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Tambopata National Reserve

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Tambopata National Reserve is located in the Madre de Dios region of southeastern Peru and is world-renowned for its extraordinary levels of biodiversity. Spanning approximately 275,000 hectares, the reserve protects a vast area of pristine Amazonian rainforest and palm swamps. It is famous for its 'colpas' or clay licks, where hundreds of macaws and parrots gather daily to ingest minerals from the riverbanks, creating one of nature's most colorful spectacles. Tambopata holds world records for the highest number of bird, butterfly, and dragonfly species recorded in a single location. The reserve is a vital sanctuary for endangered species such as the giant river otter, the black caiman, and the South American tapir. Its oxbow lakes, like Lake Sandoval, are critical habitats for aquatic life and offer unique opportunities for wildlife observation. Sustainable ecotourism and partnerships with local indigenous communities, such as the Ese Eja, are central to the reserve's management, helping to combat threats like illegal gold mining and deforestation.

Location: Peru
Nearby: Puerto Maldonado (16 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	25	25	25	25	24	23	23	25	27	27	27	26
Rain mm	328	329	235	164	97	67	54	54	65	154	192	323

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The reserve is typically accessed via the river, with motorized boats usually departing from the gateway city of Puerto Maldonado. Reaching the deeper jungle areas generally requires booking an organized tour or hiring an official guide.

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Best season

The best time to visit is usually during the dry season between May and October, as the jungle trails are much more navigable. During the rainy season, many paths can become flooded, making wildlife spotting at the clay licks more difficult.

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Terrain & paths

The terrain consists primarily of dense rainforest with trails that are generally flat but very muddy and crisscrossed by thick roots. A significant portion of the exploration is done on water, combined with hikes through pristine wilderness.

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What to bring

Essential gear includes lightweight, long-sleeved, breathable clothing and rubber boots, which are often provided by jungle lodges. A strong insect repellent, binoculars for wildlife viewing, and reliable rain protection are mandatory items.

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Parking

Since the area is located deep in the jungle, vehicles must usually be left securely in the gateway city of Puerto Maldonado. Tour operators or lodges typically provide guarded parking lots or secure meeting points for their arriving guests.

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Safety

Visitors should always stay on marked trails and strictly follow the instructions of their expert local guides. It is critical to protect against insect bites and maintain a safe, respectful distance from all wild animals to avoid dangerous encounters.

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Time needed

A typical stay usually lasts between three and five days in order to adequately experience the enormous biodiversity of the region. Shorter trips are possible, but they often do not provide enough time to reach the more remote areas of the reserve.

Geography

Coordinates

-13.00000, -69.20000

Facts

Tambopata was officially established as a National Reserve on September 4, 2000.
The reserve contains 1,234 species of butterflies, a world record for a single site.
It is home to the world's largest known macaw clay lick, the Chuncho lick.
The park is part of a massive transboundary conservation corridor with Bolivia.
More than 169 species of reptiles and amphibians have been documented here.
The primary threat to the reserve is illegal alluvial gold mining along its borders.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Puerto Maldonado16 km · EExplore →

Bahuaja-Sonene24 km · WExplore →

Lake Sandoval24 km · NEExplore →

Taricaya Rescue Center24 km · NEExplore →

Apolobamba Mountain Range79 km · WExplore →

Suasi Island95 km · WExplore →

Madidi National Park107 km · NWExplore →

Lake Titicaca112 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Tambopata?

The dry season from May to October provides the best conditions for wildlife observation.

How difficult are the hikes in the reserve?

The trails are mostly flat but can be demanding due to high humidity and heat.

Do I need special gear for insects?

Yes, long-sleeved lightweight clothing, insect repellent, and a mosquito net are essential.

Are there public restrooms in the reserve?

No, there are no public facilities; you must rely on the restrooms provided by the lodges.

Is Tambopata suitable for families with children?

It is a great adventure but requires good physical condition and preparation for the climate.

Tambopata National Reserve: where is it located?

Tambopata National Reserve is located in Peru.

Tambopata National Reserve: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Tambopata National Reserve: why is it worth visiting?

Tambopata National Reserve is located in the Madre de Dios region of southeastern Peru and is world-renowned for its extraordinary levels of biodiversity.

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