TAMBOPATA · AMAZON
Description.
A short flight from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado leads to the Tambopata National Reserve. Stay in eco-lodges, explore oxbow lakes by canoe and watch macaws, caimans and giant otters.
At a glance
- Duration: 3 days / 2 nights. Longer stays available.
- Difficulty: Easy. Short jungle walks and boat rides.
- Getting there: Short flight from Cusco or Lima to Puerto Maldonado, then by boat to the lodge.
- Best time: All year. Drier from May to October; greener and wetter from November to April.
- Stay: Eco-lodge on the riverbank, close to the Tambopata National Reserve.
Highlights
- Canoe ride on Lake Sandoval, home to giant river otters, howler monkeys and many birds
- Early-morning visit to a parrot and parakeet clay lick
- Canopy tower with views over the rainforest
- Night walk and caiman spotting with a naturalist guide
Itinerary
Day 1 – Puerto Maldonado to the lodge: We meet you at the airport, store any extra luggage and travel by boat along the Madre de Dios River to the lodge. After lunch, a first walk on the jungle trails. In the evening, a boat ride to look for caimans and night birds.
Day 2 – Lake Sandoval: Early start to enter the reserve, then a forest walk of about 3 km to Lake Sandoval. We paddle across the lake looking for otters, monkeys, hoatzins and macaws. Afternoon visit to the canopy tower and a night walk to discover insects and frogs.
Day 3 – Clay lick and return: At dawn we head to the clay lick, where parrots and parakeets gather to feed on mineral-rich clay. Breakfast at the lodge and boat ride back to Puerto Maldonado for your flight.
Included
- Airport and port transfers in Puerto Maldonado
- 2 nights at an eco-lodge
- All meals at the lodge
- Boat transport and activities as described
- Tambopata National Reserve entrance
- Bilingual naturalist guide
Not included
- Flights to and from Puerto Maldonado
- Drinks, travel insurance and tips
Good to know
- Pack light: long sleeves, rain jacket, insect repellent, a flashlight and closed shoes.
- Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but early mornings give the best chances.
- Easy to combine with Cusco and Machu Picchu thanks to the short flight.
Plan this trip with us
Tell us your dates and group size on WhatsApp and we'll send you a tailored quote.