6-Day Tambopata Amazon Tour: Chuncho Macaws & Reserved Zone
6 days
/5 nights
Desde:
$ 799/por persona
Tambopata Amazon Tour: Chuncho Macaws & Reserved Zone
Immerse yourself in a 6-day expedition through the heart of the Peruvian Amazon.
Explore the legendary El Chuncho macaw clay lick, navigate Lake Sandoval, and experience an unforgettable wild adventure in the Tambopata and Bahuaja-Sonene reserves.
- El Chuncho Clay Lick: Observe up close one of the largest concentrations of macaws and parrots gathering at clay cliffs.
- Lake Sandoval and Giant Otters: Canoe across a protected, mirror-like lake that is home to black caimans and families of giant river otters.
- Canopy Adventure: Defy the heights with a suspension bridge and a 190-meter zipline ride over the pristine rainforest.
- Deep Immersion: Explore primary forest trails, giant lupuna trees, and medicinal plants, and experience night safari walks.
- Cultural Exchange: Visit a local native community to learn about their customs and ancestral artifacts.
Tour summary
A 6-day, 5-night expedition designed for true nature and adventure enthusiasts. This program combines two of the most protected and biodiverse ecosystems in the Peruvian Amazon: the Tambopata National Reserve (Lake Sandoval) and Bahuaja-Sonene National Park (El Chuncho Clay Lick).
During the journey, you will venture deep into the jungle by navigating the Tambopata River, witness the morning spectacle of hundreds of macaws and parrots feeding on clay, and traverse suspension bridges high above the treetops during an exciting canopy and zipline experience. Additionally, you will sleep in rustic lodges and safari-style camps, explore the habitat of giant river otters by paddle canoe, and learn about local culture from a native family and expert guides.
Map Tour Tambopata Amazon Tour: Chuncho Macaws & Reserved Zone
6-Day Tambopata Amazon Tour: Chuncho Macaws & Reserved Zone
Embark on an unforgettable 6-day Tambopata jungle expedition designed for true nature and adventure lovers. This immersive journey combines the deep biodiversity of the Bahuaja-Sonene National Park with the protected wildlife sanctuary of the Tambopata National Reserve (Sandoval Lake).
From witnessing hundreds of colorful macaws at the famous Chuncho clay lick to sleeping deep inside the reserve and experiencing high-adrenaline canopy adventures, this comprehensive program offers the ultimate Peruvian Amazon experience.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Your adventure begins upon arrival in Puerto Maldonado, where our team will welcome you and transfer you to the river port. From there, you will embark on a scenic 4-hour motorboat journey up the Tambopata River to our remote camping lodge (enjoying a box lunch along the way). Keep your eyes open for riverbanks dotted with local farms, sunbathing turtles, and families of capybaras—the world's largest rodents.
After settling in and taking a short rest, you will head out on an introductory twilight walk. Furthermore, your guide will introduce you to basic rainforest ecology while you listen to the nocturnal symphony of insects, spot colorful frogs, and occasionally cross paths with nocturnal mammals. Return to the lodge for a peaceful night surrounded by the sounds of the Amazon. (Lunch, Dinner)
An early start at 4:30 AM sets the tone for today. After a light coffee or mate, you will take a 40-minute boat ride upstream to witness one of the planet's most spectacular wildlife events at the El Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick (Bahuaja-Sonene National Park). Hundreds of parrots, parakeets, and vibrant macaws gather on the clay walls to feed on mineral-rich earth, creating an explosion of color and sound.
Afterward, you will walk along the river beach looking for fresh animal tracks before returning to the lodge for a full breakfast and downtime.
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Midday Activity: Around 11:00 AM, take a short boat trip to Cascadas del Gato, where you can swim in a refreshing natural jacuzzi or try fishing for some of the 250 local species.
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Afternoon & Evening: Following lunch, dive deeper into the rainforest on an ethnobotanical walk along the Tambopata cross path to learn about medicinal trees, walking palms, and giant lupunas. As night falls, embark on a caiman-spotting safari along the riverbanks. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
After breakfast, enjoy another fantastic morning observing active birds and parrots feeding along the riverbanks. Following lunch at the lodge, you will travel 30 minutes downstream to establish a remote safari campsite for the night.
As evening descends, scan the river for glowing caiman eyes, capybaras, and nocturnal birds. Later, gather around a crackling campfire as your expert guide shares fascinating stories and legends of the jungle. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Begin your morning with an early breakfast before traveling downstream by boat to visit a local native family. They will share insights into their ancestral culture, traditions, and hand-crafted hunting artifacts. Afterward, head to a nearby restaurant for lunch.
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Canopy Adventure: Get ready for an adrenaline rush at a 27-meter-high observation tower. Cross an 89-meter suspension bridge suspended high among ancient tree branches, followed by an exhilarating 190-meter zipline flight over the jungle canopy.
