BEST TIME OF THE YEAR IS HERE Macaw Season

Stories

Rainy Season, Macaw Season

In Tambopata, the rainy season is not a limitation. It is the moment when the rainforest comes alive, and when one of the most spectacular natural events begins: macaw season.

For many travelers, the rainy season in the Amazon raises questions.
Is it worth traveling when it rains?
Will wildlife still be active?
What makes this season special?

Here, we will explain why you should travel in the rainy season to the Peruvian Amazon

Rainy Season: The Amazon at Its Most Alive

The rainy season transforms the Amazon rainforest into a vibrant, dynamic ecosystem. Rivers swell, the forest canopy bursts into new growth, and fruiting trees provide an abundance of food for wildlife.

For travelers, this means richer landscapes, fewer crowds, dramatic skies, and an extraordinary soundtrack of rain, insects, frogs, and birds. It is also when many species begin their reproductive cycles, making it one of the most exciting times for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

In Tambopata, rain is not a disruption; it is the heartbeat of the forest.

pair of scarlet macaws

Pair of Scarlet Macaws- Photo by Hugo Cliff

Macaw Season: A Time of Life, Color, and Renewal

As the forest fills with fruits, macaws begin their breeding season. These iconic birds, ambassadors of the Amazon, form strong lifelong bonds, explore nesting cavities, and prepare to raise the next generation.

This season offers rare opportunities to observe macaw social behavior: pairs interacting, vocalizing, strengthening their bond, and preparing for egg-laying and chick rearing.

It is a reminder that conservation is not just about protecting forests; it is about ensuring life continues within them.

FIRST-LIVE-STREAMING-FROM-A-MACAW-NEST-IN-TAMBOPATA-PEru

Baby Scarlet Macaws. Photo by Jonah Darius

A Window Into the Nest: Connecting the World to Tambopata

To share this extraordinary moment with the world, Rainforest Expeditions launched MacawCam, the first live streaming from artificial macaw nests inside the Tambopata National Reserve.

Streaming from two nests, the project allows viewers to observe different stages of macaw life, from bonded pairs preparing to breed to chicks being raised by their parents. When weather or connectivity challenges interrupt the signal, the feed may switch between nests to maintain a continuous connection with the birds.

Beyond visuals, MacawCam offers something rare: the soundscape of the Amazon.
The calls of birds, the rhythm of tropical rain, the calm of an intact rainforest, a sensory bridge between Tambopata and homes, offices, and classrooms around the world.

Science, Conservation, and Long-Term Impact

MacawCam is part of the Tambopata Macaw Project, a long-term research initiative led by Eduardo Nycander, Letty Salinas, and César Arana, in collaboration with ProCiencia, CONCYTEC, SERNANP, AIDER, and academic institutions. For decades, this project has worked to improve macaw breeding success in response to the loss of ancient nesting trees.

The artificial nests, generously donated by Rainforest Expeditions guests, help compensate for the disappearance of centuries-old trees and contribute directly to macaw conservation.

MacawCam is also part of Wired Amazon, Rainforest Expeditions’ pioneering program that integrates science, technology, and immersive travel experiences. It allows travelers and global audiences to engage with real conservation research in one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.

scarlet macaws by manuel de rivero

A couple of Scarlet Macaws. Photo by Manuel de Rivero

Why Rainy Season Might Be the Best Time to Experience Tambopata

Traveling during the rainy season offers a deeper connection with the Amazon’s natural cycles. It is a time of regeneration, reproduction, and renewal. Wildlife is active, forests are lush, and the experience feels raw, authentic, and alive.

For travelers seeking meaning, immersion, and purpose, the rainy season reveals the Amazon in its most powerful and transformative state.

It is the perfect time to connect with nature at your own pace and enjoy what really matters: YOUR TIME.

BOOK THE 7 DAYS PARROT LOVERS EXPEDITION

Experience the Amazon, Wherever You Are

Whether you are planning a journey to Tambopata or simply dreaming of the rainforest, MacawCam brings the Amazon closer than ever. It is a reminder that conservation is a global responsibility — and that even from afar, you can connect with, learn from, and support the world’s most extraordinary rainforest.

Discover the live stream and explore the world of macaws in Tambopata:
https://www.wiredamazon.com/macaw-cam/

 

By Rocio Guzman

  • What our guest say

    • Valuation Excellent
    • 5/5

Laura Franklin December 2025

Lee Wozencroft December 2025

Suraj Vijayan December 2025

Claudia A. January 2026

AMJNZ November 2025

Real CBakes November 2025

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citlalli October 2025

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John W October 2025

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

Ederson made the stay at the lodge amazing. I have had many guides around the world and Ederson may be the best I have had across 50 countries. The lodge itself is nice, and has electricity. Food is good, and you really feel immersed in the amazon staying there. Its great that a portion of the money goes back to conservation and research. Noteworthy details: Ederson, the "commander" is the best guide! Read all

