PROGRAM
Day 1: Arrive Puerto Maldonado and journey to the lodge
Following your early morning flight to Puerto Maldonado from Lima or Cusco, you will be met at the airport by your naturalist guide and transferred 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 rain forest. A box-lunch is provided on board. On arrival you'll have a welcome drink and meet the rest of the staff. In the late afternoon you set off for an introductory walk into the "terra firme" forest behind the lodge (Trail 2), dominated by giant Brazil-nut and Dipteryx trees. Frequently seen mammals on this trail are Saddle-back Tamarins, Brown Capuchins, Agoutis, Pacas, Blue-Morpho butterflies, Trogons, Toucans and many other species of birds.
Day 2: Hike Lake Condenado
After an early breakfast you and your nature guide will board the motorized canoe once again for the short journey to the trail head to begin a morning's exploration by foot and paddle canoe of the lake system of Condenado, rich in bird and aquatic life. A family of Giant Otters live in the vicinity of the lake and are often observed. Birds abound especially Rufescent Tiger-herons, Great Egrets, Wattled Jacanas, Hoatzin, the noisy Donacobius and many others. Remember to bring your hat and sun cream for there is no shade out on the water. You will return to the lodge in time for lunch.
The afternoon is free for exploring the forest close to the lodge (with or without your guide) or relaxing and bathing in the Gallucunca, a cool clear stream beside the lodge. After dark you will go searching for caiman (alligators) and other nocturnal animals by motorized canoe along the Tambopata River.
Day 3: Hike to Lake Sachavacayoc (Tapir Lake)
After an early breakfast you will take a short boat ride down river to the trail head. Here you embark on a longer trail which leads to a spectacular hidden lake, requiring the crossing of streams and swampy ground, past the giant Lupuna trees (kings of the jungle) which abound in this part of the forest. On the walk you are introduced to more aspects of the forest and its animals. At the lake itself it is possible to spot the elusive Black Caiman and Giant Otters. We return for lunch. The afternoon is free for relaxation and bathing.
Day 4: Return to Puerto Maldonado
A dawn start is required for the canoe trip back to Puerto Maldonado giving memorable views of the sun rise over the river. Lookout for the early morning wildlife which is particularly active at this time. Howler monkeys are frequently heard, as they stakeout their territories. Your guide will take care of you on arrival in Puerto Maldonado and will deal with all the necessities at the airport prior to you departure. End of our service.
Additional days: Consult us for any number of extra days at the lodge, before or after this program. 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; repeat the lake visits accompanying other groups, giving you more time to wonder/paddle in your favorite areas; try your hand at tree climbing (with ropes); visit our tree platforms for a bird's eye view of the forest and for close-ups of arboreal orchids and the many species of plants and animals that are never seen near the ground. Full board is included during each of these days.
