Tambopata

Tambopata National Reserve

The Tambopata Reserve is one of Peru’s most important protected areas, covering over 1.5 million hectares of untouched rainforest. This vast ecosystem is home to an amazing variety of wildlife, including over 600 bird species, 200 mammalian species, and an astonishing 1200 species of butterflies! Moreover, new species are being uncovered by scientists every year.

Jungle lodges in the region offer accommodations and activities designed to help visitors immerse in the environment. They follow strict guidelines to protect and preserve the rainforest in this unique region. These activities include:

• Climbing a bridge to a walkway in the rainforest canopy, to observe birds and monkeys in the treetops. The canopy walk offers a unique aerial view of this section of the Peruvian Amazon.
•  Observing colorful macaws and parrots descending upon a clay lick at sunrise. Ingesting the clay is a digestive aid these species require to process their food.
• Rowing around a pristine oxbow lake to view giant river otters, squirrel monkeys, caiman and many bird species. Oxbow lakes are formed from a U-shaped bend in the river. Certain species thrive in this unique type of habitat.
• Joining a guided tour at night to locate nocturnal animals by the shine of their eyes in the dark.

The Tambopata Reserve plays a crucial role in rainforest conservation, protecting thousands of species that thrive in this biodiversity hotspot. Its landscapes range from towering trees to meandering rivers to pristine oxbow lakes, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.

This region is also the ancestral home to the Ese’Eja Indigenous community. Their village, Infierno, is well worth a visit to learn about rainforest life from local people. The Ese’Eja participate in tourism projects that protect the sustainability and provide stewardship of this region, their home. A visit to this community not only helps rainforest and local people thrive but also nourishes human connection between cultures. 

The Best of Tambopata

For those seeking the ultimate Peru wildlife experience, this region offers some of the best rainforest adventures anywhere.

• Birdwatching – Some of the most exciting birdwatching in Peru can be found at Tres Chimbadas Oxbow Lake. An oxbow lake is a U-shaped area that may become isolated from the main river. Many species thrive in this type of environment. Look for herons, cormorants, egrets, horned screamers, curassows, skimmers, and others. Birders are sure to add significantly to their life lists!
•  Nature photography – Opportunities abound to capture abundant flora and fauna species on camera. Look for colorful heliconias, passion flowers, orchids, and more. Butterflies alighting to sip nectar often pause as if to allow photographers to capture their beauty. Vistas of amazingly verdant jungle landscapes, wandering rivers, and wide skies offer even more eye-catching subjects to photograph.
• Ziplining – Gear up and feel a part of the jungle as you zip through the treetops. Ziplining offers an exhilarating chance to physically immerse oneself directly into the foliage. A ziplining adventure offers a unique wild perspective on the Reserve’s glorious natural landscapes.

Whether you’re a birdwatcher, photographer, or traveler eager to immerse in nature, the reserve’s diverse ecosystems provide unforgettable wilderness opportunities.

The Macaw Clay Licks

One of the most iconic wildlife spectacles in the Reserve is the Macaw Clay Licks. These natural formations attract hundreds of colorful macaws, parrots, and parakeets, creating a mesmerizing display of color and sound.

The Clay Licks play a vital role in the ecosystem, as birds consume the mineral-rich clay to aid digestion. The birds descend on the lick en masse in the early morning hours. Observers may watch from behind a blind, where they will be hidden so as not to disturb the birds. This is one of the most extraordinary experiences available at the Reserve and a great opportunity for photographers. 

The Untamed Beauty of Tambopata

Few places in the world offer the abundance and variety of wildlife found here in Tambopata. This region is home to:

• Jaguars, the apex predators of the Amazon. These elusive animals are best observed when traveling by boat. They are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. They may be seen searching for prey such as capybara and caiman. They have no qualms about swimming in pursuit of a meal.
• Giant river otters are playful and social creatures found in oxbow lakes. They are carnivorous, dining on a variety of fish, small caimans, and snakes. They form social groups of three to nine individuals and are diurnal. They are also highly vocal, and make sounds to indicate aggression, alarm, and comfort to family members. They are in fact the noisiest members of the otter family. Observing these friendly lake-dwellers is one of the highlights of a visit to Tambopata.
• Black caimans are alligator-like prehistoric reptiles that dominate the riverbanks. They may be seen sunning on the banks of the river, only to drop into the water as boats approach. This may feel a bit unnerving, but they rarely attack full-grown humans. Caiman and river otters compete for the same food sources and sometimes display interspecies aggression.
• Capybaras, the world’s largest rodent, are often seen lounging near the water. They are great swimmers, and are herbivorous, feeding on aquatic plants and grasses. Their webbed feet assist them as they navigate lakes and rivers. They have two elongated front teeth that never stop growing.
• Harpy eagles, one of the most powerful birds of prey on the planet, have a circular “headdress” or facial disc, which distinguishes them among eagles. The headdress directs sounds to their ears, helping them locate prey. These hunting birds are also called “monkey-eating eagles.” Additionally, they hunt sloths, opossums, macaws, iguanas, and snakes.

