The Ultimate Tambopata: Taricaya, Sandoval & Natives (5 Days)

Day 1 – Welcome to the jungle: First embrace of the Amazon

Reception in Puerto Maldonado

Your adventure begins at the Puerto Maldonado airport, where our team will welcome you with the warm hospitality that characterizes Terres des Incas. We’ll escort you to our office in town, where you can leave any luggage you won’t need during your stay in the jungle.

Navigation on the Madre de Dios River

A boat will take you along the majestic Madre de Dios River for 40 minutes.

Along the way, your naturalist guide will begin to reveal the secrets of the Amazonian ecosystem, as the landscape transforms from urban areas to the lush vegetation of the tropical forest.

Arrival at the lodge and welcome

Upon arrival at our eco-lodge, you’ll be greeted with a natural tropical fruit refreshment. We’ll settle you into your private bungalow, built with sustainable materials and designed to blend harmoniously with nature. Each bungalow features a private terrace and hammocks, perfect for relaxing while listening to the sounds of the jungle.

Interpretive walk through the jungle

At 3:30 p.m., we’ll begin our first hike along trails within a private reserve. Your guide will teach you about medicinal trees, endemic plants, and the complex ecological relationships of the forest. We’ll visit a rubber tapping camp, where you’ll learn about the history of rubber and the life of the «seringueiros,» and a Brazil nut camp, where you’ll learn about the sustainable harvesting of Brazil nuts, a vital resource for local communities.

Nighttime alligator safari

At dusk, we’ll embark on a nighttime expedition to search for caimans. Using special flashlights, we’ll search for the reflection of their eyes in the dark waters of the river. We’ll also be able to observe other nocturnal animals such as capybaras, giant otters, and nocturnal birds.

We’ll close the day with an exquisite dinner of contemporary Amazonian cuisine, where each dish tells a story of the region.

Day 2 – Tambopata National Reserve: The Mirror of Biodiversity

Expedition to Lake Sandoval

We’ll start early with a hot tea and head toward the Tambopata National Reserve. After a 3-km hike along well-maintained trails, we’ll reach the impressive Sandoval Lake, an oxbow lake formed by the ancient channel of the Madre de Dios River.

Navigation and wildlife watching

In rowboats, we’ll sail silently across the lake’s mirror-like waters, where we might spot giant river otters, capuchin monkeys, brightly colored shanshos, and, if we’re lucky, even the majestic arapaima, one of the world’s largest freshwater fish.

Breakfast in nature

At a strategic point on the lake, we’ll enjoy an al fresco breakfast while the jungle awakens around us.

Observation tower at sunset

In the afternoon, we’ll climb one of our observation towers (20 or 42 meters high) for a unique perspective of the forest canopy. From there, we’ll be able to observe tropical birds such as toucans, parrots, and macaws as the sun sets over the vast green Amazon.

Day 3 – Meeting with the Machiguenga: Roots of the Jungle

Visit to the Machiguenga community

Today we delve into the living culture of the Amazon. We’ll visit a Machiguenga family, who will open the doors to their ancestral world for us.

We’ll learn about their language, traditional hunting techniques, unique crafts, traditional clothing, and rituals they’ve kept alive for centuries.

Traditional farm and native products

We will continue with a visit to a family farm, where we will discover and taste native fruits such as cacao, cocona, tree bread, yuca, and many more. We will learn about traditional agriculture in harmony with the forest and how these communities have developed sustainable farming techniques.

Free afternoon at the lodge

The afternoon is yours to enjoy however you wish: relax in the ecological pool, enjoy a massage with Amazonian oils, explore our boutique of local crafts, or simply relax in the hammocks on your private terrace.

Day 4 – Conservation in Taricaya: Bridges between sky and jungle

Taricaya Biological Rescue Center

We embark on a 45-minute boat ride upriver to reach the Taricaya Biological Rescue Center, a benchmark in wildlife conservation in Peru. Here, we’ll learn about the rehabilitation work carried out on animals such as jaguars, tapirs, spider monkeys, macaws, and many other species that have been rescued from illegal trafficking or injured.

