Nestled in the lowlands near our Tambopata Research Center lodge lies an old-growth Aguaje Palm Swamp, one of the genuine treasures of the jungle. We believe that long ago, the area was an ancient Oxbow Lake. These primordial waters gradually dried up, but not completely, leaving behind a natural wetland filled with thousands of palm trees. The unique habitat is home to many species drawn in by its watery conditions and tasty palm fruits, from Blue and Yellow Macaws to amphibians to monkeys. Your guide will help you understand the importance of the Aguaje Palm Tree and habitat while on the Palm Swamp Trail. Finally, you’ll discover the rich wildlife and plants of the habitat for yourself!

• When: Morning or Afternoon
• Duration: 3h
• Difficulty Level: III

On the jungle trail above the river, the rainforest is brimming with wildlife. Because of its rich soil and giant trees, this part of the forest attracts many monkeys! Most noteworthy are the floodplain’s forests many Spider Monkeys, Red Howler Monkeys, and Brown Capuchin Monkeys. In fact, the trail gives you perhaps the best chance to see a wide variety of monkey species. But on this vibrant trail, you’ll find much more than just monkeys. You’ll be amazed at the trail’s diversity — you might even come across the tracks of a Puma, Ocelot, or Jaguar. This is untouched, truly wild Amazonia at its very best.

• When: Morning – Afternoon
• Duration: 1.5 – 2.5 hours
• Difficulty Level: I-II

Most rainforest life actually in the trees’ highest reaches: the canopy. While hiking through the jungle, the trees can rise over 60 meters (180 feet) above the ground, making you feel like you’re in an immense temple to nature. But the Canopy Tower is another story entirely. Reaching above the treetops, we’ve built several safe, sturdy towers that give you a bird’s eye view of the rainforest. Our guides will lead you on a hike to the tower and help out as you climb its steps at your own pace. Finally, you reach the top. There, you’ll be able to see miles of pristine forest stretching in every direction. Because animals are most active in the canopy, you’ll have incredible chances to see wildlife. In this unforgettable experience, you’ll be awed by the intimate views of treetop animals, paired with the sweeping panorama of the jungle.

• When: Morning
• Duration: 1 h
• Difficulty Level: II
• Where: At Refugio Amazonas

Discover the Magnificence of Jungle Trees: This part of the forest teems with every type of tree, from enormous, 400-year-old Ironwoods to funny-looking “Potbellied” palms, with their tusk-like horn growths. Many trees tower up to 50 meters (about 160 feet) into the canopy, with truly giant trunks and far-ranging root systems that will leave you in awe.

• When: Morning or Afternoon
• Duration: 3 hours
• Difficulty Level: II

The Tambopata Macaw Project is a long-term study of the biology and conservation management of large Macaws, a family of New World Parrots. The project focuses on studying nests, growing wild populations, and understanding why Macaws flock to Clay Licks. Due to the project’s location in our Tambopata Research Center lodge, guests enjoy unrivaled access to these dazzling birds.

• • Recommended for: Night
  • Duration: 45 minutes
  • Difficulty Level: I

Pristine primary rainforest encircles the Tambopata Research Center lodge. Because of its secluded, well-preserved location, you don’t need to wander far to find incredible wildlife. Accompanied by your guide, you’ll explore the lodge garden and search for jungle secrets nearby. You’ll find countless species of insects, reptiles, and often mammals and birds! Best of all, your knowledgeable guide will enrich your experience with deep insights into this diverse landscape.

• Recommended for: Morning or Afternoon
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Difficulty Level: I

Many different species of butterflies live in the Tambopata National Reserve, home to our most secluded lodge. In fact, Peru has the most types of butterflies in the world (around 3,700) and the Tambopata Reserve itself holds over 1,000 species! Your experienced guide can spot even the most evasive, camouflaged butterfly, and teach you all about jungle butterfly behavior as well.

• Recommended for: Morning or Afternoon
• Duration: 2 hours
• Difficulty Level: I

Who knew there was bamboo in the Amazon jungle? When you think of bamboo, vast Chinese forests and Panda Bears may come to mind. But here in the Southwestern Amazon Rainforest of our Tambopata home, bamboo species native to the Americas thrive. This bamboo, known locally as Guadua, loves the poorly drained upland soils in this part of the jungle. It dominates large swaths of the landscape with its incredibly fast growth — Guadua bamboo can grow several meters every year! The Bamboo Forest is an exceptionally rich wildlife habitat.

• Recommended for: Morning or Afternoon
• Duration: 3 hours
• Difficulty Level: III

This excursion is one of our most popular, as the island and pond ecosystem gives you access to wildlife you probably won’t find anywhere else. Just upriver from our Tambopata Research Center lodge, you’ll visit a small island in the middle of the Tambopata River. The island has rich, primary-growth forest, including native bamboo groves, that draw in unique wildlife. During your Island Exploration, you’ll also visit a tiny pond brimming with life. From a platform in the middle of the pond, you can watch for fish, frogs, turtles, birds, and even Caiman.

