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Not to be missed: top 5 things to do in the Peruvian Amazon!
Enjoy an authentic nature experience
When you imagine yourself in the Peruvian Amazon, do you think of yourself high in the forest canopies, cruising along the Tambopata River, or admiring a stunning Macaw or rainbow Parakeet at a clay lick from the river’s edge? How about an eerie night hike spotting Tarantula nests? One thing is for sure, you’ll experience wildlife and world-renowned biodiversity away from tourist crowds of many parts of the Amazon. There are dozens of spectacular experiences to be had, only 2 hours from Puerto Maldonado, because of that we share with you our top 5 things must do in the Peruvian Amazon.
With the flexibility of adventure ‘A La Carte’, Rainforest Expeditions gives you the freedom to choose your own adventure without being locked into rigid itineraries or schedules. Choose your lodge, and choose your experiences – from the get-go, the adventure is in your hands.
Here are our top 5 top things must do in the Peruvian Amazon:
Canopy Tower in the Peruvian Amazon – Photo by Paul Bertner
Gaze out over ancient trees and spot exotic wildlife from up high in the forest canopy! The sturdy towers sit 60m above ground and offer a chance to experience the Amazon from a higher perspective. With a birds-eye view, you’ll spot monkeys, toucans, and many more exotic species! You’ll be guided through the forest to reach the base of the tower before a slow and steady climb up the stairs to the top. This is one of the Top 5 things must do in the Peruvian Amazon. Trust us, you won’t soon forget the sweeping Amazonian jungle panorama that awaits you
2. Macaw Clay Licks
Chuncho clay lick – Photo by Paul Bertner
A dazzling spectacle that will have your eyes wide as you take in the stunning colors and sounds of exotic macaws, parakeets, and parrots flocking to feast on nutrient-rich clay in the early morning light. Both the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick and Colorado Macaw Clay Lick are an awe-inspiring experience
From the Tambopata Research Centre, the Colorado Macaw Clay Lick is reached by boat, cruising along the Tambopata River to reach the viewing spot.
3. Oxbow Lake
Many Tambopata Piranhas live in Oxbow Lakes like this one
These unique inland lakes are vital habitats for wildlife due to calm waters and plentiful food. From the water edge, your Rainforest Expedition guide will help you spot some of the lake’s diverse residents including rare giant otters, squirrel monkeys, hoatzin, and majestic macaws! Each lake is different depending on your jungle lodge and this half-day adventure includes a quick boat trip from the lodge and a short hike to the water’s edge
4. Jungle Night Walk
Venture into the nocturnal world of the Amazon! You may be hesitant at first, but once you lay eyes on the nighttime wonders with the aid of your head torch – you’re 1-hour hike will fly by. It truly is something spectacular, venturing into the jungle at night. As your usual suspects sleep, other wildlife comes out to play. For instance, tarantula nests, slimy frogs, slithering snakes, and night monkeys! A weird and wonderful mix of creatures, an adventurous experience not to be missed
5. Sunset Cruise
Sunrises and sunsets on the Tambopata River are unforgettable experiences for many travelers.
No Amazon experience is complete without a tranquil journey down the Tambopata River by boat. As the sun sets, bathing the jungle in brilliant colors, spot chunky Capybaras, familiar macaws, and shy wildlife venturing out before dark. A perfect way to finish your day and soak up the stunning waterways of Peruvian Amazonia.
How to plan your adventure
To make the most of your time, think roughly 2-3 activities per day. Traveling from Puerto Maldonado on day one, you should arrive at the lodge in the early afternoon, so head to the Canopy Tower or prepare for an evening hike after you’ve settled in. Remember to utilize the cool hours in the early morning, spend half a day at a Clay lick, Oxbow lake, or hiking to admire jungle giants. Save your relaxing until the evening at one of the wellness centers, or learn more about the wonders of the Amazon during a night lecture or Circle of Fire.
