Tambopata Research Centre (TRC), Tambopata and Manu

Location

Tambopata (Tambopata and Manu, Peru)

Description

A remote lodge immersed in primary rainforest within the Tambopata National Reserve on the banks of the Tambopata river, about 5 hours from Puerto Maldonado and accessed by a combination of road and motorised canoe. Meals are served buffet style in the open sided dining area, there is a bar, hammocks, communal seating areas and small massage room.

Activities

The 25km of walking trails, 300m of elevated walkways, 480 species of birds, and the opportunity to visit one of the world’s largest macaw clay licks are just some of the attractions at the research centre. Jaguars, while elusive, are often seen, red howler monkeys are likely to provide an early morning alarm call and macaws often visit the lodge.

The guide team discuss the wide range of activities on arrival which include the clay lick, birdwatching (beginners to advanced), a variety of forest walks (including a hike through a forest of huge bamboo, native to the Amazon, and exploration of the Tambopata river, its tributaries and islands by motorised canoe. Presentations with a range of topics are given each evening, before supper, usually with a focus on science, conservation or new species.

Accommodation

The 24 rooms, built with traditional materials 3 metres above the ground are accessed from a walkway and open out into the surrounding rainforest. All have a private bathrooms with a shower, hot water, mosquito nets over the beds and electricity during certain hours. Comfort rooms measure 40.5 sq metres and have 2 double beds (1.35 x 1.97m). There is also a suite measuring 54.8 sq metres with 2 double beds (1.55 x 2m) and a deluxe suite measuring 84.8 sq metres. Both suites have an indoor sitting area and a complimentary minibar and the deluxe suite also has a private terrace with a hammock and a bath tub.

Our comments

As one of the most remote lodges, a stay at TRC offers a true Amazonian experience particularly for wildlife enthusiasts. A minimum stay of 3 nights is recommended and, if time allows, it can be combined with a stay at Refugio Amazonas for a couple of nights on the way.

Client comments and reviews

We loved Tambopata - so isolated, with lovely staff and a totally relaxed atmosphere. We were able to ask for extra excursions with no problem. The guide at Tambopata was really friendly and couldn't do enough for us - he even took us on a 'shoes off' mud up to the ankels walk which was hilarious! - CC (July 2015)

We had a really fantastic time. We saw jaguar, puma, eight types of monkey, two types of caiman, peckary, deer, short eared dog, southern tamandura, forty species of bird and countless frogs, insects and butterflies. Magical scenery, fascinating culture and such wonderfully friendly people. - RT (September 2012)

Day Nineteen: Tambopata to Refugio Amazonas. Today was the most amazing day of my wildlife watching life. It started with a kinkajou in the trees as we walked down to the river. We then spent a couple of hours at the claylick at which I also saw a razor-billed curassow. We then headed back down Rio Tambapata and en route we saw the critically endangered giant river otter. But then the piece de resistance - our navigator shouted "jaguar" and we turned to see a beauty wandering back from the shore into the jungle. It was a long way away, but thankfully my wife had the 300mm lens and we managed to get a photo. I never believed it possible that I would see a jaguar in the wild. A phenomenal moment. - PM (August 2011)

The suggestion to go up to the TRC in the Amazon was a great recommendation. It was a great trip and worth the 4 hour boat trip each way. The clay lick was amazing. - AS (July 2009)