4-Day Tambopata Amazon Adventure: Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick & Wildlife

Upon your arrival in Puerto Maldonado, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from Amazon Garden Lodge.

Our first stop will be the city’s Plaza de Armas of Puerto Maldonado, where you will have time to take photographs and appreciate the remarkable meeting point of two important Amazonian rivers: the Madre de Dios River and the Tambopata River.

Afterward, we will travel to Puerto Triunfo and board a traditional motorized boat for a scenic 40-minute journey along the Madre de Dios River toward our lodge. This river navigation offers the first glimpse of the lush Amazon rainforest landscapes surrounding the region.

Upon arrival at the lodge, you will attend a brief welcome orientation while enjoying a refreshing tropical fruit juice prepared with local Amazonian fruits. Later, you will embark on a relaxing kayak excursion, followed by a visit to the nearby Monkey Island, a small forested island inhabited by several species of monkeys accustomed to human presence.

For your safety during the kayaking activity, a support boat will accompany the group at all times. Guests may also have the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing swim in the waters of the Madre de Dios River.

Directly across from the lodge lies the island where these playful monkeys live, offering visitors a unique chance to observe them up close and interact responsibly in their natural habitat—an unforgettable experience in the Amazon.

Following the excursion, we will return to the lodge where you can relax, enjoy refreshing drinks, and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding rainforest and river scenery.

In the evening, we may venture out to observe some of the Amazon’s nocturnal wildlife, including night birds and Capybara, the largest rodent species in the world.

The day concludes with a delicious dinner at the lodge, followed by a peaceful overnight stay immersed in the sounds of the Amazon rainforest.

At 8:00 a.m., your 4-Day Tambopata Tour continues with an excursion to the spectacular Lake Sandoval. The journey begins with a 20-minute boat ride along the Madre de Dios River, taking you to the entrance of the reserve.

Upon arrival, we will walk to the park checkpoint to register our entrance, as the lake is located within the protected area of the Tambopata National Reserve. From there, a 3-kilometer guided hike (approximately 45 minutes) leads through lush rainforest trails. Along the way, your guide will help you observe a variety of wildlife, including birds, monkeys, rodents, insects, arachnids, reptiles, and amphibians that inhabit this rich ecosystem.

Once we reach the shores of the lake, you will have time to relax and, if you wish, enjoy a refreshing swim in the calm and crystal-clear waters. A typical Amazonian lunch will then be served in the tranquil surroundings of the rainforest.

In the afternoon, we will board a traditional rowboat to explore the serene waters of the lake. During this excursion, you may observe numerous bird species such as hoatzins, cormorants, and anhingas. With some luck, we may also encounter the lake’s most remarkable inhabitants—the Giant River Otter, considered one of the highlights of visiting Lake Sandoval.

Later in the afternoon, and in coordination with your guide, we will return along the forest trail to the banks of the Madre de Dios River, where a boat will be waiting to transfer you back to Amazon Garden Lodge.

For those interested, there is the option to join an evening or night walk to discover the fascinating nocturnal life of the rainforest. The day concludes with dinner at the lodge and a comfortable overnight stay surrounded by the sounds of the Amazon jungle.

Your day begins at 8:30 a.m. at Amazon Garden Lodge, where we start our journey deeper into the rainforest. The route takes approximately three hours in total: first, a one-hour boat ride to Puerto Maldonado, followed by a two-hour drive along the Interoceanic Highway and a secondary forest road that leads us to the banks of the Tambopata River.

Upon arrival at the river, our boat and crew will be ready to continue the expedition. We will travel upstream for approximately 30 minutes, enjoying the scenic beauty of the Amazon rainforest until we reach our lodge. During the boat ride, there are excellent opportunities to observe riverside wildlife such as tropical birds, Capybara, and the elusive White Caiman resting along the riverbanks.

Once at the lodge, you will be welcomed with a refreshing drink and a brief orientation about the facilities and activities available during your stay. After settling into your rooms, you may take some time to explore the surroundings and become familiar with the natural environment of the area.

Following a delicious lunch, we will enjoy a short break before heading out on a guided forest walk through a primary rainforest rich with ancient trees. Along the trail, your guide will explain the main economic activities that sustain local communities, including agriculture, mining, timber extraction, Brazil Nut harvesting, and ecotourism. During the walk, there is also a chance to observe monkeys and other mammals in their natural habitat.

As evening approaches, we will return to the lodge to collect our flashlights and embark on a nocturnal river excursion. This is an excellent opportunity to spot wildlife that becomes active after sunset, such as caimans, capybaras, and occasionally nocturnal predators searching for food along the riverbanks.

After dinner at the lodge, those who wish to continue the adventure may join a short night walk around the lodge area. During this exploration, we may encounter a fascinating array of nocturnal creatures including insects, arachnids, tarantulas, and, with some luck, species such as snakes, armadillos, night monkeys, or even tapirs moving quietly through the forest.

On this day, we will begin very early in the morning. At 4:30 a.m., we depart upstream by boat, enjoying a warm cup of coffee as we navigate the tranquil waters of the Tambopata River. The peaceful journey offers a unique opportunity to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the rainforest within the protected landscapes of the Tambopata National Reserve.

During the early morning navigation, wildlife sightings are always possible along the riverbanks. With some luck, visitors may encounter remarkable Amazonian species such as the Jaguar or even the impressive Green Anaconda, which occasionally appear near the water.

Our destination is the renowned Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick, one of the most spectacular wildlife viewing sites in the Amazon. Upon arrival, we will observe an extraordinary natural event as colorful macaws, parrots, and parakeets gather along the clay wall. These birds consume mineral-rich clay that helps neutralize toxins in their diet and provides essential nutrients.

This impressive wildlife display usually takes place between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., offering ample time to observe and photograph the vibrant birds in their natural habitat. During the experience, we will enjoy a delicious breakfast while overlooking the clay lick, surrounded by the sounds and colors of the rainforest.

After the activity, we will briefly visit the nearby ranger checkpoint, where a small interpretive museum provides additional information about the biodiversity and conservation efforts in the region. We will then return to our lodge to enjoy a well-deserved lunch and some time to rest.

Later in the afternoon, we will visit the scenic El Gato Waterfall, where you may take a refreshing swim and learn about the various crops cultivated in the fertile soils of the Madre de Dios Region.

As the afternoon concludes, we will begin our return journey with a 20-minute canoe ride downstream, followed by a two-hour drive back to Puerto Maldonado, marking the end of this unforgettable Amazon rainforest adventure.