Amazon Adventure: Exploring Tambopata with Family

A Day of Wonders in Tambopata

Today was a day filled with vibrant colors, exotic creatures, and the immersive sounds of the Amazon rainforest. After nine days of exploring this incredible region with Ana and Luka, I felt like we were truly hitting our stride, discovering new facets of this natural wonderland. Today promised even more, and Tambopata certainly delivered.

Our day began early, fueled by a hearty breakfast at Restaurante MOSHE. The orchestra playing during our meal added a touch of liveliness to the atmosphere. With our bellies full and spirits high, we set off for Amaru Natural Park. This place is a true testament to the biodiversity of the Amazon. As we wandered through the park's well-maintained trails, Luka was especially excited, pointing out every butterfly, lizard, and unusual plant he could spot. Ana, with her architect's eye, was captivated by the intricate patterns of the leaves and the way the sunlight filtered through the canopy. I, of course, was snapping photos, trying to capture the essence of this vibrant ecosystem.


Explore the breathtaking biodiversity and serene trails of Amaru Natural Park, a hidden gem in the heart of Puerto Maldonado's Amazon rainforest.
The park itself is a sanctuary for rescued animals, providing a safe haven for creatures that have been injured or displaced. We saw monkeys swinging through the trees, colorful parrots perched on branches, and even a majestic jaguar lounging in its enclosure. It was heartwarming to see these animals being cared for, and it reinforced our commitment to responsible and sustainable travel. Luka was particularly taken with a playful monkey that seemed to enjoy mimicking his movements. He spent a good half-hour trying to copy its antics, much to our amusement.

After our enriching visit to Amaru Natural Park, we enjoyed lunch at El Tambo, savoring the local flavors and discussing our morning's adventures. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming. It was the perfect spot to recharge before our main event: Collpa Chuncho, the Macaw Clay Lick.


Explore the mesmerizing Collpa Chuncho - Macaw Clay Lick, a vibrant birdwatching paradise in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.
The journey to Collpa Chuncho was an adventure in itself. We traveled by boat along the Tambopata River, with the anticipation building as we approached our destination. The riverbanks were alive with activity, as capybaras grazed peacefully and colorful birds flitted through the trees. I even caught a glimpse of a tapir disappearing into the undergrowth. The sounds of the rainforest surrounded us – the chirping of insects, the calls of exotic birds, and the gentle lapping of the water against the boat. It was a symphony of nature that filled our senses.

The sight of hundreds of macaws descending upon the clay lick was nothing short of breathtaking – a kaleidoscope of colors against the backdrop of the lush green rainforest.

As we rounded a bend in the river, we finally caught sight of Collpa Chuncho. The sheer scale of the clay lick was impressive, a towering wall of earth rising from the riverbank. And then, we saw them: the macaws. Hundreds of them. Scarlet macaws, blue-and-yellow macaws, red-and-green macaws – a riot of color against the backdrop of the lush green rainforest. The air was filled with their raucous calls, a cacophony of sound that only added to the spectacle. We settled into our seats, binoculars in hand, ready to witness one of nature's most amazing displays.

The macaws arrived in waves, each group more vibrant than the last. They landed on the clay lick, their powerful beaks scraping at the mineral-rich earth. It was explained to us that the clay helps them neutralize toxins from their diet of fruits and seeds. Watching them, I felt a profound connection to the natural world, a sense of awe and wonder that is hard to describe. Luka was mesmerized, his eyes wide with amazement as he tried to identify each different species of macaw. Ana, ever the artist, was sketching furiously in her notebook, attempting to capture the beauty of the scene.

As the sun began to set, we reluctantly bid farewell to Collpa Chuncho, our hearts full of the beauty we had witnessed. The boat ride back was peaceful, the river reflecting the fiery colors of the sky. We arrived back at our lodge just as darkness fell, exhausted but exhilarated.

For dinner, we chose Restaurant Purita Selva, eager to try more of the local cuisine. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, and the food was delicious. We shared stories of our day, reliving our favorite moments and marveling at the wonders of Tambopata. Luka, still buzzing from the macaws, insisted on mimicking their calls, much to the amusement of the other diners.

To cap off the evening, we decided to visit ICE CUBE - Resto Bar for a nightcap. The atmosphere was lively, and we enjoyed sipping on local cocktails while listening to music. It was the perfect way to end a perfect day.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can still hear the sounds of the rainforest in my ears, still see the vibrant colors of the macaws in my mind's eye. Tambopata has a way of getting under your skin, of capturing your heart and soul. I am so grateful to be able to share this experience with Ana and Luka, to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore Rio Tambopata and visit Chacra del chuyachaqui. I'm looking forward to more adventures and discoveries in this incredible corner of the world. I am also looking forward to trying the local cuisine in HUITOTO LAKE LODGE, MARACUYEAH and Restaurante LOS PAJARITOS.

Before I turn in for the night, I must mention that I forgot to pack a raincoat and extra memory cards for my camera. The raincoat would have been useful during some of the unexpected showers, and the extra memory cards would have allowed me to capture even more of the stunning scenery. A rookie mistake! Hopefully I can buy a raincoat tomorrow when we visit Plaza Verde - Bio tienda Amazónica.

Good night from Tambopata!