Experience the incredible biodiversity of the Peruvian Amazon on this unforgettable 3-day adventure through the Tambopata region. Your journey begins with a scenic boat ride along the Madre de Dios River, rainforest walks, Monkey Island, and an exciting nighttime wildlife excursion. Explore the spectacular Lake Sandoval, paddle through its peaceful waters in search of giant river otters and other wildlife, enjoy an Amazon sunset, and discover nocturnal creatures on a guided night walk. Your adventure concludes with an early-morning visit to a vibrant Clay lick, where colorful parrots, parakeets, and macaws gather in one of the Amazon’s most fascinating wildlife spectacles before returning to Puerto Maldonado.
Tour Activities:
Animal spotting, Jungle walk, Kayaking, Birdwatching, Traditional canoe paddling
Tour Attactions:
🐒Monkey island 🚣🏻 Lake Sandoval, 🐊 Cayman Search – Capibara 🦜 Parrots Clay Lick
Tour Includes:
This is an “All inclusive tour from pick up till drop off”
Pick up from (Airport, bus station or hotel)
02 Nights accommodation in bungalow with private bathroom
1 Professional bilingual guide in the jungle
1 Motor boat transportation for all trips
Breakfast (2) Dinner (2) Lunch (2)
All activities listed in the itinerary
Purified Water 24 hours (To recharge your canteen)
Wellingtons (Rubber boots)
No additional payment for single room or (Solo traveler)
Storage room for large luggage
First aid kit
Drop off to (Airport or bus station)
Where you’ll be:
Drinks bought at the bar
Gratuities
Domestic Flights or Bus from/to Cusco, Lima
Extra snacks and drinks
Travel insurance
Health coverage
Extra snacks and drinks
Day 1 – Welcome to the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest
Your Amazon adventure begins upon your arrival at Puerto Maldonado Airport or the bus station, where our team will warmly welcome you before transferring you to Puerto Capitanía, the river port that marks the gateway to the Peruvian Amazon.
From there, we will begin a scenic motorized boat journey along the majestic Madre de Dios River, traveling deep into the rainforest surrounded by towering trees, tropical vegetation, and abundant wildlife. This peaceful ride offers your first glimpse of the extraordinary biodiversity that makes the Tambopata region one of the most wildlife-rich areas in the Amazon Basin.
After meeting your expert Amazon guide, we will set out on an introductory walk through the rainforest trails. As you explore this pristine jungle environment, your guide will introduce you to the incredible flora and fauna of the Amazon, pointing out giant rainforest trees, medicinal plants, colorful insects, exotic birds, and the unique sounds that fill the forest throughout the day.
Following lunch, we will continue by boat to Monkey Island, a small island where several species of monkeys live freely in their natural habitat. This is an excellent opportunity to observe their playful behavior from a respectful distance while learning about their role in the rainforest ecosystem and the importance of protecting their habitat.
As darkness falls, we will experience the Amazon from a completely different perspective during an exciting night boat excursion. With the help of flashlights, we will search the riverbanks for capybaras and spot the glowing red eyes of caimans hidden in the water. The rainforest becomes especially active at night, giving you the chance to discover nocturnal wildlife and hear the sounds of one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems.
After this unforgettable introduction to the Peruvian Amazon, we return from our excursion and end the day surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the rainforest, ready for the adventures that await in Tambopata.
Day 2 – Exploring Lake Sandoval and the Rainforest
After breakfast, we will begin an unforgettable excursion to Lake Sandoval, one of the most remarkable oxbow lakes within the Tambopata National Reserve. We will travel by motorized boat along the Madre de Dios River toward the entrance of the reserve, enjoying the changing scenery as we leave the main river and venture deeper into the Amazon rainforest.
Once we reach the entrance, we will begin an approximately one-hour guided walk through the lush rainforest. Along the trail, your experienced Amazon guide will help you discover the remarkable diversity of this ecosystem, pointing out towering trees, medicinal plants, insects, amphibians, birds, and other wildlife that may be hidden among the dense vegetation. Every step through the forest offers the possibility of a new discovery.
