Tambopata research center
Tambopata Research Center (TRC) is only lodge located inside Tambopata Natural Reserve.
Comfortable, 24-bedroom rainforest lodge is one of remotest in South America.
Attracts researchers & adventurous travellers for unique location & stunning macaw clay licks.
In pristine Amazon ecosystem, where wild animals are all at carrying capacity.
White-Lipped Peccaries, Jaguars & other felines regularly seen in lodge environs.
Well-trained & knowledgable guides bring flora & fauna to life.
Carbon-neutral: neutralise visitors’ carbon footprint through local conservation actions.
Overview
Tambopata Research Center as seen from above.
Tambopata Research Center is one of the remotest lodges in South America, and its location means that it is surrounded by pristine rainforest, containing abundant Amazon flora and fauna.
It is perhaps best known for the nearby Colorado Clay Lick, which attracts macaws and parrots (and their predators) in great numbers, making for a uniquely colourful and raucous spectacle.
In turn, the clay click has attracted researchers and conservationists, since 1989, keen to learn more about the beautiful macaw species … and how to ensure their continued survival.
These scientists use Tambopata Research Center as their base, and are happy to share their knowledge with visitors.
Around the lodge, there are are five distinct rainforest habitats, including Floodplain; Palm Swamp; Terra Firme; Bamboo Forest; and River Overlook. These can be explored through a variety of stunning, biodiverse hikes, along cut trails.
View from Tambopata Research Center bedroom.
The lodge itself is designed to be at one with the surrounding nature. All 24 rooms have a wall open to the surrounding Amazon jungle, so that you are always able to enjoy the diverse ecosystem.
There are 4 categories of room, but all have private bathrooms with hot water. Most have WiFi in the rooms: if not, this is available in the bar/dining room area.
The rooms and public areas are connected by 300 m (almost 1,000 ft) of elevated walkway, which also serves as a viewing platform for wildlife in the canopy and on the forest floor.
Prices
Prices below are per person in double occupancy, and include all transfers, excursions with English-speaking guide and meals while at Tambopata Research Center.
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Please note that there is an additional fee to enter Tambopata National Reserve, which is currently $75 per person.
Activities
When staying at Tambopata Research Center, visitors can choose from a wide range of stand-out Amazon excursions, to create a personalised, custom experience. Here are the choices:
Macaw Clay Lick – Colorado
On most clear mornings of the year, dozens of large macaws and hundreds of parrots and parakeets congregate in a raucous and colourful spectacle on a cliff located near the lodge.
Telescope set up at Colorado Macaw Clay Lick.
We install ourselves on the opposite side of the Tambopata River, at approximately 50 m (165 ft) from the cliff.
From our unobtrusive spot, and with the assistance of powerful telescopes and weather permitting, we can observe Green-winged, Scarlet and Blue-and-gold Macaws and several species of smaller parrots and parakeets as they descend to ingest clay.
NB. Outings are at dawn when the clay lick is most active.
Birdwatching: Beginners
Learn how to become a competent birder.
The bird world around Tambopata Research Center is astoundingly diverse … and the ideal place to catch birdwatching fever.
During our outing with an expert birding guide, we learn about:
Proper use of binoculars & telescopes
Basics about birdwatching techniques
How to identify the main families, recognise sounds and their different habitats.
Birdwatching: Moderate
If you are already familiar with the basics of birding and the proper use of birding equipment, you are ready for the next step.
On this excursion, we shift our focus from learning the basics to a more in-depth birding experience.
Our main emphasis, with the assistance of our birding guides:
Learn to differentiate between different habitats
Better understand the behavioural patterns of bird species.
Getting the perfect shot of a Long-Tailed Potoo in the Amazon jungle canopy.
Birdwatching: Expert
This is the ideal activity for seasoned bird lovers.
Tambopata holds a vast diversity of specific species.
A professional birding guides take us on an intense four-hour birding session, searching for those elusive birds missing from our list.
Secrets of the Surroundings
Explore the area around Tambopata Research Center at a relaxed pace.
A pristine primary forest encircles the lodge, so it is not necessary to wander too far to have exciting encounters with a large diversity of flora and fauna.
Accompanied by our guide, we walk in a floodplain forest. Imposing ancient trees are the main feature along a trail that is crisscrossed by creeks and ponds.
Among them are tree species like the fig, ceiba and shihuahuaco, which host countless species of insects, reptiles and mammals.
