Tambopata National Reserve Adventure

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Dates: May to October

Price: $2600 per person

Highlights

  • Experience pristine Amazon rainforest in Tambopata-Candamo Reserve.
  • Witness the largest macaw clay lick in South America.
  • Navigate Class III-IV rapids through jungle vegetation.
  • Camp on remote beaches amid incredible biodiversity.
  • Journey from Andean highlands to Amazon basin.

Tambopata National Reserve harbors some of the wildest, least impacted habitats in the world. In this one million plus hectare protected area, rainforests and tropical savannahs meet in a land where roads have never existed and rivers are the only means of accessing its dense forests and bird-filled marshes. This huge wilderness gets its name from the Ese-Eja words for “Tambopata” (Bahuaja) and “Heath” (Sonene).

Buffered by the 274,690 hectare Tambopata National Reserve, the deep, wildlife-filled jungles are rarely visited by people. In fact, very little access is actually given to the national park itself to keep it preserved as a true, Amazonian wilderness.

Located in the Tambopata-Candamo National Reserve, we believe this exceeds expectations of a wild and remote river that offers an exciting whitewater adventure in the pristine rainforest of the Peruvian Amazon. A great variety of tropical plant and animal species abound in this remote and unspoiled area to which the river is the only access route. It has the greatest diversity of wildlife: more than five hundred twenty species of birds, one thousand two hundred species of butterflies and many groups of animals, such as the howler monkey, tapir, capybaras, macaws, giant otters, black and white caiman, ocelot and the majestic jaguar. All this has forced the Peruvian Government to protect this area and create this National Reserve.

Our expedition begins in Cusco, the heart of the Inca Empire. We will travel through the high plateau of the Andes to enter one of the last uninhabited forests in the world, with twenty thousand plant species, thousand species of birds, hundreds of mammals, reptiles and fish. We will be floating for seven days, encountering exciting class III and IV rapids.

We will raft approximately three hundred kilometers through the upper part of the Tambopata River to the Madre de Dios River, which are important tributaries of the great Amazon River. We will have the opportunity to camp in front of the largest macaw clay lick in South America before hopping on a motor boat to finally reach the city of Puerto Maldonado.

We will witness the upper reaches of the Amazon basin from the snows of the Andean peaks to the tropical jungle, and we will delight ourselves with llamas and alpacas in the highlands, and thousands of colorful macaws in the “Colpa” in the low jungle.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco to Putina Punku

We will leave Cusco at dawn to cross the highlands aboard a private bus and travel through a 4,800 meter passage to finally descend towards the jungle where we will spend the night at the official entrance of the park: Putina Punku. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 2: Rafting on the Tambopata River

We will arrive to the town of Curva Alegre and before we start guides will give an orientation briefing and we will prepare all the rafting equipment. We will enjoy class II and III rapids this day! As we leave behind contact with civilization, we may see the last fruit plantations or gold mining activities. The river marks the border between two countries, Peru and Bolivia, Bahuaja-Sonene and Madidi respectively. We will camp on a solitary and remote beach. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 3: Rafting in the Upper Tambopata Canyon

Action day!! After a healthy breakfast, we will challenge exciting class III-IV rapids, among exuberant jungle vegetation, where we will take walks to explore the wonders of the Amazon and swim under pristine waterfalls until we reach our camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Days 4 & 5: Rafting on the Tambopata River

As the days go by, we will leave the mountain range and rapids behind, going deeper and deeper into lush vegetation, home to different species such as monkeys, capybaras, tapirs, hundreds of birds, giant river otters and jaguars. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 6: Colpa Colorado

Today we will cross the limit of the Bahuaja Sonene National Park and enter the Tambopata Candamo National Reserve to sleep in front of Colpa Colorado. We camp at a relaxing beach from where we can take hikes on trails to explore more. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 7: Chuncho Colpa

Before breakfast, at first light, we will take a short walk to the “Colpa of the Guacamayos” (Macaw Lick), the largest known Macaw Lick where on a normal day, hundreds of Macaws and other parrots come in the morning to lick the salty rich clay. This is one of the greatest birding spectacles in the world and a unique experience for photographers. After a good day of paddling in very calm waters we will arrive at Colpa Chuncho. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 8: Motor Boat to Puerto Maldonado

We will wake up in front of the Chuncho Colpa among macaws, and after finishing packing and loading our rafting equipment to the motor boat, we will set out on a meandering river for 6 hours until we reach Puerto Maldonado City, found by rubber collectors, goldminers, and timber and oil explorators, where we will spend the night at a hotel and end our excursion with a fun farewell dinner. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 9: Departure Day

Flight back to Cusco or Lima. Meals: Breakfast.

