Giant Otters & Wildlife

DAY 1

TRANSFER TO THE LODGE

Guests are greeted at the airport and taken to headquarters where they are able to repack and safely store any of their belongings. We then continue onto the port, from which we embark on a one hour and forty five minute boat ride to Explorer’s Inn.
During the boat ride our guests receive a specially prepared amazonian boxed lunch and snack, if we are lucky, we will be able to spot birds and mammals on the riverside: capybaras, herons, egrets, horned screamers, caymans, turtles, macaws and parrots are just a few of our friendly neighbors!
On our journey, we will make an obligatory stop at La Torre checkpoint to register our entrance into the Tambopata National Reserve.
Upon arrival, guests will be greeted by our resident manager, who will share useful information to ensure an enjoyable stay.
Before our evening activity, you can opt to take a short 100 meter walk (328 ft), and comfortably witness a one-of-a-kind sunset.

CAYMAN SEARCH

Back at the lodge our naturalist guide will give a presentation about the distinct species of caymans found in the area to prepare you for the experience of a lifetime. Later, we will board a boat and start our nighttime search of caymans along the Tambopata River, our guide uses a spotlight to locate them along the river bank from a respectable distance. Return to the lodge.

DINNER

DAY 2

BREAKFAST

TRES CHIMBADAS LAKE

is a fascinating unique habitat in the Amazon basin, essential to many species, it is an small lake located inside of the Infierno Community Reserve. In order to have the best chance of observing fauna and the endangered Giant River Otters, it is necessary to wake up very early for a 30 minute boat ride followed by a 2 km (1.2 miles) trek.

While we play a game of hide-and-seek with the River Otters, our guests will enjoy a journey around the lake on a catamaran, in order to find the variety of wildlife that can only be found in this unique ecosystem such as black caymans, hoatzins, horned screamers and other aquatic birds as well as lush vegetation surrounding the river banks. Return to the Lodge.

LUNCH.

SCIENTIFIC TOWER

After a well deserved break, our naturalist guide will take you to a 42 meter (137 ft)- high tower to get an overview of the Amazon Rainforest from above. This is the first tower made to measure the effects of climate change. It is located inside our property and in the middle of the Tambopata National Reserve, this structure is equipped with a wide variety of devices to measure solar radiation and carbon flux emission in the Peruvian rainforest.
Besides having a great view and learning about the impact of this study in the world, we have a unique opportunity to see the flora and fauna at all the different forest levels, especially from the top, we can spot flocks of canopy birds and macaws from incredibly close.

DINNER

DAY 3

PARROT CLAY LICK

We make an early start and take a 10 minute boat ride to a small parrot clay lick. This is one of the most unique experiences with tropical birds in the Amazon, where due to the nutrients found in the cliff floor, up to 8 species of parrots and parakeets converge to eat clay. It is a memorable activity for travelers and nature lovers, the loud bird calls on the nearby trees and their flying to the clay lick is undoubtedly special.

BREAKFAST.

PRIMARY FOREST WALK

After breakfast, we prepare to get inside the Tambopata National Reserve, one of the best-preserved areas in the world, surrounded by primary forest, huge trees such as Iron wood, Cedar, South American Hardwood, Rubber trees, Brazilian Nut Trees and a variety of landscapes and ecosystems, you will start to understand the true complexity of the Amazon Rainforest, a great opportunity to walk in silence and appreciate every single living creature along the way.

LUNCH.

FARM

After a rest we will visit a local farm, which belongs to a member of the local community. Slash and burn agriculture is still important to local people. Farmers grow bananas, papaya, yucca, pineapple and other fruits, visiting a local farm supports the economic development of nearby communities.

DINNER

NIGHT WALK

Jungle Night Walk is optional and only a headlamp is needed, just a few steps into the forest and you will be transported into an astonishing world where everything comes alive. Nocturnal creatures emerge at night, such as insects, frogs, toads, snakes, tarantulas and if you are lucky, larger animals, such as night monkeys or tapirs. Even if we don’t see much in the deep darkness, the Milky Way shines brightly through the canopy and if you listen closely in the darkness you will be surrounded by hundreds of jungle sounds. Ready to sleep.

DAY 4

BREAKFAST AND CHECK OUT

LAGUNA CHICA WALK

This morning walk is optional depending on your check-out time. Laguna Chica is only a short walk away and a great place to visit, it is an old meander of the river, and is always wet and fertile, the grass grows higher once the wet season begins. This is a great place to spot aquatic birds, saddleback tamarins and howler monkeys like to hang around as well.