JAGUAR EXPEDITION 5 Days Tour

WELCOME TO THE AMAZON RAINFOREST AND INITIAL EXPLORATION

Upon arrival at our facilities, our team of collaborators will welcome you with a delicious refreshment made with fruits of our region, then you can access our bungalow to leave your belongings and get ready for an introductory walk around our lodge.

Once settled at the lodge, we will begin our first adventure with a boat ride to the Tambopata National Reserve, specifically to Lake Sandoval. This lake is one of the most iconic in the Peruvian Amazon, home to impressive biodiversity. During a 40-minute walk through the jungle, you will observe giant trees, medicinal plants, monkeys, exotic birds, insects, rodents, and reptiles.

Upon reaching the lake, we will board a rowboat to explore its calm waters. Here, you will have the opportunity to spot macaws, herons, taricayas, black caimans, anacondas, and, if you’re lucky, the giant river otter, an endangered species.

At nightfall we’ll return to our lodge for dinner and pack our things to head into the deepest jungle in search of jaguars.

“Explore the Tambopata National Reserve, one of the most biodiverse destinations in Peru, and discover why it is a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.”

📌 Fun fact: Sandoval Lake is home to one of the healthiest populations of giant otters in the Amazon. (Source: WWF).

NAVIGATING THE TAMBOPATA RIVER IN SEARCH OF THE JAGUAR

After a continental breakfast, we will board a private boat to navigate the Tambopata River, one of the best places to spot the majestic jaguar (Panthera onca). With a 60% chance of sighting, this day is dedicated to the search for the most imposing feline of the Amazon rainforest. Our guide, with over 20 years of experience, and our captain, who knows the rivers well, will take you to the most frequented spots by these animals. Use this link to check the latest sighting records:

https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=8209&subview=map&taxon_id=41970

During the navigation, which will last more than 8 hours, you will observe capybaras, caimans, howler monkeys, flying macaws, and other species that inhabit the riverbanks. In the afternoon, we will arrive at a campsite near a sandbank, where we will spend the night.

At night, we will embark on a nocturnal expedition by boat, where our guide will imitate jaguar sounds to attract them. This technique increases the chances of sighting and is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“Navigate the Tambopata River, one of the best places in the world to spot jaguars in their natural habitat. Learn the techniques of our expert guides to increase your chances of seeing this feline in the Amazon rainforest.”

🎯 Photography Tip: Use a high ISO camera and telephoto lens to capture night images.

COLLPA CHUNCHO (Macaw Clay Lick) AND OBSERVATION TOWER (Canopy)

We will wake up very early (around 4:00 am) to head to Collpa Chuncho, the largest macaw clay lick in the world. During the journey, we will navigate upstream for about an hour, with the possibility of spotting jaguars drinking water on the riverbanks.

At the clay lick, you will observe hundreds of macaws from more than 4 species and thousands of smaller parrots as they interact with each other. This natural spectacle is unique in the world and one of the most impressive experiences in the Amazon.

Later, we will visit a 40-meter-high observation tower, where you can see the jungle from the tops of the tallest trees in the world. From here, you may spot birds, monkeys, and other mammals that inhabit the rainforest.

At night, we will embark on a final nocturnal expedition in search of the jaguar, with the possibility of seeing it hunting capybaras on the riverbanks.

“Visit Collpa Chuncho, the perfect place to observe macaws and parrots in their natural habitat. Additionally, climb an observation tower and enjoy panoramic views of the Amazon rainforest.”

📍Ecotourism tip: Contribute to conservation by keeping a respectful distance and avoiding unnecessary noise.

CONDENADO LAKE AND RETURN TO THE LODGE

Today, we will explore Condenado Lake, a place teeming with wildlife. Here, you can observe herons, wild ducks, piranhas, black caimans, and, with an 80% chance, the giant river otter, an endangered species.

After breakfast, we will return downstream in our boat, searching for and photographing wildlife, with a special focus on the search for the jaguar. We will arrive at Tronco Tambopata Lodge to enjoy dinner and rest.

“Explore Condenado Lake, a unique place in the Peruvian Amazon, where you can observe giant otters and other endangered species.”

ANACONDA LAKE AND FAREWELL

On our last day, we will visit Anaconda Lake, located 40 minutes from the lodge. Here, you can enjoy a beautiful sunrise and, if you’re lucky, spot an anaconda. You will also have the opportunity to fish for piranhas and observe hundreds of parrots and macaws flying over the lake.

After breakfast, we will prepare your luggage and take you to the airport or your hotel in Puerto Maldonado, where this incredible expedition will conclude.

“Enjoy a unique sunrise at Anaconda Lake, where you can spot anacondas and fish for piranhas, an unforgettable experience in the Amazon rainforest.”

🐯 Fun fact: Jaguar sightings have been recorded at this lake using data from iNaturalist.

IMPORTANT

We recommend bringing mosquito repellent, flashlight, binoculars, personal items, sun block, walking shoes, long shirts and pants.