A lodge based Trip to the Tambopata River in Peru

Exploring an oxbow lake along the Tambopata River.

A lodge-based trip to the Tambopata River in Peru

Experience the Tropical Rainforest of Peru. Located on the famously mega-diverse Tambopata River in the Peruvian Amazon, the Amazon jungle lodges in the region are both comfortable and intimate. On this trip, you will explore the jungle by canoe or on dry land trails, or strap on a harness and rope up to the lodge's observation towers for a bird's eye view of the forest. Some lodges have tower with staircases.

This trip is rather easy and we take care of every detail. We will be met at the Lima airport and make all the arrangement for your flight to Puerto Maldonado the gateway town to the Tambopata River. Once in Puerto Maldonado, your naturalist guide will escort you to a dugout canoe for the trip up the Tambopata River to one of our lodges. On the journey the vegetation changes from colonized deforested areas to virgin rainforest. On arrival you'll have a welcome drink and meet the rest of the staff. In the late afternoon you set off for an introductory walk into the "terra firme" forest behind the lodges, dominated by giant Brazil-nut and dipteryx trees. Frequently seen mammals on this trail are saddle-back tamarinds, brown capuchins, agoutis, pacas, blue-morpho butterflies, trogons, toucans and many other species of birds. After dinner enjoy a night walk to find nocturnal animals or insects. Most nearly half of the rainforest animals are nocturnal.

Typical dugout canoe used as transportation to and from the lodges.

The buildings or cabins of the Tambopata River lodges have been designed to exist in complete harmony with this exotic environment. They are made from wood and thatched with woven leaves and screened to protect their occupants from insects. Each bed is protected by a mosquito net and the cabins all have a private bathroom with running water. The dining room serves food, as well as drinks and snacks all day. All meals are prepared by the lodge's own specialized professional staff using a blend of forest products and more traditional recipes. Some of the dishes are typically Peruvian and international food is also served.

Room at Sandaval Lake Lodge. This lodge ranks among the most comfortable ones. Other lodges are more rustic.

The lodges are lit at night with flame lanterns and candles but it is recommended that you keep your own flashlight handy. Tap water in the rooms comes from a clear stream. The water is chlorinated and fit for showers and swimming though it is recommend you use the purified water supplied as drinking water. The lakes are also good places to swim, so remember to take your bathing suit.

Observation towers offer an bird's view of forest canopy.

The lodges along the Tambopata River maintain well market trails, which in most cases are circular trails beginning and ending at the lodge. Guests are welcome to explore them during their leisure time. Transport to and from the lodge is by boat. All boats are protected from both sun and rain by a roof and side closures. Boat seats have back rests and seat cushions for greater comfort. All passengers will be provided with a life jacket, and all the drivers we use are qualified, experienced and possess a great knowledge of the river and its fauna.

Hoatzins like this pair in the photo can be seen at lake edges and are rather tame.

For walks in the forest it is recommend that you bring light clothing, long loose-fitting trousers, long-sleeved shirts, a wide-brimmed hat and walking boots or tennis shoes. The early mornings can be cold, especially when on the river so you should bring along a windbreaker or a sweater. Come prepared with a rain jacket or poncho, as heavy rain may fall at any moment.

Macaw clay licks have become a classic attraction along the Tambopata River area.

The activities while in the jungle lodges are varied. For instance, one morning you will begin your jungle exploration by foot and paddle canoe. Lakes are rich in bird and aquatic life and giant river otters live in the vicinity of these lakes and are often observed. Birdlife is abundant especially rufescent tiger-herons, capped heron, wattled jacanas, hoatzin, the noisy donacobius and many others. Remember to bring your hat and sun screen for there is no shade out on the water.

Rainforest animals like this Dusky Titi-Monkey are seen during hikes on the network of trail around the lodges.

The afternoon is for exploring the forest close to the lodge (with or without your guide), relaxing or visiting the observation tower for a bird's eye view of the forest and for close-ups of arboreal orchids and the many other species of plants and animals that are never seen near the ground. After dark you will go searching for caiman (alligator-like) and other nocturnal animals by motorized canoe along the Tambopata River.
Other activities include guided hikes to places of interest such as visiting a site for a Lupuna Tree. Lupuna trees are the largest and tallest emergent trees. They are also known as the kings of the jungle and are relatively common in this part of the Amazon Rainforest.

 Keep an eye open for the many colorful and bizarre insect life in the rainforest.

On the walk you are introduced to more aspects of the forest and its animals. Howler monkeys are frequently heard, as they stakeout their territories. Your guide will take care of you, and accommodate to most any request for activities you would want to do even if they are outside regularly scheduled activities. A trip to the Tambopata River region of Peru will stay with for a very long time.

For more information, please visit Surbound Expeditions