FAQs

Basically, everything, once you arrive in Puerto Maldonado, is included, such as:

• All meals


• Accommodations


• Tours, Services, Guides


• Transfer from and to the airport of Puerto Maldonado


• All river transportation

Things that aren’t included are:

• International or domestic airfares,


• Airport departure taxes or visa fees,


• Excess baggage charges,


• Additional nights during the trip due to flight cancellations,


• Alcoholic beverages or bottled water, snacks,


• Insurance of any kind,


• Laundry,


• Phone calls or messages, reconfirmation of flights and items of personal nature.

• When is the dry season?: Although it can rain at any time of the year, the Tambopata region tends to be drier from May until October. The rains start up in earnest in November and continue until April with the rainiest months usually being November and December. The upsides to visiting during the dry season are trails that aren’t as muddy, little chance of activities being affected by rain, and more macaws and parrots on the clay licks. The downsides to visiting during the dry season are hotter weather, less bird activity on sunny days, more difficulty in finding amphibians, and more travel time on rivers due to low water levels.


• Why visit Tambopata eco-lodges during the wet season?: Although you can expect a lot of rain, there will probably be fewer fellow ecotourists (if you like a lot of extra elbow room), it usually rains in the afternoon, it tends to be a bit cooler, and there may be higher bird activity on account of the cloudy weather. The ponds and temporal wetlands that form at this time of the year in the rainforest can also make it easier to find reptiles and amphibians. Parrots and macaws tend to visit more clay licks as they will need the clay for the brain development of their chicks during the first months of the year which coincide with the wet season. Also, the rainy season is fruit and flower season, so wildlife will find food everywhere.


• When will I see the most animals?: In all honesty, no month is particularly better to see animals than any other. While you will have more sunlight to see parrots and macaws at the clay lick during the dry season, other animals are encountered with the same frequency no matter what the time of the year. A much bigger factor that comes into play for seeing Amazonian wildlife is the guide’s level of experience and training. From July to September, we have the most jaguar observations along the river banks.


• When is the best time to see monkeys?: If you visit lodges such as the Tambopata Research Center, Refugio Amazonas, or Posada Amazonas, you have a very good chance of seeing several monkey species throughout the year. The rollicking calls of Dusky Titis echo from vine tangles, Red Howler Monkeys call from the canopy, and troops of Squirrel Monkeys roam through second-growth near oxbow lakes. Black Spider Monkeys may be a bit easier to find during the wet season because it’s usually easier to locate the fruiting trees they feed on but a good guide will increase your chances of seeing them no matter what the time of the year.

Your luggage is hand-carried by our staff at various stages of the trip for a long distance. Luggage is restricted to 15 kg per person (33 pounds). You can leave your large luggage in our office at Puerto Maldonado. If you are visiting other destinations in Peru or South America that require different kinds of clothing, you can always pack separate bags and safely leave them at our offices in Puerto Maldonado on the first day so we won’t be carrying them around uselessly. Your bag will be waiting for you at the airport the day you leave.

If you wish to bring additional luggage beyond the permitted amount, an extra fee of $ 70.00 per additional piece will apply.We recommend packing efficiently and bringing only the essentials for your stay in the Amazon.

By traveling light, we reduce our environmental footprint and help preserve the balance of this unique ecosystem. Excess luggage increases fuel consumption during transfers. Packing consciously is a way to support the conservation of the Amazon and ensure that its beauty and biodiversity remain alive for future generations.

Here are some suggestions:

• Binoculars


• Camera gear, bring your long lens!


• Light-colored, long pants: Lightweight nylon/spandex blends, polyester microfiber, or TENCEL™ offer breathability, durability, and quick-drying comfort.


• Long-sleeved, light-colored shirts: Lightweight nylon/spandex blends, moisture-wicking polyester, or TENCEL™ provide breathable, quick-drying performance in humid climates.


• Ankle-high hiking boots and sneakers


• Flashlight (headlamp) with batteries


• Sunblock lotion


• Sunglasses


• Broad-brimmed hat


• Rain suit or poncho


• Insect repellent


• Small-denomination bills


• Small daypack


• Slippers or sandals for walking around the lodge*HAVE IT ON THE HAND*

NOTE :

Please be aware that the recreational use of drones is not allowed in our lodges. For professional use please contact us to process the required permit.

Around the lobby, you will find racks with rubber boots arranged by size. The largest size we have is 46 Peru, 12.5 US or 30.5 cm. You can use these boots for your walks or outings into the forest. Please remember that when walking inside the lodge facilities and in order to prevent bringing mud inside, you must take out your boots or muddy shoes. We suggest using sandals, clean sneakers, slippers, or socks. During the rainy season, the corridors to your rooms get wet, so we recommend bringing light anti-slip slippers to avoid getting your socks wet.

