Short itinerary
Day 1: Monte Amazónico Tambopata
- Reception at the airport or bus station in Puerto Maldonado and transfer to the Monte Amazónico office for check-in. Repack if needed to bring only essentials.
- Travel by 4×4 for approximately 2 hours to the banks of the Tambopata River, then take a motorized boat to the lodge.
- Arrival, welcome, room assignment, and lunch.
- Afternoon introductory walk into the rainforest to spot amphibians, mammals, reptiles, and insects in their natural habitat.
- Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Macaw Clay Lick
- Early wake-up at 4:30 am for a 1.5-hour boat trip to Chuncho, the world’s largest macaw clay lick.
- Chance to spot capybaras, tapirs, or even jaguars along the way.
- Watch hundreds of parrots and macaws feeding on clay in a spectacular natural display.
- Return to the lodge for breakfast and relaxation.
- Visit the botanical garden to learn about fruit trees, timber, and medicinal plants, then transfer back to Puerto Maldonado for your flight or bus.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Monte Amazónico Tambopata
Your journey starts with a warm reception at the Puerto Maldonado airport or bus terminal, followed by a transfer to the Monte Amazónico office for registration. If you’re carrying large luggage, you’ll have the opportunity to repack and bring only what’s essential for your rainforest adventure. Then, board a 4×4 vehicle for approximately two hours until reaching the banks of the Tambopata River. Here, you’ll take a motorized boat that winds through the river’s lush landscapes, leading to your lodge. Upon arrival, enjoy a friendly welcome, get settled into your room, and savor a delicious lunch.
In the afternoon, accompanied by your guide, head out for an introductory walk into the tropical rainforest. This walk offers your first real glimpse into the vibrant ecosystem of the Amazon—home to amphibians, mammals, reptiles, and countless remarkable insects. Your guide will explain the unique interdependence of the plants and animals you encounter. After this immersive experience, return to the lodge for dinner and a restful night, lulled by the sounds of the jungle.
Day 2: Macaw Clay Lick
Wake up early at 4:30 am to embark on an extraordinary journey to Chuncho, the largest macaw clay lick in the world. This trip takes approximately 1.5 hours by boat, traveling deeper into the heart of the rainforest. Along the way, keep watch for wildlife—capybaras (the largest rodents in the world), tapirs, and with a bit of luck, the stunning South American jaguar. Many travelers return with incredible photos of these once-in-a-lifetime sightings.
Upon reaching the clay lick, settle into your seats and wait for one of nature’s greatest spectacles to begin. Hundreds of parrots of various species will start arriving, their vibrant colors flashing as they gather on the clay walls to feed—consuming vital minerals that aid in digestion and help eliminate toxins. Soon after, three of the most colorful macaw species in the Americas (red and green macaws, plus blue and yellow macaws) join the feast. On a good day, you’ll witness hundreds of these magnificent birds flying overhead in an awe-inspiring display of color and sound—a truly unforgettable moment in the Amazon.
After this breathtaking event, return to the lodge for breakfast and some time to relax. Later in the morning, explore the lodge’s botanical garden with your guide, learning about the local fruit trees, timber species, and medicinal plants traditionally used by communities in the region. Your journey concludes as you board the boat back to the river port, retracing your route by 4×4 to Puerto Maldonado, and then receiving a transfer to the airport or bus terminal—carrying with you memories of an unparalleled Amazon adventure.
Included
- Tourist transport
- Motorized boat transfers
- Entrance tickets to the reserves
- Professional bilingual guide
- First aid kit
- 1 night accommodation at the lodge
- Meals (1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner)
Not included
- Any lunch not specifically mentioned
- Personal expenses or extras
Recommendations
- The best time to visit is during the dry season.
- Bring lightweight clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a rain jacket.
- Carry a small backpack with water, snacks, and daily essentials.
- Always follow your guide’s instructions and respect the wildlife and local communities.