The World of Butterflies
The Tambopata region holds the record for most species of butterflies in the world. Our researchers and guides have identified their favourite habitats according to the species.
Large, small, colourful, transparent ... we are in for a delightful visual experience. Also, this is a great chance to record these photogenic creatures.
Apart from witnessing an extraordinary nature show, we have the opportunity to learn about their behaviour and amazing adaptation methods to survive in the rainforest.
The wide, buttress roots of a ceiba tree.
Ceiba Walk
Embark on a hike on the Ceiba Trail.
The highlight during this hike is the encounter with the largest tree in the vicinity: a giant ceiba. The native people consider these trees sacred.
During the hike we will focus on the natural history of this majestic tree, and learn why they are so special.
Amazon Overlook Trail
A 3 - 5 km (2 - 3 mile) hike, through a regenerating old bamboo forest, leads us to the edge of stunning overlooks which commands magnificent views of the capricious Tambopata River, as it winds its way into the lowlands.
Brown-mantled Tamarin Monkey in Tambopata.
Monkey Search
An entirely different habitat featuring smaller, thinner trees atop hills and slopes is covered on this 5 km (3 mile) trail.
This is a favourite ecosystem for the many monkey species that inhabit the Tambopata region.
This is a great opportunity to learn about these curious and lively inhabitants of this captivating forest.
Palm Swamp Trail
Palm swamps are truly picturesque habitats and should be on everyone’s shortlist of places to visit during a stay at Tambopata Research Center.
Growing on the remains of an oxbow lake and providing both arboreal as well as terrestrial mammals with fruits throughout the year, the aguaje palms are one of the most important food sources in the Amazon rainforest.
Unfortunately, this habitat is also in high demand by humans, as they provide ideal conditions for planting rice. Palm swamps, therefore, are one of the most threatened habitats in the rainforest.
Hoatzin in its lakeside rainforest habitat.
Island Exploration & Pond
Ten minutes upriver from the lodge is a small pond with a platform in the middle.
It is a great place to spot waterfowl such as the beautiful Agami heron, Capped heron, the rare curassow, Muscovy duck, Sunbittern and hoatzin, along with woodpeckers, oropendolas, flycatchers and parakeets that call this pond their home.
We also learn about the varieties of fish that live in the Amazon.
If we are fortunate, we may even get to see a caiman or two.
Giants of the Amazon
This 5 km (3 mile) trail is a chance to explore the prototypical Amazon rainforest with immense trees crisscrossed by creeks and ponds.
Many trees tower up to 50 m (160 ft) into the canopy, with truly giant trunks and far-ranging root systems.
Amongst the figs, ceibas and shihuahuacos, we look for Squirrel, Brown Capuchin, and Spider Monkeys as well as peccaries.
Tambopata Research Center is located within this habitat.
One of the many trails around Tambopata Research Center.
Hike to The Bowl
A challenging 4-hour walk crossing a variety of habitats.
This is an early morning activity and one of the most rewarding in terms of wildlife encounters.
Once at The Bowl, we learn how this patch of forest changes through the seasons.
Bamboo Trail
One of the most remarkable and mega diverse ecosystems in Tambopata is the bamboo forest.
Bamboo is a fast growing plant. Where it grows, bamboo takes over and establishes a totally different habitat.
Learn more about what species choose this ecosystem as their home.
This trail is particularly attractive for bird lovers ,since this is home to highly specialised species of birds, including some endemics.
Amazon Creek Trail
Continue your exploration of the rainforest and its endless diversity by hiking in the terra firme forest, which is traversed by many creeks that wind their way towards the Tambopata River.
Our main focus during this activity is to have an in-depth understanding of the surrounding forest and creek ecology.
The Rainforest Master Hike
This is the perfect outing for the hardcore hiker and nature lover.
Criss-crossing through an array of ecosystems and an endless network of trails, this hike will take around 6 hours and maximise your opportunities for spotting wildlife.
NB. Bring plenty of water and insect repellent!
Night Walk
Walking through the rainforest at night awakens all the senses.
In deep darkness, surrounded by an array of jungle sounds and with the aid of our guide’s powerful spotlight, we enter a world inhabited by the most unique, diverse and shy night creatures.
If fortunate, you will be able to find nocturnal monkeys, tarantulas, insects and amphibians - including the multi-coloured poison dart frog - which have adapted to life under the cover of darkness.
