Two thirty-something doctoral researchers in Biological Sciences from Mountain View, CA were drawn to Tambopata Research Center [TRC] for its history of Amazonian investigation deep within Tambopata National Reserve, and so booked a 4-day / 3-night stay in July 2022.

Here are their impressions:

Accommodation: ‘The access to the jungle was amazing, stepping just feet from the lodge allowed us to be entirely enveloped in the flora and fauna and we saw many animals even from the porch of the TRC.

The pictures versus the reality of the TRC was a little different than expected (it wasn't *quite* as nice as the photos, some maintenance, minor repairs and upgrades are needed). 

We enjoyed the open air atmosphere of the TRC for the most part, with one wall of the bedroom entirely open to the jungle, hammocks and seats with jungle views and open air walkways connecting each part. 

One thing that we were not as happy about (that is not necessarily the fault of the TRC) was the open air room resulted in noise traveling easily between rooms quite well and loud neighbors who were not respectful of the quiet hours were not addressed by the staff upon request.’

Guide: ‘Luis was very accommodating to our desires while we were there, helping us see different types of primates and getting us the best views and photos.

At the end of our trip, as we were waiting to head to the airport, he helped set up a ride to the airport and made sure we had him a point of contact for additional help if we needed it.’ 

Gastronomy: ‘The food was tasty and included local foods for the most part allowing us to taste new cuisines.

The bar staff made strong drinks but during our stay there were many drinks and ingredients unavailable that unfortunately limited the selection.’   

Transport: ‘We took a bus for an hour and a half from Puerto Maldonado, then the river boat for about 3 hours to reach the TRC.

The trip in we had the bus and the boat to ourselves with the guide and boat driver which was very cool! 

The boat ride up the river really highlights the isolated and private location of the TRC, nestled inside the jungle.’ 

Itinerary: ‘Given the amount of trails and activities offered at the TRC, we highly recommend the 4D3N package, we were able to walk every trail, see the salt lick and do multiple night walks with this length of time.

Additionally, the TRC is best for adults and specifically outdoor enthusiasts, the younger adults present while we were there who were less interested in learning did not seem to enjoy their stay as much.’  

Hiking: ‘We walked through trails in the amazon each day during our stay. 

The trails were primarily flat with a few staircases, which we would rate all as "easy" although the heat and humidity made the walking more tiring that one would have expected.’ 

Luggage: ‘I brought a book but ended up being so busy all the time with seeing and talking and adventuring I never bothered to read it, during travel there was still so much to see (or sleep to catch up on!).’

Natural Encounters: ‘We really enjoyed the night hike through the amazon to see some diverse creepy crawlies (pink-toed tarantula was cool!), but also loved the salt lick where parrots and macaws flocked in a rainbow colorful experience.’

Insects: ‘With treated clothing and bug spray there was minimal bug issues while out and about, and a bug net at night prevented nighttime visits.’ 

Sustainability: ‘The TRC gives nightly talks about the research being done and how these projects are aimed at rainforest conservation or aiding in the local economy such as by improving harvests of nuts.

The researchers did a good job to highlight these important goals.’