Tambopata Research Center Tour – Suggested Expedition 6D/5N
PERUVIAN AMAZON TOURS
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 begin your journey with a 1-hour bus ride followed by a 2.5-hour boat journey to the lodge. Enjoy your first taste of Amazonian cuisine on the river as you leave the city behind and immerse yourself in the breathtaking rainforest landscapes.
As you cross the confluence with the Malinowski River, you’ll leave the final traces of human habitation behind and enter the 700,000-hectare uninhabited core of the Tambopata National Reserve. Sightings of capybara, caiman, geese, macaws, and other large species become increasingly frequent along the way.
Arrive at Tambopata Research Center, a boutique eco-lodge nestled in the heart of the Tambopata National Reserve. With a bar, massage center, and buffet service, the lodge offers a comfortable retreat surrounded by different projects belonging to the Wired Amazon Program. Here you will find: the Tambopata Macaw Project, 8 Primates Project, and Discovering New Species, making it a true paradise for nature enthusiasts.
Accommodation ranges from rooms of 21 square meters to spacious suites of up to 83 square meters, 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 with scientists who will provide an in-depth exploration of the ongoing projects belonging to the Wired Amazon program and the conservation challenges they face. These lectures are available every night.
Night walk creatures that you might find on a night walk
After dinner, opt for a night hike to explore the jungle after dark. While most mammals are active but challenging to spot, the diverse shapes and sounds of frogs are easier to find and equally fascinating.
Day 2: Macaw Clay Lick and Canopy Tower
Begin your morning with a visit to the Macaw Clay Lick, a vibrant spectacle where dozens of large macaws and hundreds of parrots gather along the riverbank. Watch discreetly from a viewing spot 50 meters from the cliff as Green-winged, Scarlet, and Blue-and-gold Macaws, along with smaller parrots, descend to ingest clay—a behavior that inspired a National Geographic cover story.
Canopy tower at Tambopata Research Center
In the afternoon, experience the Canopy Tower at Tambopata Research Center. Ascend the 30-meter-high tower to gain a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest. As you climb above the treetops, you’ll be rewarded with endless vistas of the canopy and the opportunity to spot treetop wildlife, including monkeys, toucans, macaws, and a variety of other bird species.
Day 3: 8 Primate Project and Aguaje Palm Swamps
Begin your day with a chance to visit another clay lick, where you can observe a different array of parrots and enjoy the vibrant morning activity.
Later, explore the Aguaje Palm Swamps, one of the most vital food sources in the rainforest for both arboreal and terrestrial mammals. These swamps grow on the remains of an oxbow lake and offer fruits year-round. Learn about the ecological significance of these swamps and the threats they face due to palm fruit demand and rice planting.
8 Primates project - a citizen science activity at TRC
In the afternoon, participate in the 8 Primate Project by hiking a five-kilometer trail through a typical rainforest with immense trees, creeks, and ponds. This trail provides excellent opportunities to spot various primate species, such as Squirrel Monkeys, Brown Capuchin Monkeys, and Spider Monkeys, as well as peccaries. The Tambopata Research Center is ideally located within this rich habitat.
End the day with a Sunset Cruise, floating down the Tambopata River as the sun sets, painting the sky with countless hues of orange and pink, reflecting off the water in beautiful patterns.
Day 4: Creek Trail and Discovering New Species
Spend the morning exploring the Creek Trail, a different type of terra firme forest crossed by several creeks that eventually flow into the Tambopata River. This half-day activity focuses on the unique forest ecology of the area. Note best season of the year for the creek trail is from November through March when is the rainy season, when the creek is full of water.
Creek trail in the Tambopata Research Center
In the afternoon, explore the Overlook Trail, a three to five-kilometer hike will lead us to overlooks commanding magnificent views of the Tambopata winding its way into the lowlands. The forest on this trail, regenerating the old bamboo forest, is good for Howler Monkey and Dusky Titi Monkey.
After dinner, engage in the Discovering New Species activity. Join researchers at a night light trap to explore the forest and potentially discover new species. This citizen science experience allows you to contribute to ongoing biodiversity research and gain a deeper understanding of the complexity of the rainforest ecosystem.
Day 5: Rainforest Master Hike and Relaxation
Embark on the Rainforest Master Hike, a longer trek designed to deepen your understanding of the forest’s incredible biodiversity. Led by experienced guides with extensive knowledge of the area, this hike will reveal elusive wildlife, including hidden canopy birds, various monkeys, and remarkable plant life.
Lights inside the forest - Tambopata
In the afternoon, unwind in the lodge’s hammocks or participate in gentler activities such as exploring the secrets of the surroundings or learning about the world of butterflies.
Remember to attend the nightly lecture at the open lab, where researchers will share additional insights into the ongoing conservation efforts and discoveries.
Day 6: Departure
Your Amazon expedition concludes as it’s time to bid farewell. Your visit has directly supported the Wired Amazon program and the conservation initiatives in the Tambopata National Reserve.
Return to Puerto Maldonado via boat and bus for your flight, carrying with you unforgettable memories of your journey through the heart of the Amazon.
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What our guest say
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- 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