What’s Included

  • All transfers on scheduled arrival and departure days
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner)
  • Professional river guides and safety kayakers
  • Rafting and camping equipment
  • Tents
  • Safety equipment
  • One night hotel accommodation in Puerto Maldonado

What’s Not Included

  • International airfare
  • Airport taxes
  • Sleeping bag and pad
  • Personal expenses
  • Personal gear
  • Gratuities for guides
  • Hotel accommodations in Cusco or Lima

Frequently Asked Questions

What experience level is required for your rafting trips?

Our trips accommodate all levels, from beginners on our Class II-III trips like Urubamba to experienced rafters seeking Class V challenges on the Futaleufú, Cotahuasi, and Colca rivers. Our guides provide comprehensive safety training and instruction before every trip.

What's included in the trip price?

Our prices typically include professional guides, safety equipment, rafting gear, all meals during the expedition, camping equipment, and scheduled transfers. International airfare, sleeping bags, personal gear, and gratuities are generally not included. Check each specific trip for full details.

How physically demanding are the trips?

Trip difficulty varies from moderate half-day adventures to demanding multi-day expeditions. Longer trips like Cotahuasi include a challenging 14-mile hike. We recommend being in good physical condition, especially for Class IV-V trips that require strength and stamina for consecutive days of paddling.

What safety measures do you have in place?

Safety is our primary concern. We employ professional guides with swift water rescue and wilderness first responder certifications, provide comprehensive safety equipment, conduct thorough briefings, use safety kayakers on challenging runs, and carry first-aid kits. Our itineraries are designed with safety contingencies in mind.

What wildlife might we see during the trips?

Wildlife varies by location. In Peru's Tambopata, you might see macaws, monkeys, capybaras, giant otters, and possibly jaguars. The Colca Canyon is known for Andean condors, while Chilean Patagonia offers opportunities to spot condors, huemul deer, and various bird species. Each ecosystem offers unique biodiversity experiences.

What should I pack for a rafting expedition?

Essential items include quick-drying clothes, swimwear, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses with retention strap), water bottle, personal medications, and toiletries. For multi-day trips, bring a headlamp, warm layers for evenings, and a small towel. A complete packing list is provided prior to departure.

What are the sleeping arrangements on multi-day trips?

On multi-day river expeditions, we camp on beaches or designated sites, often in spectacular settings like Inca terraces on the Cotahuasi or pristine beaches in Tambopata. We provide double-occupancy tents and camping equipment, though you'll need to bring your own sleeping bag and pad (rentals may be available).

How challenging are the rapids on your various trips?

Our trips range from Class II-III (Urubamba) suitable for beginners to Class V (Futaleufú, Cotahuasi, Colca, Apurimac) for experienced rafters. Class II-III features moderate rapids with regular waves, while Class IV-V involves powerful currents, complex maneuvers, and potentially dangerous conditions requiring advanced skills and experience.

What kind of cultural experiences can I expect?

Many of our trips offer rich cultural experiences, from exploring ancient Inca ruins along the Cotahuasi to visiting traditional Andean villages. You'll experience local cuisine, potentially interact with indigenous communities, and gain insights into the historical and cultural significance of these remote regions.

Do I need prior rafting experience for the expeditions?

For beginner trips like Urubamba (Class II-III), no experience is necessary. For challenging Class IV-V expeditions like Futaleufú or Colca, previous rafting experience is strongly recommended. Even on easier trips, your guides will provide thorough instruction and safety briefings before you start.

What happens in case of medical emergencies in remote locations?

Our guides are trained in wilderness first response and carry appropriate first-aid supplies. For serious emergencies, we have evacuation protocols specific to each river. Due to the remote nature of many of our trips, comprehensive travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage is required for all participants.

When is the best time to go rafting in Peru and Chile?

The optimal rafting season varies by location. In Peru, the best time is typically from May to November during the dry season. The Futaleufú in Chile runs from December to March during the southern hemisphere summer. Each river has its prime season when water levels and weather conditions are optimal.

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