LIBERTADOR TAMBOPATA LODGE
Started back in 1991 the Libertador Tambopata Lodge is one of the most established eco-tourism lodges along the Tambopata River, reinforcing the status of the area as one of the major rainforest eco-tourism destinations in South America.
With a capacity of 50 it is also one of the smaller lodges, which is how we intend to keep it. Fewer people, we believe, contribute to a more fulfilling visit and will have less of an impact on the many populations of animals that abound in the surrounding forest.
Situated on the banks of the Tambopata river in the heart of the Tambopata Candamo Reserve Zone (TCRZ), the remoteness and tranquility of our lodge will make your stay an agreeable one.
The TCRZ is an immense area (6000 square kilometres) protected by the Peruvian state and located in the southeastern region of Madre de Dios. Many studies have been made of the fauna and flora along the Tambopata river, revealing an incredible abundance of life forms. It is believed that the ecosystems in this part of southeastern Peru are the most diverse on the planet. Here it is possible to observe rare species such as the giant otter, anacondas, jaguars and ocelots.
The lodge itself is built on land approx. 10 meters above the average river level for the Tambopata, in a clearing within "terra firme" forest, i.e. forest that never floods.
There are three major circular trails leading from the lodge (see trail map).
They all begin in dense primary forest characterized by large canopy and emergent trees (30 to 40 meters tall) many displaying fine buttressing, a characteristic which increases the stability of trees during windy conditions in what are extremely thin soils.
On walking the trails you may notice that many tree species have their flowers and fruit growing right out of their trunks and situated comparatively close to the ground (much like those of the cocoa tree found on Trail 2, 1100 m) as opposed to developing up in the branches like trees found in temperate forests further north. This specialized growth habit is known as "cauliflory" and is believed to facilitate the pollination of these flowers by bats and/or rodents which would normally not find access to the flowers if they were in and amongst the leaves. The fruit too may more easily be dispersed if easily reached.
Ox-bow lakes are old remnant river courses, cut-off from the main river by the effects of erosion and the constant shifting of river channels. On the other side of the Tambopata River from the lodge are two ox-bow lake systems, Condenado and Sachavacayoc, which are frequently visited by us and which allow for a relaxing view of the forest and marshland from dugout canoes.
A host of interesting animals live in and around these lakes; Caiman, Boas, a multitude of bird life and the endangered Giant Otter.
Beneath the surface live many hundreds of fish species, many small and colorful, others large and whiskered. Pirahnas, the arquitypical horror story of the jungle, also live in these lakes. However they are not as dangerous as Hollywood films make them out to be, and swimming is possible
ITINERARY LIBERTADOR TAMBOPATA LODGE (3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS)
Fly to Puerto Maldonado and travel by river to the lodge.
Fly to Puerto Maldonado and travel by river to the lodge. After your early flight to Puerto Maldonado from Lima or Cusco you will be met at the airport by your guide and transferred to out motorboat for the journey along the Tambopata River to the lodge. Along the way we will see how the vegetation changes 
between areas of virgin forest and colonized deforested areas. You will be given a box lunch. On your arrival at the lodge you will receive a welcome drink and be introduced to the rest of the staff. That afternoon you will be taken for an introductory walk in the forest behind the lodge (Trail 2) surrounded by gigantic chestnut trees and Chihuahuacos. Along this trail we may see cappuchin or brown monkeys, blue morpho butterflies, toucans and several other species of birds.
After dinner a night walk to find nocturnal animals or insects by the eye-shine a specialization for increasing the light and see better, about 50% of the animals are nocturnal in the rainforest.
Walk to Lake Condenado.
After an early breakfast, you and your guide will board a motorboat for a short journey to the trailhead. You will spend the morning exploring the area around the lake in our canoes, where you will see a great deal of bird and aquatic life. A family of giant otters lives on the lake and is often seen. Many bird species can also be seen. Remember to bring along a hat and sun-block because there is no shade on the lake. You will return to the lodge in time for lunch, and then you will have a free afternoon to explore the forest around the lodge with or without a guide, or swim at Gallocunca, a clear fresh water stream near the lodge. After dark you and your guide will search for caiman and other nocturnal animals along the Tambopata river.
Departure.
It is necessary to leave the lodge in the early hours of the morning to return to Puerto Maldonado in time for your flight, and you will have a memorable opportunity to observe the sunrise over the Tambopata River. The forest wildlife is particularly active at this time, and the air will be filled with the cries of howler monkeys. Your guide will assist you in Puerto Maldonado and organize your transfer to the airport and help you to check in.
