Puerto Maldonado Amazon Field Station 5D/4N (from Puerto Maldonado)

Trail System Hike, River Night Watch (L/D)

Start your jungle adventure with a Puerto Maldonado airport pick-up, after which you will take a motorized canoe trip down the Madre de Dios River to the Amazon research station you’ll be staying at for the next few days.

After check-in, walk through the eco-lodge’s exclusive trails to explore the rainforest ecosystems, where 540 bird species, 362 ant species (world record) and over 100 mammal species have been registered.

Later, cruise on the Madre de Dios River in search of the wildlife that surfaces during nighttime. Identify the behavior various animals such as capybaras, white caimans and nightjars, as they take advantage of the dark to roam around the Amazonian riverbanks.

Inkaterra Canopy Walkway, Carachama Trail (B/L/D)

Winner of the PURE Award in the ‘High Emotion/Low Impact’ category, the research station’s canopy walkway is a 1129-ft. system of 2 observation towers, 8 platforms, and 7 hanging bridges 100ft above the ground. Designed to perform scientific research on ecosystems inhabiting the rainforest canopy, this attraction contributes to birdwatching and other eco-friendly activities.

Later, after a 20-minute walk, visit a natural water pool known as Carachamayo. Learn about the ecosystem where these waterholes are found and about carachama fishing, freshwater fish native to the Peruvian Amazon, known for their nutritional value.

Lake Sandoval (Alternative excursion at additional cost). By canoe, navigate this beautiful oxbow-shaped water mirror surrounded by Aguaje palm trees, inhabited by giant river otters, blue and yellow macaws, hoatzins, red howler monkeys, black caimans and one of the world’s biggest freshwater scaled fish: the paiche. Access to discretion during rainy season.

River Island, Bio-Orchard, Palmetum (B/L/D)

A 20-minute boat ride will lead you to the river island near the guide’s field station, a large sandbank at the shores of the Madre de Dios River. Walk across the island to explore the floodplain that provides the island an ecosystem with a great diversity of birds such as the Amazonian umbrellabird, one of the most sought-after species by birdwatchers

Later, visit the research station’s orchard, where organic native goods are cultivated. Learn the diverse phases of sustainable horticulture: the preparation of recycled compost; sowing and harvesting vegetables, fine herbs and tropical plants; using natural fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides.

Afterwards, explore a 30Ha permanent-plot area for rainforest restoration and conservation, where the researchers have registered up to 19 native palm species. Learn about the rainforest’s survival mechanisms including natural seed dispersion, as well as the characteristics and cultural meaning of trees within the Palmetum, such as the yarina (vegetable ivory) or the walking palm, which moves its roots in search of sunlight.

Wetlands, Ita Model Farm, Rainforest By Night (B/L/D)

Walk through the wetland bridge system at the ecological reserve to encounter an ecosystem, defined by the presence of Aguaje palm trees and inhabited by a unique fauna diversity, including birds, ants, and amphibians.

Later, a 20-minute boat ride will lead you to the Gamitana Model Farm to enjoy the many scents and flavors of native fruits (according to season) such as starfruit, papaya, and rough lemon. Get to know the research station’s work in benefit of local communities, as well as the economic role of agriculture in the region.

Afterwards, head out on night walk through the jungle. While walking under the tree shades that intensify the Amazonian darkness, tune up your senses to identify the lively sounds of birds, mammals, insects, and amphibians that wander around the forest during nighttime.

Transfer To Puerto Maldonado (B)

After checking out of the research station, enjoy your breakfast. You will return to Puerto Maldonado via motorized canoe, where you may spend the afternoon at the beautiful Butterfly House or choose to be dropped off at the airport or bus station, after which you are free to continue on to your next destination. Safe travels!

Note: The lodge accommodation is of a more basic nature, to ensure the research station has minimal environmental impact and remains as true as it can to its surroundings.