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The Journey to Sandoval Lake: Following your canopy adventure, a motorized boat will take you to the port of Sandoval Oxbow Lake. From there, you will hike for about one hour through the Tambopata-Candamo reserve trails to reach the cozy Maloka Sandoval Lodge, located right inside the reserve zone. Enjoy dinner and a night walk around the lake to spot resting wildlife. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Rise early to visit the Macaw Palm Lick, a unique ecosystem where macaws and parrots gather to feed on decomposing, mineral-rich palm trees essential for their digestion. After breakfast back at the lodge, embark on a guided trek through primary forest. Consequently, you will have excellent opportunities to spot mammals such as monkeys, deer, peccaries, sloths, and anteaters.
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Afternoon: After a relaxing lunch, you can safely swim in designated areas of the lake. Later in the afternoon, explore Lake Sandoval by wooden canoe, searching for the resident family of giant river otters, black caimans, and prehistoric hoatzin birds (shanshos).
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Night Excursion: Wrap up the day with a nocturnal hike to track tarantulas, scorpions, and crystal frogs. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
After a relaxed breakfast, you will retrace your steps along the scenic jungle trail back to the port, where a vehicle will transfer you directly to the Puerto Maldonado airport or bus station for your onward journey to Cusco or Lima. (Breakfast)
What's included in the tour?
- Airport/bus station transfers in Puerto Maldonado.
- Professional naturalist guide (English/Spanish).
- All meals (vegetarian options available upon request).
- Purified drinking water.
- Lodge accommodations and camping equipment.
- First-aid kit and rubber boots.
- All entrance fees to the Tambopata National Reserve (including Sandoval Lake access).
does not included in the tour
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Airport taxes.
- Travel insurance.
- Extra hotel nights outside the itinerary.
Recommendations
- Insect repellent (minimum 20% DEET) and sunscreen.
- Sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and a raincoat/poncho.
- Lightweight long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
- Flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries).
- Comfortable trekking shoes and sandals/flip-flops.
- Reusable water bottle and binoculars for optimal wildlife viewing.
What to bring?
- Insect repellent (minimum 20% DEET) and sunscreen.
- Sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and a raincoat/poncho.
- Lightweight long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
- Flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries).
- Comfortable trekking shoes and sandals/flip-flops.
- Reusable water bottle and binoculars for optimal wildlife viewing.
¿Additional information about the Lodge...?
FAQs - FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions Tambopata tour)
1. When is the best time of year to take this 6-day Tambopata tour?
Generally, the Tambopata jungle can be visited year-round. However, between May and October is the dry season, which makes trail trekking easier and increases the chances of spotting wildlife at clay licks and riverbanks. On the other hand, the rainy season (November to April) offers greener landscapes, higher waterfall flows, and intense activity from amphibians and nocturnal insects.
2. What physical fitness level do I need for this 6-day program?
This program requires a moderate physical fitness level. First, daily walks range between 3 and 6 kilometers over flat or muddy terrain. Additionally, the humid tropical climate can make exertion feel slightly higher. Therefore, it is ideal for active people, though no prior extreme trekking experience is required.
3. Is it safe to swim in Sandoval Lake and the rivers?
Yes, absolutely. During the tour, you will have the chance to swim in specific, safe areas of Sandoval Lake, as well as in the refreshing natural pools of Cascadas del Gato. Likewise, our professional guides evaluate water conditions beforehand to ensure the experience is completely safe and risk-free.
4. Where will we stay during the 6 nights of the expedition?
Accommodation is designed to offer a total immersion experience. During the first few nights, you will stay at a cozy, rustic lodge along the Tambopata River. Subsequently, you will spend one night at an equipped safari campsite, and close the final nights at Maloka Sandoval Lodge, strategically located right inside the Tambopata National Reserve, featuring private rooms and private bathrooms.
5. What are the real chances of seeing giant river otters at Sandoval Lake?
Very high. Sandoval Lake is home to a resident, well-habituated family of giant river otters. Although wildlife is wild and can never be 100% guaranteed, the advantage of a 6-day tour is having ample time to canoe at different times of day, maximizing your chances of finding them fishing or playing.
6. What is the food like during the tour, and do you cater to vegetarian diets?
Meals are hearty, homemade, and energy-rich, prepared with fresh local ingredients. Typically, daily menus include soups, chicken, meat, river fish dishes, rice, salads, and seasonal tropical fruits. Furthermore, if you are vegetarian, vegan, or have a food allergy, you just need to let us know upon booking to arrange personalized options at no extra cost.
