Tambopata Research Center

Stays of Distinction

SUMMARY

4 Days

Amazon, Peru

Tambopata Research Center – A Remote Jungle Sanctuary for Wildlife & Conservation

Stay in the Heart of the Amazon

Deep in the untouched rainforest of Peru, the Tambopata Research Center (TRC) is one of the most secluded eco-lodges in South America. Located within the Tambopata National Reserve, this remote haven offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. To experience this, reaching TRC is part of the adventure—after a scenic bus ride from Puerto Maldonado, a boat journey along the Tambopata River brings you deep into the wilderness in under four hours.

Unparalleled Wildlife Encounters

TRC is a hotspot for rare and exotic wildlife. Thus, keep your eyes peeled for Amazonian tapirs, playful monkeys, and even elusive jaguars roaming the jungle. The lodge’s proximity to one of the largest clay licks in the Amazon makes it a prime location to witness a breathtaking spectacle—hundreds of macaws, parrots, and parakeets gathering in a colorful, noisy display. This incredible sight has been featured in National Geographic, making it a must-see for nature lovers.

Eco-Luxury in the Rainforest

Designed to blend seamlessly with the jungle, the lodge features only 24 exclusive rooms, each offering a unique open-wall design that brings the rainforest to you. Wake up to the sounds of tropical birds and breathe in the fresh jungle air from the comfort of your bed. All rooms feature private bathrooms, ensuring both comfort and a deep connection to nature. Moreover, Deluxe rooms offer an outdoor tub and a hammock for extra relaxation.

A Must-Do Experience at TRC

Going up to the 30mt. Tambopata Canopy Tower is a highlight of any visit to the lodge. It gives you a rare, up-close view of life in the treetops, where over 70% of the Amazon’s wildlife resides. With easy access, visitors will develop a deep appreciation for the magic of the rainforest.

A Commitment to Conservation & Science

TRC is more than just a lodge—it’s a hub for scientific research and conservation. As a carbon-neutral establishment, it actively supports rainforest preservation and sustainable tourism. Researchers and naturalists at the lodge contribute to vital studies on Amazonian wildlife, offering guests a rare insight into ongoing conservation efforts.

A Truly Unforgettable Amazonian Experience

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a conservation-minded traveler, or simply looking for a once-in-a-lifetime jungle retreat, the Tambopata Research Center delivers an authentic Amazon experience. Immerse yourself in the wonders of the rainforest, explore hidden trails, and witness the raw beauty of nature in its purest form.

Get in Touch

Start planning your unforgettable Amazon adventure today! Contact us to customize your Tambopata Research Center experience and explore the heart of the rainforest like never before.

HIGHLIGHTS

Conservation & Research Focus –Be part of a journey into vital wildlife research, understanding how these studies directly impact the preservation of this incredible natural habitat.
Unrivaled Wildlife Viewing – Due to its secluded location, this area boasts an extraordinary concentration of wildlife, including rare and endangered species. Witness jaguars, tapirs, numerous monkey varieties, and vibrant macaws in numbers rarely seen elsewhere.
World-Famous Colorado and Chuncho clay licks – The sheer number of macaws and parrots gathering here creates a world-famous, awe-inspiring display, famously captured on the cover of National Geographic.
Expert-Led Guided Tours – Discover the rainforest alongside experienced naturalists and researchers.
Elevated walkways – Experience the heart of the rainforest on the 300 meters of elevated walkways! Positioned at the forest’s ‘sweet spot’ – between the canopy and the forest floor – these walkways offer unparalleled wildlife viewing as animals become incredibly active at this level.
The Canopy Tower – The 30-meter Canopy Tower at TRC offers an easily accessible way to witness the rich biodiversity of the rainforest canopy, providing stunning views and wildlife encounters.
Sustainable & Carbon-Neutral – Support responsible tourism and rainforest preservation.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Puerto Maldonado

Arrive in Puerto Maldonado where you will be greeted by our local representatives and transferred 1 hour by bus to the pier. Continue by boat for 2.5 hr to the lodge. Your first taste of the Amazon culinary will be in the river while you leave the city to enjoy the amazing jungle landscapes.
The boat ride is pleasant and often includes your first sightings of Macaws, Heron, Caiman and Capybara. Once the boat arrives at the lodge dock, you will have officially arrived at the wild rainforests of Tambopata!
Excursions are a la carte, so depending on your interests you can pick the tours you’d like. Suggested for today:
This afternoon join the Overlook A three to five-kilometre hike will lead us to overlooks commanding magnificent views of the Tambopata winding its way into the lowlands.
You will have the option of hiking out at night when most of the mammals are active but difficult to see. Easier to find are frogs with shapes and sounds as bizarre as their natural histories.

Day 2 Puerto Maldonado

A new day to explore the Amazon. Choose your preferred expedition.
– Parrot Clay Lick: On most clear mornings of the year, dozens of large macaws and hundreds of parrots congregate on this large river bank in a loud and colourful spectacle which inspired a National Geographic cover story. Discretely located fifty meters from the cliff, you can observe Green-winged, Scarlet and Blue-and-gold Macaws and several species of smaller parrots descend to ingest clay. Outings are at dawn when the lick is most active.
– Monkey search: close to the lodge there is a five-kilometre trail that covers the prototypical rain forest with immense trees crisscrossed by creeks and ponds. Amongst the figs, ceibas, and shihuahuacos trees, it is possible to spot Squirrel, Brown Capuchin, and Spider Monkeys as well as peccaries.
– Ten minutes upriver from the lodge, there is a tiny pond with a platform in the middle. This is a great place to spot waterfowl such as Muscovy duck, sunbittern and hoatzin along with the woodpeckers, oropendolas, flycatchers, and parakeets.
After dinner scientists will provide a lecture, an in-depth look at the biology of macaws, their feeding habits, the theories for clay lick use, their breeding and feeding ecology, population fluctuations and the threats to their conservation.

Day 3 Puerto Maldonado

Another day to explore the Amazon
– Rainforest Master Hike: this hike is the perfect outing for hardcore hikers and nature lovers. You’ll pass through an array of ecosystems and an endless network of trails which maximises your opportunities to spot jungle wildlife. Due to their years of local experience, the TRC guides know everything about the forest. They’ll spot the tiniest bird hiding in the canopy, the most elusive monkey, and the most spectacular plant life. This hike will leave you with unforgettable memories and a profound sense of accomplishment.
– Sunset Cruise: Twilight descends early in the jungle. Under the thick tree cover of the rainforest, darkness falls quickly, when the light cannot slip through the foliage any longer. Now, as afternoon slips into evening, you’re about to see one of the world’s most spectacular sunsets. The Sunset Cruise floats down the wide river, countless oranges and pinks reflecting off the water in lovely patterns.

Day 4 Puerto Maldonado

Very early this morning we board the motorboat and head back downstream to Puerto Maldonado. You will be transferred to headquarters to pick up your luggage and then to the airport for your onward flight.