy directly from the same site, a certain level of Spanish is necessary.

Pro tip: check the latest reviews of each company and remember that having 5 stars with 5 reviews is not the same as having 5 stars with hundreds of reviews.

REMEMBER: Wild animals must be in the forest, do not visit or support activities that involve handling wildlife.

Travel to Tambopata

Tambopata is located in the southeast of Peru, very close to Cuzco. The Tambopata National Reserve is known as one of the most biodiverse places in the world. That means your chances of seeing wildlife here are very good. It has flights from Lima and Cusco which facilitates the planning of your itinerary. In Tambopata, there is no cruise service.

Cost of hotels and tours in Tambopata

To get here you must take a flight to Puerto Maldonado airport.

The city has some 2 and 3-star hotels. You will find hotels in Puerto Maldonado from US$ 50 a night to US$ 110. What makes it more or less expensive? The same features you will find in any city hotel and the style of accommodation.

Here the location intervenes since there are boutique-style hotels that are not very accessible and although they look close on google maps, remember that you are in an Amazonian city, and there are no UBER-type taxi services, so it is good to consult these accommodations for their facilities to get closer to the city when you need it.

The activities that you can find have a cost of US$ 70 for half days up to US$ 180 for full days. Again, if your hotel is far from the city, ask the tour operator if they can pick you up from your accommodation or if you will have to go to a meeting point.

You can find regional restaurants around the square for approximately $10 for each meal

• Approximate cost: US$ 740
• Number of people: 2
• Nights: 3

Cost of ecolodges in Tambopata

It is worth repeating that your experience in ecolodges in Tambopata will depend on the location as we mentioned before, plus a super plus: in the region, different ecolodges distribute their resources for the development of conservation, science, and work with native communities. This is a super plus if you are looking for this trip to leave a positive impact on the forest and its inhabitants.

Madre de Dios, the region where Tambopata is located, for many years had agriculture as one of the main activities, so here more than anywhere else it is important to know the health of the forest if your interest is the observation of wildlife.

How do you know if the lodge you visit has a good forest for wildlife observation? Ask on their social networks when was the last time they saw jaguars, spider monkeys, and tapirs. Or check on travel forums what other travelers are saying about this topic.

The exploration of the forest and the chances of seeing wildlife can reach 5 stars if the lodge is well located. Here comfort could be sacrificed for the exploration of fauna, but it is not in all cases. You will not find air conditioning or swimming pools, but your contact with nature is much richer.

Our eco lodges are designed for just that, to connect with nature at all times, that’s why you won’t find walls in the common areas or on the bridges. In your room you will find only 3 walls, so one is open to the forest. And yes, if you can have visits from moths, butterflies if you are lucky a frog. But also the best opportunities to see wildlife very close to the lodge you could even see troops of monkeys from your room. After all, we are in the middle of super-healthy forests.

The cost for 2 for 3 nights starts at US$ 580 up to US$ 3417

• Approximate cost: From US$ 580 to US$ 3400
• Number of people: 2
• Nights: 3

How do you book this tour in Tambopata?

Directly on its website, you can find the best deals, in addition to being able to count on personalized attention that will answer all your questions. Our specialists are nature lovers and love to organize expeditions to our favorite place in the world: Tambopata.

For activities from the city, most are only accessible from the city itself through agencies located around the square. Take note that these excursions are in group service, so you may want to know how many people are needed for the tour to depart.

Pro tip: In Tambopata, you will find two important rivers, the Madre de Dios and the Tambopata. The last one crosses the Tambopata National Reserve so its forests are much healthier, however here the location raises the price of the experience since the logistics are more expensive. Two ecolodges in the region are located within the Tambopata National Reserve. Remember location, location, location.

In summary, how much does it cost a trip to the Amazon in Tambopata?

REMEMBER The Amazonian forests are dense, and the wildlife is not arranged like in a zoo. You will not be able to handle animals.

Travel to Manu

Manu is located in the southeast of Peru between Cuzco and Madre de Dios. You have the best chance of seeing wildlife because the Manu National Park groups together various types of clouds and rainforests. There are daily flights to get to Cusco from Lima and other departments of Peru. The trip from the city to Manu takes approximately 7 hours.

Cost of ecolodges in Manu

To get here you must take a flight to the airport in the city of Cusco. Stay in a hotel in the city for at least one night as expeditions to Manu leave early in the morning and they usually have Cusco main square as a meeting point.

The Manu National Park has two visitor areas, including the cultural area where the native communities are located. Make sure you visit the area of ​​your interest and confirm that you will be able to visit the protected natural area and not just the buffer zone to maximize your chances of seeing fauna, the qualification would be as follows:

• Approximate cost: US$ 740**
• Number of people: 2
• Nights: 3 nights is the best

Remember that to take this expedition you must have booked the night before in the city of Cusco.

