Tambopata National Reserve Tour (5 Days)
Tour Description
Embark on a great adventure in the heart of the Amazon with Trails to Machu Picchu and its Tambopata National Reserve Tour (5 days). As we venture into the lush Tambopata rainforest, we will enjoy an eco-tour in the Amazon that promises not only adventure but also a connection with nature.
From the vibrant city of Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the Amazon, this journey begins and extends to Lake Sandoval. This tour has been carefully designed to offer an Amazon rainforest experience.
We will begin our adventure with an early morning departure, ensuring that the awakening life of the Amazon welcomes us. The air, filled with the symphony of the rainforest, marks the beginning of everything to come.
As we navigate through the dense vegetation, purified water will be our constant companion.
Adventures and wildlife encounters
One of the highlights of the tour includes a canoeing experience on Lake Sandoval. The golden tones of the sunset, combined with the calm waters, create a unique moment. It is here where we will be able to observe a family of capybaras during our night boat ride.
Capybaras, along with a wide variety of wildlife such as insects, monkeys, and caimans, turn this experience into an unforgettable Amazon wildlife observation.
Our journey will not leave out the thrill of adventure. We will take part in an activity where we will use a filter to catch and release piranhas.
Before dipping your hands into the water, under the guidance of our jungle expert, an adventurous spirit ready to explore the Amazon is required.
Additionally, the exploration of clay licks allows for wildlife observation in their natural habitat, including piranhas, snakes, and other species.
These experiences foster a deeper understanding of the Amazon ecosystem.
We recommend this tour for those seeking an Amazon tour in Peru and to explore its natural landscapes.
Experience your Tambopata National Reserve tour with us:
With Trails to Machu Picchu, you can paddle under a starry sky, walk through the jungle, and experience the Amazon.
This Tambopata National Reserve tour is not just a trip, it is a true immersion in the Amazon rainforest.
Join this Amazon experience and create unforgettable memories.
5 Days
Adventure
Moderado
Cusco
8:00 am
12 people
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Puerto Maldonado – Lake Sandoval
On the first day of the tour, we will begin an exciting adventure into the heart of the Amazon, accompanied by an expert local guide who will bring the jungle to life with their knowledge.
Upon your arrival at the Puerto Maldonado airport, we will welcome you and transfer you to our office. If you have large luggage, you can leave it there and take only what is necessary for the experience.
Our adventure begins with a road trip of approximately one and a half hours to the Filadelfia port. From this point, we will board a motorized boat heading to our lodge, surrounded by the lush Amazon rainforest.
During the boat ride, you will have the opportunity to observe the river life and dense vegetation that characterize this region.
In the afternoon, we will take an introductory jungle walk, where you will be able to closely appreciate the incredible Amazon biodiversity, from giant trees to small insects, and with luck spot capybaras, monkeys, and caimans along the riverbanks.
At nightfall, the jungle reveals a new side. We will go on a nighttime walk along trails, equipped with flashlights and guided by an expert, in search of nocturnal animals such as insects, birds, snakes, mammals, and frogs in their natural habitat.
During the day, we will explore different areas that will allow you to immerse yourself in the essence of the Amazon. The altitude remains close to river level, making the experience accessible.
The difficulty level of this first day is easy to moderate, suitable for most travelers.
Day 1 details:
- Distance covered: Variable, combining hikes and boat navigation.
- Maximum altitude: Approximately 200 m a.s.l.
- Minimum altitude: Approximately 183 m a.s.l.
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate.
Day 2: Chuncho Clay Lick – Raft – Canopy Tower
On the second day of the tour, we will start very early with an exciting visit to the Chuncho macaw clay lick, one of the main attractions of the Amazon, accompanied by expert local guides.
We will wake up at dawn to take a motorized boat ride of approximately 30 minutes upstream. During the journey, we will have the opportunity to observe birds, reptiles, mammals and even capybaras. With some luck, it is also possible to spot a jaguar in its natural habitat.
Upon arrival at the Chuncho clay lick, we will position ourselves in a strategic spot where we will enjoy breakfast while observing one of nature’s most impressive spectacles: the gathering of macaws, parrots, and parakeets in vibrant colors.
After this experience, we will return to the lodge. Later, we will take part in a traditional river activity using a handmade raft, allowing us to connect authentically and sustainably with the Amazon environment.
During the day, we will explore different ecosystems, from the river to the jungle, enjoying a complete Amazon experience.
Day 2 details:
- Distance covered: Variable, including boat rides and hikes.
- Maximum altitude: Approximately 200 m a.s.l.
- Minimum altitude: River level.
- Difficulty level: Moderate, due to the early start and activities.
Day 3: Mammal Clay Lick, Sunset at Lake Sandoval and Caiman Search
On the third day of the tour, we will continue exploring the Amazon and its unique ecosystems, accompanied by our expert local guides.
After breakfast at the lodge, we will take a hike of approximately 45 minutes to a mammal clay lick, active year-round. This place attracts species such as tapirs, peccaries, deer, and howler monkeys, which come to consume essential minerals. Although the probability of sightings is around 30%, the hike itself is a rewarding experience due to the biodiversity of the environment.
