Visit Tambopata Peru – Lakes, Wildlife, Clay Licks & Guided Amazon Tours

Many travelers choose to visit Tambopata Peru for its unique combination of wildlife-rich lakes, river landscapes, macaw clay licks and rainforest trails. Tambopata is one of the most accessible gateways to the Amazon, offering unforgettable guided excursions and comfortable ecolodges surrounded by nature.

Visit Tambopata Peru and explore the river landscapes, wildlife and Amazon rainforest
Exploring river and forest ecosystems when you visit Tambopata Peru.

Why You Should Visit Tambopata Peru

Tambopata is one of the world’s great biodiversity hotspots. Its lakes, rivers, clay cliffs and primary rainforest provide a home to macaws, giant river otters, tapirs, caimans, monkeys and hundreds of bird species. Well-organized tours starting from Puerto Maldonado make it easy to explore key attractions without long travel times.

Main Reasons to Visit Tambopata Peru

  • Lake ecosystems with otters, caimans and rare birds.
  • Macaw clay licks with spectacular sunrise wildlife gatherings.
  • Night walks revealing frogs, insects and nocturnal mammals.
  • Amazon river navigation with sloth, monkey and bird sightings.
  • Comfortable ecolodges offering guided activities and meals.

Top Things to Do When You Visit Tambopata Peru

The region offers a balanced mix of adventure, nature and cultural exploration. Below are the main experiences that travelers enjoy when visiting Tambopata.

1. Lake Sandoval Wildlife Tour

Lake Sandoval is one of the must-see destinations when you visit Tambopata Peru. After a short boat ride and a forest walk, visitors explore the lake by canoe, searching for giant river otters, howler monkeys, black caimans and hoatzins.

Lake Sandoval Tour Details

2. Tambopata River Sunset Tour

An afternoon navigation along the river, ideal for photographing monkeys, birds and sloths in Cecropia trees while enjoying one of the most beautiful sunsets in the Amazon.

Sunset Tour Information

3. Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick

One of the largest macaw clay licks in the world. At sunrise, dozens of macaws and parrots land on clay cliffs to feed on minerals — a breathtaking wildlife spectacle and a highlight when you visit Tambopata.

Clay Lick Experience

4. Night Walk in the Rainforest

A guided night walk reveals frogs, spiders, glowing insects, owls and other nocturnal rainforest creatures. This tour offers a completely different atmosphere compared to daytime activities.

Night Walk Program

5. Lake Yacumama Tour

A calm, scenic lake perfect for canoeing, birdwatching and enjoying peaceful Amazon landscapes. It can be combined with river sunsets or cultural activities.

Lake Yacumama Experience

6. Kayaking & Amazon River Adventures

Travelers can kayak along the riverbanks, search for wildlife from small paddle boats or enjoy piranha fishing during sunset hours.

7. Parrot Clay Lick (La Cachuela)

A short morning river excursion along the Madre de Dios River where dozens of parrot species gather on clay cliffs.


Multi-Day Programs to Visit Tambopata Peru

For travelers who want a complete rainforest immersion, multi-day programs offer sunrise wildlife viewing, night activities, river trips and comfortable ecolodge stays.


Where to Stay When You Visit Tambopata Peru

Several ecolodges can be combined with your itinerary depending on comfort level and preferred destinations:

  • Habana Amazon Reserve – riverside cabins & forest trails
  • Amasisa Sandoval Lake Lodge – inside Tambopata National Reserve
  • El Tronco Tambopata Adventure – canopy & zipline lodge
  • Chomi House Tambopata – comfortable in-city base
  • Hacienda Tambopata Filadelfia – ideal for Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick

Best Time to Visit Tambopata Peru

Wildlife can be spotted year-round, but July to September offers the best river conditions, clearer skies, increased macaw activity and ideal lake visibility.


External Resources


Contact Tambopata Wild

If you want help planning your visit to Tambopata Peru or creating a custom jungle itinerary, contact us:

Share your dates and preferred activities, and we will recommend the best combination of lakes, rivers, clay licks and ecolodge stays.