** The cost on internet does not specify if the accommodation is inside the park. Ask for this, when dealing with the tour operator.

How do you book a tour in Manu?

Ideally, direct on the website of the local operator you hire.

Here is a map where you can see how to get to each destination.

Are you thinking about how it will be to travel to the Amazon and explore its forest? Take one of our virtual tours

Or chat with our rainforest specialist.

By Rocio Guzman

 

Considered the Oscars of tourism, the World Travel Awards recognized Tambopata Research Center as the best Green Hotel in South America.

During the last 3 years, despite the pandemic, our ecolodges were nominated in different categories in the prestigious World Travel Awards, considered the Oscars of tourism.

The last gala of the World Travel Awards, took place in Jamaica, last August, which brought together the best destinations, hotels, and tour operators, among others, from the Caribbean and the Americas.

The Tambopata Research Center was awarded the South America Leading Green Hotel award, a category that highlights the best environmental practices from the design of the hotel to its complete operation, in addition to the unique concept that brings travelers closer to living with nature in a respectful environment with the forest and its inhabitants.

This ecolodge in Tambopata is considered the most remote in the world, it is located within the Tambopata National Reserve, in front of the Bahuaja Sonene National Park, in one of the most biodiverse places on earth in Madre de Dios – Peru, and was the only one representing to the region.

Thirty years ago, the founders Eduardo Nycander and Kurt Holle, thanks to great allies such as the Ese Eja de Infierno Native Community and the National Service of Protected Natural Areas – SERNANP, were able to carry out the dream of making the conservation of Amazonian forests sustainable with a minimal impact through ecotourism.

Did you know that the Native Community of Infierno has its own lodge in Tambopata? Get to know Posada Amazonas

Tambopata Research Center has a design inspired by native communities combining modernity and luxury, which allows the traveler to enjoy contact with nature throughout their stay accompanied by exploration and discovery of the Amazon forest.

In addition, all our ecolodges are strategically well located, which allows the traveler to live in harmony with nature in the midst of pristine forests with the best possibilities for observing wildlife since they are refuges preserved through ecotourism for decades, which generates a significant impact on forest health.

Traveling to Peru soon? Discover Tambopata Research Center

Luxury at our ecolodges is not about having airconditioning or so, is having the opportunity of being in the Amazon doing ecotourism and actively participating in scientific research and sharing ancestral knowledge of the communities is supported by our allies who trust and constantly support us in each of the projects that we develop in the region as the Native Community of Infierno, the National System of Natural Areas Protected by the State – SERNANP, the Natural History Museum of the National University of San Marcos, AIDER and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.

We are all part of the change, and your visit not only fills your memories with great experiences and memories for a lifetime but also protects the Peruvian Amazon forests.

More than 60% of the territory of Peru is covered by Amazonian tropical forest. In fact, more than half of the life on the planet lives in Amazonian tropical forests, so in the Peruvian Amazon, one of the least devastated in South America, you can find the greatest biodiversity of animals and plants in the world, which is why it is considered one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, because of that we can for sure answer what animals live in the rainforest?

The most outstanding animals that live in the rainforest are undoubted:

• The macaws. In the Tambopata National Reserve, you find the 3 largest and most colorful.
• The caimans
• Monkeys (8 species in this area of ​​Madre de Dios in Peru)
• Felines such as the jaguar, the puma, and the ocelot
• Very famous fish like piranhas (not necessarily as aggressive as in the movies, at least not in the whole Amazon)
• Pink dolphins (north of the Peruvian Amazon) among others.

However, one of the questions that every traveler should ask themselves when choosing an ecolodge in the Amazon is: how healthy is the forest around the ecolodge where I will stay? And this is summarized in the possibility of finding certain animals that indicate their health and therefore your chances of seeing fauna.

Photo by Paul Bertner

What animals represent a healthy Amazon forest?

Mathias Tobler, AmazonCam project leader and associate researcher at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance tells us a little: “Jaguars, for example, depend on other species as prey. So if there is a good population of jaguars there must be good populations of prey.

Other species are very vulnerable to hunting… such as the Razor billed curazao, peccaries, and tapir… so they quickly disappear if there is high hunting pressure, in this category, there is also the spider monkey.

Another category of species depends on certain resources (micro-climate, forest structure) that only exist in «healthy» forests… of those, there are fewer in medium and large mammals, but they are seen in birds, reptiles, amphibians, etc., ”

Even experienced guides with more than 15 years of guiding the Amazon forests agree that there are certain animals that indicate the health of the forest. Erick Arguedas, guide and environmental interpreter at the Tambopata Research Center, shares some of his favorite encounters from 2021 and comments on the animals that represent a healthy forest for him.