• Recommended for: Morning or Afternoon
• Duration: 2 hours
• Difficulty Level: II

Year-round, hundreds of birds from the Parrot family — from huge, brilliantly-hued Scarlet Macaws to neon green Mealy Parrots to flocks of pint-sized Parakeets — visit these bluffs on clear mornings. They eat the rich clay to supplement nutrients in their diet. This raucous and vibrant display is a beloved highlight for visitors and researchers at the Macaw Project. In fact, this spellbinding spectacle even inspired a National Geographic cover story!

• Recommended for: Early Morning
• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Difficulty Level: I

The Wild Creek Trail is one of the best places to experience the biodiversity of the rainforest. The hike follows an Amazon creek deep into the forest, passing through beautiful, untouched Terra Firme forest (high, solid ground). The trail is undeniably beautiful, with pristine, crystal-clear creeks, where you might catch sight of fish, frogs, and shy rainforest animals that few jungle visitors get a chance to see. As you hike the Wild Creek Trail, your guide will teach you all about rainforest creek ecology and help you spot wildlife. As a result, you’ll leave with a deep, newfound knowledge of this unique jungle ecosystem.

• Recommended for: Morning or Afternoon
• Duration: 3 hours
• Difficulty Level: III

There’s no better place to experience a sunset than a tranquil boat in the Amazon jungle. In the afternoon, your guide will accompany you to one of our comfortable lanchas. There, you’ll embark upon the easygoing Sunset Cruise.  When you’re not busy admiring the sunset itself, you have great chances to spot shy wildlife venturing out before dark. You’ll see a variety of riverside animals, from chunky Capybaras to elegant Macaws soaring overhead. Finally, as you drink in the breathtaking views and refreshing breeze, you’ll learn about the fascinating natural and human history of this Amazonian river. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.

• Recommended for: Late Afternoon
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Difficulty Level: I

Our River Overlook Trail is one of our most beloved hikes, popular with guests and guides alike.  After starting out from the lodge, you journey through an old bamboo forest teeming with life. As a result of bamboo’s unique properties, the plant attracts many diverse animals. You may come across a huge variety of species, from tiny frogs that live in the bamboo to Capuchin Monkeys to brightly-colored Trogons.

• Recommended for: Morning or Afternoon
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Difficulty Level: II

The Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick is one of the most stunning wildlife spectacles in the world, making it a must-see for travelers and families who love nature. The humid jungle air fills with the macaw’s screeches as they settle into trees above the bluffs, swooping down to feed on the clay. You couldn’t ask for a more fulfilling, unique experience in the Amazon Rainforest, and the activity is a highlight for all our guests.

• Recommended for: Early Morning
• Duration: Half-day
• Difficulty Level: I

Tambopata Research Center lodge guests can visit the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick on the way to the Research Center. Please ask.

Because it lies deep within the Amazon Rainforest, our Tambopata, Peru home is a paradise for birdwatching. Over 900bird species have been discovered in the area, making it one of the best places in the world for birdwatchers! Depending on the guests’ interests and abilities, we offer a wide range of birding experiences. All our lodges are near a variety of habitats for birdwatching. As a result of this diversity of landscapes, you’ll have a productive and lively birding experience. Whether it’s your first time birdwatching or your thousandth, this holds true.

• Recommended for: Morning or Afternoon
• Duration: 2 hours
• Difficulty Level: I

The jaguar is the largest cat species in the Americas, and the third-largest in the world, after the tiger and lion. They closely resemble leopards, but they’re usually even larger and stronger. A keystone species in the rainforest, jaguars are extremely elusive and well-camouflaged, making them tough to find. The best chance to spot this majestic cat is to coast along the river when the jaguar comes to the banks in order to drink water and hunt along the shore.

• Recommended for: Morning or Afternoon
• Duration: 2 hours
• Difficulty Level: I

The Rainforest Master Hike is the perfect outing for hardcore hikers and nature lovers.  Passing through a variety of ecosystems and an endless network of trails, this hike will maximize your opportunities to spot jungle wildlife. Hiking through a huge variety of landscapes and ecosystems, you’ll start to understand the true complexity of the Amazon Rainforest. Our guides will explain how and why each ecosystem, from new growth island forest to palm swamps, has developed over time.

• Recommended for: Morning
• Duration: Half-day
• Difficulty Level: III

Because this is a long hike in a generally hot, humid area, be prepared with plenty of water and repellent.

Our Jungle Night Walk gives you the once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the nocturnal wonders of the Amazon Rainforest. In deep darkness, surrounded by hundreds of jungle sounds and with the help of powerful lights, you enter a world inhabited by the most unique, diverse and shy night creatures. Many animals, especially insects, amphibians, and reptiles, hide from predators during the day. This means that nighttime is the best time to find beautiful tree frogs, shy snakes, and other rainforest creatures that only come out at night. From Night Monkeys to Poison Dart Frogs, Tarantulas to Stick Bugs, you never know what miraculous creature you’ll find!

• Recommended for: Night
• Duration: 1 hour
• Difficulty Level: I