Enjoy an authentic nature experience

When you imagine yourself in the Peruvian Amazon, do you think of yourself high in the forest canopies, cruising along the Tambopata River, or admiring a stunning Macaw or rainbow Parakeet at a clay lick from the river’s edge? How about an eerie night hike spotting Tarantula nests? One thing is for sure, you’ll experience wildlife and world-renowned biodiversity away from tourist crowds of many parts of the Amazon. There are dozens of spectacular experiences to be had, only 2 hours from Puerto Maldonado, because of that we share with you our top 5 things must do in the Peruvian Amazon.

With the flexibility of adventure ‘A La Carte’, Rainforest Expeditions gives you the freedom to choose your own adventure without being locked into rigid itineraries or schedules. Choose your lodge, and choose your experiences – from the get-go, the adventure is in your hands.

Here are our top 5 top things must do in the Peruvian Amazon:

1. Canopy Tower

Canopy Tower in the Peruvian Amazon – Photo by Paul Bertner

Gaze out over ancient trees and spot exotic wildlife from up high in the forest canopy! The sturdy towers sit 60m above ground and offer a chance to experience the Amazon from a higher perspective. With a birds-eye view, you’ll spot monkeys, toucans, and many more exotic species! You’ll be guided through the forest to reach the base of the tower before a slow and steady climb up the stairs to the top. This is one of the Top 5 things must do in the Peruvian Amazon. Trust us, you won’t soon forget the sweeping Amazonian jungle panorama that awaits you

2. Macaw Clay Licks

Chuncho clay lick – Photo by Paul Bertner

A dazzling spectacle that will have your eyes wide as you take in the stunning colors and sounds of exotic macaws, parakeets, and parrots flocking to feast on nutrient-rich clay in the early morning light. Both the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick and Colorado Macaw Clay Lick are an awe-inspiring experience

From the Tambopata Research Centre, the Colorado Macaw Clay Lick is reached by boat, cruising along the Tambopata River to reach the viewing spot.

3. Oxbow Lake

Many Tambopata Piranhas live in Oxbow Lakes like this one

These unique inland lakes are vital habitats for wildlife due to calm waters and plentiful food. From the water edge, your Rainforest Expedition guide will help you spot some of the lake’s diverse residents including rare giant otters, squirrel monkeys, hoatzin, and majestic macaws! Each lake is different depending on your jungle lodge and this half-day adventure includes a quick boat trip from the lodge and a short hike to the water’s edge

4. Jungle Night Walk

Venture into the nocturnal world of the Amazon! You may be hesitant at first, but once you lay eyes on the nighttime wonders with the aid of your head torch – you’re 1-hour hike will fly by. It truly is something spectacular, venturing into the jungle at night. As your usual suspects sleep, other wildlife comes out to play. For instance, tarantula nests, slimy frogs, slithering snakes, and night monkeys! A weird and wonderful mix of creatures, an adventurous experience not to be missed

5. Sunset Cruise

Sunrises and sunsets on the Tambopata River are unforgettable experiences for many travelers.

No Amazon experience is complete without a tranquil journey down the Tambopata River by boat. As the sun sets, bathing the jungle in brilliant colors, spot chunky Capybaras, familiar macaws, and shy wildlife venturing out before dark. A perfect way to finish your day and soak up the stunning waterways of Peruvian Amazonia.

How to plan your adventure

To make the most of your time, think roughly 2-3 activities per day. Traveling from Puerto Maldonado on day one, you should arrive at the lodge in the early afternoon, so head to the  Canopy Tower or prepare for an evening hike after you’ve settled in. Remember to utilize the cool hours in the early morning, spend half a day at a Clay lick, Oxbow lake, or hiking to admire jungle giants. Save your relaxing until the evening at one of the wellness centers, or learn more about the wonders of the Amazon during a night lecture or Circle of Fire.

There are many more activities to choose from depending on your length of stay and Rainforest Expedition lodge. View all the activities we offer here... and trust us, the best way to plan your activities ‘A La Carte’ is to chat with us, so get in touch!

By Natasha Martin

The Peruvian Amazon is globally renowned for its stunning rainforest and wildlife. But where to base yourself to best explore the winding rivers and towering forest canopies of the Peruvian Amazon? Many questions will appear, and because of that, we share All you need to know for your Amazon adventure. Whether your upcoming adventure is a hotel, cruise, or lodge-based, we’ve put together the pros and cons of each to help you experience the best of what this stunning region has to offer.

