Tambopata Ecolodge

Overview

Description

Founded back in 1991, the Tambopata Ecolodge is one of the most established eco-tourism lodges on the banks of the Tambopata River. It is situated in the heart of the Tambopata National Reserve (TNR), and the remoteness and tranquility of our lodge make for a richly rewarding visit to the rainforest. With a capacity of 59, it is also one of the smallest lodges, which is how we intend to keep it. Smaller groups, we believe, contribute to a more fulfilling visit and reduce the impact on the many species of fauna that abound in the surrounding forest. We have a large trail network consisting of 15.5 miles (25 km) of forest trails.

Condenado and Sachavacayoc lakes: Oxbow lakes are old remnant river courses cut off from the main river through the effects of erosion and the constant shifting of river channels. Near the lodge are two oxbow lake systems, Condenado and Sachavacayoc, which we frequently visit in dugout canoes for relaxing views of the forest and marshland.

Macaw clay licks: A macaw clay lick in the first few hours after dawn must be seen to be believed. After the first few rays of the morning sun begin to hit the eroded river bank cliff face, hundreds of parrots and macaws belonging to ten or more species arrive and alight in nearby trees. They arrive in pairs or in flocks hundreds strong, depending on the species. Then, with a flapping of wings and ear-splitting squawks, they begin landing on the face of the cliff to consume small portions of the clay.

The Chuncho clay lick is approximately 3 hours from the lodge. The advantage of this place is that the observation point is closer to the lodge than other licks. The Collpa Colorado clay lick, the largest known macaw clay-lick in the world, is located on the Tambopata River about 6 hours from the lodge.

Rooms

• 6 suites
  • 3 matrimonial rooms equipped with a king-sized bed
  • 3 twin rooms equipped with extra-large beds
• 28 superior rooms
  • 2 matrimonial rooms equipped with a king sized bed
  • 6 triple rooms equipped with extra-large beds
  • 20 twin rooms equipped with extra-large beds
• 2 standard rooms
  • 2 twin rooms
• Camping facilities at our remote campsites
  • We supply all the group camping equipment needed for you to enjoy the great outdoors safely and comfortably. Group camping equipment includes 4-person tents, mattresses, and first-aid kit. There are also kitchen, dining, and toilet tents.

Note: All of the rooms in the lodge have private bathrooms with hot running water supplied by solar energy.

Making a Difference

Number of employees: 30

Percentage of local employees: 100%

We understand that the management of tourism activities can generate positive or negative impacts in the local communities and places where we work, and therefore we take measures to prevent situations that could become problematic for the environment and communities:

• Our cabins have been designed to exist in complete harmony with this unspoiled environment. They are made from wood, thatched with woven leaves, and fully screened to protect occupants from insects.
• The lodge employs Peruvian staff, the majority of whom are from Puerto Maldonado. In addition, there are a number of naturalist guides, who are at your service throughout your stay.
• We build good relations with nearby communities (Condenado, Baltimore, Sachavacayoc), collaborating in conservation projects.
• We support the individual and collective development of our neighbors in different ways: we help improve income by offering permanent and seasonal jobs; we buy their products including foods, materials, and handicrafts; and we organize or sponsor training mainly for young people.
• We train our personnel, instilling values for social and environmental responsibility.
• We monitor socio-cultural changes in the communities and their surroundings and we report them to the authorities of the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of the Environment, Ministry of Tourism and Foreign Trade, and the Public Ministry.
• We encourage our purveyors to join an environmental management system such as programs for best sustainable tourism practices and the ISO 14001 quality seal.
• We promote rational water and energy use and conservation among our neighbors.

Rates

$150 and up

Lodge services include:

• Round-trip boat trip to the lodge.
• English-speaking naturalist tour guide.
• All meals.
• Hot drinks at any time.
• One nighttime trip on the river looking for caimans.
• Access to the small onsite museum, ecology library, and slide show and conference room.
• Specialized books on plants and birds.
• First-aid kit.

The entrance fee to the Tambopata National Reserve is NOT included in our rates. Currently, lodge guests pay $12.00 for the entrance fee and about $35.00 for macaw clay lick excursions.

Child Discounts and Conditions: Children under 2 years of age are free of charge. They will be provided with an additional bed in their parents' room. Children between 2 and 12 years of age pay 50% of the regular rate. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult who assumes complete responsibility for them.

For more information about rates, please visit:

• www.tambopatalodge.com/rates.htm (available in English).
• www.tambopatalodge.com/ratessp.htm (available in Spanish).
• www.tambopatalodge.com/ratesfr.htm (available in French).
• www.tambopatalodge.com/ratesal.htm (available in German).

Getting There

Nearest international airport: Cusco (CUZ)

Nearest local/national airport: Puerto Maldonado (PEM)

Travel time to nearest airport: We are four hours from Cusco: 30 minutes on a commercial flight, a 30 minute transfer to the harbor, and then 3 hours by boat to the lodge.

Additional Information

Awards or Recognitions

• Certificate of Recognition given by the Police Directorate of Puerto Maldonado for Tambopata Ecolodge’s support. August 26, 2011.
• Diploma from the Servicio Nacional de Adiestramiento en Trabajo Industrial (SENATI) in gratitude for the facilities the ecolodge offered to the institution's students. August 24, 2011.
• Seed Fund Award for the delimitation of the Gallocunca Conservation concession given by the Sociedad Peruana de Derecho Ambiental (SPDA) in June 2011.
• Recognition from the Organismo de Formalización de la Propiedad Informal (COFOPRI) for Tambopata Ecolodge’s logistic support in the formalization and delineation of lands for the Sachavacayoc and Condenado communities. August 10, 2010.
• Recognition from the Universidad Nacional Amazónica de Madre de Dios for participation in diverse academic activities in the five years its Professional Ecotourism degree has been in operation. May 11, 2010.
• Award for Best Tourism Company in the Region, given by Empresas Bandera Peruana, June 30, 2009.
• Certificate of recognition for a noteworthy and long-term track record in tourism in the region, given by the Gobierno Regional de Madre de Dios. June 10, 2006.

Date This Information Was Provided

November 2011.

Photos courtesy of Tambopata Ecolodge, Peru, for SustainableTrip.org.