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Discover the Peruvian Amazon in a 3-day experience at the Tambopata National Reserve, where adventure and nature meet in an environment of extraordinary biodiversity. Sail along the Tambopata River, witness the spectacle of the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick, and explore the Amazonian rivers. At the end of each day, enjoy the tranquility of a lodge surrounded by forest and experience a close connection with one of the most fascinating ecosystems in the world.
Tambopata River and Chuncho Clay Lick 3 days tour overview
Three days in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, among rainforest, rivers and wildlife, from the impressive Chuncho clay lick to walks in the Tambopata National Reserve.
Why choose this experience with us?
- Amazon immersion: From Puerto Maldonado you head into one of Peru's most biodiverse destinations, surrounded by tropical forests, rivers and an extraordinary variety of plants and wildlife.
- Wildlife encounters: Explore Amazonian landscapes and discover species in their natural habitat, such as the parrots and macaws of the Chuncho clay lick.
- Support throughout the journey: Our team accompanies you at every stage, coordinating transfers, accommodation and activities.
- Small groups: Travel in groups of up to 12 passengers and enjoy a more comfortable, close and personal experience.
Itinerary summary
Puerto Maldonado – Tambopata River – Tambopata Lodge
Travel by road and sail the Tambopata River to the lodge, surrounded by rainforest and wildlife. At night, explore the forest in search of insects, frogs and other nocturnal animals.
Tambopata Lodge – Chuncho Clay Lick – Tambopata National Reserve
Visit the impressive Chuncho macaw and parrot clay lick, explore the rainforest on an ethnobotanical walk and sail at night in search of caimans.
Tambopata Lodge – Puerto Maldonado
Enjoy sunrise in the rainforest and return to Puerto Maldonado, with time to rest or see the town depending on your flight time.
Tour facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Day 1 activities | Boat journey on the Tambopata River and a night walk in the forest |
| Day 2 activities | Chuncho clay lick, ethnobotanical walk on the Tambopata trails and a night boat trip in search of caimans |
| Day 3 activities | Birdwatching at sunrise and return to Puerto Maldonado |
| Maximum altitude | Tambopata National Reserve: 500 m / 1,640 ft above sea level |
| Minimum altitude | Puerto Maldonado: 180 m / 590 ft above sea level |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperature | Between 18 °C and 32 °C / 64 °F and 90 °F, with high humidity |
Highlights
- Chuncho clay lick: one of the largest clay licks in the Amazon, where hundreds of parrots and macaws gather to feed on the clay, in one of the most impressive wildlife spectacles anywhere.
- Tambopata National Reserve: one of the most biodiverse natural areas of the Peruvian Amazon, where wildlife is preserved at its most authentic.
- Tambopata River: sail through Amazonian landscapes and watch wildlife along its banks and beaches.
- Amazon rainforest: discover a great diversity of flowers, trees, medicinal plants and vegetation on every excursion.
Tambopata River and Chuncho Clay Lick 3 days tour itinerary
Explore the heart of the Peruvian Amazon and spend three days surrounded by rainforest, rivers and wildlife, from the impressive Chuncho clay lick to walks in the Tambopata National Reserve.
Puerto Maldonado – Tambopata River – Tambopata Lodge
Into the rainforest along the Tambopata River, and a first night exploration.
- The adventure begins in Puerto Maldonado, where we welcome you at the airport and transfer you to start the journey deep into the Amazon.
- After travelling roads that cross forests and local communities, we board a boat on the Tambopata River towards the lodge. During the journey we begin to discover the area's wildlife, with the chance to see birds, capybaras, caimans and other typical animals.
- On arrival at the lodge we settle in and have time to rest and enjoy the surroundings.
- At nightfall we head into the forest to hear and discover the night life of the rainforest: insects, frogs, bats and other species. Dinner and overnight at Tambopata Lodge.
Tambopata Lodge – Chuncho Clay Lick – Tambopata National Reserve
The big day: the clay lick at dawn, the ethnobotanical walk and caimans at night.
- Before dawn we sail along the Tambopata River to the impressive Chuncho clay lick, inside the Tambopata National Reserve.