Upon reaching Lake Sandoval, we will board a traditional canoe and gently paddle across its calm waters. Surrounded by dense rainforest, the lake provides an exceptional setting for wildlife observation. Keep your eyes open for colorful birds, turtles, monkeys, hoatzins, and, with some luck, the impressive giant river otters that inhabit these waters. Your guide will explain the ecological importance of the lake and the adaptations that allow its wildlife to thrive in this extraordinary Amazon environment.
After exploring Lake Sandoval, we will return to enjoy lunch and take some time to rest before our next adventure. Later in the afternoon, we will head out along the river to experience the spectacular Amazon sunset. As the intense heat of the day begins to fade, the rainforest becomes increasingly active. Along the riverbanks, we may encounter capybaras, sloths, birds, and other wildlife preparing for the transition from daylight to night.
When darkness arrives, the Amazon reveals another side of its incredible biodiversity. We will set out on a guided night walk through the rainforest, using flashlights to search for nocturnal creatures hidden among the vegetation. We may encounter frogs, spiders, insects, snakes, and other fascinating species that remain largely unseen during the day. Your guide will help you understand their behavior and the important role they play in the rainforest’s complex ecosystem.
We will then return for dinner and enjoy a well-deserved rest after a full day of exploration. As night settles over Tambopata, the sounds of insects, frogs, and nocturnal birds create a natural symphony that reminds us that the Amazon remains alive and active long after sunset.
Day 3 – River Clay Lick Adventure
We will begin our final day in the Amazon before sunrise, departing at approximately 5:00 a.m. for an exciting excursion to a clay lick along the Madre de Dios River. Traveling upstream by motorized boat, we will pass Puerto Maldonado and continue toward one of the river’s important wildlife observation sites. The early morning journey offers an excellent opportunity to experience the rainforest as it awakens, when birds become active and the first light begins to illuminate the forest.
At the clay lick, we will observe one of the most fascinating examples of avian geophagy, a behavior in which birds intentionally consume mineral-rich clay. The site is regularly visited by a remarkable diversity of Amazonian parrots, parakeets, and macaws. Among the most commonly observed species during our daily visits are the Chestnut-fronted Macaw (Ara severus), Blue-headed Macaw (Primolius couloni), Mealy Parrot (Amazona farinosa), and Yellow-fronted Parrot, along with the beautifully colored Orange-cheeked Parrot (Pyrilia barrabandi). Other notable visitors include the Red-bellied Macaw (Orthopsittaca manilatus), which may join the mixed-species aggregations around the clay lick. Research in southeastern Peru has documented numerous parrot species using these mineral-rich sites, including Chestnut-fronted Macaws, Mealy Parrots, Orange-cheeked Parrots, Red-bellied Macaws, and several species of parakeets.
Their species abundance and timing can vary according to weather, season, food availability, and daily activity patterns. This natural variation is part of what makes each clay-lick visit unique. While the species mentioned above are among those most regularly encountered, many other parrots, parakeets, and macaws also visit the clay lick, meaning that every morning can bring the possibility of observing a different combination of species.
As the morning develops, mixed flocks may gather in the trees surrounding the clay wall before descending to feed. Birds may circle above the river, call continuously, and compete for suitable positions before landing on the exposed clay. Watching these multi-species aggregations provides an exceptional opportunity to observe the social behavior, feeding ecology, and predator-awareness strategies of Amazonian psittacines in their natural environment. Scientific observations from Tambopata have documented mixed-species groups involving several of these parrots and macaws, rather than the birds using the clay lick only as isolated single-species flocks.
The consumption of clay, known as geophagy, is believed to provide birds with minerals and may also help reduce the effects of certain naturally occurring compounds present in fruits, seeds, and other foods within their diet. Clay licks therefore function as important ecological gathering sites where numerous individuals and species can temporarily concentrate around a shared mineral resource.
After this memorable wildlife experience, we will return to the lodge for breakfast, giving you some well-deserved time to rest, relax, and recover your energy after the early morning excursion. You will have time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and prepare comfortably for your later flight or onward journey.
