Amazon Rainforest Expedition 3Nights/4Days

SUGGESTED EXPEDITION 4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS

1: Welcome to Tambopata!

Arrive in Puerto Maldonado, the capital of Madre de Dios, and begin your journey with a one-hour bus ride followed by a one-hour boat trip to the lodge. Enjoy your first taste of Amazonian cuisine during the boat ride as you leave the city behind and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of the rainforest.

Arrive at the lodge, a cozy eco-lodge nestled in the heart of a Brazil nut forest. The lodge features a bar, massage room, and dining service. Located on the edge of the Tambopata National Reserve, it also houses a research station for the Wired Amazon program, a pioneering citizen science initiative that engages guests in rainforest research. Current projects include Aerobotany, AmazonCam, and Discovering New Species, all of which you can participate in during your stay.

Settle into your 45-square-meter room, complete with mosquito nets over the beds, a private bathroom, and an open window facing the rainforest to enhance your connection with nature.

Your stay includes three daily meals, herbal teas, coffee, guided excursions and activities, a welcome drink upon arrival, and round-trip airport transfers. Guides are provided at a 10:1 ratio for personalized service.

In the afternoon, take a short walk to the 35-meter-high observation tower. A safe staircase leads to the top, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the dense forest within the Tambopata National Reserve. Spot toucans, macaws, and raptors soaring through the treetops.

Before dinner, attend an evening lecture by Wired Amazon researchers, who will share insights about ongoing projects and the critical role of citizen science in rainforest conservation.

After dinner, join the Discovering New Species activity. Venture into the nocturnal light trap with researchers to explore the rainforest, potentially uncovering new species and contributing to the area’s rich biodiversity.

Day 2: Macaws, AmazonCam, and a Visit to the Local Farm

Macaw Clay Lick:
Start your day early with a visit to the Macaw Clay Lick, an unforgettable display of Amazonian wildlife. On clear mornings, dozens of large macaws and hundreds of parrots gather along the riverbank, creating a vibrant spectacle of color and sound. Watch discreetly as green-winged, scarlet, and blue-and-yellow macaws, along with smaller parrots, descend to ingest the clay. This activity takes place at dawn, the most active time for the clay lick.

AmazonCam Project:
In the afternoon, participate in the AmazonCam Project, where you’ll set up camera traps along the trail leading to the Amazon farm. This unique opportunity allows you to capture images of elusive wildlife and contribute to research monitoring animal populations and behavior.

Visit a Local Farm:
Later, visit a local Amazonian farm to explore a variety of community crops. Learn about sustainable agriculture in the rainforest and discover how nearly every plant and tree serves a purpose, reflecting the deep connection between local people and the land.

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Day 3: Brazil Nut Forest and Citizen Science

Brazil Nut Forest Exploration:
Discover the Brazil nut forest, located near the lodge, and learn about the origins of this vital Amazonian product. Visit a nut-harvesting camp to see the towering Brazil nut trees and understand how local communities collect the nuts during the rainy season. As a significant source of income for locals, Brazil nut harvesting is one of the most impactful sustainable activities in the region.

Afternoon Options:
Enhance your experience with one of these activities:

Aerobotany + Lake Exploration:
Fly a drone to capture stunning aerial photographs of the rainforest canopy as you head toward Lake Condenado. This activity offers a bird’s-eye view of the Amazon and insight into the rainforest’s intricate ecosystem.

AmazonCam + Medicinal Plants Trail:
Place camera traps along a trail to document elusive wildlife, then explore the Medicinal Plants Trail to learn about traditional healing practices. Discover plants like Sacha Garlic, Cat’s Claw, and Ayahuasca, used for centuries by local communities to heal both body and soul.

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Day 4: Thank You for Visiting!

As your Amazonian adventure concludes, prepare for your journey back. Return to Puerto Maldonado for your flight, carrying unforgettable memories and the satisfaction of knowing your visit has directly supported the Wired Amazon program and its mission to preserve the biodiversity of the Tambopata National Reserve.