- With the first light of day, hundreds of parrots and macaws may gather at the clay lick to feed on the clay, in one of the most fascinating spectacles of the Amazon.
- On the way back to the lodge we travel through the landscapes of the Tambopata National Reserve, with chances to see various wildlife species.
- In the afternoon we take an ethnobotanical walk along the forest trails to learn about its trees, flowers and medicinal plants, and to better understand the richness of this ecosystem.
- At nightfall we sail the river again in search of caimans, which are spotted by the reflection of their eyes. Dinner and overnight at Tambopata Lodge.
Tambopata Lodge – Puerto Maldonado
A last morning in the rainforest before the return.
- On the last day we enjoy the first sounds and colours of the rainforest before breakfast.
- We then begin the return to Puerto Maldonado, sailing the Tambopata River and continuing by road.
- Depending on your flight time you will have time to rest, enjoy the hotel facilities or take a short walk around the town, before the transfer to the airport.
What the Tambopata River and Chuncho Clay Lick tour includes
Transfers and transport
- Airport – hotel – airport transfers, with a welcome on arrival and a departure transfer in Puerto Maldonado.
- Road and river transport: vehicle transfers and boat journeys on the Tambopata River throughout the programme.
Accommodation and comfort
- 2 nights at Wasaí Tambopata Lodge, surrounded by Amazonian nature.
- Internet in the lodge's common areas.
- Rubber boots for walks on trails and in wet areas of the rainforest.
Meals
- Breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners, according to the itinerary.
- Box lunch during the outbound transfer to Tambopata Lodge.
- Vegetarian options at no extra cost, arranged in advance when booking.
Experiences and support
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English), specialising in the Amazon and its ecosystems, throughout the programme.
- Activities in the itinerary: visit to the Chuncho clay lick, ethnobotanical walk, night walk, night boat trip in search of caimans and nature and wildlife watching activities.
Not included
- Entrance to the Tambopata National Reserve: USD 20 per passenger, not included in the programme price.
- Flights and taxes to and from Puerto Maldonado.
- Drinks and personal services.
- Travel insurance (recommended): cover for flight cancellations or delays, lost or delayed luggage, illness, accidents, trip interruptions, loss of tourist services due to delays and medical assistance.
- Tips (optional).
- Expenses arising from causes beyond the agency's control: adverse weather, itinerary changes for safety reasons, illness, strikes, political instability or changes in government policy.
Tambopata River and Chuncho Clay Lick tour price
Rates
| Rate | 2026 price | 2027 price | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| General rate | 453 USD | To be confirmed | From 1 traveller, on a shared service. |
The entrance to the Tambopata National Reserve (USD 20 per passenger) is not included in the rate and is paid separately.
Booking guarantee
To secure your place and the services of the programme we require a guarantee deposit per person. Your sales representative will send you the payment instructions and the cancellation conditions that apply to your booking.
Upgrade your experience
| Add-on | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Kayaking and zip line | 20 USD | Adventure activities in the rainforest, subject to availability and service conditions. |
| Private experience | On request | More flexibility, more time to explore and an adventure at your own pace, with more personalised attention. |
Plan your trip
Tambopata can be visited all year round, although May to October usually offers the best conditions for nature and wildlife activities; the rainy season runs mainly from December to March. For the first day we recommend a flight arriving in Puerto Maldonado before 1:00 p.m., and for the last day a departure flight after 1:00 p.m. Transfer times can vary depending on the lodge's operations and the state of the river, so we recommend confirming them with our team before buying your tickets.
What to bring to Tambopata
These are the most important items for your three days in the Amazon.
Required documents
- Original, valid passport or ID card.
- A digital copy of your document, recommended as a backup.
Luggage
- A small or medium 20 to 30 litre backpack for your personal items during excursions.
- Main luggage of moderate size, avoiding unnecessary items.
- A waterproof bag or zip-lock bags to protect clothes, documents and electronics from rain and humidity.
- Reusable water bottle.
Clothing and footwear
- Comfortable waterproof footwear with good grip for the walks and around the lodge.
- Light, comfortable, quick-drying clothing for the warm, humid Amazonian climate.
- Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts for protection during the walks.
