Overview

The Tambopata Tour from Puerto Maldonado opens the door to one of the most biodiverse corners of the Amazon, where record concentrations of birds, mammals, reptiles and trees share a relatively small stretch of rainforest. The journey begins at the airport in Puerto Maldonado, the gateway city to the Tambopata National Reserve, and continues by river to a lodge set deep within the jungle.
From there, the route follows the Madre de Dios River into the heart of the reserve, combining wildlife excursions with cultural encounters along the way. Travelers visit an active Brazil nut harvesting camp, navigate the still waters of Lake Sandoval in search of giant river otters, and climb a canopy lookout tower for sweeping views over the forest at sunset.
Beyond wildlife, the Tambopata Tour from Puerto Maldonado also connects visitors with the people who call this region home. A visit to a local chacra introduces native fruits and crops grown without chemicals, while a shared meal with a Machiguenga family offers a closer look at indigenous life in Madre de Dios.
The trip closes with one of Tambopata's signature sights: a parrot clay lick at dawn, where dozens of birds gather to feed on mineral-rich clay before the group returns by boat and road to Puerto Maldonado for departure. Throughout the journey, a professional English-speaking guide and full-board meals at the riverside lodge round out the experience.

What to Bring on the Tambopata Tour from Puerto Maldonado

Lightweight, breathable clothing
Long sleeves and pants (for sun and insect protection)
Rain jacket or poncho
Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
Insect repellent
Sunscreen and hat
Binoculars (for birdwatching)
Headlamp or flashlight
Swimsuit
Reusable water bottle
Cash in Peruvian soles (for tips and personal expenses)
Original passport

Itinerary

Day 1: Brazil Nut Camp & Caiman Safari

The Tambopata Tour 3 Days from Puerto Maldonado begins with reception at the airport and a transfer to the office in the center of town, where extra luggage can be stored safely before the 40-minute boat journey to the lodge along the Madre de Dios River aboard the vessel Puerto de Capitanía.
At the Lodge Corto Maltés Amazonía, guests are welcomed with seasonal fruit refreshments and briefed on the stay before checking into their bungalow for lunch and a short rest. At 3:30 pm, the first jungle excursion sets out through 60 hectares of Brazil nut concession, visiting an active harvesting camp and learning about one of the region's key economic activities over a two- to three-hour trek.
The evening brings free time at the lodge — pool, hammocks, a cocktail at the bar or a riverside sunset — followed by a 7:00 pm nocturnal boat trip in search of caimans, before dinner at 8:00 pm in the riverside dining room.

Includes: airport pick-up, river transport to the lodge, bungalow accommodation, full board meals, guided Brazil nut camp trek, nocturnal caiman safari.

Excludes: flights, tips, extra expenses.

Day 2: Lake Sandoval & Lookout Tower

Day two starts at 5:30 am with coffee or tea before a short river trip to Lake Sandoval, followed by a 3-kilometer hike through dense vegetation into Tambopata National Reserve, where giant trees, snakes, monkeys and birds like the Hoatzin are common sightings.
On the lake, small rowboats carry the group in search of giant river otters, with breakfast served once the guide finds a good spot for wildlife viewing. Depending on the season, an optional stop at Monkey Island may follow, home to around five wild monkey species accustomed to visitors.
After lunch back at the lodge, the afternoon includes a visit to one of the property's lookout towers, reaching 20 or 42 meters for birdwatching and canopy views, plus a stop at a reconstructed shiringuero camp to see how rubber, or latex, was traditionally harvested and processed. Free time at the pool, bar or spa follows before dinner at 8:00 pm.

Includes: full board meals, guided Lake Sandoval excursion, rowboat transport on the lake, lookout tower visit, shiringuero camp visit.

Excludes: Monkey Island visit (seasonal, at guide's discretion), tips, extra expenses.

Day 3: Parrots Clay Lick & Departure

The final day begins at 5:30 am with coffee or tea before a 20-minute walk to the clay lick, where 3 to 5 species of parrots gather to ingest mineral-rich clay essential to their metabolism, creating one of Tambopata's most colorful wildlife displays.
After breakfast and some free time, the group returns to Puerto Maldonado by boat, with a brief stop at the office followed by a short visit to the local market to see typical products of the region.
From there, transport continues to the airport for check-in, closing out the trip.

Includes: breakfast, guided clay lick excursion, river and road transport to the airport, local market visit.

Excludes: flights, lunch, tips.

Tambopata tours 3d

Overview

What to Bring on the Tambopata Tour from Puerto Maldonado

Itinerary

Day 1: Brazil Nut Camp & Caiman Safari

Day 2: Lake Sandoval & Lookout Tower

Day 3: Parrots Clay Lick & Departure

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