Tambopata Research Center
Where civilization ends and the paths of the jaguars begin, there is a place that penetrates deeper into the untouched wilderness than any other lodge in South America. Surrounded by the dense greenery of the Tambopata National Reserve, the Tambopata Research Center offers a refuge whose silence is only interrupted by the calls of macaws and the distant rustling in the underbrush. Just a few hundred meters away lies the Colpa Colorado - the largest known clay lick for macaws and parrots in the world, at about 500 meters long, where hundreds of birds gather daily. Since its establishment in 1989 by conservationist Eduardo Nycander, the center has been the headquarters of the Tambopata Macaw Project, which has contributed to the protection of the parrot population, among other things through hand-rearing endangered chicks, and gained worldwide fame in 1994 through a National Geographic cover story. Here, adventure and comfort merge into an experience that goes far beyond an ordinary stay - an invitation to discover the soul of the rainforest where it is purest and most powerful.
Details
Country
Peru
Location
Tambopata National Reserve
Price
from 550 € per night/person
Best travel time
May - October
Rooms
The accommodations are masterfully integrated into the surroundings and follow the concept of 'open architecture,' where one wall facing the forest is completely missing. Whether in the standard rooms or the luxurious suites - the lack of windows allows for an unfiltered connection to the sounds and scents of the rainforest. Each unit is equipped with high-quality mosquito nets and a private bathroom that features environmentally friendly hot water. The rustic yet noble style of natural materials provides a sense of security while simultaneously keeping you part of the vibrant wilderness.
Dining
Despite the extreme distance to the nearest town, the lodge surprises with first-class cuisine that focuses on fresh, local ingredients. The buffets offer a diverse selection of Peruvian-inspired dishes that combine artisanal skill with the flavors of the jungle. In the friendly atmosphere of the dining area, travelers and researchers exchange their daily discoveries over excellent meals. The bar complements the offerings with exotic cocktails and regional fruit juices that perfectly round off the evening amidst the wilderness.
Activities
The activity program of the Tambopata Research Center is unique, as it offers exclusive access to the nearby Colpa Colorado, where hundreds of macaws and parrots visit the mineral-rich clay wall daily. Over 300 meters of raised walkways safely lead through the underbrush and allow wildlife observations at eye level with rare primates and birds. Guests have the rare opportunity to actively participate in scientific projects and explore biodiversity together with experts - according to lodge statistics, about one in four guests even gets to see a wild jaguar. From guided jungle trails to night expeditions, every outing here becomes a lesson in ecology.
Location
As one of the most remote accommodations in South America, the Tambopata Research Center lies deep in the heart of the Tambopata National Reserve, directly across from the Bahuaja Sonene National Park. The journey involves a several-hour fascinating boat ride upstream, which already allows for first encounters with the exotic wildlife. This isolated location guarantees access to an absolutely intact ecosystem, where animals live that are rarely found in less remote areas. It is a site without artificial barriers, placing guests right in the middle of a 1.2 million hectare nature reserve.
Contact person
Director of Sales & Office Manager