Researcher taking notes as part of Tambopata Research Center’s Macaw Project.
Macaw Project Nest Visit
Tambopata Research Center is the home of the Macaw Project. Scientists have been conducting macaw research in Tambopata for the past 30 years.
During this activity, we have the rare opportunity to observe first-hand the work done by the researchers as they climb giant trees to monitor natural and artificial nest sites around Tambopata Research Center.
Nest sites are located close to 90 m (295 ft) above ground. Researchers, with the help of climbing gear, reach the nests sites in order to collect the macaw chicks.
Carefully placed on plastic buckets, the chicks are lowered to the forest ground, where researchers will weigh and measure the chicks to monitor growth and also check for parasites.
Once the monitoring is done, chicks are placed back in their nests.
Macaw Project Lectures
After dinner, researchers provide an in-depth look at the biology of macaws.
We learn about their feeding habits, the theories for clay lick use, their breeding and feeding ecology, population fluctuations and the threats to their conservation.
These lectures also provide us with an opportunity to find out how to get involved and/or support this amazing project.
Gallery
PHOTOS - WITH CAPTIONS - OF tambopata research center
Reviews
What our clients say about Tambopata Research Center:
“Our trip to the jungle was hot but awesome! Thank you for the recommendation.”
“Tambopata was really quite extraordinary. We would strongly recommend [it].
Alfredo [the guide] was excellent. His knowledge of the flora and fauna was really terrific.”
“Hi Miles, it was genuinely one of the best experiences I’ve had. Really, really good.
Felt very well looked after, Dennys my guide was great, the food was incredible.
I only wish I could have stayed longer!”
“As doctoral researchers in biological sciences ourselves, we were drawn to the TRC for its history as a research center deep in the Amazon jungle ...
... The boat ride up the river really highlights the isolated and private location of the TRC, nestled inside the jungle ...
... The access to the jungle was amazing, stepping just feet from the lodge allowed us to be entirely enveloped in the flora and fauna and we saw many animals even from the porch of the TRC.
The food was tasty and included local foods for the most part allowing us to taste new cuisines”
“TRC was great.”
“Jungle was awesome - but our group didn’t see a wild cat - otherwise incredible.
The river rides to/from and during the reserve were incredible … and a completely unique experience from anything I’ve experienced.
Guide was very nice and knowledgeable.”
“It was really great. Wish we could have stayed longer! A really beautiful and magical place.
Saw capybaras, tarantulas, caimans, nearly all of the different types of monkeys ... And of course lots of parrots and macaws.
We did pretty much all the activities so we were out and about all day which was nice.
We also really enjoyed the evening lectures.
No sign of the jaguar but they do say it’s quite rare to see one.
Also the internet was hilariously the fastest we experienced during our stay in Peru. Don’t know how they managed that but it was absolutely excellent.”
“We stayed at Tambopata in early July 2019 and everything was absolutely brilliant ...
Our guide Saul was amazing and very knowledgable, we loved spending time with him, especially at dinner when he had all kinds of stories to tell us.
The food was equally as good quality and there was tea, coffee and snacks always available and occasionally the macaws would join us for breakfast.
... we would throughly recommend a trip to the lodge to anyone looking for an Amazon adventure. ”
“At the end of our trip, we wanted to spend a week in the jungle. Miles recommended Tambopata region, which is easy to reach from Cusco, and specifically, the Tambopata Research Center.
It was great to have PeruNorth arrange this for us, as prices were better than what we could find online and it was a fantastic experience.
Out in the middle of nowhere with so much nature & jungle sounds - Macaws, several types of monkeys and we were even lucky enough to see a Jaguar on our first evening - incredible!!”
“We had a good time out at Tambopata Research Center, lots of good wildlife watching, nice people, etc. a good trip.”
“Tambopata Research Centre - the 5 days here was amazing. We were treated so well, our guide was absolutely fantastic. The walks out were great, and there was a lot of downtime in between in the lodge, which we really liked after the full-on first week that we had! We also thought that the food was particularly good.
We saw a lot of wildlife, and our guide knew everything about all of the animals and plants. The only thing that we wanted to see and didn’t was the Jaguar, which one of the other groups actually saw whilst on the boat there, however that can’t be helped!
Everything about this part of the trip was wonderful (ok maybe not the mosquitos). We both agreed that the Amazon rainforest was probably our favourite part of the holiday.”