Solo Expedition to the Heart of the Amazon: Discovering Tambopata

Echoes of the Amazon

Today was a symphony of jungle sounds and serene river views, a day where the vibrant pulse of the Amazon truly resonated within me. Leaving behind the familiar comforts of Toronto, I embraced the wild heart of Tambopata, eager to uncover more of its secrets. It’s days like these that remind me why I traded my software engineering desk for a travel journal, even if just for a little while.

The day began with a hearty breakfast at Restaurante MOSHE in Puerto Maldonado. It’s a charming spot right by the Tambopata River, and I enjoyed some delicious homemade dishes while soaking in the lively atmosphere. The promise of a pool and live music from the Moshe Band made it tempting to linger, but adventure called.


Experience authentic Peruvian flavors at Restaurante MOSHE in Puerto Maldonado - a must-visit culinary destination for travelers.

After breakfast, I headed towards Wasaí Tambopata Lodge, nestled 75 miles upriver in the heart of the Tambopata Candamo National Reserve. The boat ride itself was an experience, the riverbanks unfolding with glimpses of local life and the dense embrace of the rainforest. The lodge is rustic, blending seamlessly into its surroundings. My room, thankfully bug-free, offered stunning views of the river, and I could already feel the stress of city life melting away.


Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Amazon at Wasaí Tambopata Lodge, where adventure meets nature in the heart of the Tambopata National Reserve.

The jungle has a way of stripping away the unnecessary, leaving you with the raw beauty of existence.

After settling in, it was time to explore. The lodge offers a network of trails, and I spent the morning hiking through the primary forest. The air was thick with humidity, and the sounds of the jungle were almost overwhelming – the chirping of insects, the calls of unseen birds, and the rustling of leaves underfoot. I kept a keen eye out for wildlife, remembering my forgotten sunscreen and hoping I wouldn’t regret it. I spotted a troop of monkeys swinging through the trees, their playful chatter echoing through the canopy. I also saw a few colorful butterflies flitting about, their wings like tiny jewels against the green backdrop. It was a reminder of the incredible biodiversity of this region, a living, breathing ecosystem teeming with life.

Lunch was at El Tambo, another local restaurant. I savored traditional Peruvian flavors, feeling grateful for the chance to experience the local culture through its cuisine. It’s these small moments, these tastes and smells, that truly connect me to a place. I am a little bit homesick for David and Sophie, but I know they would be proud of me for embracing this adventure.


Discover authentic Peruvian flavors at El Tambo - a must-visit restaurant offering traditional dishes in a warm atmosphere.

In the afternoon, I visited the Collpas Tambopata Inn Tower. The inn is located near the Tambopata National Reserve and the Bahuaja Sonene National Park. It boasts the tallest canopy tower in the region, complete with a swimming pool. The tower offered a panoramic view of the rainforest, an endless sea of green stretching as far as the eye could see. I could spot macaws and parakeets soaring through the sky, their vibrant colors a stark contrast to the green canopy. The guide pointed out a few toucans perched on branches, their large beaks adding to their comical appearance. It was breathtaking. I felt like I was on top of the world, surrounded by the untouched beauty of the Amazon.


Experience the breathtaking views and rich biodiversity at Collpas Tambopata Inn Tower in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.

Dinner was at MARACUYEAH, a restaurant with a beautiful view of the Madre de Dios River. As night fell, the illuminated bridge and the rising moon created a romantic atmosphere. I enjoyed a delicious meal, reflecting on the day’s adventures. The restaurant is known for using local ingredients, and the flavors were both unique and satisfying. It was the perfect way to end a perfect day.


Experience the vibrant culinary scene at Maracuyéah, where traditional Peruvian flavors meet innovative gastronomy in Puerto Maldonado.

Back at the lodge, I sat on my porch, listening to the sounds of the jungle. The darkness was alive with the calls of nocturnal creatures, a constant reminder that I was a visitor in their world. I thought about Sophie, imagining her wide-eyed wonder at the sights and sounds of the rainforest. I made a mental note to bring her here someday, to share this incredible experience with her. David, with his architect's eye, would appreciate the seamless integration of the lodge with its natural surroundings.

The weather today was typical for November in Tambopata – warm and humid, with a chance of rain. The temperature hovered around 31°C during the day and cooled down to about 23°C at night. The humidity was high, around 74%, but I’ve adjusted to it. A light breeze kept things bearable, though I was grateful for the occasional cloud cover.

Tomorrow, I plan to visit Reserva Ecologica Taricaya and the Panthera-Sanctuary Research Center. I’m eager to learn more about the conservation efforts in the region and to see more of the local wildlife. I might even stop by Selvatica Perú to pick up a souvenir or two.

As I drifted off to sleep, the sounds of the jungle lulled me into a peaceful slumber. It’s a far cry from the bustling streets of Toronto, but here in the heart of the Amazon, I feel a sense of connection to the natural world that I rarely experience in the city. It’s a reminder that there’s more to life than deadlines and traffic jams, that there’s a whole world out there waiting to be explored. And I, for one, am grateful for the opportunity to explore it.

This trip is not just a break from my routine; it’s a chance to reconnect with myself, to rediscover the sense of wonder that I sometimes lose in the daily grind. The scar on my left eyebrow, a memento from a childhood adventure in the Swiss Alps, seems to tingle with a renewed sense of purpose. It’s a reminder that life is meant to be lived, to be explored, to be embraced, with all its challenges and its beauty.

Goodnight from the Amazon. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. I hope I get to see a jaguar, even though the chances are slim.