Better to read all you need to know for your Amazon adventure

Hotel-based

A handful of hotels can be found in Puerto Maldonado, the gateway town to the Peruvian Amazon. These generally cater for those spending a night or so before venturing further into the jungle on a lodge-based Rainforest Expedition or cruise-based tour. Although it is possible to have extended stays here relaxing by the pool, a hotel is not recommended if you are looking for deeper nature immersion.

Pros

• Time: Short on time? A hotel close by to the main hub limits travel time but still allows you a small taste of jungle on a day trip or boat trip.
• Distance: From Puerto Maldonado, you don’t have to travel far to reach a small taste of the Peruvian Amazon.
• Price: As you are close by to town, hotels work out to be a lot cheaper than a cruise or lodge-based options, as generally, you are paying for accommodation rather than a package experience.

You’ll take in spectacular views of the endless Amazon rainforest, even while flying into Tambopata. Photo by Lianne Herbruck.

Cons

• Environment: Rainforest and jungle have no doubt felt the pressure of human impacts. Therefore, flora and fauna just aren’t the same close to hotels as it is further off the beaten track in reserves such as Tampota National Reserve heaving with wildlife.
• Looking from the outside in Hotel-based you are really only knocking on the door of the amazing Peruvian Amazon forest and all it has to offer. Personally, we’d recommend a deeper exploration if time and budget permit.

Cruise-based

With many to choose from and a growing number of luxurious offerings, a cruise-based trip offers a relaxing journey through some of the Amazon’s stunning waterways from the comfort of the upper deck.

Pros

• Amenities: Floating down the rivers and waterways of the Amazon doesn’t mean skimping on facilities. Luxury abounds – think jacuzzis, sun-decks, and well-equipped cabins. On average, the facilities available on cruises are top-notch (but not without the added price tag!).
• Distance traveled: During the high-water season (December – May), atop a cruise boat means you are able to explore areas that can be inaccessible or challenging to access by foot.
• Activities: Cruises generally include land-based activities also, therefore you don’t miss out on experiences such as canopy walks, clay-licks, and cultural activities.

Cruising through the Amazon affords beautiful views of the iconic river, but there is less flexibility in choosing activities.

Cons

• Seasonality: Although cruises run year-round, the routes and activities vary seasonally based on rainfall. During dryer times, areas not reachable by boat are accessed via foot, and you may be using your legs more than you had expected!
• Set Itineraries: Cruise-based trips generally have set activities…so if you are a family or group looking for flexibility, this may not be the option for you.
• Space: Compared to roaming free in the jungle in a lodge-based option, atop a boat you can be quite limited in space. If this is a problem, you may want to opt for a lodge and take river trips instead.

Lodge-Based

Based amidst the rainforest, lodge-based options give you an authentic taste of nature, deep in the Peruvian Amazon. Far away from towns, lodges offer a safe, secure, and comfortable stay embedded in the lush forest! It’s what you traveled to this glorious region to experience, right?

Pros

• Location: Unlike hotels or cruise-based trips, lodges offer you an authentic taste of what the Amazon is all about: nature. The pristine rainforest that can only be accessed far away from major cities and towns is all around you. Even better, Rainforest Expeditions lodges are open-air, offering a truly immersive stay in the Peruvian jungle.
• Flexibility: Lodges offer extremely flexible itineraries and budgets based on your needs, and are perfect for both long and shorter stays as families, groups, or individuals!
• Budget: As you can pick and choose, a lodge-based Amazon experience works out cheaper, but doesn’t skimp on the range of experiences you can have.
• Impact: Reputable eco-lodges ensure minimal negative impacts on the environment they are in, fund wildlife research, and carbon offset your stay so that you can relax knowing your visit is having a positive impact on the natural settings around you!

Rainforest Expeditions Jungle lodges offer a real taste of the jungle, with only three walls!

Cons

• Travel times: A jungle immersion naturally means longer travel times to reach your lodge, however, think of this as the opening act to your Amazonian Rainforest Expedition. The boat trip to reach the Tambopata Research Centre provides ample time for bird watching, or if you are lucky a jaguar!
• Jungle eventualities: Not all lodges will have 24/7 electricity or Wi-Fi like what you can access in main towns or cities. However, as you are busy adventuring, learning, or taking some downtime, you will barely notice you’re missing anything!

We hope this blog helped you understand the differences between hotel-based, lodge-based, and cruise-based Amazon itineraries. No matter which accommodation type you choose – we are sure you will love the Amazon. If you have any questions, we are always here to help, just fill out the form below and our team will get back to you within twenty-four working hours.

