"Tambopata in the Amazon Rainforest" Tambopata by jadedmuse

Tambopata Travel Guide: 7 reviews and 5 photos

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!!)

Pros and Cons

Pros:Learned some interesting things about homeopathic medicine, animals, and ecology
Cons:Cockroaches should NOT be the size of someone's entire hand!
In a nutshell:Bring the DEET!

Intro Written Mar 3, 2004
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Reviews (7)

Check out the OPEN "wall" into the rainforest! - Tambopata

Ecotourism Lodge in the Amazon Hotels (1)

We stayed at Posadas Amazonas Lodge, a community-based ecolodge designed to teach its guests about life in the... more travel advice

Canoe Transportation (1)

If you're on a Rainforest mission and an Amazon eco-tourism type is on your agenda, then you'll most likely get there by... more travel advice

Giant River Otter Things to Do (3)

We took an excursion to a nearby lake where indigenous giant river otter supposedly live. I don't know if it was the... more travel advice

See the bird hidden amidst these leaves?! - Tambopata

Shaman Medicine Walk Things to Do (3)

The thing I enjoyed the most about staying at this eco-tourism lodge was walking with the local Ese'ja indian shaman... more travel advice

Warnings Or Dangers (2)
See All BIG "little" Critters!

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Comments (18)

Elena77 Dec 2, 2008 at 12:07 PM Report Abuse

Now eco-tourism in Peru is not on my list of things to do anymore! ; ) In Brazil there once was a scorpion in my bathroom. That was bad enough... even though I've been told its' poison would "only" have caused fever. How cheering! ; )
MichaelFalk1969 Jul 27, 2007 at 12:15 AM Report Abuse

Extremely funny, I had the same experience in a Queensland eco-lodge with no netting - it looked fine at first glance, but we had to rename our room "The Cockroach Suite" later. The only insect repellent was a pet gecko who happened to live in the house.
calcaf38 Jul 4, 2007 at 10:01 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for the compliment. As it happens, I LOVE your writing, be it about the Holy Land or the Amazon. Always a bit of humor...
Barbie2138 Apr 24, 2007 at 3:16 PM Report Abuse

"Eco friendly" I'll remember that's code for 'slumming it'
greentea1962 Dec 30, 2006 at 12:42 AM Report Abuse

Humans only think the world is ours. Insects truly own it!
JoelWillTravel Dec 28, 2006 at 5:56 AM Report Abuse

Great story about the bugs. I'd love to go to Peru one day. Happy Travels to you and enjoy the new year! Joel
gilabrand Sep 16, 2006 at 10:23 PM Report Abuse

Oh my God, I think you did disturb the universe (or was it the universe that disturbed you?) LOL
catalysta Mar 1, 2006 at 11:54 AM Report Abuse

Yeah becoming one with nature can be taken a bit too far now & then, I'd have to agree! What's so terribly non-Eco about a screen for the open wall???
luckyzen Feb 26, 2006 at 7:24 AM Report Abuse

What an interesting Home Page which led me to the bears and the bugs! Thank you for sharing. Greetings! p.s. I love your intro. motto!
AKtravelers Dec 14, 2005 at 7:23 PM Report Abuse

So, do you get more sleep in the jungle or with a new baby? From your lodging description, I'd say the latter! The walk to the toilet must've been crunchy.