No, unfortunately, we do not have Kosher-certified food in Puerto Maldonado, the closest town to where we get our supplies, like fresh produce, meat and fish, and dairy products.

 

We invite you to read this and other FAQ questions Here

No, the use of drones for entertainment is not allowed in our ecolodges since the fauna is quite active and the forest is quite dense.

For arrival, in Puerto Maldonado airport (PEM):

• For Posada Amazonas and Refugio Amazonas please make sure to arrive before 13:00 hrs.


• For Tambopata Research Center, please make sure to arrive until 12:45 hrs.

You will be at the lodge between 15:00 - 16:00 hrs.

If arriving by bus around early in the morning. We will be picking you up from the bus station upon your arrival. From there, we will go to our office in Puerto Maldonado and there you will be waiting for our fixed departure time.

For departure from lodges, you will be back in the city around 10:00 hrs.

• For Posada Amazonas and Refugio Amazonas the boat departs around 8:00 hrs.


• For Tambopata Research Center, the boat departs around 7:00 hrs.

If you have a later flight:

• You can wait at our office until the departure. Note only breakfast is included on the last day.


• Add a late check-out with an additional cost. Ask our Rainforest Specialist to help with this. This will include lunch.

 

Tambopata is undoubtedly one of the best places to connect with nature. However, being a remote place, these are our recommendations:

• Children under 3 years old - Due to the weather conditions, location, and orientation of our activities, we do not suggest traveling with children under 3 years of age. Remember that our activities are in group service. Private service is available at an additional cost.


• From 3 to 7 years old - For little adventurers, we recommend Posada Amazonas or Refugio Amazonas. These ecolodges have a playground and activities designed for children. Take note that there are some activities that require getting up early.

Take note that the guides will suggest the recommended activities for your little ones, however, you know them better and you know how much they can walk or not.

Remember that our guides interpret the forest for you and your little one, but they will not be able to help you by carrying them in case they get tired.

• From 8 to more - If your child is adventurous and is used to taking walks for more than 1 hour, the Tambopata Research Center is ideal.

While each of our lodges has a topic equipped with everything needed for any emergencies, remember to take your personal first-aid kit with the medicines authorized by your GP in case of any allergic reaction, among others.

Traveling to any destination in the world requires having travel insurance. If there is one thing COVID-19 taught us, it is the importance of being prepared for unexpected situations while traveling. Flight cancellations, delays affecting your itinerary, rescheduled flights, unexpected weather conditions, overbookings, or even airline technical issues can occur at any time.

• Travel insurance options: Today, there are different ways to obtain travel insurance for Peru. Many travelers purchase international policies online, while others already have coverage included through premium credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, or American Express. Before traveling, remember to verify the coverage details, medical limits, and whether activation is required through the purchase of airline tickets. If you are traveling with a reputable and reliable travel agency, they may also provide additional support and assistance in case of unexpected situations, helping you manage changes, rescheduling, or any travel-related issues during your experience.


• Cost-benefit of travel insurance:  Nowadays, travel insurance is becoming increasingly affordable, with options starting at around USD 50. This amount can be very similar to the cost of a single dinner at a tourist restaurant, while also providing medical coverage, emergency assistance, baggage protection, and support throughout your journey.

Take note that while our lodges are equipped with basic first-aid supplies and trained staff, we highly recommend that all travelers carry personal medication and travel with appropriate insurance coverage during their stay in Tambopata.

Yes, you may bring cigarettes or electronic cigarettes. However, smoking and vaping are only permitted in designated smoking areas. They are not allowed in guest rooms, common areas, dining areas, boats, or on forest trails.

As part of our code of conduct and commitment to respecting the rainforest, smoking is strictly prohibited during guided walks and activities.

While the Peruvian Amazon is an incredible place to visit, make sure you prepare well for your travel to Peru by packing efficiently and getting the recommended vaccinations. Before you travel to Puerto Maldonado or other places in the Peruvian Amazon, visit a health care provider specializing in Travel Medicine who can tell you which vaccinations are recommended due to your health and vaccination history. It is best to see this physician 4-6 weeks prior to your travel to allow time for vaccinations to take effect. You should mention each country you are visiting on your trip in order to receive appropriate advice for all of your travel destinations. While there are no required vaccinations for travel to Peru, the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has the following recommendations:

• Hepatitus A: Vaccination is recommended to all travelers to Peru.


• Hepatitus B: Vaccination recommended to all travelers to Peru, especially those who may have exposure to blood or body fluids through the giving or receiving of medical care, drug injections, tattooing, or sexual contact with the local population.


• Typhoid Fever: Vaccination is recommended to all travelers to tropical South America especially those who may be staying in rural areas where exposure through food or water could occur.