 

 

In 2021, a loss of 2 million hectares of Amazonian forests is estimated due to illegal mining, indiscriminate logging, agriculture, and urbanization. In addition to the great effects on climate change that the loss of biomass implies and that we are currently experiencing. For this reason, it is important to explore the last wild visa refugees that the protected natural areas bring, spaces where wildlife not only delights us with its presence but also become incredible opportunities to learn about its great biodiversity and therefore the importance of its conservation.

Erick Arguedas is on Instagram, follow him here

Roberto Huarcaya, a Peruvian photographer with original graphic pieces, once again visits our ecolodges, this time Posada Amazonas, for a new Amazonian photograms project in Tambopata.

Record photos by Raúl García

Once again, the Amazon is the source of inspiration for art projects, and this time it receives the visit of one of the most original photographers of our times, creator of works such as La Nave del Olvido, Continuum, Playa Pública-Playa Privada, and Amazogramas. Roberto takes us through his artistic works to see natural spaces and scenes from a different perspective using frames.

Record photos by Raúl García

What are photograms?

The photograms are each one of the impressions made on a film by means of the entrance of light to a camera, regulated with a shutter. When the film is developed, the frames can be projected onto paper to obtain a photograph or photo.

 What is the photographic project in Tambopata about?

“The project tries to make a group of photograms (photography without cameras) where the photosensitive paper is placed directly in the jungle among the foliage with a small flash, the light is shot at the plants and their shadows are recorded on the paper that later It is necessary to chemically develop in a portable laboratory that we have brought, the smallest are photos of between 30 meters and 3 meters, «says the artist, who is in Posada Amazonas, an ecolodge that has a forest protected by the Ese Eja Native Community of Infierno for decades.

Record photos by Raúl García

Amazogramas in Peru and the world

In 2014, after his visit to the Bahuaja Sonene National Park, to the Tambopata Research Center in Madre de Dios, Peru, Roberto Huarcaya, develops the Amazograms, a series of 3 frames of 30 meters x 108 cm unfolding a roll of photosensitive paper of 30 meters long among the foliage at night. The development was done in a specially conditioned dark room using water from nearby rivers. The liquid remains of the development were transported to Lima to be disposed of without affecting the environment.

Amazogramas was exhibited in Lima at the Casa Rímac in 2014 and toured the world passing through Brazil at the Valongo Festival, Santos, in 2016, at the Peruvian Pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennial, Italy, 2016, at the Parque Gallery Rodó, Montevideo, Uruguay, 2015 – 2016, at Dina Mitrani Gallery, Miami, 2015-2016, and recently in France in 2022 thanks to WSC Peru.

We look forward to this new project by Roberto and his team, taking the Tambopata Amazon through Peru and the world again, putting on display the importance of conserving our forests from environmental crimes.

Record photos by Raúl García

Adventure knows no age, especially when it comes to exploring the wondrous Amazon rainforest in Peru while indulging in comfort. At Refugio Amazonas, we cater to the adventurous spirits seeking both thrills and relaxation, ensuring a seamless blend of excitement and luxury. Nevertheless, we recommend an Amazon adventure to our ecolodges for kids over 6 years old at Posada Amazonas.

For families and teens or adults, Refugio Amazonas offers an unparalleled experience, while Tambopata Research Center, nestled deeper in the Amazon, caters best to adults. Why this distinction? It’s all about weather conditions, accessibility, and the array of activities tailored to each lodge.

Over six years ago, a guest sparked our journey toward making a profound impact on the Peruvian Amazon in Tambopata through citizen science initiatives.

What exactly is citizen science?

It’s the engagement of individuals—regardless of their scientific background—in assisting researchers with various scientific projects, fostering a collaborative approach to conservation.

There’s no age limit to participating in citizen science and contributing to the preservation of the Peruvian Amazon. You can join us in our eco-lodges within the Tambopata National Reserve.

EXPLORE MORE ABOUT THE TAMBOPATA NATIONAL RESERVE

How to visit the Amazon rainforest and Tambopata National Reserve?

Situated in the Madre de Dios region of southeast Peru, adjacent to Cusco, the Tambopata National Reserve is easily accessible. Daily flights from Lima to Puerto Maldonado take just an hour and a half, while flights from Cusco will soon take only 30 minutes. From there, immerse yourself in the protected natural wonders either by day trips from the city or by staying in one of our eco-lodges deep in the Amazon forest.

At Rainforest Expeditions, you can become a citizen scientist, deploying camera traps to monitor mammal populations, assisting with the Brazil nut harvest predictions, or even discovering and naming new species after yourself.

Travelers of all ages, from curious youngsters to seasoned adventurers, can partake in these activities as part of their Amazon expedition in Peru.

Recently, we were honored to host the remarkable Aura Carlini, who celebrated her 100th birthday amidst the remote splendor of one of South America’s most pristine eco-lodges. Aura actively participated in the Discovering New Species project of the Wired Amazon program, an initiative recognized with the prestigious Green Awards 2022 in the biodiversity category, fauna subcategory.

