TO HELP YOU SOLVE YOUR DOUBTS WE HAVE GROUPED THE Frequently asked questions

FAQs

  • Before booking your expedition

    • What is included in the price of the room?
      Basically, everything, once you arrive in Puerto Maldonado, is included, such as:

      • All meals

      • Accommodations

      • Tours, Services, Guides

      • Transfer from and to the airport of Puerto Maldonado

      • All river transportation


      Things that aren’t included are:

      • International or domestic airfares,

      • Airport departure taxes or visa fees,

      • Excess baggage charges,

      • Additional nights during the trip due to flight cancellations,

      • Alcoholic beverages or bottled water, snacks,

      • Insurance of any kind,

      • Laundry,

      • Phone calls or messages, reconfirmation of flights and items of personal nature.

    • When is the best time to visit Tambopata?

      • When is the dry season?: Although it can rain at any time of the year, the Tambopata region tends to be drier from May until October. The rains start up in earnest in November and continue until April with the rainiest months usually being November and December. The upsides to visiting during the dry season are trails that aren’t as muddy, little chance of activities being affected by rain, and more macaws and parrots on the clay licks. The downsides to visiting during the dry season are hotter weather, less bird activity on sunny days, more difficulty in finding amphibians, and more travel time on rivers due to low water levels.

      • Why visit Tambopata eco-lodges during the wet season?: Although you can expect a lot of rain, there will probably be fewer fellow ecotourists (if you like a lot of extra elbow room), it usually rains in the afternoon, it tends to be a bit cooler, and there may be higher bird activity on account of the cloudy weather. The ponds and temporal wetlands that form at this time of the year in the rainforest can also make it easier to find reptiles and amphibians. Parrots and macaws tend to visit more clay licks as they will need the clay for the brain development of their chicks during the first months of the year which coincide with the wet season. Also, the rainy season is fruit and flower season, so wildlife will find food everywhere.

      • When will I see the most animals?: In all honesty, no month is particularly better to see animals than any other. While you will have more sunlight to see parrots and macaws at the clay lick during the dry season, other animals are encountered with the same frequency no matter what the time of the year. A much bigger factor that comes into play for seeing Amazonian wildlife is the guide’s level of experience and training. From July to September, we have the most jaguar observations along the river banks.

      • When is the best time to see monkeys?: If you visit lodges such as the Tambopata Research Center, Refugio Amazonas, or Posada Amazonas, you have a very good chance of seeing several monkey species throughout the year. The rollicking calls of Dusky Titis echo from vine tangles, Red Howler Monkeys call from the canopy, and troops of Squirrel Monkeys roam through second-growth near oxbow lakes. Black Spider Monkeys may be a bit easier to find during the wet season because it’s usually easier to locate the fruiting trees they feed on but a good guide will increase your chances of seeing them no matter what the time of the year.

    • What kind of luggage should I bring?
      Your luggage is hand-carried by our staff at various stages of the trip for a long distance. We strongly recommend you limit your weight to 15 kilos (33 pounds apiece). You can leave your large luggage in our office at Puerto Maldonado. If you are visiting other destinations in Peru or South America that require different kinds of clothing, you can always pack separate bags and safely leave them at our offices in Puerto Maldonado on the first day so we won’t be carrying them around uselessly. Your bag will be waiting for you at the airport the day you leave.
    • What should I pack ?
      Here are some suggestions:


      • Binoculars

      • Camera gear, bring your long lens!

      • Light-colored, long cotton pants

      • Long-sleeved, light-colored cotton shirts

      • Ankle-high hiking boots and sneakers

      • Flashlight (headlamp) with batteries

      • Sunblock lotion

      • Sunglasses

      • Broad-brimmed hat

      • Rain suit or poncho

      • Insect repellent

      • Small-denomination bills

      • Small daypack

      • Slippers or sandals for walking around the lodge*HAVE IT ON THE HAND*


      NOTE :