• Yellow Fever: Vaccination is highly recommended for travel to Amazonia and the Southern Amazon basin. The shot should be given at least 10 days before your arrival and at 10-year intervals if you decide to stay.


• Rabies: Vaccination is ONLY recommended to travelers with an increased risk of exposure including long-term travelers living in an area that poses a high risk of exposure, travelers working in occupations who will have direct contact with bats, stray dogs, and cats, or other mammals such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals or researchers.

In case of emergencies we have a first aid kit that is equipped to deal with most cases that may reasonably arise in the area. Our guides are all certified by the Red Cross, which means they are prepared to deal with foreseeable emergencies (broken bones or snake bites, for example) but not complex emergencies (such as appendicitis). For snake bites, unheard of at Tambopata so far, we have extractors and an anti-venom at the lodges. In case of evacuation, we need to travel by boat to Puerto Maldonado. During the day, evacuations take about 20% less time than our regular boats. During the night, evacuations take about 30% more. In Puerto Maldonado, there is access to a state clinic.

We ask you to keep your valuable belongings and documents in the safe. Do not leave them valuables in plain view. Equally, if you have food or candies please keep them in the safe. Do not leave them outside. This way you will avoid attracting insects and other animals. Ask the lodge manager or guide to inform you about the proper use of the safety box

To return to your country of origin, some airlines will require a negative COVID test before boarding. We recommend booking this test online in advance at the UNILAB laboratory at the Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima. Note the page is in Spanish. You have to scroll down until you find the name of the airport. Select the type of test you need and click on the button RESERVE SU CITA. It will ask you to register in order to continue with your name, full name, email, phone number, document type, and number. Then click the red button: REGISTRAR and will show you a calendar to book the date of your test. Select the day, press CONTINUAR and select the hour and CONTINUAR. Then will ask you to fill in the information about the patient.

Ayahuasca is a traditional brew used in spiritual ceremonies by Indigenous communities of the Amazon. These practices carry deep cultural and communal meaning and should not be treated as a “travel experience.”

In recent years, there have been cases of travelers joining ceremonies outside of this cultural context that unfortunately ended with serious health and safety issues. For this reason, Rainforest Expeditions does not offer ayahuasca ceremonies. Our focus is on providing you with authentic nature and cultural experiences that are safe, responsible, and enriching.

Traveling to the Amazon is not dangerous when done with an experienced company and proper safety protocols. As with any remote natural environment, there are logistical challenges, but at Rainforest Expeditions, we have developed systems that ensure the safety and peace of mind of our guests.

We have more than 35 years of experience operating in this region, and our lodges are located in areas accessible exclusively by river, with no nearby roads—allowing us to maintain a more controlled and secure environment.

Safety is supported by:

-Strict emergency protocols.

-Continuous monitoring during all transfers.

-Trained staff in safety and first aid.

-Ongoing surveillance at the lodges, with supervision and cameras in common areas.

Additionally, we maintain 24/7 satellite connectivity through Starlink in buses, boats, and lodges, ensuring constant communication even in the most remote areas.

This allows us to transform a destination that may seem challenging into a safe, well-organized, and deeply enjoyable experience.

No. For your safety and to help protect the forest and its biodiversity, all trail visits must be accompanied by a guide. Please always follow your guide’s instructions to enjoy the experience safely and responsibly.

No. Feeding wildlife is not permitted. As visitors to the forest, our commitment is to respect nature and remain observers, allowing animals to behave and feed naturally. This helps protect their well-being and maintain the balance of the ecosystem.

The lodge is run mainly through a generator. Communications are powered by solar energy and there is wireless internet available at night. We use LED bulbs in public areas at night.

The plugs are as follows:

We provide natural spring water 24 hours per day. Please use the water wisely. We advise you not to drink the water from the river, lake, or any of the taps. Consumable water can be found throughout the lodge from many dispensers and pitchers as well as a variety of other beverages available. All the water that the lodge provides is purified with an ozone treatment. We also suggest that you use this water to brush your teeth. Please turn off the water flow while lathering and soaping up to reduce unnecessary water usage.

Our open and spacious rooms offer lots of natural light and fresh air while providing safe but close contact with the forest environment. Our three-wall rooms allow you to connect with nature, but no worries nothing will enter into your room. The lodge and rooms are 3 meters away from the forest and 1 meter and half above the ground. Each room is also equipped with private bathrooms for your convenience. The use of mosquito netting on each bed is strongly recommended to ensure your comfort and safety. We try to be as eco-friendly as possible so we request that you only change towels when really needed. At your room, we kindly ask that you lower your voice to allow all guests to enjoy the sounds of the forest.

According to our environmental policies, we only use biodegradable soap and shampoo which you will find in the bathroom. We wash the towels and bed sheets using biodegradable detergent and we clean the bathrooms with biodegradable products as well.

