The 5 Best Hostels in Puerto Maldonado, Peru

1.     Parayso: El Parayso has one of the most well-preserved sectors in the sector, ideal for long walks that strengthen your relationship with the ecosystem.  You will see some of the most emblematic tress of the Amazon rainforest and with luck a variety of animals.  The hostel is owned by the Balarezo Yabar family are the founders of Tambopata’s ecotourism corridor and the original settlers in this sector.  They have a wealth of knowledge about Tambopata which they are eager to share with you. 

 

2.     Amazon Shelter: The Amazon Shelter is a non-profit organization that has implemented a wildlife shelter called the Center for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CRCAS).  The money you pay to stay here is used to assist in the centers efforts to shelter rescued animals and eventually reintegrate them into the wild.  Your stay includes 3 meals/day and comfortable accommodations and interaction with a variety of wildlife from the Amazon. 

 

3.     Botafogo: Located at a meander of the Tambopata River, about 25 minutes from Puerto Maldonado, Botafogo is a recreation center that offers a 3-km-long sand beach during the dry season (from July to October) as well as an ideal place to relax and have fun either with family or friends. If you are a visitor to the country, this would be an ideal place to meet some locals.

 

4.     Kapievi:  Permaculture is Kapievi ecovilliage’s life guide.  This yoga center follows a health oriented approach both physically and spiritually while protecting the earth.  Your stay includes comfortable accommodations, three vegetarian meals per day and two optional yoga classes. 

 

5.     Tambopata Backpackers Hostel:  Located one block from the central plaza in Puerto Maldonado, this is a good option if you want to socialize with other tourists.  Your stay includes dorm-style accommodations and breakfast. 

 

 

How To: Collect Brazil Nuts in Tambopata

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Brazil nut collection is an important sustainable industry in Tambopata and brings in around ten million dollars per year to this region of Peru.  Want to give it a try?  Here’s how...

1.     Obtain a concession:  Each concession has an average of 5 trees per hectare. 

2.     Wait for the fruits to fall: The fruits usually fall to the ground in the months of January and February.  It is dangerous to enter the forest during this time as the fruits are very dense and can cause injuries if they land on your head.

3.     Gather your family and friends: People often go in groups to gather the Brazil nuts and camp out on their concession for several days in March.

4.     Collect the fruits: Use a three-pronged stick and put them in a large basket strapped to your back.  Gather the fruits in a large pile and use a machete to open each one to reveal 15 to 20 nuts inside.

5.     Carry out the nuts: Put all the nuts in a sack that will weigh around 60 kilos (132 pounds) and hike to your house in town.

6.     Prepare the nuts: Wash and dry the nuts on a platform about one meter above the ground.  Shell the dried nuts and they are ready for consumption and exportation.

 

A few facts about the Brazil nut industry in Tambopata:

●      The enormous Brazil nut tree is found in the emergent layer of the canopy and can live to be 1200 years old.

●      One Brazil Nut tree produces between 300 and 400 fruits per year (about 120 kilos or 265 pounds of shelled nuts).

●      Each fruit contains 15 to 20 nuts.

●      The principle disperser of the Brazil nut is the Brown Agouti.  This rodent gathers the nuts, stores them for future consumption in the ground, but forgets some of the seeds allowing them to sprout.   

●      Over 20% of Peru’s region of Madre de Dios is covered by Brazil nut forests.

●      20,000 people Tambopata base part of their livelihood on gathering Brazil nuts.

 

Learn More about Brazil nuts and Madre de Dios, Peru: http://www.tambopataecotours.com

Travel to Peru: A 10-Day Itinerary Including the Inca Trail

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●      Day 1: Arrival in Lima

○      Depending on when you arrive, you may only have a night to spend in Lima.  If this is the case, you may choose to stay in the Costa Del Sol right next to the airport.  If you have more time take a safe taxi to Miraflores, Lima and spend the day sightseeing or walking along the waterfront.  There is a plethora of great restaurants in Lima to chose from where you can try authentic Peruvian cuisine.

