Itinerary
- Day 1
Puerto Maldonado to Madre de Dios River
Someone picks you up from Puerto Maldonado airport or the bus station and takes you by motorized canoe down the Madre de Dios River to reach your research station. After you get settled in, the afternoon is open to walk the rainforest trails and look for capybaras and caimans. As evening comes, you'll head out on a nighttime river cruise to spot more wildlife and get a sense of how the jungle sounds and feels after dark.
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trail system hike through rainforest ecosystems
- Nighttime river cruise on Madre de Dios River for wildlife viewing
Landmarks/POIs Madre de Dios River Puerto Maldonado - Day 2
Canopy Walkway and Carachama Trail
This day focuses on the canopy walkway system with observation towers and hanging bridges that sit about 100 feet above the rainforest floor, which gives a whole different perspective on the forest. Later you'll hike to Carachamayo natural water pool where local guides explain the ecosystem and show carachama fishing. If that doesn't appeal to you, there's Lake Sandoval accessible by canoe where you might spot giant river otters and macaws instead.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Canopy walkway exploration with observation towers and hanging bridges
- Carachama Trail walk to Carachamayo natural water pool
Optional Activities
- Lake Sandoval alternative excursion by canoe at additional cost
Landmarks/POIs Canopy Walkway Lake Sandoval - Day 3
River Island, Bio-Orchard, Palmetum, and Rainforest Night Walk
A short 20-minute boat ride takes you to a river island sandbank that's good for spotting rare bird species including the Amazonian umbrellabird. From there you'll visit the station's organic bio-orchard to learn how they practice sustainable farming in this environment. Next comes a walk through a 30-hectare palmetum area with 19 native palm species and rainforest restoration projects. The day ends with a night walk through the jungle where you'll experience all the sounds of nocturnal wildlife.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- River island exploration and bird watching
- Bio-orchard visit and sustainable horticulture education
- Palmetum exploration with rainforest restoration and conservation focus
- Rainforest night walk through jungle
Landmarks/POIs River Island (Madre de Dios) Palmetum - Day 4
Transfer to Puerto Maldonado
After breakfast at the research station, you return to Puerto Maldonado by motorized canoe and have the afternoon free. If you're interested, the Butterfly House is an option, but you can also head straight to the airport or bus station for your next destination.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Butterfly House visit in Puerto Maldonado
Landmarks/POIs Butterfly House