Canopy Walk: Walking among the treetops

An interpretive walk will take us to the impressive Canopy Walk, a 90-meter-long suspension bridge suspended 42 meters above the ground. Walking among the treetops will allow us to observe the life that inhabits this stratum of the forest, from insects to birds and monkeys.

Free afternoon and reflection

We return to the lodge for lunch and a free afternoon. You can opt for an additional hike, a relaxing massage, or simply enjoy the surroundings while reflecting on your experiences.

Day 5 – Colorful Farewell: The Jungle’s Goodbye

Parrot clay lick: Festival of colors

Our last day begins before dawn with a hike to the parrot clay lick. This natural phenomenon is a stunning visual and aural spectacle, where up to five different species of parrots and macaws gather to feed on the nutrient-rich mineral clay.

Farewell breakfast

We return to the lodge for a special breakfast where we will share our experiences, reflections, and gratitude for these unforgettable days in the Amazon.

Local market and return

Before heading to the airport, we’ll visit Puerto Maldonado’s local market, where you can purchase traditional products such as exotic fruits, spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs that will allow you to take a piece of the Amazon with you.

• 4-night accommodation in an ecological lodge

• All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

• Land and river transport

• Certified bilingual naturalist guide

• All activities described

• Safety and first aid equipment

• Reusable water bottle

• Flights to/from Puerto Maldonado

• Alcoholic beverages

• Tips (optional)

• Personal expenses

• Travel insurance

What to bring:

• Light and breathable clothing (cotton or linen)

• Long-sleeved shirts for insect protection

• Long pants (light jeans or trekking pants)

• Light raincoat or poncho (unpredictable tropical rains)

• Cap or hat with a wide brim

• Closed walking shoes (with good grip)

• Sandals for the lodge

• Extra clothing (humidity is high and clothes get wet easily)

• Natural insect repellent (with DEET or essential oils)

• Biodegradable sunscreen (SPF 30+ minimum)

• Sunglasses with UV protection

• After-sun or moisturizer

• Microfiber towel (dries quickly)

Equipment:

• Camera with extra battery or power bank

• Binoculars (highly recommended for sighting)

• Headlamp or flashlight

• Reusable water bottle

• Small backpack for excursions

• Plastic bags to protect electronics from moisture

• medications and basic first aid kit

Health and Prevention:

• Consult your doctor about recommended vaccinations (yellow fever, hepatitis)

• Start with antimalarials if recommended (consult with a doctor)

• Take out travel insurance that covers medical evacuation

• Stay hydrated (drink water constantly)

• Avoid drinking tap water (use only bottled or boiled water)

• Eat only cooked foods or fruits that you can peel

• Use repellent especially at dawn and dusk

• Sleeping with mosquito net (provided at the lodge)

Recommended medications:

• Antihistamines for allergic reactions

• Antidiarrheals (Loperamide)

• Electrolytes or rehydration salts

• Paracetamol or ibuprofen

• Broad-spectrum antibiotic (prescribed by a doctor)

Cultural and Environmental Respect:

• Ask permission before photographing people

• Avoid giving money directly to children

• Buy crafts directly from producers

• Respect local customs and traditions

• Keep silent during sightings

• Do not feed the animals

• Do not touch plants or animals without consulting

• Stay with the group and follow the guide’s instructions

• Do not remove plants, stones or animals from the forest.

Sustainability:

• Do not leave trash (bring a waste bag)

• Use biodegradable products (soap, shampoo, sunscreen)

• Save water (a limited resource in the jungle)

• Turn off lights when not in use

• Respect the wildlife (observe from a suitable distance)

Get ready for an unforgettable experience in the Peruvian Amazon with Terres des Incas!