EXCLUSIVE AMAZON RAINFOREST
Tambopata National Reserve, Peru
MAY 7-13, 2023
This trip is SOLD OUT.
Please see below to join the waitlist.
“The Amazon Rainforest is the lungs of the earth.“
Join Divergent Travel Trips for our first-ever group trip into the Amazon Rainforest! While we have been on no less than 4 Amazon expeditions together, this is the first time we’re offering the opportunity for you to join us.
Spend 7 days with us in the highly protected Tambopata Region of the Peruvian Amazon watching wildlife, immersing in the Amazonian culture, enjoying luxury eco-lodges, and searching for the ever-elusive jaguar. We saw one on our last visit!
Our trip will be operated in partnership with an award-winning Amazon expedition company. This means we’ll have access to the best guides in the Peruvian Amazon – trust us when we say these guys are legends. They were born and raised in the Amazon, and know it intimately.
We have been on their expeditions in the past and have worked closely with them to develop this special itinerary so you can experience the best this region has to offer.
We will spend our week at their three different eco-lodges, all located within the Amazon Rainforest. Each lodge offers us different ecosystems to explore, wildlife to observe, and activities.
The highlight of this trip is spending 3 nights at the very remote Tambopata Research Center – the only lodge located within the national reserve. Once a science-only research base, the lodge has been transformed to host both scientists and guests.
Using three lodges as our bases for the week we’ll have the opportunity to see many species of birds, Giant Otters, primates, insects, frogs, and other animals. You’ll be offered prime photography opportunities and assistance with your settings to ensure you get great sightings and if you desire, great photos too.
Daily activities include hiking, wildlife viewing, river cruises, canopy tower climbing, clay lick visits, night walks, sunset cruises, citizen science, in any combination. Our days will be dictated by weather conditions and animal sightings.
Something to note: You do not need to be a photographer to join this trip. The focus of this trip is to spot as many animal species as possible and provide a full immersion into the Amazon Rainforest. But, if you want to take photos, we’ll have amazing opportunities to do so.
If all you have is an iPhone, no worries! Our guide will have an expensive spotting scope for viewing wildlife and you can even grab photos through it with your phone.
If photography is of no interest to you at all, that’s ok too. Bring your binoculars and get ready for some incredible sightings.
AMAZON RAINFOREST TRIP DETAILS
View the itinerary, pricing, inclusions, exclusions, & book!
Trip Details:
The dates of this group trip are May 7-13, 2023. This trip is SOLD OUT.
If you are still interested in this trip, please click below to join the waitlist. There is a possibility that if our waitlist reaches an additional 6 people, we will offer a second departure either the week before or after this one.
The cost is $2,900 per person for a shared room.
This price is exclusive to our group and includes staying in 3 different luxury eco-lodges, upgraded rooms, a private local guide, all activities, all transportation on arrival, all meals, a welcome gift, and photography instruction from us if you want it.
Additionally, this will be a very small, private, and intimate group. We are only offering 6 spots for this departure.
What’s Included:
- 6 nights’ accommodation in luxury eco-lodges
- 6 breakfasts, 6 dinners, and 6 lunches (all meals included)
- Daily activities
- Local guide & expert wildlife spotter
- Airport transfers in Puerto Maldonado
- All transport to/from eco-lodges (they are remote!)
- Photography instruction
- Rubber boots
- Welcome gift
- Your hosts (us)!
- Donation to Wired Amazon
What’s Not Included:
- International airfare to/from Puerto Maldonado, Peru
- Travel Insurance (required)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities for our amazing local guide
- PCR or Antigen tests
- Single Supplement (if requested)
Trip Itinerary:
Other than the days we change lodges, this is not a fixed itinerary, however, this will give you an idea of what to expect.
Day 1: Arrive in Puerto Maldonado, the capital of Madre de Dios, and prepare for a 2-hour journey by bus and boat to our first lodge. We will take a traditional Amazonian lunch en route while leaving the city behind and being surrounded by jungle landscapes. Our day also includes:
- Posada Amazonas Lodge awaits – a spacious ecolodge, with a bar, a massage center, and buffet service in the heart of a private concession owned by the Native Community of Infierno, the guardians of the rainforest.
