Tambopata – Scarlet
(4 days / 3 nights)
Day 1: Puerto Maldonado – Jungle
Upon arrival in Puerto Maldonado transfer to a dugout canoe for the trip up the Tambopata River to the lodge. On the journey the vegetation changes from colonized deforested areas to virgin rainforest. A box-lunch is provided on board. On arrival we have time to unpack. In the late afternoon we set off for an introductory walk into the ‘terra firma’ forest behind the lodge (Trail 2), dominated by giant Brazil-nut and Dipteryx trees. Frequently seen mammals on this trail are Saddle-back Tamarinds, Brown Capuchins, Agoutis, Pacas, Blue-Morpho butterflies, Trogons, Toucans and many other species of birds. After dinner a night walks to find nocturnal animals or insects by their eye-shine. Overnight.
Meals: Box lunch and dinner
Day 2: Jungle – Macaw Clay-lick (Collpa)
After breakfast we return to the canoe to continue the journey upstream, a further 4 hrs, to an area deep within the National Reserve where the isolated Collpa is located. The Collpa is actually one of the large clay cliffs lining the Tambopata River in this area. After lunch we have the afternoon to explore the trail system of the area. Camping on the beach near the Collpa.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3: Macaw Clay-lick – Jungle
A pre-dawn start is needed to get to the clay-lick before the birds. They arrive in search of minerals and salts and the digestive properties of the clay particles themselves. On average several hundred Macaws and smaller parrots visit the clay-lick daily, including Scarlet, Blue and Yellow, Red and Green, and Chestnut-fronted and Blue-headed parrots, among others. This clay-lick is considered one of the largest in the world. Following a late morning hike and lunch we return down river to the lodge. At night, after dinner we can go searching for Caiman (alligators) and other nocturnal animals by canoe along the Tambopata River. Overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4: Jungle – Puerto Maldonado
A dawn start is required for the canoe trip back to Puerto Maldonado, giving memorable views of the sunrise over the river. Look out for the early morning wildlife, which is particularly active at this time. Howler monkeys are frequently heard, as they stakeout their territories. Upon arrival in Puerto Maldonado, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Optional:
Additional days at the collpa
Any number of extra days in the vicinity of the Collpa, over and above the aforementioned program, are possible. These can be guided or unguided according to your preference and interests. During these days you can either; explore the trail system in more depth, going further afield along trails not visited before; visit a small lake hidden amongst the trees with a floating viewing platform situated in it; take a trip up river to explore a clear forest stream teeming with fish. Full board is included during each of these days.
