3 days in the Amazon (Puerto Maldonado)

This immersive three-day adventure in Tambopata begins with a scenic journey by road and river into the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, arriving at Refugio Amazonas—an ecolodge set within a chestnut forest. Guests enjoy guided rainforest walks, canopy views, rich wildlife encounters, and hands-on participation in the Wired Amazon citizen science program, including night species discovery and camera trapping. Highlights include the spectacular macaw clay lick at dawn and a visit to a local Amazon farm to learn about sustainable living. The experience concludes with a return to Puerto Maldonado, leaving travelers with unforgettable memories and a meaningful connection to Amazon conservation.

This is a suggested itinerary. You have the flexibility to choose from the available activities each day upon arrival at the lodge, allowing you to create your perfect Amazon experience

Day 1: Welcome to Tambopata!

Arriving in Puerto Maldonado, the capital of Madre de Dios, we will begin with a one-hour road trip followed by a peaceful one-hour boat ride along the Tambopata River. As we travel deeper into the heart of the rainforest, you will enjoy your first taste of Amazonian cuisine during the journey.

When we reach the riverbank, you will climb a staircase whose length varies with the season, followed by a short walk through the vibrant Amazon rainforest. This journey marks the beginning of your stay, immersing you in the wonders of the Peruvian Amazon.

Arrive at Refugio Amazonas, a charming ecolodge located in the heart of a chestnut forest, featuring a bar, massage room, and dining service. This lodge also serves as the base for the wired Amazon program, a pioneering citizen science initiative where guests can engage in research activities such as Aerobotany, AmazonCam, and Discovering New Species.

Settle into your 45-square-meter room with mosquito nets over the beds, a private bathroom, and an open window facing the forest to maximize your connection with nature.

Your stay includes three daily meals, teas, coffee, guided excursions and activities, a welcome drink upon arrival, and transfers to and from the airport. Guides are provided at a 10:1 ratio to ensure personalized service.

In the afternoon, take a short walk to the 40-meter-high Canopy Tower. Climb the safe staircase to the top for panoramic views of the Tambopata National Reserve’s lush forest. Spot toucans, macaws, and raptors flying above the canopy.

Before dinner, attend a night lecture by Wired Amazon researchers, who will share insights into ongoing projects and the importance of citizen science in rainforest conservation.

After dinner, participate in the Discovering New Species activity. Venture to the night light trap with researchers to explore the forest and potentially discover new species, contributing valuable data to the area’s biodiversity.

Day 2: Macaw Clay Lick and Amazon Farm

Begin your day early with a visit to the Macaw Clay Lick, one of the Amazon’s most impressive wildlife spectacles. On clear mornings, dozens of large macaws and hundreds of parrots gather on the riverbank, creating a vibrant display of color and sound. Observe discreetly as Green-winged, Scarlet, and Blue-and-gold Macaws, along with smaller parrots, descend to ingest clay, most active at dawn.

In the afternoon, you can participate in the Amazon Cam activity. Set up camera traps along the trail to the Amazon farm, capturing images of elusive wildlife and contributing to important research on animal populations and behaviors.

Visit the local Amazon farm to explore a variety of crops grown by the community. Learn about sustainable agriculture in the Amazon and discover how nearly every plant and tree serves a purpose, reflecting the deep connection between the local people and their environment.

Day 3: Departing from Tambopata

Enjoy an early breakfast before departing Refugio Amazonas. Return to Puerto Maldonado for your flight, taking with you unforgettable memories of your Amazon adventure and the satisfaction of contributing to the Wired Amazon program’s conservation efforts in the Tambopata National Reserve.

• Assistance at the airport
• Round trip transportation by land and river (Airport / Lodge / Airport)
• 2 nights at Refugio Amazonas lodge
• Full board
• Purifed water
• À-la-carte excursions (Spanish and English)
• Basic equipment for each excursion