Through a travel agency in Lima we booked a 4day/3-night stay at Refugio Amazonas. We were looking for a lodge that was far away from Puerto Maldonado but didn't require almost a day to get there (like TRC), with extensive walking trails and with the principal jungle highlights nearby. We were not disappointed. As we later learned, this is probably the best lodge in the region! Well run, quiet, excellent food, beautifully located in the middle of the forest, everything was "right". Surprisingly there were few mosquitos or bugs. Emperatriz (MP as some call her), our guide, has a keen eye and took us on some unforgettable walks and boat rides, both day and night. The birds at the clay lick were fantastic. The lodge also had evening lectures by young researchers as well as special activities such as collecting night moths and setting a trap camera. We later received videos and photo's of what was found (including a puma!). I can recommend this lodge without reservation. Read all

Abbiamo scelto il Tambopata Research Center perché il nostro obbiettivo era di poter vedere le are da vicino. Ci siamo stati ad inizio dicembre scorso, l'inizio della stagione delle piogge, perciò abbiamo scelto di restare 5 notti/6 giorni, abbiamo messo in conto di perdere delle giornate a causa della pioggia e per la lontananza da Puerto Maldonado, per nostra fortuna durante il nostro soggiorno ha piovuto solo il giorno di partenza proprio quando arrivavamo in aeroporto. Non c'é stato un giorno che non ne abbiamo visto: are di diverse specie e colori e molti altri uccelli e primati, spettacolare l'incontro a pochi centimetri con un formichiere bianco, ma non il giaguaro. Consigliamo di pernottatre almeno 3 notti, il viaggio é molto lungo. Noi eravamo all'aeroporto di Lima già alle 8:00 di mattina e tra un volo in ritardo, uno spostamento in bus di ca. 45 minuti per arrivare al fiume, ed un trasferimento in barca veloce, siamo arrivati al lodge verso le 16:30. All'aeroporto ci ha accolto la nostra guida privata Alfred, che ci ha seguito per tutto il soggiorno, di giorno in giorno abbiamo deciso le escursioni da fare, ed Alfred si é rivelato essere una super guida, un occhio di falco per scoprire anche il più piccolo uccellino, con pazienza é riuscito a farci camminare chilometri nella giungla, ci ha spiegato molto sulla flora e fauna. Bravissimo a far video e foto con i nostri telefoni col suo binocolo e cavalletto che si portava sempre appresso, queste foto sono dei magnifici ricordi. TRC non é un hotel, é un centro di ricerca per le are, in mezzo ad una foresta ed a ore dal primo centro abitato, perciò non avevamo delle grandi aspettative ne sul cibo ne sull'alloggio Read all

This place is a treat!! Incredible flora & fauna, food and service - the staff is quite attentive. Interesting research, with lots of potential. Visiting the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest is a must do! Read all

We had the most amazing time EVER at Refugio Amazonas, and I am so very glad I booked our stay here. Honestly, this is to date probably the best travel experience we have ever had and I will never forget our time in the Amazon here. First of all, the lodge is beautiful. Our room was lovely. The beds were comfy. The bathrooms are large. It is incredible waking up to the sounds of the jungle and falling asleep to the insects at night. We did have some insects in our room, and a rodent, and even a tarantula (non poisonous)! But it was part of the experience. The food was great and they prioritize native and local ingredients. My partner and I are both vegan and they took SUCH good care of us. The food was delicious, and we had ample vegan options every meal. Everything from the first email contacts with Katia to the transfers to the first night info session to the activities-- which I will get to in a second-- was incredible. It is a bit pricey, but everything is included and there is nothing you need to worry about, and it was so worth it. OK now for the best part-- the activities. Holy wow. First of all, we had the best guide EVER-- Juan Carlos. He was amazing. He is a bird expert, knows so much about the animals who live in the rainforest, the insects, the trees, the plant life, it was incredible. He also so clearly cared that everyone in our group had an amazing time. He took so many pictures for us, pointed out so many animals for us, and made sure we all enjoyed every moment. I can’t thank him enough because it made our time here so very special. We went on many activities that were amazing, and we saw so many animals— capybaras, howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, so many incredible insects, frogs, tarantulas, so many many birds and butterflies. Every activity was amazing but the highlights were the macaw clay lick and the canopy tower. And we were super impressed and happy to hear about their commitment to conservation, protecting the animals, and supporting the native community nearby. There is so much I could say about our stay here but I would recommend a 3 night stay over 2 nights (so you can do more activities), and make sure you read the guides they send via email before you come so you pack correctly and know what to expect and bring--the guide includes everything so that there are no surprises, and we knew exactly what to expect, although our stay exceeded our expectations! I highly, highly recommend staying here, it was magical, it was a once in a life time adventure, and I will never forget it. I also want to shout out the manager of the lodge, I forgot her name, but she was incredible, as well as the service staff at meal times, who were so kind and helpful to point out what was vegan all of the time. I truly hope we can come back some day!! Read all

The lodge was kept very clean, and the staff paid close att to people's needs. It was very easy find activities and the guides were excellent with a genuine intended approach towards sustainability and environment longevity. Read all

A superb stay in a top class Lodge which gave a wonderful insight into the Amazon wildlife. Our guide was Juan Carlos who has incredible knowledge and a lovely sense of humour. The staff in the lodge were so friendly and the meals provided were something to look forward to. A wonderful experience! Read all

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