Tambopata jungle

Tambopata National Reserve is located in the department of Madre de Dios, just half an hour’s plane ride from Cusco and is one of the most important rainforests in the world; home of hundreds of birds, plants and unique mammals. One of the highlights of the reserve is the Colpa de Guacamayos which is one of the largest natural clay licks in Peru. These copper-colored cliffs attract thousands of macaws and parrots each day who come to feed on the mineral salts contained in this area.

 Tourists go to Tambopata to encounter nature, explore wildlife and enjoy beautiful scenery.

Climate in Tambopata

Puerto Maldonado has a humid and warm weather. The temperature can go from 20ºC (68ºF) to 40ºC (104ºF) during September. However, in the wind season (june and july) the temperature can drop down to 17ºC (62ºF). The rain seadon is between December and March.

Hotels or Lodges in Tambopata

You can book a hotel inside the Tambopata National Reserve or you can choose to stay in the city of Puerto Maldonado and take full-day excursions from there with a tour agency.

What clothes to wear to the jungle?

Bring lightweight and comfortable clothing to use during excursions. Also, remember to bring bug repellent, a hat and sunglasses. You could also bring a raincoat because Puerto Maldonado has a tropical climate.

Food and drink in Tambopata

You can try the city’s traditional drink Masato is made from  sweet potato and sugar. A famous dish from the Peruvian Jungle is “tacacho” (fried banana served with meat) or “juane” (made of rice and chicken).

Jungle Natives

Some jungle tribes who practice ancestral customs live in the forests of Madre de Dios. In 2013 aborigines that had never had contact with outside civilization were seen in the rainforest . This population has many myths and legends, some of them mystical.

Tambopata National Reserve

It can only be accessed by boat, usually from the town of Puerto Maldonado the capital of the Madre de Dios department. There are daily flights from Puerto Maldonado to and from Cusco usually arriving and departing early in the morning. One of the highlights of the reserve is the Colpa de Guacamayos which is one of the largest natural clay licks in Peru.

Exploring the Amazon jungle

To have the best experience, you should stay at least 4 days and stay in one of the many Amazon Jungle Lodges. These facilities operate on some hidden river or on the shores of a lake. The operators of Jungle Lodges will be waiting for you at the airport from your arrival to Puerto Maldonado, and after your visit, they return you directly to the airport, or to Puerto Maldonado. Once in the lodge you can take tours to see the wildlife and encounter nature.