By Natasha Martin

You have finally decided to travel to Puerto Maldonado and visit the Tambopata National Reserve in Madre de Dios, well known as the capital of biodiversity because it concentrates a significant amount of wildlife. Species that are very accessible to see because of the pretty healthy rainforest that it has.

Connecting with nature is the possibility of being able to walk through the forest, listen to its voice and meet its inhabitants in perfect harmony, follow these tips and you will be leaving a positive impact on the Peruvian Amazon.

How to get to Puerto Maldonado city?

The city of Puerto Maldonado is southeast of Peru, next to Cusco in the Madre de Dios region, the 3rd biggest department of Peru.

To get to Puerto Maldonado (PEM), you can fly from Lima taking a direct flight of 1.5 hrs. From April 2021, you will be able to fly from Cusco in just 30 minutes to get to Puerto Maldonado at the Padre Aldamiz Airport.

You can also drive or take a bus or car from Cusco, but we do not recommend the road as there are at least 10 hours in the dry season from May to September.

Where to stay in Puerto Maldonado?

In Puerto Maldonado city you will find 2 types of accommodations: hotels and ecolodges.

Hotels usually include breakfast and transfers from the airport. So you have to find where to eat and what to do.

The jungle lodges are ALL-INCLUSIVE.

• We recommend

Hotel Cabaña Quinta or Hotel Wasai, are 3* hotels, very well located and closer to the main square where all you need is close including restaurants, ice cream stores, and nightlife.

Double rooms come from around USD$85 per night per 2 people, and you can find them on main online platforms such as Booking.com. But contact them directly as they might offer you the same or better price as every accommodation.

There are also nice properties outside the center such as Enai Hotel, located in the Madre de Dios riverbank, so you will need to cross the river to get there and every time you would like to chill around the main square. It has a swimming pool and will let you enjoy amazing sunset views on the river.

• The Jungle Ecolodges

The ecolodges are designed for the ones who look for a deep exploration of the Amazon rainforest. They will include everything: land and river transportation to/from Puerto Maldonado airport, activities, and excursions, all meals, and accommodation.

But if all of them include the same, what is the difference in the experience and prices? I can resume this on 3 things:

• Location

Some lodges located in the Madre de Dios River are settled in secondary forest, next to or where the land was used for agriculture or next to road connection, so very easy to access. Most of the lodges in the Tambopata river are accessible only by boat and have the Tambopata National Reserve in its backyard.

• Wildlife

Because of its location, you will have more or fewer chances to find wildlife. Through undisturbed rainforest, you have higher chances to see unique wildlife including the elusive jaguar, a harpy eagle nest, or 4 to 5 species of monkeys including the spider monkeys. check out our how-to choose an amazon jungle lodge for better tips.

Jaguar in the riverbank in the amazon when you travel to Puerto Maldonado

• Their commitment to sustainability

If you get this far, you are an explorer who cares about nature and is committed to changing the world, you have not traveled this far only for the Instagram picture, but for making a positive impact on the Amazon rainforest conservation and the well-being of its native communities. Many ecolodges work closely with local communities or develop science and conservation projects. Ask for results, participate actively in one of those if you have the chance.

• Where to eat in Puerto Maldonado?

In Puerto Maldonado, we have plenty of options right now, the city has grown so fast after the implementation of the Interoceanic Highway that you can find traditional or gourmet cuisine, but since you are here, we highly recommend trying traditional food first and the author’s cuisine based on local ingredients.

We recommend: Burgos Restaurant, Cafeteria La Semilla and Puzanga Bar

Don’t forget to pass by Gustitos del Cura or Copazu Ice Cream store, artisanal ice creams based on local fruits. Both are located in the main square.

• What to do in Puerto Maldonado and Tambopata?

First of all, REMEMBER this is not a place to enjoy the sun and stay in the swimming pool all day, if you are looking for that, then there are very nice places in the north jungle or the central jungle too. Tambopata is a place for explorers, for adventurers looking to discover the Amazon rainforest.

You will not find respectable places with animals to touch, feed, or carry for the picture. Wildlife here is unpredictable, they do not get closer to you for the picture. This is NOT a zoo and all tour operators are very committed to respecting nature and its wildlife.

What to do next?

Having said that, here are the Top 5 excursions and activities you should NOT MISS when visiting Tambopata

1. Visit a Macaw clay lick

The 2 most famous are Colorado and Chuncho, the first one inspired a National Geographic cover in 1994, the second one has been very active in the last 2 years. Better for you if you can visit both.

