You have limited time in Peru and your options are to spend one night in the Amazon or not go at all. After all, a short trip to the jungle is little more than a drive through the rainforest, but a 2-day Tambopata jungle tour can give you the highlights: a night on the river, a guided nature walk and a sunrise at one of the most famous Macaw clay licks in the region. Here is what the adventure has in store for you.
What Is a 2-Day Tambopata Jungle Tour?
The Tambopata National Reserve is located in the Madre de Dios region of southern Peru. This area is recognized for its incredible biodiversity and is one of the easiest places to visit in the Peruvian Amazon, as flights to Puerto Maldonado are available from Cusco and Lima.
The 2-day tour from Tree House Inn includes an overnight stay at the lodge, while the two days are spent exploring the rainforest. You will sleep in a private cabaña and the highlight of day two will be the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick.
Day-by-Day: What You’ll Actually Do
Day 1: Puerto Maldonado to the Rainforest Lodge
Your guide will pick you up at the airport, bus terminal, or hotel and on the way to the lodge, you will make a stop in Puerto Maldonado for last-minute purchases. It is a good idea to buy new batteries, a flashlight, and a poncho for the rain. It takes around 1.5 hours to get to the river from Puerto Maldonado.
The drive is pleasant as you pass through farmlands and then you take a 30-minute motorized boat ride to the Tree House Inn. You will arrive at the lodge where you will be greeted with a cold fruit drink before you check into your cabaña. In the afternoon, you will go on a botanical trail guided by your guide. You will see lots of towering trees, and if you are lucky, the wildlife such as monkeys, toucans, and macaws will show themselves.
As the sun sets, you will go on a caiman night adventure. Your guide will take you by boat on the Tambopata River to look for caimans, night birds, and capybaras. The sky is clear of city lights, so you will see the Southern Cross and the belt of Orion. Back at the lodge, you will have dinner prepared with local produce and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle.
Day 2 : The Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick
This is the day when you will understand why you invested in a 2-day tour. You will wake up early to a boat ride to the famous Macaw clay lick. As you float down the river, the sun will rise over the horizon, and after a stop at the ranger station, your guide will help you spot the caimans and birds along the riverbank. Some of the animals you will see include capybaras, tapirs, and monkeys, while the highlight will be watching the Macaws, parrots, parakeets, and toucans gather at the clay lick.
You will enjoy a boxed breakfast as you watch the birds. After a short stop at the clay lick, you will return to the lodge for lunch and some free time. The tour will end back in Puerto Maldonado at around 3 pm if you have a flight back or 5 pm if you are returning by bus.
Why Do Macaws Gather at a Clay Lick?
A clay lick is a deposit of soft clay along a riverbank that is popular with birds. The most common theory is that the clay neutralizes the toxins in the food they eat and provides them with much-needed minerals. Whatever the reason, it creates excellent photo opportunities for tourists who want to see the vibrant plumage of the different species.
The number of birds that visit the lick varies depending on the time of year, so your guide can only give you an estimate of how many you are likely to see on any given day. The best way to see the birds is to go with locals who have been to the clay lick and know the conditions.
So, Is a 2-Day Tour Worth It?
It’s a good fit if you:
- You have limited time in Peru and want to experience the Amazon rainforest
- This is your first time visiting the rainforest and want something short
- You want a comfortable stay as opposed to camping in the jungle
- You want a guided tour and leave the planning to someone else
You might prefer a longer trip if you:
- You want to explore more of the Tambopata National Reserve
- You are an avid wildlife photographer and want to see more animals
- You do not want to get up early and return to Puerto Maldonado the same day
If you decide later that two days isn’t enough, Tree House Inn also runs 3-day and 4-day Tambopata options that add Sandoval Lake.
What’s Included, and What Isn’t
Included:
- Pick-up and transfer upon arrival
- Accommodation at the Tree House Inn for one night
- An English-speaking guide
- Motorized boats and transportation
- Entry fees to Tambopata National Reserve
- All meals at the lodge
Not included:
- Domestic and international flights
- Drinks at the bar
- Personal expenses
- Tips for the staff
Check the prices on the page for an idea of how much the tour costs.
Practical Tips Before You Go
It is a good idea to bring a flashlight, poncho, and batteries as you will need them during the tour. You can also buy them in Puerto Maldonado if you forget to bring any. In addition, you should:
- Back light clothing and comfortable closed-toe shoes
- Use insect repellent to keep the mosquitoes away
- Bring a reusable water bottle
- Follow your guide’s instructions, especially when on the night boat
- Give your guide the approximate time you will be departing for the airport or bus station as it determines your return time.
- A more comprehensive list of what to bring on an Amazon tour can be found on what to carry for an Amazon tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 2 days enough to see the Tambopata rainforest?
It is enough to get a taste of the rainforest and its beauty, but it does not give you a chance to explore it fully. You will spend a night on the river, go on a guided trail walk, and watch the Macaws at the clay lick.
What is the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick?
It is a site famous for the number of Macaws that gather there to eat the clay. On your tour, you will spend around 45 minutes there on a morning boat ride.
Will I definitely see macaws?
There is no guarantee as it is unpredictable how many birds will show up on any given day, but you have a good chance of seeing large numbers of them.
How do I get to the lodge from Puerto Maldonado?
Your guide will pick you up in Puerto Maldonado. You will drive for 1.5 hours to reach the river and then take a 30-minute boat ride to the lodge.
What time does the tour end?
It ends in Puerto Maldonado at around 3 pm if you have a flight or 5 pm if you are taking the bus. It is a good idea to let the guide know when you will be departing.
What should I bring on a Tambopata jungle tour?
You should bring along a poncho, flashlight, batteries, mosquito repellent, good closed shoes, and light clothing. It is also a good idea to bring your camera.
Are flights and drinks included?
Flights, alcoholic drinks, and personal expenses are not included in the tour, and you will need to budget for them separately. However, your meals, the guide, transport, and entry fees to the reserve are included.
Ready to Meet the Macaws?
If you’re short on time but still want the Amazon on your itinerary, a 2-day trip can be the right balance. See the full itinerary, rates and availability for the 2-day Tambopata Jungle Explorer – Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick tour, or message the Tree House Inn team on WhatsApp at +51 949 549 042 or at info@treehouse-inn.com to check dates.
