Description

Tambopata Research Center is a simple yet comfortable 18 bedroom lodge located in a half hectare clearing in the middle of the uninhabited portion of the Tambopata National Reserve, adjacent to the Bahuaja National Park and 500 meters from the world's largest macaw clay lick. It was established by Rainforest Expeditions to aid the protection of these magnificent birds and has a long-term research project to ensure the survival of their populations. It is unrivaled in its access to pristine Amazonian forests, having no neighbors, and due to its distance from human populations requires a stopover in Refugio Amazonas. Dusky headed titi, squirrel, brown capuchin, howler, and spider monkeys, as well as capybara, caiman, and agouti are seen frequently. Although very difficult to see, herds of peccary, tapir, and jaguar inhabit the area as well.

To get there you must fly to Puerto Maldonado from Lima or Cuzco on daily commercial flights lasting 30 or 90 minutes respectively. From the airport you are transported by truck to the infiermo River Port where you board boats for the two and half hour trip to Refugio Amazonas. Tambopata Research Center is another 4 hours upriver from Refugio Amazonas. The lodge is within a few minutes' walk of the river.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL TAMBOPATA RESEARCH CENTER PACKAGES BEGIN AND END WITH ONE NIGHT AT REFUGIO AMAZONAS. You can view their profile on the Whole Travel website as well.

The lodge consists of one wing of 18 rooms connected by raised boardwalks to eight shared bathrooms, the research quarters and a dining room. The dining room is an open building that doubles as a bar.

Rooms are small and hold two beds. The walls dividing each room are built using cane, and extend from the floor to about 2.5 meters (8 feet) high making each room private. The side that looks out to the forest does not have a wall or screening of any kind, acting as a large window facing the forest. Mosquitoes are not really a problem around the lodge clearing and the open section allows for an intimate contact with the rain forest. A second small window on the opposite side, set up very high, keeps the rooms well ventilated. Doors are replaced with drapes. Rooms are not soundproof.

Shared bathrooms have cold water only. There is no electricity at the lodge. Rooms and bathrooms are separated by drapes. Each room has beds, mosquito nets, bedside tables and hammocks or lounge chairs.