Tambopata 4 day tour (Backpackers)

Your Tambopata 4 day tour begins when our team picks you up and escorts you to our office for registration. Any excess luggage will be securely stored, allowing you to travel light. From there, we will drive to the Capitania port and embark on a scenic 40-minute boat ride along the Madre de Dios River, heading toward the Amazon Garden Lodge. As soon as we arrive, a refreshing welcome drink will await you.

Your adventure will begin with an exhilarating canopy circuit. We will climb a tower and stairway that ascend to the treetops, where breathtaking views of the rainforest unfold before your eyes. From the first platform, we will glide along the first zip line, nearly 200 meters (656 feet) long, feeling the thrill as we soar through the air. 

Secured with high-quality harnesses, the adrenaline rush will intensify as we cross a 75-meter (246-foot) hanging log walkway, suspended 27 meters (89 feet) above the forest floor. This daring passage will take us to another platform where the second zip line awaits, a 160-meter (525-foot) ride back to the starting point. After descending to the forest floor, we will return to the Amazon Garden Lodge for a delicious lunch.

Kayaking to Monkey island and night walks

In the afternoon, we will set off on a kayaking adventure along the calm waters of the Madre de Dios River. Accompanied by a motorboat for added security, you will paddle leisurely with life jackets on, enjoying the serene surroundings.

Our destination is Monkey Island, where capuchins, tamarins, and squirrel monkeys will greet us from the treetops. These playful creatures will come down to interact, even taking food from your hands, offering a unique and heartwarming encounter.

In the evening, nocturnal adventures await. We will venture out on a night walk along the riverbank, searching for caimans with the help of our expert guides. Their glowing eyes reflecting the moonlight will provide a thrilling glimpse into the nocturnal world of the Amazon.

Afterward, we will return to the Amazon Garden Lodge for a well-deserved rest, preparing for more exciting discoveries in the days ahead.

Summary of day 1:

• Arrive in Puerto Maldonado and transfer to Amazon Garden Lodge via a 40-minute boat ride along the Madre de Dios River.
• Enjoy an exciting canopy circuit with two zip lines and a hanging log walkway.
• Savor a delicious lunch at the lodge.
• Paddle on the river in kayaks and explore Monkey Island, interacting with capuchins, tamarins, and squirrel monkeys.
• End the day with an optional night walk, spotting caimans along the riverbanks.

After a hearty breakfast at the lodge, we will pack snacks and lunch for the day’s adventure. Our journey will begin with a boat ride along the Madre de Dios River, heading toward the entrance of the Tambopata National Reserve.

Once we arrive, our guides will handle the formalities at the control point, and we will set off on a 1.5-hour hike through the dense rainforest. Along the way, ancient trees rise above us, their trunks wrapped in thick vines, while vibrant flowers and exotic plants fill the undergrowth.

As we walk, we will keep our eyes open for wildlife. The trail often reveals colorful birds, dazzling butterflies, and unique flora. With a bit of luck, we may spot curious monkeys moving through the canopy. After the trek, we will arrive at the stunning Lake Sandoval, a hidden gem surrounded by lush vegetation.

We will spend several hours gliding across the tranquil waters of Sandoval Lake in a canoe. This lake is famous for its peaceful beauty and abundant wildlife. While paddling, we will search for giant river otters, turtles basking on logs, and schools of fish swimming below the surface. Birdwatchers will delight in the variety of species that inhabit this area, from herons to macaws.

The stillness of the lake offers the perfect setting for observing the magic of the rainforest up close. As we glide silently through the water, you may notice otters diving playfully or hear the calls of distant birds.

After exploring the lake, we will return to the lodge by boat, reflecting on the day’s discoveries. A delicious dinner will await us at the Amazon Garden Lodge, followed by a restful night surrounded by the sounds of the Amazon.

Summary of day 2:

• Begin the day with breakfast and pack lunch for the journey.
• Take a boat ride to the entrance of the Tambopata National Reserve.
• Hike 1.5 hours through the rainforest, encountering colorful flora and fauna.
• Explore Lake Sandoval by canoe, spotting giant river otters, turtles, fish, and bird species.
• Return to Amazon Garden Lodge for dinner and rest after a day filled with nature’s wonders.

We will start the day with a journey down the majestic Madre de Dios River, heading downstream for about an hour to reach the Ese’Eja Native Community.

This is the largest Ese’Eja community, home to approximately 200 families, and we will have the privilege of visiting two of them. Our visit will take us to Gamitana Island, where the project “Rescuing Cultural Values” is preserving the traditions of these ancient people.

The families we meet will share their ancestral customs, offering insight into their language, clothing, and dances. They will provide us with a glimpse into a way of life shaped by centuries of warrior and hunter traditions.

This is a rare opportunity to connect with a culture deeply rooted in the Amazon, giving us a sense of how these indigenous people have harmonized with the rainforest for generations.

By early afternoon, we will enjoy a delicious lunch while reflecting on the meaningful connections made with the community. Afterward, we will return to the river for some rustic fishing. With simple tools and a bit of patience, we will try our luck at catching native fish species, such as the pictus catfish, smallmouth bass, armored catfish, or even the elusive red-eye piranha.

The tranquil setting of the river will offer a relaxing break while testing our fishing skills. After a rewarding afternoon, we will make our way back to the Amazon Garden Lodge. A hearty dinner will be waiting, followed by a peaceful night’s rest, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle.

Summary of day 3:

• Travel downstream on the Madre de Dios River to visit the Ese’Eja Native Community.
• Meet two families and learn about their language, customs, clothing, and traditions.
• Enjoy a traditional lunch before heading to the river for rustic fishing.
• Try catching native species like pictus catfish, smallmouth bass, and piranha.
• Return to Amazon Garden Lodge for dinner and a restful evening.

We will begin the day early, setting out to visit the Cachuela Clay Lick, where flocks of vibrant parrots and parakeets gather each morning. These birds instinctively consume mineral-rich clay to neutralize toxins from the seeds, flowers, and fruits they eat.

Watching them flock to the clay walls along the rivers and streams of the Madre de Dios region is a mesmerizing sight. The sounds of their chatter fill the air as they create a lively spectacle against the backdrop of the rainforest.

After enjoying this natural wonder, we will return to the Amazon Lodge around 7:00 a.m. for a hearty breakfast. This will be our final meal at the lodge, offering us a moment to reflect on the incredible experiences from the past few days.

Once breakfast is complete, we will embark on a scenic boat ride back along the Madre de Dios River toward Puerto Maldonado. Our team will ensure a smooth transfer to either the airport or bus terminal, making sure you depart comfortably and on time.

This will mark the end of your unforgettable journey through the Tambopata rainforest, filled with adventure, wildlife encounters, and cultural immersion.

Summary of day 4:

• Start the day with a visit to the Cachuela Clay Lick, observing parrots and parakeets.
• Watch the birds gather and feed on mineral-rich clay to detoxify from their diets.
• Return to Amazon Garden Lodge by 7:00 a.m. for breakfast.
• Take a boat ride back to Puerto Maldonado and transfer to the airport or bus terminal.
• Conclude the tour, leaving with unforgettable memories of the Tambopata Tours.