There are many more activities to choose from depending on your length of stay and Rainforest Expedition lodge. View all the activities we offer here... and trust us, the best way to plan your activities ‘A La Carte’ is to chat with us, so get in touch!
By Natasha Martin
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What our guest say
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- Valuation Excellent
- 5/5
Jacob Shama May 2024
Yaacov May 2024
secaBoulder May 2024
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A user Apr 2024
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Ari S March 2024
Dreamer627120 March 2024
The lodge is located in the middle of the forest accessible only by boat. The experience was very unique and exciting. Service is great, and the fun part are the nature activities and tours the hotel offers for free. We had an amazing tour guide that had a lot of knowledge and was fun to spend time with. The rooms are totally open to the forest which is really cool the struggle is the there is no privacy at all in between the rooms, also food was pretty basic. All together a very unique experience. Read all
This hotel is the perfect blend of comfort and hospitality, with the natural experience. The hotel is reached by a hours boat ride from Puerto Maldonado, expertly organized and accomplished. Most staff are members of the local Esa Ejja community. The food is good and plentiful. Hot water is always available and lovely bedding features mosquito nets. There is of course no air conditioning (one side wall is open in rach room) and the electricity is off for a few hours at night affecting overhead fans, so I was glad to have brought a small battery powered fan for sleeping. But the best of the experience is the wildlife. Our expert guide Oscar Mishaja introduced us to nearly 100 bird species, along with caimans, river otters, poison dart frogs and capybara. A trip of a lifetime. Read all
Excellent experience overall— really kind and welcoming staff at every point of the journey. All transfers were well organized and smooth. Excellent and educational excursions all around the rainforest. Delicious food for every meal. We had wonderful guides- Freet and Alvaro. Enjoyed our time here! Read all
We had a surreal experience at Refugio Amazonas. From the well organized transportation to the warm welcome, hospitality and the experience of living in nature - we loved it all. Huge shout out to our guide Boris who went out of his way to ensure we had a good experience and got to watch all kinds of wild life. The meals and cocktails were delicious. And even though this place is smack in the middle of the jungle there was super fast WiFi available. We made unforgettable memories. Read all
We had an amazing time in TRC. From the guide, tours, lounge staff, food and room, everything has exceeded our expectation and like an amazing dream came true. We highly recommend to directly book with the lounge website, so that you got a private guide for your group. Special thanks to our guide Saul, who made this experience extra special! We were so impressed by his knowledge about all the animals and the rainforest. Read all
We had an amazing time in TRC. From the guide, tours, lounge staff, food and room, everything has exceeded our expectation and like an amazing dream came true. This is the only lounge available in Tambopata national park, and this eco lounge takes environment seriously. We highly recommend to directly book with the lounge website, so that you got a private guide for your group. Special thanks to our guide Saul, who made this experience extra special! We were so impressed by his knowledge about all the animals and the rainforest. If you are a natural lover, you can’t miss this place Read all
Excellent and luxurious place, wonderful experience and our guide Boris was first class, he had a unique patience with my 8 year old son. An experience in the tropical rainforest that marks the life of its visitors. In addition to the scientific research that takes place in the place: a whole research center. Rooms: Very comfortable and luxuriou Read all
El mejor hotel para visitar la Amazonia peruana. Hotel eco turístico metido en medio de la selva, equipado para visitar y vivir la selva, su flora y fauna, en todas sus facetas. Todo incluido, con guías preparados y amables, resultó una experiencia increíble para mi familia. Dentro de las opciones no se debe perder el Canopy de 45 metros de altura para observar y escuchar la selva, así como el lago de las tres Chimbadas, lugar único para ver caimanes, nutrias gigantes, monos y aves exóticas. Recomiendo mínimo dos noches!!! Read all
Wunderbare lodge mit freundlichen Menschen. sehr persönliche guides, tolle Tourangebote und super kulinarische Verpflegung ! Wir wurden herzlichst von Caesar empfangen und unser guide JuanJo hat uns phantastische Dinge gezeigt. Wir können die lodge nur wärmstens empfehlen! Read all
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