7. What type of clothing and footwear should I pack?
For the jungle, comfort and protection are key. We recommend packing quick-drying long pants, long-sleeved cotton or polyester shirts to prevent bug bites, good-grip trekking shoes, and sandals to rest at the lodge. Additionally, don't forget to include an emergency rain poncho and a wide-brimmed hat.
8. Is yellow fever vaccination mandatory before traveling?
It is not strictly mandatory by law to enter the Madre de Dios region, but the Peruvian Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) strongly recommend it as a preventive health measure for any traveler entering lowland tropical jungle areas.
9. Will I have access to electricity and internet signal during the trip?
No, remote lodges and reserve areas lack mobile coverage and internet access, making it a great opportunity to disconnect from routine. Nevertheless, the lodges typically have limited solar energy systems or generators running during specific hours to charge camera batteries and flashlights.
10. How safe are the canopy suspension bridges and zipline?
Completely safe. The canopy platforms, suspension bridges, and zipline cables adhere to strict maintenance and engineering standards. Before doing the activity, you will receive certified safety equipment (harnesses, helmets, and safety lines) and direct supervision from expert adventure tourism guides.
11. Can children participate in this 6-day tour?
Yes, they can, provided they are accustomed to outdoor walking and enjoy nature. However, due to the 6-day duration, humid weather conditions, and long boat journeys, this program is primarily recommended for families with teenagers or children over 10 years old with good walking habits.
12. What happens if my arrival flight or bus to Puerto Maldonado is delayed?
Our local team constantly monitors arrival schedules for flights and buses. In case an unexpected delay occurs, we will be waiting for you at the airport or bus terminal to safely reorganize the river transfer, adjusting the first day's itinerary smoothly.
Generally, the Tambopata jungle can be visited year-round. However, between May and October is the dry season, which makes trail trekking easier and increases the chances of spotting wildlife at clay licks and riverbanks. On the other hand, the rainy season (November to April) offers greener landscapes, higher waterfall flows, and intense activity from amphibians and nocturnal insects.
This program requires a moderate physical fitness level. First, daily walks range between 3 and 6 kilometers over flat or muddy terrain. Additionally, the humid tropical climate can make exertion feel slightly higher. Therefore, it is ideal for active people, though no prior extreme trekking experience is required.
Yes, absolutely. During the tour, you will have the chance to swim in specific, safe areas of Sandoval Lake, as well as in the refreshing natural pools of Cascadas del Gato. Likewise, our professional guides evaluate water conditions beforehand to ensure the experience is completely safe and risk-free.
Accommodation is designed to offer a total immersion experience. During the first few nights, you will stay at a cozy, rustic lodge along the Tambopata River. Subsequently, you will spend one night at an equipped safari campsite, and close the final nights at Maloka Sandoval Lodge, strategically located right inside the Tambopata National Reserve, featuring private rooms and private bathrooms.
Very high. Sandoval Lake is home to a resident, well-habituated family of giant river otters. Although wildlife is wild and can never be 100% guaranteed, the advantage of a 6-day tour is having ample time to canoe at different times of day, maximizing your chances of finding them fishing or playing.
Meals are hearty, homemade, and energy-rich, prepared with fresh local ingredients. Typically, daily menus include soups, chicken, meat, river fish dishes, rice, salads, and seasonal tropical fruits. Furthermore, if you are vegetarian, vegan, or have a food allergy, you just need to let us know upon booking to arrange personalized options at no extra cost.
For the jungle, comfort and protection are key. We recommend packing quick-drying long pants, long-sleeved cotton or polyester shirts to prevent bug bites, good-grip trekking shoes, and sandals to rest at the lodge. Additionally, don’t forget to include an emergency rain poncho and a wide-brimmed hat.
It is not strictly mandatory by law to enter the Madre de Dios region, but the Peruvian Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) strongly recommend it as a preventive health measure for any traveler entering lowland tropical jungle areas.
No, remote lodges and reserve areas lack mobile coverage and internet access, making it a great opportunity to disconnect from routine. Nevertheless, the lodges typically have limited solar energy systems or generators running during specific hours to charge camera batteries and flashlights.
Completely safe. The canopy platforms, suspension bridges, and zipline cables adhere to strict maintenance and engineering standards. Before doing the activity, you will receive certified safety equipment (harnesses, helmets, and safety lines) and direct supervision from expert adventure tourism guides.
Yes, they can, provided they are accustomed to outdoor walking and enjoy nature. However, due to the 6-day duration, humid weather conditions, and long boat journeys, this program is primarily recommended for families with teenagers or children over 10 years old with good walking habits.
Our local team constantly monitors arrival schedules for flights and buses. In case an unexpected delay occurs, we will be waiting for you at the airport or bus terminal to safely reorganize the river transfer, adjusting the first day’s itinerary smoothly.
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6-Day Tambopata Amazon Tour: Chuncho Macaws & Reserved Zone