 

●      Day 2: Cusco-City Tour

○      Catch a morning flight to Cusco and once you get settled in your hotel or hostel, take a walk to the Plaza de Armas.  Here you will find a plethora of Peruvian tour companies offering full and half day excursions in and around Cusco.  You can book a city tour through any of these companies or your hotel.  Afternoon tours begin around 1:30 and will take you to several ruins in and around the city.

 

●      Day 3 :Cusco-Sacred Vally Tour

○      The Sacred Valley tour will take you to several surrounding towns in the sacred vally including a visit to the market at Pisac, a lunch break in Urubamba, a tour of the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo and a visit to the Quechua village of Chinchero on the way back. 

 

●      Day 4-7: Inca Trail

○      The Inca Trail  will take you four days from start to finish with most of the last day spent at the famous Inca city of Machu Picchu.  Make sure to book your Inca Trail tour in advance as only 500 permits are given per day.  Expect to arrive at your hotel in the evening of the final day.

 

●      Day 8-10: Tambopata Homestay

○      The best way to truly appreciate the wildlife and culture in the Peruvian rainforest is by staying with a native family.  Fly to Tambopata in the morning and be greeted at the airport by your host.  You will be taken to a boat and travel along the Tambopata river to your hosts’ home.  Enjoy authentic Peruvian food, go on nature walks to see hundred of plant and animal species, and learn about the lives of native people in the Amazon.

 

●      Day 10: Return Home :(

○      Your host family in Tambopata will take you to the airport from which you will fly back to Lima, then to your home country with incredible photographs and beautiful memories from your time in Peru.  

 

Five Fabulous Birds of Tambopata, Peru

Tambopata, Peru, often referred to as the “capital of biodiversity”, is a birdwatching paradise.  With more than 600 species of birds, it can be difficult to choose a favorite, but here are five characteristic birds from Tambopata. 

 

1. Hoatzin,  Opisthocomus Hoazin

●      Found along the shores of lakes an lagunes

●      Also referred to as the “stinkbird” due to the foul odor caused by its digestive system

●      The chicks have claws on their wings that they lose as adults.  For this reason scientists once thought the Hoatzin could be the missing link to primitive birds such as the Archaiopterix. They have since found them to be a distant relative of the cuckcoo. 

 

2. Orupendula, Psarocolius angustifrons

●      Found in tropical or sub-tropical lowland forests.

●      Their vocalizations sound like drip-dropping water.

●      This species of bird are named due to their characteristic nests which hang from the trees in the shape of a pendulum. 

 

3. Harpy Eagle, Harpia harpyja

●      Found in the upper canopy (emergent) layer of the tropical lowland forests.

●      With a wingspan of 2 meters they are the second largest eagle in the world.

●      Their claws can measure up to 13 inches (that’s larger than a grizzly bear’s claws!). 

●      Feed on arboreal mammals such as monkeys and sloths.

 

4. White-throated (Curvier’s) Tucan, Ramphastos tucanus

●      Found in tropical humid forest, woodland and rivine forest.

●      The largest Tucan species found in Tambopata. 

●      Courtship behaviors include bill-nibbling, allopreening, and courtship feeding.

●      Cappuchin monkeys are a threat to toucan eggs and chicks.

 

5. Red and Green Macaw, Ara Chloroptera

●      This brilliantly colored bird is also the largest of the Macaw species.

●      It can be found in large groups eating clay along the river banks in the early mornings.

●      There are two theories as to why Macaws eat clay.  One is to balance out the acid in their stomachs from the various rain forest fruits they consume throughout the day.  The other theory is that Macaws eat clay for the minerals it contains such as sodium and magnesium. 

●      The Red and Green Macaw has a very strong beak for breaking open Brazil Nuts.  It is strong enough to break a broomkstick into two pieces!

