TAMBOPATA NATIONAL RESERVE

About the Location of Tambopata National Reserve

It is located in Madre de Dios Region, in Tambopata province and encompasses 274,690 hectares (1,061 square miles) of exuberant rainforest nestled in Southeastern Peru, just a few minutes away from Cusco (by flight). In addition, this gorgeous land features many types of ecosystems, including the lush Amazon rainforest, riversides, and hidden lakes. By the way, this natural reserve is embellished by the Tambopata, Malinowski, and Madre de Dios rivers.

Now, do you realize why there are several species of flora and fauna here?

Diversity along Tambopata Rainforest

The existence of an extraordinary level of biodiversity is due to Peruvian government and its protection of the Tambopata National Reserve. Although, before the support of the government, the whole native tribes used to protect this natural treasure by their own; one of the most ancient communities is the Esa Eja People, and their indigenous families still live in the buffering zone of the Reserve. This cultural heritage adds a unique layer to the natural splendor of the area!

According to Sernanp, this phenomenal jungle protects the following number of species:

1200 species of butterflies
648 species of birds
323 species of fish
108 species of mammals
93 species of amphibians
103 species of reptiles
1713 species of flora
1637 species of flowering plants
76 species of ferns

You can get more data about flora and fauna in Tambopata National Reserve through our blogs: 10 outstandings species in Peru, the 10 most surprising animals in Tambopata, the most incredible insects in the jungle and the 5 best plants for herbal medicine.

Types of Habitats in Tambopata National Reserve

In total there are 7 types of habitats around the Reserve:

Aguajales (swamp forests): Areas permanently flooded and/or swampy, whose main species is the Aguaje palm (Mauritia flexuosa), which can grow in pure stands and/or mixed with other palms and various trees.
Pacales: It is a particular Amazonian habitat from southern Peru. It is covering large extensions of land, over terraces and hills, with a very abundant cover of paca (seems to bamboo).
Collpas (clay licks): Areas of exposed soil that possesses specific chemical characteristics, such as high concentrations of special minerals and particular clay compounds for macaws.
castañales (chestnut forests): Forests dominated by chestnut trees, often accompanied by pedunculate oaks and hollies, some ash trees, and various small trees like hazel; in the shrub layer, heathers, brambles, and occasionally other shrubs are common.
Terrace forests: Located on terraced landscapes or land with different elevations. These forests might have unique characteristics influenced by the specific topography and microclimate of the terraced environment.
Riparian forests: Also known as gallery forests or streamside forests, are habitats that grow along the banks of rivers, streams, and other freshwater bodies.
lakes or cochas: They play a significant role in providing habitats for various aquatic species and contribute to the overall biodiversity of the ecosystem. They may also serve as important landscape features and points of interest for visitors in nature reserves or protected areas.

The creation of the reserve

The boundless jungle of Tambopata National Reserve is being protected since 1990 when a specialized group of biologists and conservationists advocated for the protection of the Tambopata region against the globalization. Thus, their passion began from the recognition that Tambopata stood as one of the last shelters of pure rainforest, featuring a unique combination of lowland and swamps leading to higher cloud forests and humid savannas.

However, the first name of the reserve was “Tambopata-Candamo Reserved Zone”, this status achieved just some safeguard, leaving chances for potential changes in land, becoming an endless risk to the area. To face that problem, conservation organizations leaded extensive researches that exposed the critical importance of protecting Tambopata for biodiversity and its compatibility with local settlements. The results provided a compelling basis for elevating Tambopata National Reserve status from a “reserved zone” to a “national reserve,” ensuring a formal and permanent protection of this wonderful jungle.

More information

Nowadays, Tambopata has reached the rank of top tourist destination around the world, due to its breathtaking natural beauty, the unparalleled biodiversity of the phenomenal jungle and its protection. Moreover, its top wildlife attractions go from colorful macaws to incredible jaguars and alligators.

Do not waste time and make the most of your Tambopata adventure with us. Our professional staff is trained to provide you with valuable knowledge, travel tips and a critical appreciation of the many wonders of this destination before you decide to arrive. Meanwhile, during the journey, our tour guides make you discover the essence of Tambopata, and improve your exploration to live unforgettable experience.

In addition, there are several lodges and tours to Tambopata National Reserve, owing to ecotourism is a way to conserve better the area and improve the quality of lifetime from the native settlements as well. But, our tailor-made travel programs offer this experience and even direct contact with the local population and markets. Whether you love immersive jungle experiences or prefer a more laid-back retreat, Tambopata has something to offer every passenger.

Now that you’ve gained a deeper understanding of the Tambopata National Reserve, perhaps you are looking forward to planning your trip to this extraordinary destination. The first step is to learn the logistics of reaching Tambopata from your country or seamlessly incorporating it into an extended trip from the Andes to the jungle of Peru. Or you can count on us to bring you detailed travel information and maps of Peru to streamline your travel plans effectively. Contact us!