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- A light warm layer for the early-morning and night boat trips, when it cools down on the river.
- Hat or cap for the sun and sunglasses with UV protection.
- A change of clothes and extra underwear.
- Swimwear (optional).
Personal items
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Personal medication and a basic first-aid kit.
- Toilet paper, wet wipes and hand sanitiser.
- Personal toiletries.
- Extra snacks (optional).
- Cash in Peruvian soles, in small notes, for personal purchases, handicrafts, tips and the reserve entrance fee.
Equipment and extras
- Camera or mobile phone, with a waterproof cover for both.
- Binoculars, highly recommended for birdwatching and wildlife.
- Power bank.
- Head torch or hand torch for the night activities.
- Zip-lock bags to protect electronics from humidity.
Important considerations
- Bring light, waterproof, quick-drying clothing, because of the humid and changeable climate.
- Protect your belongings from rain and humidity with waterproof bags.
- Mobile phone signal is limited or non-existent along much of the route; the lodge has internet in its common areas.
- Always respect nature and follow the guide's instructions when watching wildlife.
Frequently asked questions about Tambopata and the Chuncho clay lick
Is this programme right for me?
Yes. It is ideal for families, couples, groups of friends and travellers who want to discover the Amazon without demanding trekking. The experience combines boat travel on the Tambopata River, wildlife watching, short forest walks and night activities, at an easy level of difficulty.
How difficult is the programme?
It is easy. It includes exploration walks in the forest and nature-watching activities, with no previous trekking experience required.
When is the best time to visit Tambopata?
Tambopata can be visited all year round, although May to October is especially recommended, when conditions are usually more favourable for nature and wildlife activities. The rainy season runs mainly from December to March, and the Amazonian climate is warm and humid, with rain possible at any time of year.
What temperatures will I find during the trip?
The climate is tropical, warm and humid, with temperatures ranging roughly between 18 °C and 32 °C / 64 °F and 90 °F. Conditions can change with the season.
Which animals can I see in Tambopata?
A wide variety of Amazonian wildlife: parrots and macaws at the Chuncho clay lick, as well as monkeys, capybaras, caimans, turtles, otters, frogs, bats, birds and insects. Wildlife watching is natural, so sightings can vary with the weather, the season and the behaviour of each species.
Am I guaranteed to see parrots and macaws at the Chuncho clay lick?
No, although it is very likely. The presence of parrots and macaws depends on natural factors such as the weather and their behaviour. If conditions are favourable, you will see them gathering at the clay lick to feed on the clay.
What is the visit to the Chuncho clay lick like?
The activity starts very early, with a boat journey along the Tambopata River to the clay lick, inside the Tambopata National Reserve. There we wait for the right conditions to watch the parrots and macaws feeding on the clay.
Is the night walk included?
Yes. The programme includes a night walk in the forest on the first day, subject to weather and safety conditions. Along the way you may see or hear insects, frogs, bats and other nocturnal species.
Is there a night boat trip?
Yes. On the second day there is a night boat trip on the Tambopata River in search of caimans. It takes place at night, when these species are most active and can be spotted by the reflection of their eyes.
What is the ethnobotanical walk?
It is a walk on the Tambopata trails to discover the flora of the Amazon rainforest and learn about trees, palms and plants traditionally used by local people, including some medicinal species.
Is the entrance to the Tambopata National Reserve included?
No. The entrance costs an extra USD 20 per passenger, paid separately from the programme price.
Are the kayaking and zip line activities included?
No. Kayaking and the zip line are optional activities with an extra cost of USD 20 per passenger, subject to availability and service conditions.
Are domestic flights included?
No. Flights to and from Puerto Maldonado are not included in the programme.
What time should my flight arrive in Puerto Maldonado?
We recommend booking a flight that arrives in Puerto Maldonado before 1:00 p.m. This allows us to properly coordinate the transfer to Wasaí Tambopata Lodge and continue into the rainforest the same day.
What time should I book my departure flight?
We recommend a departure flight after 1:00 p.m., to allow enough time for the transfer from the lodge to the airport. Transfer times can vary depending on the lodge's operations, the state of the river and the travel date, so we recommend confirming them with our team before buying your tickets.