- By afternoon hike and climb the 40-meter scaffolding Canopy Tower. From atop you obtain spectacular views of the vast expanses of standing forest cut by the Tambopata River winding through the middle. It’s a chance to see toucans, parrots, or macaws flying against the horizon, or mixed species canopy flocks on the treetop next to you.
Day 2: Wildlife in the Amazon takes advantage of the first lights of the day as it is cooler, and so do we. You’ll learn very quickly that early mornings are magical.
- Photography at Tres Chimbadas Lake – paddle around the lake in a catamaran, searching for the resident family of nine giant river otters (seen by 60% of visitors) and other lakeside wildlife such as caiman, hoatzin, and horned screamers. The lake provides wonderful opportunities to photograph majestic trees, water reflections, and if we are very fortunate animal life.
- We will be moved in a private boat to Refugio Amazonas Lodge, for a 2 night stay in the buffer zone of the National Protected Area.
- In the afternoon we will visit a jungle farm, which is one of the few places where the light will not be a problem. Ideal for photography of birds who like open areas in addition to colorful fruits and plants.
- Night walks are great for photographing insects and frogs. We may be able to find praying mantis, cicadas, leaf mimicking grasshoppers as well as huge toads, shiny green tree frogs, and bizarre horned frogs.
Day 3: Another early morning awaits us as we make our way to one of the main highlights of this itinerary. A morning with the macaws.
- Two hours deep in the Tambopata National Reserve, we will stop at the Chuncho clay lick. Here we will have the chance to see dozens of large macaws feeding on the special sodium-rich clays of the riverbank. The Chuncho clay lick probably attracts more large macaws than any other clay lick in the world and the sight of dozens of macaws taking flight is truly unforgettable.
- Twenty minutes walking from Refugio Amazonas is a peccary clay lick. This mammal clay lick might let us see wild rainforest pigs that show up in herds of five to twenty to eat clay in the late morning.
- In the afternoon we will enjoy jungle hiking in search of birds, primates, frogs, and other wildlife to photograph while enjoying the peaceful nature of the Amazon forest.
Day 4: Rise and shine, we’re on Amazon time! We will likely start early for another visit to the Chuncho Clay Lick and another chance to dial in our photography of them.
- Leaving the clay lick, we will travel even deeper into the pristine heart of the reserve, arriving at the very special Tambopata Research Center. After crossing the confluence with the Malinowski River, we will leave the final traces of human habitation behind and enter the uninhabited 700,000 hectares nucleus of the reserve.
- By the afternoon, a hike will lead us to overlooks commanding magnificent views of the Tambopata River winding its way into the lowlands. The forest on this trail is good for Howler Monkey and Dusky Titi Monkey. The overlooks provide excellent panoramic photo opportunities of the Tambopata winding its way down from the highlands. On a clear day, it will even be possible to view and photograph the snow-capped Andean peaks in the distance. At each overlook, we will have good chances of encounters at eye level at 30-50 yards with large turkey-like birds called guans and chachalacas, or toucans, or macaws roosting on the trees.
Day 5: On most clear mornings of the year, dozens of large macaws and hundreds of parrots congregate along the Tambopata river bank in a raucous and colorful spectacle that inspired a National Geographic cover story. The sound of this spectacular event is also something you will never forget!
- We’ll visit the famed Colpa Colorado clay lick, where we’ll position ourselves discretely to observe Green-winged, Scarlet, and Blue-and-gold Macaws along with several species of smaller parrots descending to ingest clay. Outings are at dawn when the lick is most active. If the river is not swollen, thereby reducing the effective beach area, photographers should have plenty of opportunities to shoot the typical clay lick photographs from distances of 50-100 meters.
