Tambopata Research Center

The Most Remote Ecolodge in South America

Travel by boat several hours up the Tambopata River to reach the remote Tambopata Research Center jungle lodge, leaving the final traces of human habitation behind.

Within the 700,000 hectare uninhabited nucleus of the reserve, sightings of monkeys, macaws and other large species become more frequent. Jaguars are sometimes seen near the river bank!

As seen in National Geographic magazine, the Tambopata Research Center (TRC) is one of the most remote rainforest lodges in South America, offering adventurous travelers an outstanding chance to engage with the natural wonders of the Amazon. It is a comfortable 18 bedroom lodge which was built more than twenty years ago (and rebuilt only 5 years ago) with the object of lodging tourists and researchers alike and of protecting the adjacent macaw clay lick.

Because of its remote location in uninhabited wilderness housing stable populations of endangered wildlife, the small scale of its infrastructure and operations and the presence of researchers and naturalist guides, Tambopata Research Center is an excellent headquarters for in depth explorations of Amazonian nature and wildlife.

The TRC’s isolated location, inside an uninhabited area of the Tambopata National Reserve and next to the Bahajua-Sonene National Park, means that the rainforest ecosystem around it remains pristine, while the populations of wild animals are all at carrying capacity. Much groundbreaking macaw conservation research has been carried out from the TRC and you will likely have the chance during your stay to talk with macaw biologists, ecologists and other experts staying at the TRC while they do fieldwork.

The Best Rainforest Wildlife is at the Tambopata Research Center

The TRC’s greatest attraction is the rainforest – and creatures – that surround it. Click here to listen to the sounds of the Tambopata rain forest;around minute three the howler monkeys start to howl in the distance:

Species you have a strong chance of spotting during your stay include:

• Macaws - The largest known macaw clay-lick in the Amazon is 500 yards from the lodge.
• Dusky titi monkeys
• Squirrel monkeys
• Brown capuchin monkeys
• Howler monkeys
• Spider monkeys
• Capybara
• Caiman
• Agouti
• White lipped peccary
• Although very difficult to see, jaguars, tapirs and harpy eagle are also occasionally glimpsed by guests
• You can even photograph a recently discovered species of decoy spider.

See hundreds of parrots and macaws at the world-famous clay lick:

On most mornings dozens of large macaws and hundreds of parrots congregate on this large river bank in a raucous and colorful spectacle which inspired a National Geographic cover story. It is an amazing and raucous spectacle, one not to be missed!

Quick Facts About Tambopata Research Center:

• Remote - One of the most remote rainforest lodges in South America
  
  
• Common Areas -Common areas are open and spacey and offer ample area for resting and socializing. They include a dining room and bar, a reception lounge with souvenir shop, and an interpretation center.
  
  
• 18 Rooms - One wing of 18 rooms connected by raised boardwalk
  
  
• Bathrooms - 8 shared bathrooms
  
  
• Macaws - The largest known macaw clay-lick in the Amazon is 500 yards from the lodge.
  
  
• Researchers - The research quarters is a two story building usually full of scientists and their assistants from the macaw project.
  
  
• Rainforest Alliance Verified - Verified sustainable tourism and conservation business.

Tambopata Research Center Room Amenities

Our rooms are unique due to the fact that one side of the room opens out onto the surrounding rainforest acting as a window into the forest allowing guests to enjoy this unique ecosystem even from the comfort of their hammocks and enabling you to view animals, including monkeys, often visible from the lodge. The reason we have been able to incorporate this "luxurious" design into our lodge is because mosquitoes are not really a problem around the lodge clearing and the open section allows for an intimate contact with the rain forest.

Other room amenities include:

• Natural Construction - A simple, airy lodge built from traditional materials such as wood, palm fronds and clay.
  
  
• Rooms - Eighteen bedrooms, eight shared bathrooms and a common area including for dining. Bedrooms are separated from one another by light cane fencing, with drapes instead of doors. Rooms are private but not soundproof.
  
  
  
  
• Electricity - A generator is turned on once a day to recharge batteries for guests or lodge facilities. At night it is very dark, so we recommend good flashlights. Light is provided by numerous kerosene lamps and candles.
  
  
• Hot Water -Hot water is available in this and all of our other lodges.
  
  
• Communication - TRC is in daily contact with our offices in Puerto Maldonado and Lima via internet, satellite phone and HF radio.
  
  
• Mosquito Nets - All have rooms mosquito nets on beds, bedside tables and a rack of clothes hangers.
  
  
• Jungle Views - Bedrooms open out onto the surrounding rainforest, allowing guests to enjoy this unique ecosystem even on their downtime, with wild animals, including monkeys, often visible from the lodge.

Tambopata Research Center Activities

• Claylick - Visit this large river bank while Macaws and parrots make a raucous and colorful spectacle which inspired a National Geographic cover story.
  
  
• 5 Habitats – Close and easy hikes to bamboo, flood plain, terra firma, palm and riverine rainforest habitats
  
  
• Small Tower – Climb our small jungle tower for a great view of the palm swamp and blue and gold macaws that inhabit the area surrounding it.
  
  
• Macaw Project- Interact with researchers studying Macaw feeding habits, genetics, radio tracking and macaw parasites.
  
  
• Extra Activities – Standup paddle boarding, kayaking, canopy climbing, visits to the uninhabited heart of the rainforest

Meals

We provide self-serve three course meals at Tambopata Research Center. Meals consist of soup or appetizers, salad, main course, and desserts combining Peruvian and international cuisine. All fresh fruits and salads are thoroughly disinfected before serving. We also provide at all times unlimited amounts of boiled, filtered, cooled drinking water, coffee or tea and we provide fruit juices during the meals. If any visitor has special dietary requirements, we are happy to make individual arrangements, but please notify us.

Click here to see our menu: Our Rainforest Recipes

How to get to the Tambopata Research Center

Tambopata Research Center requires at least four nights because of the travel time. TRC is four hours upriver from Refugio Amazonas. To get to TRC you must fly to Puerto Maldonado from Lima or Cusco on daily commercial flights lasting 30 or 90 minutes respectively. From the airport you are transported by truck to the Infierno River Port where you board our boats for the two and half hour trip to Refugio Amazonas. From Refugio Amazonas, TRC is four hours upriver, and a few minutes walking from the river.


Tambopata Research Center Room in Peru