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.

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What our guest say
- Valuation Excellent
- 5/5

Nancy Hodgson March 2026

Lesly Lagos March 2026

Batya K. February 2026

S. K. February 2026

Julian S January 2026

Flora Warfel January 2026

Julian Sack January 2026

Laura Franklin December 2025

Lee Wozencroft December 2025

Suraj Vijayan December 2025

Claudia A. January 2026

AMJNZ November 2025

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

Chose this place to stay at the Amazon, as I heard it benefits the local indigenous community. Life changing experience. Oscar was an excellent guide! We saw so many wildlife! No 4th wall made it such an immersive jungle experience. Since they are eco friendly, there is no AC. It can get pretty hot depending on the season. So better to follow their guidance for clothing choices Read all

If you want to experience the Amazon in all its glory This is the place to come to Staff and guides were excellent Food was just incredible The forest walks were really interesting and informative Read all

If you are a birder, ask for Juan Carlos Yatto. He recognizes an astounding number of bird calls and can duplicate many of them. This place is magical, all I could have imagined. All the staff and scientists are incredible. The experience of a lifetime. Read all

This was the most amazing experience Very well organised The ground staff were so well organised The guides were excellent ( I’m looking at you Carlos!) Food was tasty and very varied Amazed that the chefs managed to get such variety in the middle of the Amazon Do not hesitate Book immediately you will not be disappointed. Highly recommended Read all

I can not say enough good things about my time at the Tambopata Research Center. Between the guides, the boat drivers, the chefs, the staff, the bartenders, the researchers, etc. Everyone was absolutely wonderful! If you are interested in viewing wildlife in the Amazon, this is the place for you! A special thank you to the maître d' Carlos who was so incredibly kind and hospitable and our guide Dino who was like a real life Indiana Jones. I can't wait to come back! Read all

An unforgettable, fully immersive jungle experience. Amazing how Tambopata Lodge delivers luxury touches in such a remote and rugged location. The food is fantastic, the staff incredible, and the wildlife sightings non-stop. The personalised itinerary and one-on-one guiding made the trip truly special—huge thanks to our guide Johan for sharing his passion and knowledge. The Macaw Project is inspiring, and it’s clear the lodge fully supports this important conservation work. Manager Brian was always kind, helpful. Well-done all involved. Read all

The most important fact we are grateful for is the true sense of understanding of the ecology of the Amazon the staff at Rainforest Expeditions (RFE) have shown us. RFE stands out for its stand against the pure, profit-motive initiatives many other tour operators do. We are very grateful to have had Carlos as our guide. Carlos is deeply dedicated, and is able to explain the nuances of the flora and fauna. The world today needs to act as one against the impact of climate change. RFE is one, bright shining light in this regard. Read all

We had a fabulous trip! The people were amazing, kind and very professional. The food was exceptionally good! The facilities are beautiful and well kept. We just loved our second time with Rainforest Expeditions and can't wait to go again!! Read all

Fantastic to be deep in the forest surrounded by incredible wildlife with our amazing guide Juan Carlos Yatto, who really knew his stuff! Also his photography skills meant that we could share our experience even better through his telescope using our phone cameras! We learned so much!! He went to extra lengths to find butterflies and moths for us along with so many different birds and monkeys. This was a travel highlight for us as experienced wildlife travellers. We loved our spacious room with no windows and open to more wildlife visitors but after 5 nights the bed could have been a little more comfortable. Luckily we had a second bed to use. Otherwise it was fantastic with hot water showers and fresh drinking water all the time. We were amazed at the variety of food on offer for breakfast, lunch and dinner and couldn’t believe they could have such a wonderful food offering in such a remote location. Even the wine and cocktails were great. I highly recommend spending the extra money and time getting to this location. We stayed at another lodge later which was closer to Puerto Maldonado and there was far less wildlife. Read all