SUGGESTED EXPEDITION AT Tambopata Research Center

Tambopata Research Center – Suggested Expedition 5 days / 4 nights

PERUVIAN AMAZON TOURS

From US$ On Request
* per person in double room *

Days 5 Dificulty II Lodge Tambopata Research Center
Type Tambopata Research Center Tours Type group size 1-7 Best season January - December
This is a suggested itinerary. You have the flexibility to choose from the available activities each day upon arrival at the lodge, allowing you to create a perfect Amazon experience.

Day 1: Welcome to the Amazon!


Arrive in Puerto Maldonado, the capital of Madre de Dios, and start your journey with a 1-hour bus ride followed by a 2.5-hour boat trip to the lodge. As you travel along the river, enjoy your first taste of Amazonian cuisine while soaking in the breathtaking rainforest landscapes. 

Cross the confluence with the Malinowski River, leaving behind the last traces of human habitation as you enter the 700,000-hectare uninhabited core of the Tambopata National Reserve. Along the way, keep an eye out for capybaras, caimans, geese, macaws, and other large species that become increasingly frequent as you venture deeper into the reserve.

Arrive at Tambopata Research Center, a boutique eco-lodge set in the heart of the Tambopata National Reserve. Surrounded by projects from the Wired Amazon Program, including the Tambopata Macaw Project, 8 Primates Project, and Discovering New Species, the lodge is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Enjoy comfortable accommodations ranging from 21-square-meter rooms to spacious 83-square-meter suites, all featuring private bathrooms and open windows facing the forest.

Your stay includes three daily meals, tea, coffee, guided excursions and activities, refreshments upon arrival, and transfers to and from the airport. Guides are provided in small private groups with a 6:1 ratio to ensure personalized experiences.

Before dinner, attend a night lecture where scientists provide insights into the ongoing projects of the Wired Amazon Program and discuss the conservation challenges they face. 

After dinner, take the opportunity to embark on a night hike, exploring the jungle under the cover of darkness. Although many mammals are active but elusive, the varied shapes and sounds of frogs are easier to observe and equally captivating.

Day 2: Macaw Clay Lick and Canopy Tower


Start your morning with a visit to the Macaw Clay Lick, one of the most spectacular wildlife events in the Amazon. Dozens of large macaws and hundreds of parrots gather on the riverbank in a raucous and colorful display. From a discreet viewing spot 50 meters from the cliff, watch as Green-winged, Scarlet, and Blue-and-gold Macaws, along with several species of smaller parrots, descend to ingest clay—a behavior that has been extensively documented and celebrated in nature publications.

Macaws on a clay lick

Macaw Clay licks inside the Tambopata National Reserve


In the afternoon, experience the Canopy Tower at Tambopata Research Center. Ascend the 30-meter-high tower, offering panoramic views above the treetops. From this elevated vantage point, you’ll have the opportunity to spot treetop wildlife such as monkeys, toucans, macaws, and a diverse array of other bird species, all while enjoying the endless vistas of the Amazon canopy.

Day 3: Bamboo Trail and 8 Primate Project


Begin your morning with an exploration of the Bamboo Trail, a surreal journey through a unique bamboo forest. As the sunlight filters through the thin, spindly leaves, you’ll meander along the trail with the tranquil river glinting beside you. The Guadua bamboo, native to the Americas, thrives in the poorly drained upland soils of this region, growing several meters each year and creating a distinct habitat.

bamboo-trail

Bamboo Trail - Tambopata National Reserve


In the afternoon, participate in the 8 Primate Project, a hike through a five-kilometer trail in a prototypical rainforest filled with immense trees, creeks, and ponds. This trail provides excellent opportunities to observe various primate species, such as Squirrel Monkeys, Brown Capuchin Monkeys, and Spider Monkeys, as well as peccaries. The Tambopata Research Center’s strategic location within this habitat makes it an ideal spot for primate watching.

Day 4: Creek Trail and Rainforest Master Hike


Spend the morning exploring the Creek Trail, a distinctive terra firme forest that’s best experienced from November through March during the rainy season when the creeks are full of water. This half-day hike provides insight into the unique ecology of these creek-crossed forests, offering glimpses of wildlife and the intricate network of waterways that support the rainforest’s biodiversity.