We do not have a telephone available in our lodge. In case of emergency, we could get a cell phone signal, only at Posada Amazonas and Refugio Amazonas. We do have WIFI, nevertheless, we invite you to enjoy a digital detox.

We don’t have a laundry service available at our lodges. However, if you wish to wash some clothes during your stay, you can hand-wash them and hang them on the lines near the open windows. Please keep in mind that due to the high humidity in the rainforest, it may take a few days for your clothes to fully dry. We recommend guests pack lightweight, quick-dry clothing that can be easily hand-washed and air-dried during their stay.

Smoking is permitted ONLY in designated smoking areas. To ensure the comfort of all guests and to protect the rainforest environment, smoking is not allowed in rooms, dining areas, common spaces, boats, or during excursions.

As part of our code of conduct and commitment to respecting the forest, smoking is strictly prohibited on all trails and during guided walks or activities. This policy helps reduce fire risks, minimizes environmental impact, and preserves the natural experience for both wildlife and visitors.

Breakfast time depends on your scheduled activity according to the lodge. Your guide will advise on this at the lodge. Regular breakfast is at 7:15hrs. Lunch is served at 13:00hrsand dinner is served at 19:30hrs. Please let us know if you are vegetarian or have any special dietary needs. We do offer a special menu for children, if need it, please inquire in advance.

The lowland rainforests of Tambopata lie far enough south of the Equator to provide a cooler, drier winter season between May and October. The general weather conditions are warm and humid. In Tambopata, the average daytime high temperature is between 78F and 93F (24C and 31C) The average nighttime low is between 66F and 78 F (20C and 24C). Cold Fronts - May through September Cold fronts from Argentina can sweep into southwestern Amazonia and push daytime highs down to 50° F (9° C) and the nighttime lows to 43° F (5° C). Thus, during that season always be potentially prepared for cold and drizzle. Rainy Months - November through April Be prepared for heavy rain that can continue for hours or days. Around 80% of the annual average 3000 mm rainfall occurs during this season.

Gratuities are not included in the cost of your stay. If you’d like to recognize the work of our team, we suggest a tip equivalent to 10% of the total value of services, which will be distributed among all lodge staff. You can leave it in the tip box located at the lodge, or hand it directly to the resident manager during check-out.

If you’d like to thank your guide personally, a tip of around USD 30 per person, per day is customary — though the amount is entirely up to you. We recommend giving it directly at the end of your journey.

Your appreciation means a lot to us. Thank you for supporting the dedication and care of the people who make this Amazon experience possible.

During your stay, you can add your extra services such as the drinks in the bar, the boutique, and the massages to your room number and pay all with a credit card on the last day. We do not accept cash for security, but you can use it for gratituides.

Although piranha fishing has become a popular activity in some parts of the Amazon, we choose not to offer it. Catching and then releasing these fish often causes them harm, which goes against our sustainability principles and our commitment to protecting the rainforest’s delicate ecosystems.

Instead, we invite you to experience the lakes in a way that respects their natural balance, by quietly observing wildlife such as giant river otters and colorful birds in their natural habitat. This way, you connect with the Amazon in a responsible and meaningful way.

No, the use of hair dryers is not permitted inside the lodge. Our rooms do not have this service and, as part of our eco-friendly commitment, it is also not possible to use personal hair dryers. The energy in our lodges is generated by solar panels, a system that allows us to operate responsibly in the heart of the Amazon and significantly reduce our environmental impact. We appreciate your understanding and support for a sustainable and environmentally friendly model of tourism.

There are several types of recording devices that are not permitted in the protected natural area without a special permit, such as professional video cameras, drones, and audio recorders.

Recording and photography using cameras and cell phones are fully permitted.

BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS

– Full payment and complete information are required 30 days before arrival

– Special offers require full payment in advance at the time of booking and are non-refundable.

– Payments can be made using Mastercard, American Express, or VISA credit cards. We kindly request that you contact your bank beforehand to authorize the transaction. We are not responsible for any banking expenses.

SPECIAL DEALS

– A full non-refundable deposit will be required at the time of booking. This will be communicated via email when you make your reservation. Please note that this does not apply to refunds or changes.

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS

– Cancellations made up to 30 days before the arrival date will be fully refunded, less 5% for administrative expenses.

– Cancellations within 29 days before the arrival date will not be refunded.

– Refunds will not apply under cancellations of air, road, lake, river, or trail travel due to changes in airline schedules, bad weather conditions, civil or government strikes, acts of God or government, acts of terrorism, force majeure (including world or local health conditions), criminal activity, or sickness.

– We HIGHLY recommend getting travel insurance to prevent any financial losses in case of any cancelation.

If you lose your arrival flight, contact us. You can either start the next day the entire expedition or rescheduled for later.