"Tambopata in the Amazon Rainforest " a Tambopata Travel Page by jadedmuse

The Tambopata River is a tributary of the Amazon River. If you're interested in seeing tropical animals and experiencing life in the rainforest, chances are you'll be visiting Tambopata. There are several ecology-tourism lodges operating along the river here, and their proceeds go to benefit the local indigenous cultures (namely the Ese-eja indians) who in turn, are learning the positive aspects of protecting the rainforests while promoting gentle tourism. They've been able to build some schools and educate the native population, which is a great accomplishment.

As for wildlife, we never saw a glimpse of the elusive jaguar, or even the giant sea otter for that matter - but we did see large, colorful macaws squawking and flying overhead; parrots were everywhere, and we often heard and saw monkeys in the trees, sometimes close to the lodge. There was a main area that basically consisted of a raised platform with a thatched roof. It was considered the eco-lodge's "lobby", and here is where we took our meals, took our naps on hammocks, and watched educational videos about ecology and life in the rainforest. We stayed here for 2 nights - which was about enough for me. (I'm not a good person with insects, and believe me, they're AMAZON size here!!)