Red Howler Monkey

Howler monkeys prefer the tallest trees of the Master Hike


In the afternoon, embark on the Rainforest Master Hike, a longer trek that delves deeper into the forest’s incredible biodiversity. Led by knowledgeable guides, this hike reveals the hidden gems of the rainforest, including elusive canopy birds, various monkey species, and remarkable plant life, leaving you with a profound appreciation for the Amazon’s complex ecosystem.

After dinner, join the Discovering New Species activity. Accompany researchers at a night light trap to explore the forest and potentially identify new species. This hands-on citizen science activity allows you to contribute directly to ongoing biodiversity research and gain a deeper appreciation of the rainforest’s vast and complex ecosystem.

Day 5: Relaxation, Wildlife on the Riverbanks, and Departure


Enjoy a leisurely morning with breakfast and a relaxing time in the lodge’s hammocks, soaking up the last moments of tranquility in the Amazon. This is also your final chance to observe wildlife along the riverbanks as you make your way back to Puerto Maldonado. Often, animals come out as if to bid you farewell, offering a fitting end to your Amazon adventure.

Your journey concludes as you depart via boat and bus for your flight. Carry with you the unforgettable memories of your exploration through the heart of the Amazon and the knowledge that your visit has directly supported the Wired Amazon program and conservation efforts in the Tambopata National Reserve. 


  • What our guest say

    • Valuation Excellent
    • 5/5

Sue_szb April 2026

Beam May 2026

David Staro May 2026

Serg Averkin April 2026

Carlotta May 2026

Asha S May 2026

Laurence W April 2026

Isobel Griffith April 2026

Kay T April 2026

Nancy Hodgson March 2026

Lesly Lagos March 2026

Batya K. February 2026

Wow what an experience! If you want to be fully immersed in Amazon life in a wonderful , comfortable eco lodge, and not have expectations of a 5 star city hotel (I'm not sure why you would, but some reviewers seemed disappointed it wasn't!) you will love this. You will be in a group, 6 in ours, but you don't all have to do the same activities, you just join another group. Plenty of spaces to chill and downtime if you need it...its hot and humid! There's a fan in the room and I heard the superior rooms have a fan under the mozzie net. Take a torch! We were never bitten, used deet repellent only. They provide rubber boots if you want them, some of the trails were very muddy, but we managed in our walking boots. We loved the open wall to the jungle, despite some bugs, but not too many surprisingly. Sooooo much wildlife, all sorts of monkeys, otters, turtles, caiman, different birds, capybara etc. Luis M was our guide, a local, and he could spot a spider from 5 metres I'm sure... great sense of humour and a wealth of knowledge, loved him. We spent 3 nights 20th-24th April, it rained on a couple of occasions but not much. Perfect holiday for an immersive wildlife experience! Read all

Beautiful lodge in the rainforest, very well maintained and clean. We had a lot of fun and excellent guides. The rooms and facilities were top-notch! Read all

We stayed at Posada Amazonas Lodge in May 2026, and it was a truly unique experience. It’s important to note that the concept is unlike a traditional hotel: the rooms (the lodge has around 30 in total) are built entirely of wood and open completely to the rainforest, with no windows. The walls are about two meters high, and everything is open-air, meaning you can hear your neighbors as well as the sounds of the forest throughout the night. There is a hot-water shower with drainage flowing through wooden beams beneath the floor, and the beds are protected with mosquito nets. The food is delicious and nutritious, and one pleasant surprise was the excellent Wi-Fi connection (Starlink) available both at the lodge and on the boats. The logistics are flawless from the moment you land in Puerto Maldonado, including a short car ride (accompanied by a security company) followed by a forty-minute cruise along the Tambopata River. The staff is incredibly friendly. Our guide, Luis M. (a member of the local community that manages the lodge), was simply outstanding, with eagle-eyed vision for spotting wildlife and always wearing a smile. Tour highlights: Canopy Tower: a 42-meter tower rising above the treetops with panoramic views. We loved seeing the river, the rainforest, and even the distant Andes Mountains on the horizon. We returned at night during a nocturnal wildlife tour, where we spotted tarantulas, white sloths, and tree frogs. Lake Tres Chimbadas: a peaceful catamaran ride (without a motor) where Luis showed us a group of red-bellied monkeys, giant otters, and caimans. The scenery and tranquility are incredible. Trek to the “Great Tree”: a forest hike where we saw deer, jaguar tracks, a three-toed sloth, and more wildlife. At the end of the trail, we reached the gigantic ceiba tree: around 500 years old, approximately 60 meters tall, and with an impressive 11-meter base diameter. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to experience the true Amazon! Read all