      Please be aware that the recreational use of drones is not allowed in our lodges. For professional use please contact us to process the required permit.
    • Should I pack rubber boots?
      Around the lobby, you will find racks with rubber boots arranged by size. The largest size we have is 46 Peru, 12.5 US or 30.5 cm. You can use these boots for your walks or outings into the forest. Please remember that when walking inside the lodge facilities and in order to prevent bringing mud inside, you must take out your boots or muddy shoes. We suggest using sandals, clean sneakers, slippers, or socks. During the rainy season, the corridors to your rooms get wet, so we recommend bringing light anti-slip slippers to avoid getting your socks wet.
    • Are Kosher foods available at our Lodges in Tambopata?
      No, unfortunately, we do not have Kosher-certified food in Puerto Maldonado, the closest town to where we get our supplies, like fresh produce, meat and fish, and dairy products.

       

      We invite you to read this and other FAQ questions Here
    • Can I bring my drone?
      No, the use of drones for entertainment is not allowed in our ecolodges since the fauna is quite active and the forest is quite dense.
    • What is the recommended flight to join an expedition?
      For arrival, in Puerto Maldonado airport (PEM):

      • For Posada Amazonas and Refugio Amazonas please make sure to arrive before 13:00 hrs.

      • For Tambopata Research Center, please make sure to arrive before 12:30 hrs.


      You will be at the lodge between 15:00 - 16:00 hrs.

      If arriving by bus around early in the morning. We will be picking you up from the bus station upon your arrival. From there, we will go to our office in Puerto Maldonado and there you will be waiting for our fixed departure time.

      For departure from lodges, you will be back in the city around 10:00 hrs.

      • For Posada Amazonas and Refugio Amazonas the boat departs around 8:00 hrs.

      • For Tambopata Research Center, the boat departs around 7:00 hrs.


      If you have a later flight:

      • You can wait at our office until the departure. Note only breakfast is included on the last day.

      • Add a late check-out with an additional cost. Ask our Rainforest Specialist to help with this. This will include lunch.


       
    • What is the best age to bring my kids to the lodge?
      Tambopata is undoubtedly one of the best places to connect with nature. However, being a remote place, these are our recommendations:

      • Children under 3 years old - Due to the weather conditions, location, and orientation of our activities, we do not suggest traveling with children under 3 years of age. Remember that our activities are in group service. Private service is available at an additional cost.

      • From 3 to 7 years old - For little adventurers, we recommend Posada Amazonas or Refugio Amazonas. These ecolodges have a playground and activities designed for children. Take note that there are some activities that require getting up early.


      Take note that the guides will suggest the recommended activities for your little ones, however, you know them better and you know how much they can walk or not.

      Remember that our guides interpret the forest for you and your little one, but they will not be able to help you by carrying them in case they get tired.

      • From 8 to more - If your child is adventurous and is used to taking walks for more than 1 hour, the Tambopata Research Center is ideal.


      While each of our lodges has a topic equipped with everything needed for any emergencies, remember to take your personal first-aid kit with the medicines authorized by your GP in case of any allergic reaction, among others.

  • Health and Safety

    • What inoculations are required for Tambopata?
      While the Peruvian Amazon is an incredible place to visit, make sure you prepare well for your travel to Peru by packing efficiently and getting the recommended vaccinations. Before you travel to Puerto Maldonado or other places in the Peruvian Amazon, visit a health care provider specializing in Travel Medicine who can tell you which vaccinations are recommended due to your health and vaccination history. It is best to see this physician 4-6 weeks prior to your travel to allow time for vaccinations to take effect. You should mention each country you are visiting on your trip in order to receive appropriate advice for all of your travel destinations. While there are no required vaccinations for travel to Peru, the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has the following recommendations:

      • Hepatitus A: Vaccination is recommended to all travelers to Peru.

      • Hepatitus B: Vaccination recommended to all travelers to Peru, especially those who may have exposure to blood or body fluids through the giving or receiving of medical care, drug injections, tattooing, or sexual contact with the local population.

      • Typhoid Fever: Vaccination is recommended to all travelers to tropical South America especially those who may be staying in rural areas where exposure through food or water could occur.

      • Yellow Fever: Vaccination is highly recommended for travel to Amazonia and the Southern Amazon basin. The shot should be given at least 10 days before your arrival and at 10-year intervals if you decide to stay.