Macaw clay lick near Tambopata Research Center

2. Climb a canopy tower or visit a canopy walkway

Having the chance to see the rainforest from the canopy, it’s a unique experience, as most of the famous wildlife is active on this level of the forest. A 35-meter-high, at least, will be perfect to observe the Amazon as the birds do.

3. Visit an oxbow lake

These were part of the main river and many species have made their home in its calm waters, including piranhas, caimans, and giant river otters.

Giant river otters 35% probability to spot them

4. Join a night walk

The Amazon rainforest is completely different by night, just the amazing soundtrack will make this experience unique, besides the numerous creatures you can find at night.

Jungle night walk

5. Actively participate in science and conservation projects

As you have chosen a sustainable project where to stay, then do not limit yourself and become a citizen scientist. Did you know you can discover a new species for science in the Amazon and name it?

Most lodges include all these activities at the nightly price, and you do not need to worry about any extra. At least ours does.

If you stay in Puerto Maldonado, remember that you will have to organize your tours and excursions. Always look for local operators with experience, seriousness, and commitment.

I’m an explorer, biologist, and wildlife photographer specializing in macrophotography and integrated systems ecology. I travel the world’s Equatorial rainforests to document and share the earth’s most diverse ecosystems to highlight the tremendous adaptations and diversity of the microfauna.

At this moment – I find myself thrust back into the humid night air, alive with the drill of cicadas, the chorus of frogs, and the ominous hum of mosquitoes; camera traps, drones,s and DSLRs strapped to my back, ready for adventure. I’m visiting the Tambopata Research Center, almost eight hours upriver from the nearest town in the Peruvian Amazon, observing, photographing, and attempting to shed light on some seldom-seen behaviors.

Tambopata Research Center – lodge and research facilities surrounded by pristine forests.

The forests around TRC are pristine…

These types of rainforests are essential not just to the animals, that call them home, but also to the researchers that use them as a control group and barometer to greater understand human impacts and aid in restoration efforts. Inasmuch as the rainforest functions as a complex, integrated system, the TRC functions as a kind of hub, where scientists and investigators, the experts in their respective fields can come from all over the world, meet, and collaborate to better understand this web of interactions which no one discipline can tackle alone. This sharing of information, the facilities and the inclusive, participatory stemming from ecotourism is truly what distinguishes this unique lodge-research center.

And that’s where I come in: the small stuff…

An ecosystem is defined as a community of biological organisms, and their interactions with one another and with the environment. This refers to millions of species. It is mind-boggling. It’s easy to focus on the ‘famous’ species – like the jaguars and harpy eagles, however, most of what constitutes the biomass of the rainforest are the organisms that pass unnoticed, and underfoot, each one with a rich and complicated history, full of intrigue. From the entomopathogenic fungi that germinate on their oblivious hosts, infecting them and ultimately taking control of their very brains to redirect their behaviors, to the mutualistic relationships between the sap-sucking homopterans and their ant care-takers to the caterpillars arrayed in aposematic coloration and defensive armature locked in an evolutionary arms race with both its plant hosts and its would-be predators. The ants shape the environment.

A very rare and potentially new species of entomopathogenic fungus (Sporodiniella umbellata) has parasitized an ichneumon wasp (which ironically is a parasitoid itself). These fungi will invade the brains of their hosts and even modify their behavior to facilitate spore dispersal.

On my rainforest research…

I saw the interaction between ants and sap-sucking bugs (homopterans) as a fascinating case of mutualism and opportunism. Ants protect and essentially farm the treehoppers seen here in exchange for a sugary exudate, honeydew, which is carbohydrate-rich and produced in copious quantities. When a treehopper´s production wanes, the ant will pull the treehopper nymph from the branch and displace it to another area of the plant to maximize productivity.

The bright colors used to display toxicity in thisare called aposematism. Colors plus large defensive spines = a very strong don’t touch my message! Few predators will risk the pain and future potential for infection resulting from an encounter with such a heavily armed caterpillar.

In a world where a fungus affects an ant that shapes the environment, which affects the jaguars, isn’t that worth knowing about?

Tropical rainforests are the most complicated ecosystems on the planet, and the Amazon, being the largest tract of unbroken rainforest in the world, has come to epitomize this. Studying the myriad of interactions that make up this ecosystem is a technical, and logistical challenge. Though we have come a long way since our Victorian predecessors who often appeared to wage war on the very nature they studied, the modern-day study still requires herculean efforts from researchers who spend months in the field often in remote and grueling conditions, exposed to disease, parasites, and wild animals, not to mention isolation. However, through technological innovations, and an increasing array of both fields (UAVs, camera traps, remote sensing technologies, thermal imagery,) and laboratory tools (genetic sequencing) we are able to both acquire the raw data and analyze it in an unprecedented manner.