An exceptional experience that truly exceeded all expectations. What impressed me the most is that here they genuinely want to make your stay as comfortable as possible — and that, to me, is what real high-level service is all about. The guide really tries to fill every excursion with emotions and memorable moments, turning simple activities into meaningful experiences. The kitchen team puts great effort into variety and introduces you to Peruvian cuisine — it feels like a small гастрономic journey. Housekeeping works like invisible bees — you don’t notice them, but everything is always perfectly taken care of. Another big highlight is the comfort level: stable electricity and surprisingly good internet both on the way and at the lodge, powered by Starlink. Having this level of connectivity in the middle of the jungle is something truly special. From reception and the bar to the boat driver — everyone is genuinely warm and happy to have you. You can really feel that each person is a small but important part of one big system delivering outstanding eco-tourism service. Bravo — achieving this level of service in the wild is not easy, and it shows. This experience was very valuable for me and my family. I won’t get tired of thanking you for the emotions you gave us. Highly recommended. Dear travelers — don’t hesitate. Go, enjoy the incredible nature and the level of service. This is something you will remember for a lifetime. Read all

We had the most amazing time at Refugio Amazonas for 3 nights, with a huge thanks to our guide Juan Carlos! On the first afternoon we sat down and planned our activities, which we loved! We came face to face with hundreds of birds, tarantulas, leaf carrying ants spanning 10 meter motorways to work and deliver the leaves to the ant house for food, parasites, and even leaves that cause natural dyes on oxidation - we learned so much. Carlos was genuinly interested in showing us everything the jungle had to offer, humorous and caring too. Carlos knew anything and everything about what was around us, pointing out things and creatures that the untrained eye would miss, carrying a telescope at all times for us to see the birds, ensuring we got magical videos on our phones using the telescope! Read all

Many thanks to Refugio Amazonas for an unforgettable experience! Brenda and team were so wonderful and accommodating, and Alan was a great guide. Thank you for a memorable experience! 🙂 Read all

We had an excellent time at Tambopata research center. We are tourists like most who now visit the center, but it’s great to know that you can support research and the local community by visiting a place like this. Our guide for our trip, Esau, was extremely knowledgeable and showed great passion for his job. He described it as a hobby and he would get very excited if you spotted a specific bird or a tree. His specific knowledge about each and every creature in the forest was very impressive and I would recommend asking for Esau to be your guide in the future if you plan to visit. The hotel itself is unique. You are in the middle of the Amazon rainforest - the accessibility to nature is second to none. There are no windows in the hotel rooms. We had bugs in our room, of course, but the mosquito nets keep everything out and, actually, we both slept very well. The bar staff, Harrison, is very knowledgeable with drinks and works very hard. The food isn’t the best you’re ever going to have, but you have to remind yourself you are in the middle of the rainforest and that it takes a 6 hour round trip to get to the nearest town, and so the job that the hotel does in respect of the food is actually intuitive and very good. I would recommend this hotel to my peers and I would love to visit again in a few years time. Read all

We just finished a 4-night stay at Tambopata Research Center and it was the highlight of our entire Peru trip. From the first email with Mariella to being picked up at the airport to the actual stay itself, every step was smooth and every employee was attentive. Having never stayed in a lodge like this (this remote or exclusive), we were a little nervous about what to expect. Our guide, Timo was INCREDIBLE at tailoring all the activities to us. When he found out we liked more adventurous hikes, he took us on walks through swamps, bamboo forests, and little-used trails while always keeping an eye out for monkeys, birds, and insects. His knowledge of the wildlife, plants, and history of the area was beyond what we hoped for and he truly made the experience worth it. Read all

Spent 4 nights in mid April. I had high expectations and was not disappointed. Our guide Carmen picked us up at the airport and we saw monkeys already on our way to the lodge. We had a wonderful stay with exceptional food and activities everyday. Our guide Carmen was great and our itinerary was based on her suggestions however we could decide on what we would like to see. Wildlife is abundant, however, sometimes difficult to spot and photograph due to the low light. It rained a lot despite April being considered a transitioning time to dry season. But come on ... it's the rainforest. The clear highlight are the macaws which you can hear all time and also see from the tower and at the leks. Read all

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

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