      • Rabies: Vaccination is ONLY recommended to travelers with an increased risk of exposure including long-term travelers living in an area that poses a high risk of exposure, travelers working in occupations who will have direct contact with bats, stray dogs, and cats, or other mammals such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals or researchers.

    • What happens in the case of a medical emergency?
      In case of emergencies we have a first aid kit that is equipped to deal with most cases that may reasonably arise in the area. Our guides are all certified by the Red Cross, which means they are prepared to deal with foreseeable emergencies (broken bones or snake bites, for example) but not complex emergencies (such as appendicitis). For snake bites, unheard of at Tambopata so far, we have extractors and an anti-venom at the lodges. In case of evacuation, we need to travel by boat to Puerto Maldonado. During the day, evacuations take about 20% less time than our regular boats. During the night, evacuations take about 30% more. In Puerto Maldonado, there is access to a state clinic.
    • Is leishmaniasis or malaria present?


      Leishmaniasis is present throughout the rain forests of southeastern Peru. It is a skin lesion caused by a protozoan transmitted by a certain kind of small biting fly. There is no vaccination against it but it is curable in every case. The selected cure, injections of pentavalent antimony (Glucantime), is uncomfortable. Leishmaniasis is also very easy to prevent by wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, and repellent on exposed skin at all times, and sleeping under mosquito nets. If you are interested in receiving complete information on leishmaniasis contact us before your trip. Malaria Malaria is present but extremely rare. If you wish to take medical precautions against malaria consult your physician or a specialist in tropical medicine.


    • Is there a safe in my room?
      We ask you to keep your valuable belongings and documents in the safe. Do not leave them valuables in plain view. Equally, if you have food or candies please keep them in the safe. Do not leave them outside. This way you will avoid attracting insects and other animals. Ask the lodge manager or guide to inform you about the proper use of the safety box
    • Where can I take my COVID test before departing?
      To return to your country of origin, some airlines will require a negative COVID test before boarding. We recommend booking this test online in advance at the UNILAB laboratory at the Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima. Note the page is in Spanish. You have to scroll down until you find the name of the airport. Select the type of test you need and click on the button RESERVE SU CITA. It will ask you to register in order to continue with your name, full name, email, phone number, document type, and number. Then click the red button: REGISTRAR and will show you a calendar to book the date of your test. Select the day, press CONTINUAR and select the hour and CONTINUAR. Then will ask you to fill in the information about the patient.

  • During your stay at the lodges

    • Is there electricity at the lodge?
      The lodge is run mainly through a generator. Communications are powered by solar energy and there is wireless internet available at night. We use LED bulbs in public areas at night.

      The plugs are as follows:

      plugs
    • Can I drink the water?
      We provide natural spring water 24 hours per day. Please use the water wisely. We advise you not to drink the water from the river, lake, or any of the taps. Consumable water can be found throughout the lodge from many dispensers and pitchers as well as a variety of other beverages available. All the water that the lodge provides is purified with an ozone treatment. We also suggest that you use this water to brush your teeth. Please turn off the water flow while lathering and soaping up to reduce unnecessary water usage.
    • What can I expect in the rooms?
      Our open and spacious rooms offer lots of natural light and fresh air while providing safe but close contact with the forest environment. Our three-wall rooms allow you to connect with nature, but no worries nothing will enter into your room. The lodge and rooms are 3 meters away from the forest and 1 meter and half above the ground. Each room is also equipped with private bathrooms for your convenience. The use of mosquito netting on each bed is strongly recommended to ensure your comfort and safety. We try to be as eco-friendly as possible so we request that you only change towels when really needed. At your room, we kindly ask that you lower your voice to allow all guests to enjoy the sounds of the forest.
    • What type of soap and shampoo do you recommend?
      According to our environmental policies, we only use Brazil nut biodegradable soap and shampoo which you will find in the bathroom If you are allergic to nuts, please let us know and we will provide you with a lemongrass soap. We wash the towels and bed sheets using biodegradable detergent and we clean the bathrooms with biodegradable products as well.
    • Is there a phone at the lodge?
      We do not have a telephone available in our lodge. In case of emergency, we could get a cell phone signal, only at Posada Amazonas and Refugio Amazonas. We do have WIFI, nevertheless, we invite you to enjoy a digital detox.
    • Is laundry available at the lodges?
      This service is only available on sunny days. Please ask for the rate at the lodge. Clothes are hand-washed using White Swipe biodegradable soap and are sun dried in order to protect the environment.
    • Is smoking allowed?
      Smoking is allowed in the lobby and bar except at mealtimes. Please do not smoke in your room, the dining rooms, boats, or during activities
    • What are the meal times?
      Breakfast time depends on your scheduled activity according to the lodge. Your guide will advise on this at the lodge. Regular breakfast is at 7:15hrs. Lunch is served at 13:00hrsand dinner is served at 19:30hrs. Please let us know if you are vegetarian or have any special dietary needs. We do offer a special menu for children, if need it, please inquire in advance.
    • What is the weather like in Tambopata?
      The lowland rainforests of Tambopata lie far enough south of the Equator to provide a cooler, drier winter season between May and October. The general weather conditions are warm and humid. In Tambopata, the average daytime high temperature is between 78F and 93F (24C and 31C) The average nighttime low is between 66F and 78 F (20C and 24C). Cold Fronts - May through September Cold fronts from Argentina can sweep into southwestern Amazonia and push daytime highs down to 50° F (9° C) and the nighttime lows to 43° F (5° C). Thus, during that season always be potentially prepared for cold and drizzle. Rainy Months - November through April Be prepared for heavy rain that can continue for hours or days. Around 80% of the annual average 3000 mm rainfall occurs during this season.
    • About gratuities
      Tipping is not compulsory. If, however, you have received excellent service and would like to leave a token of your thanks, the following are the guidelines: Guide - USD$ 10-12 per guest per day Lodge staff - USD$ 5 per guest per day We would like to emphasize that tipping is definitely not a requirement but should be undertaken only by choice and dependent on service received. Whatever you believe to be appropriate will be appreciated by the staff you have met.
    • How do I pay for the extra services?
      During your stay, you can add your extra services such as the drinks in the bar, the boutique, and the massages to your room number and pay all with a credit card on the last day. We do not accept cash for security, but you can use it for gratituides.

  • Cancellations and Refunds

    • What are the cancelation policies?

      • Cancellations made up to 07 days before the arrival date will be fully refunded less 5% for administrative expenses.

      • Cancellations within 06 days prior to the arrival date will not be refunded.

      • Refunds will not apply under cancellations of air, road, lake, river, or trail travel due to changes in airline schedules, bad weather conditions, civil or government strikes, acts of God or government, acts of terrorism, force majeure (including world or local health conditions), criminal activity, or sickness.

      • We HIGHLY recommend getting travel insurance to prevent any financial losses in case of any cancelation.

    • What happen if I lose my arrival flight?
      If you lose your arrival flight, contact us. You can either start the next day the entire expedition or rescheduled for later.

  • What our guest say

    • Valuation Excellent
    • 5/5

Michelle Smith February 2025

Cheryl Cooper February 2025

Irene February 2025

DayTrip816719 Feb 2025

Daniel S Feb 2025

Steve E January 2025

cathydmcd January 2025

Ian Northcott January 2025

Armando Texis Jan 2025

Niriksha Ravi December 2024

Marco At Miranda Dec 2024

MarcStl December 2024

Such a wonderful experience deep in a part of the Amazon, Tambopata NP. They really involve you with what is happening at the research centre with evening lectures. The meals are outstanding and the rooms are comfortable and I had the best sleep. Dino our guide was outstanding. The river trip to see the Macaw claylicks was a beautiful outing. We saw Capybaras along the river and it was very scenic. The staff are friendly and very engaging. As a tour operator who sends clients to AFRICA for safari, I was hugely satisfied. Thank you, gracious. Food & drinks: Good was simply delicious Read all