After lunch at the lodge, we will head to the city of Puerto Maldonado to continue our route to Lake Sandoval.
From the port, we will board a motorized boat to navigate the Madre de Dios River for approximately 30 minutes to the entrance of the Tambopata National Reserve.
Afterward, we will take a 3 km walk along an accessible trail that takes about 45 minutes. During the journey, you will be able to observe birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians in their natural habitat.
Upon arrival at Lake Sandoval, we will board a rowing canoe and navigate through flooded palm forests. At the end of the day, we will enjoy an impressive sunset on the lake.
At night, we will go on a caiman search, an activity that allows us to observe these reptiles in their natural environment.
Day 3 details:
- Distance covered: Includes a 45-minute hike, a 30-minute boat ride, and a 3 km walk to the lake.
- Maximum altitude: Does not exceed 300 m a.s.l.
- Minimum altitude: River and lake level.
- Difficulty level: Moderate.
Day 4: Giant Otter Watching, Giant Tree Walk and Brazil Nut Excursion
On the fourth day of the tour, we will continue exploring the biodiversity of the Amazon through unique nature experiences, guided by our local experts.
We will start early with a rowing canoe ride on Lake Sandoval, where we will enjoy a beautiful sunrise surrounded by wildlife. During this activity, we may observe birds such as hoatzins, woodpeckers, toucans, and tanagers, as well as different species of monkeys.
The lake waters are home to fish such as piranhas and sardines, and it is also possible to observe reptiles and macaws in flight. One of the highlights will be spotting giant otters, especially active in the morning.
After breakfast at the lodge, we will take a walk through the primary forest in search of giant trees, including different species of ceiba trees known for their size and ecological importance.
In the afternoon, we will begin a hike to an ancient Brazil nut forest, where you will learn about the sustainable harvesting process of this resource, from extraction to commercialization.
To end the day, you will have the option to choose an additional excursion according to your interests, coordinated with your guide, allowing for a more personalized experience.
Day 4 details:
- Distance covered: Variable, combining hikes and canoe rides.
- Maximum altitude: Does not exceed 300 m a.s.l.
- Minimum altitude: Lake level.
- Difficulty level: Moderate.
Day 5: Lake Sandoval, Canopy Walkway and Visit to Native Family
On the final day of the tour, we will conclude our Amazon experience by combining nature and culture, accompanied by our local guides.
We will begin the day with an activity on a suspension bridge located 45 meters high, from where we can observe the biodiversity of the jungle from a unique perspective, enjoying a panoramic view of the Amazon canopy.
After this experience, we will visit a native family living on the banks of the Madre de Dios River. This visit will allow us to learn about their customs and appreciate their crafts, textiles, and paintings, offering a closer look at their daily life.
After lunch, we will begin our return to the city of Puerto Maldonado, where we will transfer you to the airport or bus terminal.
Day 5 details:
- Distance covered: Includes canopy walk, visit to native community, and return to the city.
- Maximum altitude: 45 meters above ground in the canopy.
- Minimum altitude: River level during the visit to the native family.
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate.
What is included?
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Local naturalist guide (English and Spanish)
- Private boat transportation
- Accommodations in jungle lodges
- Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Water available at all times and hot beverages or lemonade with meals
- Professional cook and assistants
- Meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners. If you have any dietary requests, such as vegetarian meals, please let us know
- Oxygen cylinder and first-aid kit
- Entrance fees
What's Not Included?
- Personal trekking gear, tips for the guide and support staff, services in the city
- First breakfast (on the first day), typically provided at your hotel before departure
- Final lunch at the end of the tour on day 4
- Personal expenses
Packing List
Below is a list of recommended items for your tour of the Tambopata National Reserve, designed to ensure your comfort and safety throughout your jungle experience.
- Comfortable clothing
- Hat
- Hiking boots
- Headlamp
- Rain poncho
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Hiking poles
- Cash
- Personal medications
- Passport or ID
- Camera
- First aid kit
- Insect repellent
- Snacks
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, we answer some of the most relevant questions travelers have before taking the 5-day Tambopata National Reserve tour.
How likely is it to observe wildlife such as macaws, otters, or jaguars?
Wildlife observation is frequent during the tour, especially in places such as the Chuncho clay lick and Lake Sandoval. It is common to see macaws, parrots, and giant otters. However, sightings of animals such as jaguars depend on natural factors and therefore cannot be guaranteed.
What are the transportation methods during the tour?
The tour combines different types of transportation, including road transfers, motorized boat navigation, and rowing canoe trips, as well as jungle hikes.
What level of physical fitness is recommended?
The tour has an easy to moderate difficulty level on most days, with some moderate activities due to hiking and early schedules. It is suitable for travelers with basic to intermediate physical fitness.
What kind of cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to a native family in the Amazon, where you can learn about their customs, crafts, and way of life, offering an authentic cultural experience.
What makes the Chuncho macaw clay lick special?
It is one of the best places in the Amazon to observe macaws and other birds. Under favorable conditions, large groups can be seen feeding on mineral-rich clay.
