Stories
Empowering Indigenous Women Leaders for Sustainable Development in Tambopata
This is the first phase of the project that seeks continuity in order to generate a positive impact for sustainable development in the native communities. The academic research project is led by Ph.D. Inés Ruiz from the Universidad Científica del Sur and Doctor Miguel Ángel Coll from the University of the Balearic Islands UIB together with the Ese Eja Native Community of Infierno and Rainforest Expeditions. The university team has experienced professionals such as Claudia Torres Sovero – Biologist, Veronica Ponce – Social Psychologist, Gonzalo Alvarado – Director of Photography
Why doing this?
In the heart of Tambopata, nestled within the lush landscapes of the Madre de Dios region in Peru, lies a remarkable community with a vibrant heritage—the Ese Eja Native Community of Infierno. It is here that an inspiring journey unfolds, one that centers around empowerment, identity, and sustainability.
Since 1996, Rainforest Expeditions and the Native Community of Infierno have had a successful strategic alliance. The Ese Eja Native Community of Infierno, Peru, owns Posada Amazonas eco-lodge, while Rainforest Expeditions supports its marketing and management. This partnership has been one of the most successful ventures between a local community and a tourism company anywhere in the world!
The Universidad Científica del Sur has embarked on a transformative mission to amplify the roles of women leaders within this community, leading to an enriching project that encapsulates the essence of cultural preservation, gender equality, and sustainable tourism.
Revitalizing Identity and Leadership Through Workshops
The Ese Eja Native Community of Infierno is at the core of this uplifting initiative. Recognizing the invaluable roles that women leaders play in shaping the destiny of their community, a series of workshops were conducted by a dedicated team from the Universidad Científica del Sur.
These workshops, conducted for both women and children, aimed to revitalize their cultural identity, strengthen leadership qualities, and inspire a deeper connection with their roots.
The workshops acted as a bridge between academia and local wisdom, fostering an environment of learning and mutual exchange. Participants had the opportunity to delve into discussions about heritage, sustainability, and gender empowerment. Through this exchange of knowledge and ideas, a renewed sense of pride and purpose emerged among the women of Ese Eja Infierno.
Unveiling Stories Through «Yo soy el Bosque»
A pivotal aspect of the project is the creation of the documentary «Yo soy el Bosque» (I Am the Forest). This poignant film captures the essence of the community’s journey, shedding light on the incredible work undertaken by the women of Infierno and Palma Real. Their leadership roles, both in preserving their native language Ese Eja and in championing sustainable practices, are highlighted with deep reverence.
«Yo soy el Bosque» serves as a testament to the strength, resilience, and wisdom of the women of Ese Eja Infierno. Their efforts stand as a beacon of hope for sustainable development in the region, demonstrating that empowered women leaders are pivotal drivers of positive change.
«Turismo y género» Project: A Pathway to Sustainable Future
The larger project, titled «Turismo y género desde la perspectiva de la educación universitaria» (Tourism and Gender from the Perspective of University Education), is a collaborative effort led by Inés Ruiz Alvarado, Dean of the University Científica del Sur, and Miguel Coll, a researcher from the University of Islas Baleares. This project encapsulates the ethos of sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and gender equity.
At its core, the project seeks to collect meaningful data about the women of the Amazonian community, uncovering the variables that determine their roles within the realm of Sustainable Development Goals and poverty alleviation. These efforts extend to exploring the profound impact of Ese Eja women in the domains of gender equality, environmental conservation, and the creation of resilient communities.
Towards a Brighter Future through sustainable development
In a world where preserving cultural heritage and embracing sustainable practices are of paramount importance, the initiative undertaken by the University Científica del Sur shines as a beacon of hope. Through workshops, documentaries, and collaborative projects, the Ese Eja women of Infierno and Palma Real are not just preserving their identity—they are actively shaping a future that celebrates their wisdom, resilience, and leadership.
As we navigate the complexities of sustainable development, let the story of Ese Eja Infierno remind us that empowerment knows no bounds, and that by nurturing women leaders, we nurture the world itself. Together, we can create a world where culture and sustainability go hand in hand, paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.
NOW READ: The Ese Eja Native Community of Infierno
-
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


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
-
March 06, 2020 Where can we travel now?...
After planning your deserved vacation so much, and rescheduling your dream trip due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) here 4 questions you might be asking before traveling (Where c...
Read more -
April 12, 2013 Bike Riding on Amazon Trails...
Ever wonder what it's like to ride mountain bikes through the Amazon? Hint: It's almost too much fun. Book with us here! By Phil Torres (follow him)...
Read more -
June 13, 2013 The Greatest Hawk? The Great Black Hawk...
The Great Black Hawk, Buteogallus urubitinga, is one of the many birds of prey in the Peruvian rainforest of Tambopata you will very likely see while boating up the river to the l...
Read more