For travelers eager to witness Peru wildlife up close, there is no better place than Tambopata. 

Tambopata Adventures: Trekking & Exploration

Journeying into Tambopata National Reserve rainforest wilderness opens the mind and heart to realize the paradise that exists in this remote region. The jungle offers shelter to literally thousands of species of flora and fauna. There is no more “alive” ecosystem on the planet. 

Jungle Trekking in Tambopata

Trekking through the TNR is one of the best ways to connect with the Amazon’s raw beauty. Guided jungle hikes take visitors through dense forests, across hanging bridges, and up to hidden viewpoints, offering chances to witness:

• Giant ceiba trees, towering over fifty meters high. These are also known as Kapok trees. The ceiba offers shelter to many animals and also has a variety of traditional uses. The leaves are used as medicine; the fibers are used to seal the blowguns of indigenous hunters.
• Troops of howler monkeys, reverberating through the canopy. Their loud howls, created with the use of a specialized throat bone, can be heard from three miles away. They mainly ingest leaves, flower buds, fruits, and nuts. They are extremely helpful in excreting and re-seeding fruit trees throughout the region.
• Poison dart frogs kindly let others know of their state through “aposematism.’ This means that their bright and vibrant colors warn predators of their toxicity. Native peoples use a few species to tip their blow darts, thus aiding the killing of potential prey.

Trekking in the TNR is both a challenge and a reward, where every step brings a new discovery.

Wildlife Photography and River Expeditions

For those passionate about wildlife photography, Tambopata is a dream destination. The best chance to photograph this area’s incredible wildlife is while canoeing along oxbow lakes or navigating the Tambopata River. Here birds, reptiles, and mammals gather along the water’s edge, presenting opportunities to be captured by your camera lens.

Some of the best locations for wildlife photography in TNR include:

• Lake Sandoval – A stunning oxbow lake filled with river otters, hoatzins, and caimans.
• Canopy Walkways – Elevated bridges offering aerial views of the rainforest. Many birds and monkeys may be seen on the walkways that would be difficult to view from below.
• Night Expeditions – A chance to capture bioluminescent fungi and nocturnal creatures using their “eyeshine.” Creatures you can expect to observe and hopefully capture by lens include caimans, bioluminescent insects, frogs, tarantulas, and nocturnal monkeys. Guided night hikes can be arranged with your lodge’s activity planner.

As for river expeditions, kayaking on the Madre de Dios and the Tambopata River are both available. Observe caiman, (alligator cousin), turtles, herons, and various monkeys. Boating to Monkey Island, one potentially can encounter capuchins, titi monkeys, squirrel monkeys, howlers, and tamarins - and feed them!

Best Time to Visit Tambopata

The best time to explore Peru wildlife in this region depends on what you’re looking for:

• Dry Season (May - October) – Ideal for wildlife spotting, as animals gather around rivers and clay licks. Clear skies, cool nights, and fewer mosquitoes make it a somewhat easier time to visit the rainforest.
• Wet Season (November - April) – The rainforest blooms with life, offering lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and incredible photography opportunities. However, some trails may be muddy, and river levels rise. Some areas may be reached only by boat during this time. 

TRAVEL TO TAMBOPATA: How to Get There

Tambopata is easily accessible from the jungle town of Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the Tambopata National Reserve.

Flight: Direct flights from Lima (1.5 hours) and Cusco (45 minutes).

Boat Transfer: From Puerto Maldonado, take a motorized canoe along the Tambopata River to your ecolodge.

For a seamless experience, most tours include airport pick-up, boat transfers, and guided excursions.

Why Visit Tambopata?

This is one of the last truly wild places on Earth. Whether you're a birder, a photographer, or just someone who genuinely loves nature, this destination offers an unparalleled experience.

• Unmatched Biodiversity – Experience one of the richest ecosystems on the planet.
• Eco-conscious Travel – Support sustainable tourism and conservation efforts and support local communities who call this region home.
• Exclusive Adventures – Explore the Amazon without the crowds in this remote and less-visited area.
• Luxury Meets Wilderness – Stay in award-winning ecolodges that blend comfort with sustainability.

Getting to know the TNR offers a unique opportunity to explore pristine wilderness rarely available anywhere else. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, adventurer, or simply looking to reconnect with nature, Tambopata will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Ready to explore Tambopata? Explorandes will be delighted to assist you in experiencing the incredible vibrancy of this amazing part of the Peruvian Amazon. Contact us for more information.