After lunch, we will begin our journey back to Puerto Maldonado. Upon arrival, our team will be happy to assist you with your transfer to the airport or bus station. If you are staying at a hotel in the city, we can also drop you off at the main square (Plaza de Armas), making the end of your Amazon adventure as comfortable and convenient as possible.
Pick Up / Tour start
- Arriving by Night Bus (from Cusco, Puno, etc.)
We are happy to provide complimentary pick-up from the bus station between 6:00 am and 10:00 am. - Arriving by Plane (from Cusco, Lima, etc.)
Complimentary airport pick-up is available between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm. - We recommend arriving as early as possible.
Booking the earliest available flight or arriving on an early morning bus will allow you to enjoy more activities and make the most of your first day in the Amazon. - Macaw Clay Lick Tours
If you are joining one of our Macaw Clay Lick tours, please plan to arrive before 10:00 am, as this activity follows a fixed group schedule. For our other tours, arrivals are flexible anytime before 4:00 pm. - Staying at a Hotel in Puerto Maldonado
Hotel pick-up is available between 8:40 am and 9:20 am. - Solo Travelers
Solo travelers are very welcome! We will coordinate your transfers and activities with other guests whenever possible, early arrival is recommeded.
Drop off / Tour end
* This tour ends at 9:30 am, the drop off to the airport or to the bus station is included at any time, this is possible only on the last day of the tour. * People staying in hotel in Puerto Maldonado, the drop off will be at the main square (Plaza de armas)
We kindly recommend booking the latest flight or bus departure available. Airport and bus station drop-offs are arranged after the final morning activities, giving you the opportunity to fully enjoy your last day before returning home.
No Age Limit
There are no age restrictions for arrival
Pets
Pets are NOT allowed.
Cards accepted
We accept all major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, American Express (AMEX).We accept also Bank transfer to our account number and PayPal for credit card processing.
Departure PointTraveler pickup is offeredPadre Aldamiz International Airport (Puerto Maldonado)Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availabilityNot wheelchair accessibleNote: departure to the airport on day 3 will take place right after breakfast. Please plan your departure flight accordinglyIt is recommended you bring light pants, long sleeved shirts, hiking shoes, rain jacket, day pack, flashlight, binoculars, pocket knife and insect repellentMinimum age is 5 years oldMaximum luggage per person is 30 pounds (15 kg) Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participantsPlease advise any specific dietary requirements at time of bookingNote: to conserve energy, the power is turned off for a short amount of time in the afternoon. Due to this, it is possible the lodge will be hot during this time.Not recommended for travelers with back problemsNot recommended for pregnant travelersNo heart problems or other serious medical conditionsMost travelers can participateThis tour/activity will have a maximum of 9 travelers
If you cancel at least 90 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.If you cancel within 40 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee. If you cancel between 40 and 90 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee. Learn more about cancellations. (All tickets are non refundable)
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given to customers’ questions.What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during this tour?The policies on face masks and attendee health are: Face masks required for travelers in public areas Face masks required for guides in public areas Face masks provided for travelers Temperature checks for travelers upon arrivalWhat is the policy on sanitization during this tour?The policies on sanitization are:Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas Gear/equipment sanitized between useTransportation vehicles regularly sanitizedWhat is the social distancing policy during this tour?The policies on social distancing are:Social distancing enforced throughout experienceContactless payments for gratuities and add-onsWhat measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during this tour?The policies on staff health & safety are:Guides required to regularly wash hands Regular temperature checks for staffPaid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptomsWhat is the maximum group size during this tour?This activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers.
Hotel Included
Price $310 USD
denniss697
Leerdam The Netherlands12047
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5)
3/15/2016
Great nature lodge in the middle of the jungle
This lodge is perfectly located in the middle of the amazon jungle. Two hours by car from Puerto Maldonado and then 10 minutes by boat. Very close to the claylick cliffs where you can see macaws in the morning. The jungle directly around the lodge is full of wildlife (saw 2 types of monkeys, tarantulas,