Visiting the Amazon gives us a rare view into this psychedelic world of mind-bending adaptations, strategies to astonish and inspire, and perhaps lessons to be learned. Adventure awaits – keep your binoculars handy, and your magnifying glass at the ready, and let’s delve into diversity…

In the coming weeks, I’ll be exploring three additional natural history stories that will amaze, impress, and renew one’s appreciation for the rainforests and their inhabitants which hopefully everyone will have the opportunity to visit, either in person or through the Wired Amazon project.

By Paul Betner

Thinking about traveling to Peru? Well, you already know that Machu Picchu is our must-see, famed archaeological site, but what is beyond Machu Picchu? where else should you go in Peru? Even experienced travelers find it challenging to plan a trip to this country – there is so much to see! We have compiled a list of our 5 must-see destinations in Peru to ensure that your trip to Peru is one you will never forget.

5 Top Destinations Beyond Cusco & Machu Picchu in Peru

1. Lima

You will most likely fly in and out of Lima, and we encourage you to spend a few days exploring our vibrant capital city. Explore the famed colonial churches, take a walk along with Playa Redondo and watch the local surfers catch waves. Be sure to indulge in some Lomo Saltado and pisco sours at any of our many famed restaurants. Peru has been awarded ‘The Best Culinary Destination in the World’ at the World Travel Awards (the Oscars of tourism) for six years in a row. We promise that ten years from today, you will remember raw fish ceviche as much as you remember Cusco. 

Costa Verde – Lima, Peru

2. Lake Titicaca

The largest lake in South America, and the highest navigable body of water, Lake Titicaca, is located half in Peru and half in Bolivia. The main attraction is the man-made islands constructed by the Uros people, over 40 which float in the Lake. We recommend visiting the island of Amantani, which is off the main tourist track. The wonderful Isla Suasi hotel can be accessed by way of Amantani and it’s one of our favorite places! This is another of the 5 must-see destinations in Peru.

Lake Titicaca 

3. Huaraz

The town located in the high Andes has been referred to as ‘Peru’s Adventure Capital.’ Hikers will be awed by beautiful snow-capped peaks and turquoise lakes. Huaraz sits at 3000 meters (9800 feet) of altitude, so visitors should be a factor in acclimatization time!

Huaraz can act as a jumping-off point for multi-day trekking tours or a hub for multiple-day hikes. Our favorite is the nine-day Huayhuash trek – if you can’t do the full nine days, hire Miguel Lopez to organize the trek and tell him to lead you up to Mitucocha. It will take a total of four days – this will allow you to see the highlights. And, be sure to have some choclo con queso (Andean corn with goat cheese) at Conococha.

views from the Huayhuash trek in the Andes. 

4. Nazca

Nazca is famous for the eponymous lines – it is worth splurging to see the lines from above, and puzzling over how the ancient Nazca people were able to create these enduring geoglyphs. When in Nazca, visitors can also visit sand dunes called Cerro Blanco and take advantage of the super dark sky to stargaze. Our tip: consider using the quaint town of Paracas as your jumping-off point to view the lines.

 Nazca lines, seen from above, Peru

5. The Amazon

Sure, we’re a little biased – but the Peruvian Amazon is truly one of the most spectacular corners of the planet. Peru is one of the last great remaining wildernesses on the planet, especially our vast Amazonian forests (did you know: over 60% of our land area is in Amazonia). Guests can explore our hectares upon hectares of pure virgin forest and enjoy unbeatable wildlife sightings including jaguar, peccaries, and colorful macaws. The Amazon is also home to indigenous groups – one of which, the Ese Eja, Rainforest Expeditions partners with.

This means that our guests at Posada Amazonas can experience daily life from the Ese Eja perspective, which includes fishing and cooking. Rainforest Expeditions is proud to support scientists learning about the Amazon – for our guests, this is a true highlight. When visiting Refugio Amazonas, guests can see the harpy eagle nest. At Tambopata Research Center, guests can chat with macaw scientists at the bar.

Many visitors to our Tambopata Research Center lodge spot jaguars lurking along the river. Photo by Lucas Bustamante.

As you can see – there is a lot to see in Peru! Have we convinced you to add Amazon to your Peruvian itinerary? Even if you’re just beginning to dream of your trip to Peru,  the sooner you get in touch with one of our Rainforest Experts, the sooner we can help you find a great travel deal.

By Natasha Martin