Secluded Tambopata Research Center (TRC) is one of the most remote rainforest lodges in South America. Located deep in Peru’s Amazon jungle, this is one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. As the only lodge located within the Tambopata National Reserve, nature-lovers will delight in unrivalled wildlife watching opportunities in Peru, including the famous colorful macaw clay licks spotted close to the lodge.
Tambopata Research Center
This authentic eco-friendly jungle lodge has a pristine, remote location in Southeastern Peru, surrounded by primary rainforest. It is located around 8-hours up the river from the city of Puerto Maldonado, which has quick direct flights to Lima and Cusco. Access to the lodge from the airport is via a one-hour road trip and three hour boat ride on the Tambopata River to reach sister-property Refugio Amazonas (it is possile to upgrade and privatize the boat ride, otherwise it’s a shared service). All guests spend a night at this comfortable lodge first, before journeying the next four hours up river the following morning to reach Tambopata Research Center. At Refugio Amazonas you’ll get to take a night hike on arrival, and climb a 25-meter camopy tower in the morning where you can spot toucans, parrots or macaws flying over primary rainforest.
Due to the relative time it takes to reach Tambopata Research Center, you need a minimum of four-days / three-nights to visit, with the first night spent at Refugio Amazonas.
Jungle Excursions
Tambopata Research Center makes the ideal base for in-depth exploration of the mesmerizing Amazon rainforest. Activities are a la carte – you choose when you arrive – with one certified ecoturism guide for every six guests (it is possible to upgrade to privately guided services, otherwise excursions are in small groups). The lodge is located in the heart of the jungle, so you don’t have to wander far for encounters with an impresive diversity of flora and fauna. Excursions by day and night from the lodge will take you across diverse pristine habitats of bamboo, flood plains, terra firma, palm and riverine rainforest with the opportunity to see wildlife in its natural habitat. The area is home to various species of monkeys, birds, insects and – most famously – colorful clay licks.
Activities include searching for elusive jaguars at dawn, the largest cat species in the Americas; you might catch them coming out of the river banks to drink water and hunt along the shores of Tambopata River. As the the Tambopata region holds the record for the most species of butterflies in the world, you can learn about their behavior and photograph them, or head out birdwatching with specialist guides. Jungle trails will let you discover imposing ancient trees like the Ceiba tree, the largest in the vicinity, or through thinner trees inhabited by curious and lively monkeys.
Macaw Clay Licks
As the lodge’s name suggests, it is a site of on-going scientific research and home of the Macaw Project. Scientists have been conducting groundbreaking research on macaws for over 30 years, and you’ll likely have the chance to observe their work and meet with researchers, ecologists, biologists and experts carrying out their studies.
On most clear mornings of the year, dozens of large, macaws and hundres of parrots and parakeets descend in a raucous and colorful spectacle on a cliff near the lodge. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to watch Green-winged, Scarlet and Blue and gold Macaws gather to ingest the mineral-rich clay found here. Staying at Tambopata Research Center you’ll have the opportunity to visit the two most important clay licks in the area, Colorado and Chuncho.
Luxury meets Authenticity
The location may be remote, but that doesn’t mean you need to forgoe all creature comforts in this quiet corner of the Amazon. At Tambopata Research Center luxury meets authenticity, with premium touches to elevate the simple accommodation. There’s electricity, hot water and WiFi in the common areas and some rooms. Responsible tourism is core to Tambopata Research Center, so the property is built using local materials with water and energy efficiency programs.
The Rooms
If you’re looking for five-star deluxe accommodation don’t expect to find it here – think open-walled rooms with mosquito nets over the beds and no air-con – but all rooms are en-suite with hot water for warm showers. The top-category deluxe rooms will appeal to stylish explorers looking to indulge, with extra touches of luxury like outdoor living spaces with large bath tubs and ceiling fans . When you’re not out exploring, take a nap in a comfy hammock, indulge in a massage, or sip rainforest-inspire cocktails in the bar.
There are four room categories in total to choose from, connected by raised walkways: superior, comfort, suite and deluxe. All have private bathrooms with eco-friendly toiletries and electricity, where beds are protected with mosquito nets. A 110V generator is turned on once a day to recharge batteries for guests or lodge facilities. Wi-Fi is provided in common areas and some rooms.
Superior rooms offer twin jungle accommodation. They don’t have ceiling fans. Comfort rooms have more space, with two full-size beds, and similarly don’t offer ceiling fans. Suites are larger, with two queen beds, ceiling fans and a living room and minibar. Deluxe rooms similarly offer two queen beds and ceiling fans. In addition to their indoor living area, they also have the extra bonus of a private outdoor living area with tub and shower.
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