Libertador Tambopata Lodge

Itinerary

Day 1 Puerto Moldonado/Libertador Tambopata Lodge

Following your early morning arrival to Puerto Maldonado from Lima or Cuzco, you will be met at the airport by your naturalist guide and transferred to a dugout canoe for the trip up the Tambopata River to the lodge. On the journey the vegetation changes from colonized deforested areas to virgin rain forest. A box-lunch is provided on board. On arrival you'll have a welcome drink and meet the rest of the staff. In the late afternoon you set off for an introductory walk into the "terra firme" forest behind the lodge (Trail 2), dominated by giant Brazil-nut and dipteryx trees. Frequently seen mammals on this trail are saddle-back tamarinds, brown capuchins, agoutis, pacas, blue-morpho butterflies, trogons, toucans and many other species of birds. After dinner enjoy a night walk to find nocturnal animals or insects - about 50% of the animals are nocturnal in the rainforest.Libertador Tambopata Lodge is situated within the Tambopata National Reserve (TNR) and is on the edge of the Bahuaja Sonene National Park, creating an immense area totaling more than 3,000,000 acres of sub-tropical moist rainforest. The original Tambopata Candamo Reserved Zone (TCRZ) was created by a ministerial resolution in January 1990 as a step towards a larger policy of land management in the area and to protect the land whilst it was properly surveyed. The status of Reserved Zone gave the area greater protection than it had before, though a number of factors came into play from 1990 undermining the whole process begun by the Institute of Natural Resources (INRENA) who manage the area. One of the land-use proposals put forward was for a national park to protect the watershed of the Tambopata and other rivers and their natural resources from the encroachment of civilization. The proposed national park was to be called Bahuaja-Sonene. The national park status was given to 54 thousand hectares of the previous Reserved Zone in August 1996 - a blessing for nature, as Peruvian law at present restricts the entrance of people into such areas (except under very special circumstances). On the 10th of September 2000, the Bahuaja Sonene National Park was created along with the Tambopata National Reserve as described above. The area also became part of a cross border park system, joining the Madidi National Park in Bolivia, and becoming the largest protected zone of tropical forest on the continent of South America!The LodgeThe buildings or cabins have been designed to exist in complete harmony with this exotic environment. They are made from wood and thatched with woven leaves and screened to protect their occupants from insects. There is no electricity at present, and we use lamps and candles at night which create a pleasant atmosphere at the lodge. We have some buildings with solar energy to provide lighting and we are in the process of introducing solar energy to all rooms. Each bed is protected by a mosquito net and the cabins all have a private bathroom with running water. The dining room serves food, as well as drinks and snacks 24 hours/day. Next door to the dining room is the bar and a small supplies shop. We also have a library, a conference centre, a small museum and a map library. All food is prepared by our own specialized professional staff, which uses a blend of forest products and more traditional recipes. Some of the dishes are typically Peruvian and international food is also served.The transport to and from the lodge is by boat. All boats are protected from both sun and rain by a roof and side closures. Boat seats have back rests and seat cushions for greater comfort. All passengers will be provided with a life jacket, and all the drivers we use are qualified, experienced and possess a great knowledge of the river and its fauna.GuidesStationed at the lodge are a number of experienced naturalist guides from both Peru and abroad that are there to introduce you to the many wonders of the rain forest and to answer your many questions. They also undertake independent research into aspects of tropical ecology. Past research papers on a variety of topics can be found in the library. On any typical day the guides inform their passengers about the forest, concentrating on key issues such as important trees, flowers, medicinal plants and remedies, and help to identify species of birds, mammals, reptiles, butterflies and other insects. In the evening they hold short conferences focusing on the tropical rainforest and explaining in greater depth some of the marvels of this ecosystem.EnergyThe lodge compound and buildings are lit at night with flame lanterns and candles. We are at present experimenting with the use of solar energy. The solar panels in place are used to supply power for radio communication with Puerto Maldonado and Cuzco, as well as illuminate the kitchen work area. We have some buildings with solar energy to provide lighting and we are in the process of introducing solar energy to all rooms. WaterTap water in the rooms comes from the clear Gallocunca stream found towards the rear of the lodge. The water is chlorinated and fit for showers, and bathing, though we recommend you drink the purified water supplied in pitchers. The pitcher can be refilled from the drinking water container situated in the dining room.NightNaked flame lamps line the pathways around the lodge to help illuminate the way. However we still recommend you carry a flashlight with you at all times after dark. SwimmingSwimming is recommended in the Gallocunca stream. A pathway down to the stream can be found towards the rear of the cabins clearing. The lakes are also good places to swim, take your bathing suit with you on morning walks to the lake(s).TrailsThe lodge maintains several trails on both sides of the river totaling approximately 25 km. Most are circular trails beginning and ending at the lodge, which are well marked and the guests are welcome to explore them during their leisure time. The trails on the other side of the Tambopata River can only be reached by boat. LibraryA selection of rain forest literature and magazines is available for your reading at the lodge throughout your stay. These include guide books to the mammals, birds, and plants of the area and a selection of novels, which can be freely swapped.GamesGames available at the lodge are: chess, backgammon and playing cards. Games are restricted to the bar only.ClothingFor walks in the forest we recommend that you bring light clothing, long loose-fitting trousers, long-sleeved shirts, a wide-brimmed hat and walking boots or tennis shoes. Around the lodge you can wear: shorts, T-shirts and sandals. The early mornings can be cold, especially when on the river; you should bring along a windbreaker or a sweater.Rain gear: Come prepared with an impermeable jacket or rain poncho, as heavy rain may fall at any moment. We have rain ponchos at the lodge but they can only be used on the lodge's trails. You should also bring swim wear for bathing at Gallocunca, some other streams and at the lakes.Personal items: We recommend that you bring the following items: sun block, flashlight and batteries, a backpack, a water bottle, medical kit, sunglasses, pocket knife, passport, waterproof bags, and insect repellent.

