In the Amazonian region of Madre de Dios, Tambopata National Reserve unveils its richness in the form of colors, sounds, heat and life.
This is the best 4 day option for people who want to experience both sides of Tambopata National Reserve. On this tour you will visit the Macaw Claylick (Collpas Chuncho), the largest one IN THE WORLD; and Lake Sandoval. Highly recommended for adventurers, nature and wildlife lovers.
You will be transferred by land by (4X4) wheeled truck to our destination that takes around 2 hours, reaching the banks of the Tambopata River. We will then take a half hour (depending on the water level) boat ride up river to “Collpas Tambopata Inn”. Upon arrival there will be a welcome reception with a refreshing drink. We will then check into our rooms and have some time to relax before lunch.
Our first activity will take place and lunch being an introductory walk into the rainforest where we will have the opportunity to see animals in their natural habitat such as amphibians, mammals, reptiles and wonderful insects, among others. We will also climb a 53m high canopy tower that has a fantastic panoramic view of the Amazon rainforest and where we will enjoy a magical sunset.
We will then head back to the lodge for a short rest. We will then head out on our night activity to look for caimans on the river. There are five species that live in this area and we will learn about the differences and hopefully catch one where you can have a close up encounter. We will then head back to the lodge for dinner and a good nights rest
After our arrival to the macaw clay licks you will see hundreds of parrots of different species that come to eat clay adjacent to the river on the wall. We will settle in our chairs to wait for the beginning of one of the most beautiful natural sights of birds in the world. Parrots are followed by 3 of the most colorful species of macaws of America, reds and greens, blues and yellows come to gather to eat clay needed in their daily diet and eliminate toxins. On a good day of activity you will see hundreds of these wonderful animals flying over you. An experience for life! We will also enjoy our breakfast while watching these magical birds eat theirs! The return journey by boat will take around 1.5 hours and again we will be watching out for wildlife. Once at the lodge we will have time for a good rest before lunch is served.
At around 2:00 pm our boat will take you back to Puerto Maldonado arriving at around 4pm ready to start the next part of our adventure.
We will head to Yacumama Lake, a beautiful location for spotting wildlife such as birds, caimans and monkeys. Here we will try our luck at piranha fishing while enjoying a beautiful sunset. From here we head to our lodge know as Excelsa Tree House, about a 40 minute drive. Upon arrival we will check into rooms, which will be followed by a great dinner.
Today we will wake up early where we will spend the morning exploring Lake Sandoval, located in the National Reserve of Tambopata. It is the best way to see nature in its natural habitat including macaws, parrots, other bird species, monkeys, otters, caimans just to name a few. We will also have the opportunity to learn about different plant species, many which are used as natural medicines. The tour will take around 3 hours. We will then head back to the lodge for lunch and a good rest.
In the afternoon we will head out on a hike. Within the Amazon there are more than 1.2 million Brazil nut trees or bertholletia excelsa in an area of 2.5 million hectares, 20% of which are within the Tambopata National Reserve. To get to know these giant trees we will walk of 2-3 hours on very well preserved tracks. The Brazil nut is home of fauna and flora, which includes the añuje, one of the few animals that manages to break its coconuts and at the same time to be an expert in spreading its seeds.
We will then head back to the lodge for dinner. In the evening (during dry season) we will enjoy a campfire where we will hear local folklore stories.
For those of you who would like to have the full immersion experience, we will then set up our tents and spend the night in the jungle! If not you are welcome to head back to the lodge for a good night sleep.
Today we will wake up and have breakfast at around 8am. As today is our final day it is important that we take all our bags with us as we will not be returning to the lodge.
At 9am we will head out to monkey island. It originally was part of an Inka Terra Association project, with their aim being to reinsert monkeys into their natural habitat after saving them from being on the black market. Here we can see different species of monkeys and see how they have thrived since the project.
From here we will take our boat to visit an indigenous village. We will learn about their local customs and traditions and even have the opportunity to try our hand at bow and arrow!
Following this cultural experience we will enjoy lunch at a nearby lodge. After lunch we will make our way back to Puerto Maldonado where you will be dropped off downtown or at the airport for those who have flights.