What type of accommodation is offered during the tour?
Accommodation is provided in lodges located in the jungle, surrounded by nature, allowing for an immersive Amazon experience.
Are there activities during the night?
Yes, the tour includes nighttime walks and caiman searching, allowing you to observe species that are only active at night, always accompanied by specialized guides.
What types of activities stand out in this tour?
The main activities include visits to macaw and mammal clay licks, jungle hikes, river and lake navigation, canopy walkway, and cultural experiences with local communities.
Customer Experience
Posted on Miguel Ángel MVerified Choquequirao Hi everyone, I highly recommend the Choquequirao tour (the one I did) with this agency because of all my options, it offered the best guaranteed service. There were no problems, so I'm very satisfied.Posted on Navigate03655434048Verified Recommended I did the Machu Picchu-Inca Trail tour with this agency, 100% recommended guys, the service was excellent and seeing all these places was simply beautifulPosted on Navigator25956226682Verified A really wonderfull experience Visiting Manu National Park with this agency was truly the best choice! 👌 The Peruvian rainforest is truly magnificent and wonderful, and the agency really gives you the opportunity to experience the best of it.Posted on LuisVerified A Remarkable Journey to Choquequirao An unforgettable 5-star adventure to Choquequirao, with breathtaking views, incredible Inca ruins, and a true sense of untouched beauty throughout the trek. The experience was made even better by our tour guide, Richard, who was knowledgeable, funny, and kind—he kept us motivated, shared fascinating insights, and made every moment along the journey even more enjoyable.Posted on Nancy MVerified The trip of my dreams!!! I'm Nancy and I loved the experience we had with the tour. We had a wonderful experience to remember. The service was excellent, punctual, and professional from everyone who accompanied us. We'll definitely be back, thank you so much! 🤗Posted on rocio cVerified beautiful experience We had an unforgettable experience with this company visiting Manu National Park for two days. My family and I are very happy to have enjoyed such a well-organized tour. We saw monkeys, birds, snakes, capybaras, caimans, and much more. Thank you for this great experience, Trails to Machu Picchu.Posted on Sreeram HariharanVerified Worth it Had a wonderful trip to Choquequirao Site with Richard as our guide. Everything was perfect and Richard was very knowledgeable.Posted on Warner JVerified Very well organised trip I felt little sick because of the altitude, a day before the tour, but since everything was booked, I decided to do the tour anyways. Thanks Richard for going above and beyond in ensuring that everything was going smoothly. He was constantly in touch with me through Whatsapp ensuring that I was doing well. The guide was very kind and took things really slowly and never made felt rushed. The lunch was very nice at a local restaurant in Sacred Valley. I was accommodated for a night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes, the room was very nice and the hotel was right in the centre of the town. The guide showed up the night before and briefed me on what to expect. Everything was just perfect. In Machu Picchu, the guide walked us directly to the view point first while other groups were still in the lower part of the citadel. We had plenty of time in Machu Picchu and got a detailed insight into the Andean history and culture.Posted on Andre SmithVerified Incredible experience I had the chance to do the 4-day Choquequirao trek with Trails to Machu Picchu and it was truly an amazing experience. The landscapes along the way are stunning and the site itself is simply unique. Everything was very well organized and the team was always friendly and helpful. I definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a real adventure in Peru.Posted on yosfran gVerified Choquequirao An incredible 4-day adventure to Choquequirao The views were absolutely breathtaking and the ruins are truly magical. Our guide was fantastic and made the whole experience even more special. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an unforgettable trek in Peru 🌄
Posted on David Soncco C. (D.v.D)Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fue uno bonita experiencia realizar el tour al Parque Nacional del Manu por 3 días, los guías super buenísimos que nos ayudaron a llevarnos una bonita experiencia, muy atentos y super divertidos!!!Posted on alishahbaz afridiTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommended for this place is amazing superbPosted on Gulfam GillTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Hiking the trails to Machu Picchu was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From lush cloud forests to ancient Inca ruins, every step was filled with breathtaking views and rich history. The Inca Trail was challenging but rewarding, and reaching the Sun Gate at sunrise made all the effort worth it. Highly recommended for adventure lovers and history buffs alikePosted on AhsanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They made my day 😊⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Posted on Ahsan Visa servicesTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a great experience with them, recommendedPosted on DivCodeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very good tour that I have done, highly recommended to know the Inca Trail🙂😌Posted on Nelly Montalvo PaccoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tuvimos la oportunidad de ir con mi familia a conocer Cusco y la experiancia fue única, lo pasamos muy bien desde el transporte, nuestro guía fue muy profesional, la alimentación excelente. Hizo que mi estancia fuera realmente memorable. Estamos muy agradecidos y recomendamos la Agencia de viajes.Posted on david abraham soto lopezTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Buen servicio... me encanto el Guiado de la agencia ... siempre atentos y aclarando cada duda y pregunta con mucho conocimiento.
Feel free to call us. We’re a team of experts and would be happy to speak with you.
- +51 970 409 091
- [email protected]