3-Day Rainforest Tour Packages
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Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Rainforest tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaRainforest travel expert at TourRadar
2 Days in Tambopata Amazon, incl. Puerto Maldonado and Sandoval Lake
The Tambopata National Reserve beckons with two days of wildlife encounters from Puerto Maldonado. Visitors meet the residents of Monkey Island and spot caimans under starlit skies, followed by a rewarding 1.5-hour trek to Lake Sandoval. The tour showcases diverse ecosystems across rainforest and river landscapes.
- Day 1
Puerto Maldonado to Amazon Lodge
Book a morning flight to arrive in Puerto Maldonado before 1:00 PM. You'll need to leave extra luggage at the operator's office since you won't need much for your stay. A boat will take you to your rainforest lodge. Your afternoon includes two exciting activities: climbing a 35-meter high canopy walkway at a massive Lupuna tree and riding a 190-meter zipline through the forest canopy. Quick-dry clothes and binoculars are essential, especially for spotting birds from the canopy platform. As night falls you'll go caiman spotting by boat on the Madre de Dios River. Look for capybaras too. These giant 60-kg rodents often gather near the water. A good flashlight will help you spot caiman eyes glowing red in the dark. The river gets cool at night so bring a light jacket.
- Day 2
Lake Sandoval Exploration & Return
After breakfast take a boat to the Tambopata National Reserve entrance. A 90-minute hike through the rainforest leads you to beautiful Lake Sandoval. The trail gets muddy so wear good shoes and use the walking sticks provided. You'll spend several hours exploring the lake by canoe. Watch for giant river otters, birds, butterflies and turtles. Morning hours offer the best wildlife viewing when animals are most active. Your boat back to Puerto Maldonado leaves at 2:30 PM sharp so schedule your departure flight after 3:00 PM. While Amazon lodges offer basic accommodation the incredible wildlife makes up for it. Pack insect repellent, sun protection and a water bottle. Even a short stay like this can get quite humid.
3 Days in Iquitos Rainforest, incl. Monkey Island and Amazon River
The Amazon comes alive during this 3-day stay at Maniti Eco-Lodge. Wildlife watching unfolds in morning light, while afternoons reveal local cultures, and evenings bring thrilling caiman encounters. Guests visit Monkey Island, meet indigenous communities, and stand beneath towering Ceiba trees, all with expert bilingual guides.
- Day 1
Iquitos to Maniti Lodge
Your adventure starts with a morning transfer from Iquitos to Port Nanay followed by a 2-hour boat ride downriver. Pack light and bring quick-dry clothes and a camera. You'll likely spot pink river dolphins and various birds during your journey. Just 15 minutes from the lodge you'll find Monkey Island where you can get up close with capuchins, spider monkeys and woolly monkeys. As one visitor shared: "The animal encounters were incredible, though I wish I'd brought better walking shoes for the uneven terrain."
- Day 2
Amazon River Explorations
Get up early to watch the Amazon sunrise from the lodge's main deck at around 5:30 AM. Start your day spotting wildlife then try your hand at piranha fishing in the afternoon. The guides provide all the equipment and safety instructions you need. Make sure to put on mosquito repellent before the evening caiman spotting trip since bugs are most active at sunset. The lodge runs on kerosene lamps and has limited electricity from 6 PM to 9 PM so bring a good headlamp for nighttime activities.
- Day 3
Jungle Trek and Indigenous Community
Start your last day with an early jungle hike using rubber boots from the lodge since the trails get muddy. Morning is prime time for seeing wildlife before it gets too hot. You'll visit a local indigenous community before heading back to Iquitos. Bring small bills if you want to buy traditional crafts. The boat ride back takes about 2 hours so schedule your departure flight for late afternoon.
3 Day Rwanda & Uganda Itinerary, incl. Kigali and Bwindi
A remarkable 3-day expedition connects Rwanda and Uganda's wilderness, highlighting gorilla encounters in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The adventure features 4.5-hour scenic drives, two nights in welcoming lodges, and moving visits to Kigali Genocide Memorial.
- Day 1
Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Be ready by 8 AM for your driver pickup in Kigali. The journey to Bwindi takes 4.5-5.5 hours through Rwanda's beautiful countryside before entering Uganda. If you get carsick bring motion sickness pills since the roads twist and turn quite a bit. "The drive offers incredible views of terraced hillsides but bring water and snacks as stops are limited." Get some cash exchanged in Kigali before you leave since you won't find many ATMs near Bwindi.
- Day 2
Gorilla Trek in Bwindi
This is what you came for. Eat breakfast early because trekking groups meet at park headquarters at 7:30 AM. You'll need waterproof hiking boots and gardening gloves to protect against nettles. Pack rain gear no matter the season. The trek can last anywhere from 2-8 hours depending on where the gorillas are. Hiring a local porter costs $20 and is well worth it. They'll carry your stuff and help you on tricky sections. One important note: If you have even a minor cold you won't be allowed to trek since gorillas can catch human illnesses. The altitude ranges from 5,000-8,000 feet making this a tough hike so get in decent shape before you come.
- Day 3
Bwindi to Kigali
Another early start for the 4.5-hour drive back to Kigali. Plan to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial which is both sobering and essential. The border crossing takes 30-60 minutes so have your yellow fever certificate ready. According to one visitor: "The memorial visit puts Rwanda's remarkable recovery into perspective - don't miss it but prepare yourself emotionally."
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