Situated on the banks of the Tambopata River in the heart of the Tambopata National Reserve (TNR), the remoteness and tranquility of our lodge will make your stay an agreeable one.

The TNR is an immense area (680,000 acres) protected by the Peruvian government and located in the southeastern region of Madre de Dios. Many studies have been made of the fauna and flora along the Tambopata River, revealing an incredible abundance of life forms. It is believed that the ecosystems in this part of southeastern Peru are the most diverse on the planet. Here it is possible to observe rare species such as the giant otter, anacondas, jaguars and ocelots.

Within the entire territory of the Libertador Tambopata Lodge, and the rest of the TNR, there are limitless opportunities to observe the tropical rainforest and its wildlife. Our lodge has something to offer everybody, from those who just want to escape from the noise of the city, to naturalists and professional photographers. Our experienced nature guides are always willing to help our guests understand and better appreciate this unique area.

The buildings or cabins have been designed to exist in complete harmony with this exotic environment. They are made from wood and thatched with woven leaves and screened to protect their occupants from insects.

There is no electricity at present, and we use lamps and candles at night which create a pleasant atmosphere at the lodge. We have, however, some buildings with solar energy to provide lighting and we are in the process of introducing solar energy to all rooms.

Each bed is protected by mosquito nets
Each bed is protected by a mosquito net and the cabins all have a private bathroom with running water.

The dining room serves food, as well as drinks and snacks 24 hours
The dining room is where meals are served. Beverages and snacks are available 24 hours a day. Next door to the dining room is the bar and a small supplies shop. We also have a library, a conference centre, a small museum and a map library. All food is prepared by our own specialized professional staff, which uses a blend of forest products and more traditional recipes. Some of the dishes are typically Peruvian and international food is also served.

PACKAGE PROGRAM CAPIBARA (3 DAYS 2 NIGHT)

Day l: Flight to 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 rainforest. 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 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 walk to find nocturnal animals or insects by their eye-shine, a specialization for increasing light and seeing better. About 50% of the animals are nocturnal in the rainforest. (L,D)

Day 2: Hike to 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 lives 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 for exploring the forest close to the lodge (with or without your guide), relaxing and bathing in the Gallucunca, a cool clear stream beside the lodge, or visiting our tree platforms, going up with ropes and harnesses for a bird's eye view of the forest and for close-ups of arboreal orchids and the many other species of plants and animals that are never seen near the ground (extra cost). After dark you will go searching for caiman (alligators) and other nocturnal animals by motorized canoe along the Tambopata River. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Departure. 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. Your guide will take care of you on arrival in Puerto Maldonado and will deal with all the necessities at the airport prior to your departure. (B)

Additional days at Libertador Tambopata Lodge
Any number of extra days at the lodge, in addition to the above mentioned 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; repeat the lake visits accompanying other groups, giving you more time to wander/paddle in your favorite areas; visit our tree platforms, going up with ropes and harnesses for a bird's eye view of the forest and for close-ups of arboreal orchids and the many other species of plants and animals that are never seen near the ground or at dawn when the main activity of the forest begins with the rising sun.

Services included in your trip: All meals and accommodation from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on your final day. All transport from your arrival at Puerto Maldonado to your return to the airport. All guided excursions described in the itinerary (including on additional days, if you wish), and a one-night excursion on the river looking for caiman.

Puerto Maldonado

Puerto Maldonado is a city in Southeastern Peru in the Amazon forest 55 kilometres (34 mi) west of the Bolivian border on the confluence of the Tambopata and Madre de Dios River, a tributary of the Amazon River. It is the capital of the Madre de Dios Region.

Nearby are the Manú National Park, Tambopata National Reserve, and Bahuaja-Sonene National Park. These are some of the most pristine primary rain forests in the world, which include several oxbow lakes and clay licks, where hundreds of birds including macaws feed on clay.

Biodiversity is the word that covers everything that Madre de Dios contains infinite forest, immense rivers and vast variety of animals and vegetation. Its capital, Puerto Maldonado is an obligatory stop along the way to the national parks and reserves located in the area to gain the entrance and authorizations. Years ago Madre de Dios have been an important exporting site rubber, wood, gold, and petroleum; today the eco-tourism and chestnut harvesting are the two main economic activities in the department.

About ten kilometers from Puerto Maldonado and an hour and half walking you find the Lake Sandoval, surrounded by aguajales (swampy areas full of palm trees), orchids, kapok trees, caoba trees, and Mauritanian palm trees that grow up to thirty meters tall. The lake is the home for a vast variety of animals like parrots, macaws, toucans, egrets, turtles, tapirs and the refuge for black caimans and otters, two species threatened with extinction.

60 Kilometers from Puerto Maldonado by the Madre de Dios River is Lake Valencia, in the areas around of the lake there are several native communities. These natives are extraordinary fishermen and living from that activity, fishing for tiger shovelnose catfish, gilded catfish and paiche. This area is full of flora and fauna, too.
One of the most important national parks in the world is The Manú National Park with 1,716,295 hectares, located in the departments of Cuzco and Madre de Dios, protects more than 800 bird species, 200 species of mammals, gigantic trees and it is the home of many native communities. This park has the world record of the number of species seen in one day at one spot with 324 species.

Other national park in the area is The Tambopata-Candamo National Park con 274,690 hectares, which is known to possess the greatest diversity of mammal, tree, insect, and bird species in the world, as well as the world record for the amount of butterfly species.

USEFUL INFORAMTION

Climate

Puerto Maldonado is in the tropical Amazon Basin. The climate is hot and humid at all times. The average annual temperature is 26 °C (79 °F) with the months of August and September being the hottest. Annual rainfall exceeds 1,000 millimetres (3.3 ft). The wet season is from October to April. The main part of the town is located on a slightly elevated area that does not normally flood in the wet season. Road travel often becomes impossible during this time. A low season occurs between June and August.

A common phenomenon known locally as a "surazo" or "friaje" occurs when polar winds blow in from the mountainous south. The temperature will drop to as low as 8 °C (46 °F) for several days.