- We then head off on a jungle hike to experience the prototypical rainforest with immense trees crisscrossed by creeks and ponds. Amongst the figs, ceibas, and shihuahuacos we will look for Squirrel, Brown Capuchin, and Spider Monkeys as well as peccaries.
- By the afternoon, we’ll be thinking about a possible sunset cruise on the river to look for birds, capybaras, and caiman, while crossing our fingers for a jaguar sighting.
Day 6: Another day to soak in the wonder of the only lodge located within the Tambopata Nature Reserve. We are, after all, staying among a lush primary (never cut) rainforest!
- We will photograph herps around the lodge gardens: frogs, snakes, and lizards. TRC specialists will have spent the past few days screening the vicinity for encounters with the most photogenic herp species and will have prepared appropriate scenarios.
- The chicos, our flock of semi-wild, hand-reared macaws will provide additional photographic opportunities as they fly about around the lodge.
- Growing on the remains of an oxbow lake and providing both arboreals as well as terrestrial mammals with fruits throughout the year, the aguaje palms swamps are one of the most important food sources in the rainforest. Demand for these fruits and great conditions for planting rice makes the palm swamp also one of the most threatened habitats.
- Farewell dinner
Day 7: All good things must come to an end, but the journey out of the Amazon provides additional time for wildlife viewing and appreciation of this amazing place.
- We will make the journey back to Puerto Maldonado and the airport for onward travel back home.
The Lodges & Food:
We’ll be staying in three different luxury ecolodges that are located in the Amazon Rainforest in Peru. Each room offers a private bathroom and an open wall facing the forest. They offer a stunning and immersive experience found nowhere else.
This includes Posada Amazonas, Refugio Amazonas, and Tambopata Research Center. They are all amazing and offer close access to incredible wildlife viewing.
Each room will be in comfort class, the step just below the suite, and will feature two double beds.
Room sharing – if you are traveling solo, you will be paired with someone of the same gender. We’ll do our best to pair you with someone we think you’ll click with based on your signup forms.
If you do not want to share, it is possible to have your own room with the additional fee of a single supplement. This cost is $350. Note: this option is limited.
Our itinerary includes three meals daily, tea, and coffee. The food is tasty but admittedly can sometimes offer limited variety due to the remote nature of the lodges. That said, you won’t be eating the same thing every day and will have the opportunity to eat fresh fruit, vegetables, and protein with a jungle twist. You will not be hungry.
Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and other diets can be accommodated.
How to Get to Puerto Maldonado:
Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) is the largest international airport in the country and most likely your port of arrival. Most (if not all) flights from the USA arrive late at night, so you will be required to spend a night in Lima before catching a flight to Puerto Maldonado the following day.
There is a convenient hotel option within walking distance of baggage claim, Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport, that we recommend for this overnight.
Peru offers a variety of domestic carriers from low-budget to more established carriers. We recommend booking with LATAM and will send specific flight time requirements to those confirmed on this trip for arrival in Puerto Maldonado on May 7, 2023.
Diverge & Join This Adventure!
We’re so excited to offer this trip and as we’ve already said, will only be able to take a limited, small group of 6 people with us. Grab your spot now to avoid major FOMO!
If you want to be considered for this trip – please click below and complete the form! Forms are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot, and the remaining balance is due 90 days before departure. Payment plans are also available upon receipt of your deposit.
Departure is not guaranteed until the minimum number of guests is met. If the minimum is not met within one month, your deposit will be fully refunded. Please do not book flights or other non-refundable travel until we guarantee departure.
If the trip is full, email [email protected] and we will add you to the waiting list — also follow Divergent Travel Trips on Instagram to be the first to know when future trips are announced.
Health & Safety:
All travelers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to join us, in compliance with the laws of Peru.
In order to enter, you must meet the following requirements (as of today):
• Fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no less than 14 days before traveling
• Insurance with minimum coverage of $50,000 USD
With this trip being a year away, travel requirements are likely to change and become less strict over time. We will keep a close eye on things and keep you updated along the way!
FAQ:
Why are you only offering 6 spots on this trip?