Aura Carlini in the Tambopata National Reserve, exploring the Peruvian Amazon

Aura Carlini epitomizes the idea that age is merely a number. Whether you’re a centenarian like her or someone embarking on their first adventure, you can pack your bags, step out of your comfort zone, and immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of the Tambopata National Reserve in Peru.

The pandemic has underscored the importance of seizing every opportunity to savor life’s adventures.

Aura’s journey teaches us that individuals of all ages can relish extraordinary moments, breaking free from routine to reconnect with themselves amidst the awe-inspiring landscapes of Tambopata.

Become the Jacques Cousteau of the Amazon, diving deep into its emerald depths. Be the David Attenborough of this generation, sharing the wonders of the Amazon through your social platforms. Or channel your inner Charles Darwin, discovering new species and contributing to the conservation of one of Earth’s most biodiverse regions.

Because in the realm of dreams, travel, and joy, there are no boundaries. And sometimes, all you need to reconnect with yourself is the embrace of nature—no air conditioning, no swimming pool, no fear of bugs. After all, your ultimate purpose here is happiness.

If you asked yourself, where do the new species come from? We tell you that Discovering New Species is a project of our citizen science program Wired Amazon where travelers from all over the world hand in hand with our field scientists are making new discoveries in the Amazon, specifically in the Tambopata National Reserve in Madre de Dios – PERU and they have discovered a new species of scorpion wasp 

Since 2016 and with the help of the National Service of Natural Protected Areas by the State – SERNANP, the Natural History Museum of the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, and since 2020 with funding from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the project leader Discovering New Species, specialist entomologist and associate researcher of the museum, Juan Grados Arauco, together with various field researchers, some field entomologists and especially, with the help of tourists from all over the world, have already discovered 22 new species for humanity.

The objective of the project is to catalog the different species of tiger moths mainly and register them in the world’s biodiversity inventory with the commitment to seek the conservation of nature.

On the Peruvian Day of Protected Natural Areas, from the Wired Amazon and Rainforest Expeditions team, we want to honor the work of Eng. Carlos Ponce del Prado who has participated in the implementation of numerous protected natural areas in Peru including 3 belonging to the largest natural corridor in the world. : the Tambopata National Reserve, the Bahuaja-Sonene National Park, and the Manu National Park, with a new species of scorpion wasp found in Refugio Amazonas which bears the name of Minions poncei.

Get to know the details of the new species here

Carlos Ponce was a notable activist in forums related to environmental impact. He has been and is an example for future generations concerned with the conservation of nature, especially that of our country and the Amazon basin.

You too can make science happen in Tambopata and have the opportunity to discover a new species and name it by visiting Refugio Amazonas or the Tambopata Research Center.

Apu mooreorum Grados, 2021 a new species in honor of the conservation of the Amazonian rainforests of Tambopata

For more than 20 years, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation has supported projects that seek to develop science and environmental conservation worldwide.

Each year, Peru loses more than 140,000 hectares of forests, an area greater than the surface of Hong Kong, according to numbers estimated in 2019 according to the Peruvian Ministry of the Environment, and with them biological diversity that has not yet been registered for the world is also lost.

It is for this reason, we saw the need of the intervention of travelers who came to our lodges in the preservation of forests and, since 2016, we developed Wired Amazon, a citizen science program in which each traveler actively participates in our scientific projects for conservation in the Amazon rainforests of Tambopata, where the Discovering New Species project helps us discover species of tiger moths never before registered for science.

In this way, travelers who arrive at Refugio Amazonas and the Tambopata Research Center in the Tambopata National Reserve, have the opportunity to become citizen scientists after receiving adequate training and under the supervision of our field researchers. The travelers collect samples and data of the specimens, and this goes through a rigorous process of discrimination through the specialist Juan Grados, associate researcher at the Natural History Museum of the Universidad Mayor de San Marcos, continuing with a verification of the genetic code through the Bold System of the University of Guelph in Canada, to be finally described by the specialist; it means, to be officially named for science and to register in the history of humanity.

Become a citizen scientist in Tambopata  

But all these efforts have been 100% financed by ecotourism from our lodges. This effort was paused due to the development of the COVID-19 pandemic and it was in June 2020, thanks to the support of the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation that we have been able to continue with the Discovering New Species project at the Tambopata Research Center in the Tambopata National Reserve. The development of this would not have been possible without the support of Sernanp and the Natural History Museum of the Universidad Mayor de San Marcos, and the hundreds of on-site travelers and online participants who have become allies for the conservation of the Peruvian Amazon.

 Apu mooreorum Grados, 2021 is a species of tiger moth that honors the exceptional support done by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation in the conservation of the Andean and Amazonian forests in Peru.

Meet the details of the new species Apu mooreorum