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AMAZON ADVENTURE

Tambopata

04 Days / 03 Nights Puerto Maldonado Amazon Rainforest

Trip Summary

Discover the incredible biodiversity of the Peruvian Amazon on this 4-day tour through the Tambopata National Reserve. We'll begin with a visit to Monkey Island and an exciting night safari to spot caimans and other nocturnal wildlife. Then, we'll trek through lush jungle trails to reach the stunning Sandoval Lake, home to giant otters, caimans, and exotic birds. The highlight of the tour is witnessing the spectacle of thousands of macaws at the world's largest clay lick, where these colorful birds gather each morning. The tour concludes with a relaxing night in Puerto Maldonado before returning to Cusco. Includes: lodging, meals, expert guide, transportation, entrance fees, and tickets. A one-of-a-kind experience for nature and adventure lovers!

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Puerto Maldonado – Monkey Island – Night Safari

Upon arrival at the airport or bus terminal in Puerto Maldonado, you'll be greeted by our staff and taken to the office for check-in and a brief orientation. From there, we'll head to the river port and board a motorized canoe to begin our journey on the Madre de Dios River. After about an hour, we'll arrive at the lodge. In the afternoon, we'll take a short boat ride to Monkey Island to observe Capuchin, Squirrel, and Spider monkeys. After dinner, we'll head out on an exciting night safari along the riverbanks to spot caimans and other nocturnal wildlife.

Motorized canoe · Monkey Island · Capuchin monkeys · Night safari · Caiman spotting
Day 2

Jungle Hike – Sandoval Lake – Night Walk

After breakfast, we'll depart for a guided excursion to Sandoval Lake. The adventure begins with a 40-minute boat ride into the Tambopata National Reserve, followed by a 2-hour hike through lush jungle trails. At the end of the trail, a wooden canoe will take us across the tranquil waters of Sandoval Lake, where we may spot endangered giant river otters (up to 2 meters long) and black caimans (up to 4 meters long). After returning to the lodge for lunch and rest, we'll take a guided night walk to observe nocturnal creatures like insects, frogs, and reptiles.

Sandoval Lake · Giant river otters · Black caimans · Jungle hike · Night walk
Day 3

Macaw Clay Lick – Full Day Adventure

The day begins at 3:00 AM with a van ride along the Interoceanic Highway for about 60 km until we reach the banks of the Tambopata River. From there, we'll board a motorized canoe and travel for 1.5 hours deep into the Tambopata National Reserve. We'll arrive at the largest macaw clay lick in the world, where thousands of macaws and parrots gather each morning to feed on mineral-rich clay. Enjoy a picnic-style breakfast and quietly position ourselves to watch the colorful birds arrive — a breathtaking opportunity for photography. After lunch at a local restaurant, we'll return to Puerto Maldonado for an overnight stay in a city hotel.

World's largest macaw clay lick · Thousands of macaws · Picnic breakfast · Photography opportunity
Day 4

Puerto Maldonado – Return to Cusco

This morning is free for you to explore Puerto Maldonado at your own pace or relax at the lodge. At the scheduled time, our private transport will take you to the airport or bus terminal for your return journey to Cusco.

Free morning · Airport transfer · Return to Cusco
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Inclusions

  • Pickup from airport or bus terminal in Puerto Maldonado
  • Professional naturalist guide (English/Spanish)
  • Entrance fees to Tambopata National Reserve
  • All transportation (motorized canoes, vans, boats)
  • 3 nights accommodation (jungle lodge + city hotel)
  • All meals at the lodge (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Domestic flights and/or bus tickets (Cusco - Puerto Maldonado - Cusco)
  • Visit to Monkey Island
  • Night safari to spot caimans
  • Jungle hike to Sandoval Lake
  • Canoe ride on Sandoval Lake
  • Visit to the world's largest macaw clay lick
  • Night jungle walk
  • Small group experience

Frequently Asked Questions

? What is the best time to visit Tambopata? +
The best time is during the dry season (April to October) when trails are less muddy and wildlife is easier to spot. The rainy season (November to March) offers lush landscapes but more mosquitoes.
? What should I pack for the Tambopata tour? +
We recommend bringing insect repellent (high DEET), sunglasses, sunscreen, long-sleeve shirts and pants, binoculars, flashlight, rain jacket, comfortable hiking shoes, and personal items.
? Are flights included in the tour? +
Yes, domestic flights from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado and back are included in the tour package.
? Is the tour suitable for children? +
Yes, the tour is family-friendly. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Some activities like the early morning clay lick visit (3:00 AM start) may be challenging for young children.
? What wildlife can I expect to see? +
You may see giant river otters, black caimans, capuchin monkeys, spider monkeys, macaws, parrots, toucans, capybaras, tapirs, and with luck, even jaguars.
? Is there electricity and hot water at the jungle lodge? +
The jungle lodge has limited electricity (usually in the evenings) and cold showers. The city hotel in Puerto Maldonado has full amenities including hot water.
? Do I need vaccinations before visiting the Amazon? +
Yellow fever and hepatitis A vaccines are recommended. Consult your doctor before traveling to the Amazon region.
? Is there a chance to see the macaw clay lick every day? +
Macaws visit the clay lick almost every morning, especially during the dry season. However, wildlife sightings are never 100% guaranteed as they depend on natural conditions.