What is the accommodation like?
The programme includes 2 nights at Wasaí Tambopata Lodge, set in a natural Amazonian environment, with common areas and space to rest after the activities.
Are meals included? Are there vegetarian options?
Yes. The programme includes breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners according to the itinerary, plus a box lunch during the transfer to the lodge. Vegetarian options can be arranged in advance at no extra cost, so we can coordinate them with the lodge.
Is there internet and mobile phone signal during the programme?
The lodge has internet in its common areas, although connectivity can be limited because of its location in the Amazon. Mobile phone signal may be limited or non-existent in some areas, so we recommend letting your family or contacts know before the trip starts.
What kind of footwear do I need?
For walks on the trails and around the lodge we recommend comfortable shoes with good grip. For excursions in wet areas of the rainforest, the lodge provides rubber boots, included in the programme.
Do I need to bring binoculars?
They are not compulsory, but they are highly recommended for watching birds, monkeys and other species at a distance during the nature and wildlife activities.
What should I bring on the programme?
Light, quick-drying clothing, long trousers and long-sleeved shirts, repellent, sunscreen, a hat, a rain poncho, a reusable bottle, personal medication, a torch, a camera and binoculars. You will find the full list in the What to bring tab.
What happens if it rains or conditions change?
Activities and boat trips are subject to the weather and the state of the river. For safety reasons the itinerary may be adapted when necessary, following the guide's instructions and local conditions.
Can I do the programme as a private service?
Yes. You can request a private experience for more flexibility, personalised attention and a pace adapted to your group's needs.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking in advance, especially in the busiest months, to secure the accommodation, transport and services needed for the Tambopata experience and the visit to the Chuncho clay lick.
What is the booking process?
Step 1. Availability enquiry. Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com to check the date you would like to travel. Our team will guide you through the programme and the services included.
Step 2. Passenger details. To process the booking we need, exactly as they appear on your travel document, your full name, passport or ID number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy), nationality and gender.
Step 3. Payment and confirmation. Once availability is confirmed, we will send you the payment instructions. When the required payment is received, we will arrange and confirm the services of the programme.
Step 4. Final confirmation. Once the services are confirmed, you will receive the official booking confirmation with the details of your trip. At that point your booking will be 100 % guaranteed.
Can I cancel my booking and get a refund?
Cancellation and refund conditions depend on the services booked and the policies that apply to each reservation. We recommend checking the specific conditions with our team before paying and before requesting any change or cancellation.
Can I leave my luggage during the trip?
Yes. You can leave your main luggage at our office, or ask our team about storing it at your hotel, at no extra cost where this service is available.
Should I tip?
Tips are not included and are entirely voluntary. If you feel the service from our guides, drivers or the lodge staff was good, any gratuity is welcome, but it is never compulsory.
Any further questions?
You can contact our sales team on WhatsApp at +51 993 150 947 or +51 941 411 418, or by email at info@sakuraexpedition.com.
Why choose Sakura Expedition for your trip?
Sakura Expedition is a 100 % Peruvian local operator specialising in adventure and cultural tourism in Cusco and Peru. We have a team of certified guides and operations staff committed to delivering unique, safe and high-quality experiences. We stand out for responsible and sustainable tourism, respect for local communities and personalised attention in every service.
This is what sets us apart:
- Small groups: a more comfortable, personal experience with closer attention from our guides.
- Our own operation and local team: we run our programmes directly, which lets us maintain high standards of quality, punctuality and organisation.
- Certified professional guides: a team that passionately shares the history, culture and traditions of Peru.
- Personalised attention: we support you before, during and after your trip, with ongoing assistance and prompt answers.
- Responsible and sustainable tourism: we work with partner communities, respecting their traditions and contributing to the development of local families.
- Commitment to safety: safety protocols, suitable equipment and trained staff.
- Certified local company: we are a 100 % Peruvian company based in Cusco, and this year we received the CALTUR Gold Certification, the highest recognition of tourism quality in Peru.
At Sakura Expedition we don't just organise trips: we create authentic experiences that connect our travellers with the history, culture, nature and essence of Peru.
