Tambopata is a dream destination for any nature lover, being also one of the most precious biodiverse areas in Peru. The Tambopata National Reserve (RNTMB) is located south of the Madre de Dios River, in the districts of Tambopata and Inambari in the province of Tambopata, department of Madre de Dios. It covers an area of 274,690 hectares. Among its most common ecosystems are aguajales, swamps, pacales, and riparian forests, whose characteristics allow local inhabitants to take advantage of natural resources. It is home to 632 species of birds, 1,200 species of butterflies, 169 species of mammals, and hundreds of species of trees and plants. It is also home to the native community Ese Eja, with thousands of families, indigenous people who reside in this place. Here are the most popular tourist routes in this area for when you visit Peru.
Sandoval Lake
This is the most visited tourist destination in the Reserve and with good reason. If your plan is to spend a relaxing moment, full of peace and connection with nature, this lake is the perfect destination. It is considered the most beautiful lake in the Peruvian jungle, with a length of 3 km and a width of 1 km, and a depth that varies between ½ meter and 3 meters. In its waters, which can be traversed by boat, live numerous families of river otters, which can be seen hunting or resting on the trunks. There is an observatory tower in the area for a panoramic view. Here you will be able to observe a great quantity and variety of birds that make this place an earthly paradise.
Macaw Clay Lick
Who has not seen millions of times that Instagram photo where the macaws appear on the riverside walls and are a feast of colors? In this clay lick, you can live the experience and make it also one of “your photos”. This visit to the Macaw Clay Lick offers an impressive spectacle of color and sound (especially between 5:30 and 9:00 am). The clay licks are low cliffs caused by river erosion, which expose mineral salts and organic components that are used by the great diversity of birds in the area to supplement their diet. There are several collpas, but the best known and most visited by travelers are “El chuncho” and “Colorado”: Access is by river (canoe), enjoying the diversity of the reserve, observing sachavacas, ronsocos, squirrels, monkeys, and others.
Indigenous communities
The best part of traveling is getting to know new cultures and traditions. The communities that inhabit this reserve are partly accustomed to the visits of travelers, and many of their members are part of the reserve’s protection programs. We will be able to share their traditions and culture in a respectful way, which will be a very pleasant experience. Within these communities are the Eje Esa, the Harakbut, and the Matsigenka, among others.
Activities:
The reserve offers programs of all kinds and for all types of travelers: specialized tourism, family tourism, children’s programs, adventure tourism, botanical tourism, etc. Tambopata offers everything that a nature and adventure lover loves: hiking, river trips, river wolf hunting, piranha fishing, talks for children about biodiversity, night walks, natural observatories, bike rides, etc. Check out the activities that each sustainable lodge offers and choose the one you like the most. Here we offer you a list of the most recognized lodges for their sustainable and responsible work. Choose the one that best suits your expectations and interests.
How to visit and what should I consider for a healthy experience in the Tambopata Reserve? The first thing to do is to find out about the lodges, research centers, and lodges that offer complete and sustainable programs within the reserve. Remember that it is important that your trip to this reserve does not generate a negative impact, but rather helps us to promote responsible tourism. As travelers, we have great power: “Your trip with the right company not only gives you a spectacular experience, but you also contribute to making the reserve sustainable and protected”. The starting point is the city of Puerto Maldonado (from Lima and Cusco you can arrive by plane). Once there, a representative of the lodge where you have made your reservation will transfer you by boat to your respective accommodation and start your program.
The programs in the Amazon area normally include full meals, and it is important that you try to bring only what you need for those days. The electric power in most lodges is operated by generators that are turned on in the morning, around lunchtime, and for dinner. When you arrive at your lodge, the staff will inform you of the exact electricity schedule. Don’t forget that the voltage in Peru is 220V. Weather conditions, in general, are hot and humid. In Tambopata, the average daytime temperature is between 78°F and 93°F (24°C and 31°C). The nighttime average is between 66°F and 78°F (20°C and 24°C).
Most travel agencies or lodges have an office in Puerto Maldonado where it is possible to leave luggage that you do not wish to take with you on the jungle expedition. A great tip is to carry spare batteries for your camera (we recommend that you carry 3 batteries) and also enough image storage devices. Make sure you have enough storage on your card; most people take more pictures than they expect.