An amazing experience in the Peruvian jungle. the information about the centre was very accurate so I knew what to expect but was blown away by the experience and competence of my guide for the four nights, Juan Carlos Yatto. JC was looking for birds for me from the moment he collected me at the airport, so we saw birds on the drive and on the boat ride as well as on the excursions themselves. I was in Peru three weeks and JC was my best guide by far. Don't miss the clay licks for sure, and the tower is also well worth the climb. Food and people are wonderful and the research very interesting. Read all

Das Tambopata Research Center ist eine wunderbare Lodge im Nationalpark Tambopata. Die charmanten, miteinander verbundenen Aufenthaltsräume und Zimmer befinden sich auf hölzernen Stelzen. Bei den offenen Gemeinschaftsräumen gibt es gemütliche Sitzecken, eine wunderbare Hängemattenrelaxzone und einen herrlichen Restaurantbereich, wo zu jeder Zeit Tee, Kaffee und Wasser zur Verfügung stehen. Die stilvollen Zimmer verfügen über bequeme Betten mit Moskitonetz und moderne, saubere Duschbereiche. Die Research Center Lodge mit den Forschungseinrichtungen liegt inmitten des Regenwaldes umgeben von der reinen Natur mit der fantastischen Flora und Fauna, welche dort auch weiterhin erforscht und geschützt wird. Jeden Abend gibt es dazu sehr interessante Vorträge. Die Mitarbeiter sind sehr freundlich, offen und zuvorkommend. Die Buffets waren sehr köstlich und reichhaltig mit Gerichten aus der Region. Es wird großer Wert auf ökologische und nachhaltig umweltschonende Bewirtschaftung gelegt. Von der Lodge aus ist es möglich, mit ausgebildeten Guides in Gruppen von maximal 6 Personen verschiedene Exkursionen zu machen. Speziell Timo war ausgesprochen freundlich, auf unsere Sicherheit bedacht, ging auf die individuellen Interessen der einzelnen Personen ein und vermittelte uns in seiner kompetenten Art umfangreiches Wissen über die Pflanzen- und Tierwelt. Er hatte dabei die wunderbare Fähigkeit, versteckte Wildtiere zu entdecken, und verschaffte uns wunderschöne Momente, auch durch das mitgetragene Teleskop, wodurch wir der Tierwelt näher sein konnten. So sahen wir u.a. Brüllaffen, Kapuzineraffen und Spideraffen mit ihren Kindern, viele Vögel insbesondere Papageien wie z.B. Scharlach- und Gelbbauch-Aras sowie Wasserschweine und verschiedene Insekten. Wir können diese wunderbare Lodge absolut weiterempfehlen. Die herrliche Tier- und Pflanzenwelt in dem wunderbar erhaltenen und geschützten Regenwald des Amazonas war auf unserer Peru-Reise ein wirklich fantastisches Erlebnis! Read all

Rainforest Expeditions is a wonderful company and the Posadas Amazonas lodge is a beautiful location to spend your time in the Amazon. The staff are all incredibly kind, helpful, and knowledgeable. The tours were very fun and we saw lots of animals including River otters, monkeys, birds, and capybaras. We loved our guide Luis and all the people we met. The food was delicious and locally grown and there was never a dull moment. Would highly recommend! Read all

I went to Posada as part of a wider group trip, so did not pay for it directly. The lodge feels very far from anywhere and yet it feels incredibly safe. The rooms are open to nature, but nothing was ever damaged (use the safe boxes as advised, especially for food - not that you'll need any - the catering is excellent, with plenty of vegetarian options, and snacks are also provided between meals). There are flushing toilets, incredible shower facilities and the beds are very comfortable with mosquito nets placed at night by the staff. Drinking water vats are strategicvally placed throughout the lodge but you may have a long-ish walk to the common areas through corridors. Some parts of the corridors are open to the elements, but umbrellas are provided everywhere in case of rain. There is obviously no air conditioning, but this helps you acclimatise. The lodge is run by a family and others from the Infierno community, which gives the place a homely feel, with resident tour guides and a local geologist for citizen science projects. Massage services are available and there is a local shop for souvenirs and essentials like bug spray, clothing and torches. Tons of activities can be arranged, but it's also nice to relax in the hammocks and common areas and listen to the sounds of nature. While this hotel is not going to be for everyone, I had the most incredible time! Read all

