What is Tambopata? Find out all about this exotic place

Are you planning to do a tour in Tambopata to get to know the Peruvian Amazon rainforest? This place is full of a beautiful diversity of exotic plants and animals that you can appreciate at any time of the year. In this article, we explain what is Tambopata so that you can be informed when you visit this wonderful place. Keep reading!

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¿What is Tambopata?

The Tambopata is a river in the southeast of our country that originates in the snow-capped Andes Mountains, just across the Bolivian border, from where it flows through the high plains to the Amazon lowlands. This river gives its name to a province of Peru located in the Madre de Dios region.

The word Tambopata comes from Quechua, the language of the Incas, which is still spoken by millions of people in several regions of our country. In Inca times, a “tambo” was a kind of inn or administrative center, while the word “pata” means “elevated area” or “platform”.

Similarly, the Tambopata Tambopata River gives its name to the Tambopata National Reserve.. Together with Bahuaja-Sonene National Park and Madidi National Park, the reserve forms part of the largest area of protected tropical and subtropical Amazonian rainforest in South America.

¿What is the Tambopata National Reserve?

Tambopata National Reserve is a huge area of pristine tropical and subtropical rainforest in the Amazon basin. In total, the reserve protects more than 1,000 square miles of forest, including eight different types of Amazonian ecosystems. It is this wide range of habitats that makes Tambopata one of the world’s most important most biodiverse places in the world.

But,how to get to the Tambopata National Reserve?? This beautiful place can be reached from Cuzco by a regular 30-minute flight, followed by a fascinating road and boat trip from the jungle town of Puerto Maldonadoa trip that seems to be an adventure in itself.

One aspect that many people wonder about is when to visit the reserve and the answer is year-round. The climate is typical of tropical, subtropical, humid or high humidity forests, with an average annual temperature of 26ºC, fluctuating between 10ºC during occasional unusually cold spells, and 38ºC.

Rain or shine, wet or dry season, it is possible to see examples of the main Amazonian fauna within the reserve and its extensive buffer zone and surrounding forests, as well as countless examples of typical Amazonian flora.

¿What attractions are there in Tambopata?

Every year, millions of tourists and locals visit Tambopata’s tourist attractionsbut what are they? Although there are several famous and beautiful areas, we will detail the most visited ones:

• Manu National Park

The Manu National Park has an area of 1,716,295.22 hectares and is one of the best destinations for nature tourism. In the lower basin of the Manu River, the exuberance of the Amazon plain stands out. In addition, one of its main attractions are the colpas, habitat of flocks of macaws, as well as other species of fauna that come in search of food.

Inside the park there is a 18 meter high metal tower and an elevated walkway with a platform that facilitates the best observation of the birds and the immensity of the forest from the treetops. For a spectacular view, it is recommended to arrive at the Tres Cruces viewpoint and appreciate the sunrise, as well as two opposing landscapes: the Andean mountain range and the cloud forest.

• Sandoval Lake

The Sandoval Lake is one of the most wonderful areas. It is located near the Puerto Maldonado cityTambopata Department. From there, you must first go to the main port called Capitanía where you must board an outboard motorboat and travel down the Alto Madre de Dios River enjoying the scenery offered by nature.

The calm waters of Sandoval Lake are not only perfect for boating excursions, but are also preferred by some animals that find the flow of the main river too aggressive for their liking.

Embark on a
tour of Sandoval Lake
and go afloat by boat in the company of a naturalist guide, who will explain the ecology of this wonderful lake. You will be able to see various types of birds and animals, such as monkeys, caimans and macaws. Remember that it is important to rest at a nearby lodge on the lake before embarking on your next Tambopata adventure.

In recent years, the fame of this jungle region has begun to grow and it has become one of Peru’s main ecotourism destinations.. Now that you know what it is and you are familiar with the most recognized tourist areas of Tambopata. We encourage you to live the experience for yourself!

In Sotupa Eco Lodge you can find the best tour packages all-inclusive rates, restaurant, bar, common areas and much more. For more information, contact us through our website.