TAMBOPATA (10d/9n)

Located in the Bahuaha Sonene National Reserve, the Tambopata River permits us to experience one of the most fascinating canoeing expeditions in the Peruvian Amazon. First we will cross the Andean Altiplano in 4x4 vehicles passing a number of communities that raise alpacas. Then we will descend into the jungle, crossing through valleys of orchids, cloud forests with a variety of exotic tropical flora and fauna. Then we will stay for 6 fascinating days on the Tambopata River, navigating exciting rapids (class II, III and IV) and watching the lives of exotic animals that live in the jungle, including monkeys, giant otters, anteaters, caimans, more than 500 bird species and more than a thousand species of butterflies. In canoe we will enter to the Tambopata National Reserve; at this point we will retrieve the motor boats and travel in them to the Tambopata Research Center, a beautiful jungle lodge from which we will do various hikes to observe the animal life that reside in this area.

ITINERARY

DAY 01

In the afternoon we are arriving to Juliaca. Our private transportation and guide will pick you up from the airport. We will drive for about 40 minutes to the city of Puno where our hotel is located. We will have a welcome dinner a nd a trip briefing.

DAY 02

In the morning we will take a tour of the floating Uros Islands, located in Lake Titicaca. We will eat lunch and then drive to the Hacienda Malquini (13,124 feet) in our sport utility vehicle, 4X4. (B+L+D)

DAY 03

We are leaving early in the morning, bounding to Tambopata. On the way we will pass through various alpaca herding and traditional Andean communities; we will see a number of birds including the Andean seagull and a variety of native animals to the Peruvian high plateau including llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and other native species. We will cross the highest point at 15,750 feet, the eastern dividing line, marking where we will begin to descend into the jungle via various regions until we reach the cloud forest. At this point we will begin to see many species of tropical birds and passing through a valley of orchids. Later we will arrive at our campsite where we will enjoy a delicious dinner. (B+L+D)

DAY 04

We will eat breakfast and then we will drive 2 more hours arriving at Putina Punku, depending on the water level we will begin rowing here or we will continue driving for another tour to San Ignacio, a town at the entrance to the Bahuaha Sonene National Park. After setting up the equipment and eating lunch we will enter into the river. This afternoon we will row for 2 or 3 hours in relatively calm class II and III rapids (the rapids will depend on the water level). We will see macaws, herons, orioles, carnivorous insects and other species that live in the jungle. We will camp on the riverbank. (B+L+D)

DIA 05

The river remains relatively calm and we will navigate class II and III rapids. We will begin to see a variety of different kinds of birds, a few mammals, such as anteaters and giant otters (a species that is in danger of extinction). In the afternoon we will arrive at our campsite to relax and enjoy a delicious dinner. (B+L+D)

DAY 06 - 07


Today the landscape begins to change little by little as the river narrows and the rapids increase in difficulty (class III and IV). We will continue seeing splendid native animals to the jungle and with a bit of luck we will see monkeys. (B+L+D)

DAY 08


Today we will encounter a very calm section of the river, which will allow us to observe the flora and fauna with peacefulness. We will pass by a bird clay lick and later we will enjoy a successful day of fishing. Today the vegetation will begin to increase greatly in comparison to the other days on the river. (B+L+D)

DAY 09

We will row to the junction point with the Tavara River, principle tributary to the Tambopata River. Here we will begin to use our motor boasts, which ones the next day they will take us to the Tambopata Research Center. We will organize our equipment and we will load up the motorboats. We will then set up camp here. (B+L+D)

DAY 10

With everything ready we will leave early, traveling for several hours until we arrive at the Tambopata Research Center arriving in time for lunch. After arriving we will have time for 2 hikes around the lodge in order to see animals, one in the afternoon and another in the evening. .