Description: Spend three, four, or more days at the Libertador Tambopata Lodge in the heart of Peru's primary tropical Amazon rain forest. During the day, you enjoy guided nature hikes and ride dugout canoes while learning from resident naturalists about the fascinating rain forest ecosystem. On two ox-bow lakes near the lodge you can view wildlife such as caiman, boas, giant otter and birds as you relax in your dugout canoe. Take night hikes to hear the forest come alive with sound and catch glimpses of eye shine from the many nocturnal animals with a flashlight. Sleep in comfort in private twin or double rooms with private bathroom and hot water. All rooms are screened and have mosquito netting. Choose a standard or superior room.

You fly from Cuzco to Puerto Maldonado, a 25-minute flight, where you board our speed-boat for a 3-hour ride to the lodge. The lodge is located within the Tambopata National Reserve abutting Bahuaja-Sonene National Park, an immense area of humid sub-tropical rainforest comprised of 1,091,416 hectares (about 2 1/2 million acres!) The Tambopata Reserve now covers an area of 675,737 acres protecting the wild flora and fauna and use of its natural resources within its borders.  On September 10, 2000, the Bajuaja-Sonene National Park and the Tambopata National Reserve became part of a cross border park system, together with the Madidi National Park in Bolivia, creating the largest protected area of tropical forest on the South American continent! Studies have shown that the diversity of wildlife in the headwaters near the Andean slopes surpasses any other area of the Amazon.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Flight to Puerto Maldonado / journey to the lodge
Following your early morning flight to Puerto Maldonado from Lima or Cusco, you will be met at the airport by your naturalist guide and transferred to a motorized dugout canoe for the trip up the Tambopata River to the lodge. On the journey the vegetation changes from colonized deforested areas to virgin rain forest. A box-lunch is provided on board. On arrival you’ll have a welcome drink and meet the rest of the staff. In the late afternoon you set off for an introductory walk into the "terra firme" forest behind the lodge (Trail 2), dominated by giant Brazil-nut and Dipteryx trees. Frequently seen mammals on this trail are Saddieback Tamarins, Brown Capuchins, Agoutis, Pacas, Blue-Morpho butterflies, Trogons, Toucans and many other species of birds.

Day 2 Hike to Lake Condenado
 After an early breakfast, you and your nature guide will board the motorized canoe once again for the short journey to the trail head to begin a morning's exploration by foot and paddle canoe of the lake system of Condenado, rich in bird and aquatic life. A family of Giant Otters live in the vicinity of the lake and are often observed. Birds abound, especially Rufescent Tigerherons, Great Egrets, Wattled Jacanas, Hoatzin, the noisy' Donacobius and many others. Remember to bring your hat and sun cream for there is no shade out on the water. You will return to the lodge in time for lunch. The afternoon is free for exploring the forest close to the lodge (with or without your guide) or relaxing and bathing in the Gallocunca, a cool clear stream beside the lodge. After dark you will go searching for caiman (alligators) and other nocturnal animals by canoe along the Tambopata River.

Day 3 Hike to Lake Sachavacayoc (Tapir Lake)
 After an early breakfast you will take a short boat ride down river to the trail head. Here you embark on a longer trail which leads to a spectacular hidden lake, requiring the crossing of streams and swampy ground, past the giant Lupuna trees (kings of the jungle) which abound in this part of the forest. On the walk you are introduced to more aspects of the forest and its animals. At the lake itself it is possible to spot the elusive Black Caiman and Giant Otters. We return for lunch. The afternoon is free for relaxation and bathing.

Day 4 Return to Puerto Maldonado
Departure. A dawn start is required for the canoe trip back to Puerto Maldonado giving memorable views of the sunrise over the river. Lookout for the early morning wildlife which is particularly active at this time. Howler monkeys are frequently heard as they stake-out their territories. Your guide will take care of you on arrival in Puerto Maldonado and will deal with all the necessities at the airport prior to you departure.

Departure Dates

On request, any day of the year, based on availability

Prices

 

2008 rates:

Superior rooms:
2 nights superior room
$297 per person in double/triple; $337 single
3 nights superior room
$335 per person in double/triple; $400 single
Additional night $76 in double; $100 single


Suites:
2 nights suite, $405 in double/triple; $491 single
3 nights standard room, $466 in double/triple; $618 single
Additional night $103 in double; $145 single

PLEASE CALL US FOR 2009 RATES

 

 

Single supplement: No charge. If you are traveling singly and prefer to share accommodations, we will attempt to pair you with another person of the same gender. If someone is available, there will be no supplementary charge.

The single rates above are for Requested single rooms. 

*Minimum 2 passengers.

Internal Air cost: $139 from Cuzco, $139 from Lima
  round-trip to/from Puerto Maldonado

Park Fee: $10 per person Tambopata-Candamo Reserve fee
                 (Rates subject to change)

Included / Not included

Pre-Departure Information: Once your deposit is received, we send you up-to-date—and very complete—pre-departure information which tells you what you need to know to prepare for your adventure; including, packing list and tips, health issues, reading lists, tipping guide, information on weather, climate, cities, museums, etc.

Included in the land cost: overnights in lodge, all meals at lodge, from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on your final day; services of English-speaking naturalist guide; all land and water transportation from arrival at Puerto Maldonado to your return to Puerto Maldonado; one night excursion on the river.

Not included: Flights from/to Puerto Maldonado; park entrance fee (see above for rate); meals en route to/from the lodge, meals in Puerto Maldonado, tips to guides and staff; airport taxes; tree climbing with harnesses and ropes; drinks purchased from the bar.

Additional days at Libertador Tambopata Lodge: Any number of extra days at the lodge, in addition to the above mentioned program, are possible.  These can be guided or unguided according to your preference and interests.  During these days you can either, explore the trail system in more depth, going further a field along trails not visited before; repeat the lake visits accompanying other groups, giving you more time to wonder/paddle in your favorite areas; visit our tree platforms, going up with ropes and harnesses for a bird's eye view of the forest and for close-ups of arboreal orchids and the many other species of plants and animals that are never seen near the ground or at dawn when the main activity of the forest begin with a sun rise. (Extra cost).

Macaw Lick: If you're interested in an excursion to one of the Macaw Licks, see our separate itinerary on the Macaw Lick.

Add-ons
You can add any of our Peru trips before or after this program