Viewing wildlife in their natural environment requires that we have a small, quiet group of people. We will need to whisper, move slowly, or quickly at times and stay together. The small number offers the chance for optimum wildlife encounters, sometimes from a close distance, and a chance for us to safely spread out without intimidating them.
Is this trip only for photography?
Absolutely not! While we will be offering help to those that are interested in photographing the wildlife and landscapes, this is not a photography workshop. So if you never take a photo the whole trip, you’re still welcome. We do, however, recommend that you bring binoculars! You will see A LOT of wildlife on this trip.
How fit should I be?
This tour is rated Moderate. There will be some long walking days and short hikes in muggy weather but mostly on flat surfaces. To really enjoy the tour you should at least be prepared for a bit of hiking and some long walks in outdoor settings.
Will I have time to do my own thing?
Due to the nature of being in the Amazon, this entire itinerary is part of a supervised program. If you want to go on adventures, it has to be with our group. That said, if you want to forego any activities in favor of rest and relaxation at the lodge, this is possible.
Will there be WiFi or phone service?
When we are in Puerto Maldonado, you should have cell phone service depending on your provider and access to WIFI. However, this is not guaranteed. While in the Amazon, it’s safe to say you should plan on being totally disconnected.
What’s the weather like in the Amazon?
We will be visiting during the start of the dry season. You should expect it to be hot and humid, with a side of muggy and buggy.
Can I charge my electronics during the tour?
You will have access to power in the lodges and in your room. Lodge power runs on a limiting schedule due to the remote nature of its location. They will run electricity three times per day: From 6hrs to 8hrs – From 12hrs to 14hrs – From 17hrs to 22hrs.
How much money will I need to bring?
Once you arrive in Puerto Maldonado your airport transfers, accommodation, activities, food, filtered water, non-alcoholic drinks, and transport between lodges are included. You will need money to cover gratuities for our local guide and alcoholic beverages should you wish to consume them.
Is it possible to have a private room?
It is possible to have a private room but this option is limited due to the small capacity of each lodge. The cost to have a private room is an additional $350.
What travel insurance do you recommend?
World Nomads offers travel insurance, required for the duration of this trip, at affordable rates. Travel insurance will also reimburse you in the case of flight delays, medical issues, and more.
Is there an age requirement?
This trip is for 18 years or older.
What about visas?
Peru is a visa-free country that offers visas on arrival for most passports. If you’re from the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, and most of Europe, you can enter for 90 days visa-free.
What if I test positive for COVID?
We understand this is a major concern for many traveling internationally right now. In the unlikely event that you contract COVID-19 while traveling with us, we will assist you in confirming your positive test results, finding a location to isolate, and rebooking your travel home.
If you are concerned about the cost of quarantine should you test positive abroad, ensure your travel insurance policy covers COVID-related expenses.
Is my deposit non-refundable?
Yes, the $500 deposit to secure your space is non-refundable and the remaining balance is due 90 days before departure. If the trip must be postponed or canceled due to events beyond our control, you will be offered a full refund.
Is there a waiting list?
There will be a waiting list on a first-come, first-served basis in case spaces open up or we decide to offer an additional departure for this exclusive adventure. If the trip is full and you’re still interested, email us at [email protected] to be added to the waiting list.
Have another question?
Our email is [email protected].
Cancellation Policy:
We live in a fast and ever-changing world these days, which is one of the many reasons we require travel insurance for all of our trips. This also means that if you cancel your trip due to covered reasons with your policy, you’ll be able to file a claim and be reimbursed.
Your travel insurance will also cover trip interruption or cancellation, should something happen like a natural disaster or political unrest. It will also cover if you contract COVID-19 and cannot go on your trip.
Beyond that, we do offer a full refund less the non-refundable $500 deposit up to 4 weeks before the trip departure date if you choose to cancel for a personal reason.
If you need to cancel less than 4 weeks before the trip, we will only be able to offer a refund less the deposit if we are able to fill your spot.