Day 2 Libertdaor Tambopata Lodge

Hike to Lake Condenado. After an early breakfast you and your nature guide will board the motorized canoe once again for the short journey to the trail head to begin a morning's exploration by foot and paddle canoe of the lake system of Condenado, rich in bird and aquatic life. A family of giant otters live in the vicinity of the lake and are often observed. Birds are abound especially rufescent tiger-herons, great egrets, wattled jacanas, hoatzin, the noisy donacobius and many others. Remember to bring your hat and sun screen for there is no shade out on the water. You will return to the lodge in time for lunch. The afternoon is for exploring the forest close to the lodge (with or without your guide), relaxing and bathing in the Gallucunca, a cool clear stream beside the lodge or visiting our tree platforms, going up with ropes and harnesses for a bird's eye view of the forest and for close-ups of arboreal orchids and the many other species of plants and animals that are never seen near the ground (extra cost). After dark you will go searching for caiman (alligators) and other nocturnal animals by motorized canoe along the Tambopata River.

Day 3 Libertador Tambopata Lodge

Hike to Lake Sachavacayoc (Tapir Lake). After an early breakfast you will take a short boat ride down river to the trail head. Here you embark on a longer trail which leads to a spectacular hidden lake, requiring the crossing of streams and swampy ground, past the giant lupuna trees (kings of the jungle) which abound in this part of the forest. On the walk you are introduced to more aspects of the forest and its animals. At the lake itself it is possible to spot the elusive black caiman and giant otters. We return for lunch and the afternoon is free for relaxation and swimming.

Day 4 Puerto Moldonado

A dawn start is required for the canoe trip back to Puerto Maldonado giving memorable views of the sun rise over the river. Lookout for the early morning wildlife which is particularly active at this time. Howler monkeys are frequently heard, as they stakeout their territories. Your guide will take care of you on arrival in Puerto Maldonado and will deal with all the necessities at the airport prior to you departure.

Trip Details

Accommodation	Jungle Lodge(3 nts)
Brochure Notes	Flights can be arranged at time of booking.
Departure	Daily
Group Size	Minimum 2 passengers
Included Highlights	Various jungle activities and spectacular wildlife viewing by boat and rainforest hiking
Meals Included	All meals at the Lodge (drinks not included).
StartFinish	ex Puerto Maldonado
Transport	Car, Van, Boat/Canoe, Walking
Brochure Intro	Located in the Amazon Basin, this eco-paradise is rich in wildlife encounters and includes plenty of rustic charm at the Libertador Tambopata Lodge.

Browse Similar Trips

• Cuzco City Break - Original - Prisma Hotel
• Lima City Break - Original - Hotel Antigua Miraflores
• Southern Cross

• South America Overland - Rio to Lima
• Manu Wildlife Center
• Posadas Amazonas Peru

• Cuzco City Break - Original - Hostal Corihuasi
• North and South Peru Discovery
• Refugio Amazonas Lodge & Tambopata Research Centre Peru - 5 Days

• Great South American Journey - Caracas to Quito
• Discover Arequipa and Colca Canyon - Standard
• Cuzco City Break - Original - Cahuide Hotel

• Home
• International Airfare
• Hotels
• Hostels
• Community
• RTW Guide
• Travel Blogs
• Adventure Trips
• Travel Gear
• Travel Insurance
• Eurail