The place to go if you want to see Macaws in the Peruvian rainforest. We stayed at the Tambopata Reaearch Centre (TRC) for three days and had Juan Carlos Yatto as our guide for the duration of our stay. We loved the mission of the TRC ie Macaw conservation and the link between Macaw nest site availability and the overall health of the rainforest. Juan Carlos Yatto (there is another JC at the research centre) was a fantastic guide and really made a difference to our experience at the TRC. His knowledge of the different species of wildlife and plants was amazing, his ability to spot things in the day or at night was phenomenal and he really made things accessible for our group. His English is excellent (including great humour when appropriate) and is a super guy. I really do recommend the TRC abd Juan Carlos Yatto as a guide. We saw an abundance of wildlife of all descriptions thanks to him and learned a huge amount without being overloaded. Read all

Two planes, a bus and a boat…that’s how we made it to TRC, and every minute was worth it. Tambopata is a jewel, from the moment you are greeted by the guide assigned to you (Juan Carlos Gonzales for us) to the last boat ride back to civilization. Juan Carlos was amazing…on just one hike he found five of the seven species of monkeys in the area! He is truly an expert..can hear, see and even SMELL animals, birds and insects to point out to us. We upgraded to a deluxe suite and it was decadent! An elegant outdoor tub and shower on a private balcony was soo nice’ Although we went in the rainy season, it never rained while on a hike or excursion. It rained for a few minutes on our late afternoon cruise , but not enough to dampen our enthusiasm, or prevent us from seeing a capybara in the mid! (And despite the warning of a lot of mosquitoes, I have been bitten more in my own back yard!) The bar is great, there’s PLENTY of food…we are going home feeling so lucky to have had such a great connection to the beauty of the Amazon. Read all

We had a fantastic time for our 3N/4D stay at Tambopata Research Center. The whole experience was marvellous. Rooms and facilities were great and meals superb. The Staff, ably led by Tanya the manager, were all friendly and helpful. This is the only lodge actually inside the Tambopata National Park, and we enjoyed being so "remote". I like that you have one guide who coordinates and takes you on all your activities; Jair our guide was amazing. One morning our planned activity was rained out, and I liked that they have alternative "wet weather" activities planned. There are lectures each night by researchers, which were very interesting. Also citizen science projects that you can participate in. All up, it was a fantastic way to experience the Peruvian Amazon. Read all

Posada Amazonas by Rainforest Expeditions is an extraordinary place. From your arrival at the airport in Puerto Maldonado all the staff is always attentive to your needs. You travel by boat to the hotel Posada Amazonas and it is a unique experience. It really is a total disconnection and a recollection with Mother Nature 🌎 The buffet lunch is delicious (already included in the price). You have a guide who speaks Spanish and English at all times and accompanies you to explore the jungle, the river and other activities. The price is worth it. Outside my room I caught a glimpse of monkeys 🙂 The night sky is starry and very spectacular ✨️ 5 star service. I will definitely come back. Read all

I stayed with my parents at Refugio Amazonas for 3 days. We really enjoyed our stay and had a wonderful time here. The staff were extremely kind and well informed. The lodge manager- Arturo in particular was very helpful. To highlight their culture: They prepared special vegetarian meals for my parents, always ensured we felt comfortable and all our needs were met. A stay here is a must do to get a real feel of the Amazon rainforest on your trip to Peru! Noteworthy details: There are a lot of activities for kids and families to do, but my personal favourites are: Macaw Claylick, OxBow river ride, sunset cruise and the canopy tower. Read all

An incredible and unparalleled experience I felt fortunate Read all

I can't express how amazing our guides were. Incredibly knowledgeable and able to spot birds, frogs, spiders, animals, etc. with an almost unbelievable ability. The research and contributions to the jungle they are making at the Center are to be commended. The facilities were nice and kept clean and the staff was great, but between the walls in the rooms being open to the jungle, the heat, the bugs, underpowered fans, having to completely cover up for hikes due to bugs and then getting overheated, etc. it made for a tough stay. The food was good but after a couple days became repetitive. I would recommend this for serious birders who are willing to endure a bit for an incredible adventure. Read all

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