Libertador Tambopata Lodge (Peru)

The Libertador Tambopata Lodge is one of the most established eco-tourism lodges on the banks of the Tambopata River. With a capacity of 59 it is also one of the smallest lodges, which is how we intend to keep it. Smaller groups, we believe, contribute to a more fulfilling visit and reduce the impact on the many species of fauna that abound in the surrounding forest. The lodge employs around twenty Peruvian staff, the majority of whom are residents in Puerto Maldonado. In addition, there are a number of naturalist guides, both from Peru and abroad, who are at your service throughout your stay. As well as guiding and introducing visitors to the many marvels of the forest, a number are undertaking research projects, thereby contributing to a greater ecological understanding of the area.

Use these Activity Level Ratings as a general guide to help determine which of our adventures is best for you. Your perception of level of difficulty may vary from ours according to your own level of fitness and travel experience. Whether or not you stay in your comfort zone on the trip you select may also be influenced by the pacing we build into the itinerary, and your own preparation for the trip. While relatively high elevations are unavoidable when you're traveling in the Andes Mountains, we may judge a trip as "moderate" so long as passengers have sufficient time for acclimation. Our detailed trip itineraries give much more information about what you can expect. If you are unsure which trip is best for you, please call us. We'll help guide you toward the right fit.

Moderate

These adventures involve fairly easy travel. There is no camping: you sleep in hotels and country inns each evening. Trips may include short hikes and/or walks of two to three hours. Our itineraries include excursions in passenger mini-vans, over roads with many curves and potholes. Elevations rarely exceed 12,600'. At Machu Picchu and other Inca sites, we climb and descend relatively steep stone staircases. Trips to Amazon lodges involve travel by boat and canoe, plus hikes on forest trails at a moderate pace. In the rainforest, you may encounter rain, mud, and pooled water. Trips to the Galapagos include optional hikes on sometimes uneven rocky and/or slippery terrain. Passengers must get into and out of dinghies on beaches and at docks.

Active

These adventures include more hiking than in our moderate trips. You negotiate a variety of terrain, at elevations no more than 15,000'. Some trips include long days of overland travel. You sleep comfortably in hotels each evening.

Strenuous

While we rate all of our treks as strenuous, there is a substantial range of challenge between the easiest and the most demanding of our treks. Expect to hike 6-8 hours each day over steep and rugged terrain. You may hike to elevations of 17,000', with options to hike higher from several camps. Many include camping multiple nights at relatively high elevations. On most treks in the Andes, night-time temperatures can drop below freezing on one or more nights. On our Inn to Inn based treks, you'll spend each evening in a comfortable mountain lodge.

Extreme

Our toughest treks are suitable for those that enjoy a good physical challenge. You trek (and in some cases climb) over steep, rugged terrain at high elevations with substantial altitude gains. Some glacier travel requires knowledge of basic climbing techniques including use of crampons, ice axe, and ropes. These trips are in remote wilderness areas and include camping as high at 17,700'. Successful summit bids top out at 18,871' (Nevado Pisco), 19,347' (Volcan Cotopaxi) and 20,945' (Nevado Ausangate).

 Custom departures year-round, on request

2010 Rates, per person

Internal Airfare: to Puerto Maldonado from Cuzco or Lima, $149

Local payment: $10 Tambopata-Candamo Reserve fee

Private group services on request.

Day l: Flight to Puerto Maldonado, and journey to the lodge

Following your early morning flight to Puerto Maldonado from Lima or Cuzco, you will be met at the airport by your naturalist guide and transferred to the lodge office to leave in storage luggage not needed upriver. We continue via speedboat up the Tambopata River to the lodge. On the journey the vegetation changes from colonized deforested areas to secondary rain forest. A box-lunch is provided on board. On arrival you'll have a welcome drink and meet the lodge staff. In the late afternoon you set off for an introductory walk into the "terra firme" forest behind the lodge, dominated by giant Brazil-nut and Dipteryx trees. We frequently Saddle-back Tamarinds, Brown Capuchins, Agoutis, Pacas, Blue-Morpho butterflies, Trogons, Toucans and many other species. After dinner, we take a night walk to find nocturnal animals or insects by their eye-shine. About 50% of the animals are nocturnal in the rainforest.

Day 2: Hike to Lake Condenado

After an early breakfast we 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 Tiger-herons, 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. We return to the lodge for lunch. The afternoon is for exploring the forest close to the lodge (with or without your guide), relaxing and bathing in the Gallucunca, a cool clear stream beside the lodge. An extra-cost option is to 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. After dark you will go searching for caiman (alligators) and other nocturnal animals by motorized canoe along the Tambopata River.

Day 3: Hike to Lake Sachavacayoc (Tapir Lake)

After an early breakfast we take a short boat ride down river, and embark on a longer trail requiring the crossing of streams and swampy ground, past giant Lupuna trees 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 oxbow lake 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

A dawn start is required for the canoe trip back to Puerto Maldonado giving memorable views of sunrise over the river. Look out 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.

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.

Services included in your trip: All meals and accommodation from lunch on Day 1 to Breakfast on your final day (inclusive). All transport from your arrival at Puerto Maldonado to your return to the airport (inclusive). All guided excursions described in the itinerary (including on additional days, if you wish). One night excursion on the river looking for Caiman.

Not included: Any drinks you may purchase from the bar. Tips.

Please consult your local travel clinic regarding health issues for journeys in tropical areas. On arrival in Puerto maldonado, Peruvian health authorities will ask that you show proof of a valid yellow fever vaccination. Malaria prophylaxis is also recommended.

• 2-night and 3-night lodge-based programs
• Superior guest cabins and deluxe suites
• Forest and lake excursions led by expert naturalist guides
• All inclusive packages

• map to come
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