The air seems to grow thicker, the ground wetter, as you step gingerly onto the Palm Swamp Trail. This is a far cry from the high and dry Terra Firme forest, and fertile Floodplain forest, that you’ve already trekked through. The Palm Swamp is something else entirely: a wholly unique ecosystem, low and wet and incredibly diverse, ripe for you to explore. A brilliant flash of blue and gold whishes past, while exotic fruits and frogs commingle in the muddy puddles below. This is like nowhere you’ve been before — even within the Amazon.

Nestled in the lowlands near our Tambopata Research Center lodge lies an old-growth Aguaje Palm Swamp, one of the genuine treasures of the jungle. We believe that long ago, the area was an ancient Oxbow Lake. These primordial waters gradually dried up, but not completely, leaving behind a natural wetland filled with thousands of palm trees. The unique habitat is home to many species drawn in by its watery conditions and tasty palm fruits, from Blue and Yellow Macaws to amphibians to monkeys. Your guide will help you understand the importance of the Aguaje Palm Tree and its habitat while on the Palm Swamp Trail. Finally, you’ll discover the rich wildlife and plants of the habitat for yourself!

Why You’ll Love the Palm Swamp Trail

• Discover an Essential Jungle Plant: The Aguaje Palm Tree is one of the most beautiful, fascinating, and useful plants in the Amazon. Monkeys, Macaws, Guans, and many other animals eat the delicious Aguaje Palm Fruit. The fruit is also a staple for Amazonian peoples, acting as an amazing source of Vitamins A and C. The Aguaje Palm Fruit is one of the most widely used plants in the jungle, making its way into jam, ice cream, juice, and even wine.


• Sustainability in the Palm Swamp: The Palm Swamp is vitally important for wildlife, jungle ecosystems, and even climate change! Reaching up more than 30 meters (90 feet), Aguaje Palm Trees hold the nests of Blue and Yellow Macaws and their smaller Red-bellied cousins. The Palm Swamp also absorbs tons of carbon — three times more than any other tropical ecosystem — making it crucial in the fight against climate change. Nevertheless, human development often threatens these wetlands, converting them into rice paddies.