Big Five Animals: The Tambopata Big 5

Watching a pair of Harpy Eagles (Harpia harpyja) cause chaos in a troop of Brown-capuchin monkeys, coati, and Red-throated Caracara, as the soared with broad barred wings over the tree tops and then perched close by, made me realize that these eagles really are one of the kings of the jungle. They sat called to each other with their piercing whistles, seemingly oblivious to the alarm calls of the frightened monkeys and other animals nearby, which had up until then been enjoying the sweet red fruits of a chimucua. Eventually they took off in the direction of the river and the monkeys were able to relax again.

 

The size and apparent strength of these birds is impressive, and made me think of how they should be one of the Tambopata Big 5. So the Harpy Eagle, females being larger and weighing up to 5kg, represents the birds of the region. Harpy Eagles are rare throughout their range, as they are top predators. They are relatively common in Madre-de-Dios, as this department has a large number of Brazil-nut trees, one of the favorite nesting trees for this magnificent bird. A sighting is a special occasion, and cause for celebration, especially amongst the many birdwatchers who come to the region.

 

The Jaguar (Panthera onca) is the obvious choice for the Big five, a jungle icon much larger and more powerful than any of the other five species of cat found in the region, and the third largest species of cat in the world after the tiger and lion. Males have been recorded over 150kg.  Sightings are rare but when they do occur it is usually on cloudy days or after cold spells when the jaguars come to the beaches to sun themselves, or to stalk Capybaras (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) and River turtles.

 

The Tapir (Tapirus terrestris) is the heaviest of the endemic South American mammals, weighing about 250kg. Shy and retiring, and mostly nocturnal, the tapir is difficult to see. Tapir have been recorded regularly on the camera traps at mammal clay licks at odd hours of the night and a dedicated observer with a few nights to spare, a thermos or two of strong Tambopata coffee, and lots of patience, may well be awarded with one of the most curious of the rainforest mammals. Distantly related to horses, these gentle creatures feature in our top 5 as the largest herbivore in the region.

 

The largest of the 13 otter species in the world, endangered due to hunting for the fur trade, disturbance and loss of suitable habitat, the Giant River Otter is the top predator of the lakes in the Tambopata. Up to 1.8m in length, and weighing over 30kg, this species is actually one of the Tambopata Big Five you are most likely to see as their home ranges centre on the oxbow lakes. 

 

Reptiles are one of the most well represented vertebrate groups in the Amazon.  The Black Caiman makes a fitting representative for the group as it too is endangered due to hunting for the skin trade towards the end of the last century. These giant cousins of the alligators can grow up to 6 meters in length. Although mostly nocturnal, they are occasionally seen cruising just below the surface of some of the lakes in the region, and a better reason than piranha to not go swimming!

 

To see the Tambopata Big 5, in truth, you may need a year in the region. Seeing them all in a week is possible, with patience, a good guide, and a lot of luck. But don't forget to enjoy the myriad of " little 5s" that abound on every tree, in every trail, and with every step. Keep your eyes open, as you never know – you may not see the Big 5, but there is a good chance they will have seen you!

by Alan Lee 

Macaw Claylicks in Tambopata, Peru

Tambopata, Peru, often referred to as the “capital of biodiversity” is paradise to birdwatchers.  This region is home to 10% of the world’s parrot species.  A major feature is a series of exposed riverbanks along the Tambopata where Macaws go to eat clay. 

 

There are two theories as to why Macaws eat clay:

1.     To neutralize the toxins they ingest by eating rainforest fruits, nuts, flowers and leaves.

2.     To get minerals such as sodium, which they may need in their diet.

 

Some guidelines when visiting a claylick along the Tambopata river:

●      Claylicks can be viewed by boat along the river, or the opposite river bank.

●      Get up early so that you can arrive at the claylick early in the morning when the Macaws are most active.

●      Wear neutral colors and try to blend in.  Bright colors can scare the birds away.

●      Try to be as quiet and still as possible so as to allow the birds to behave as they would without an “audience.”

●      Bring binoculars!  You will be able to better appreciate these birds miraculous colors.

●      Bring a guide from Tambopata, who can help you to identify each species.

 

Where to go to view Macaw Claylicks:

●      Tambopata Research Center: Home to the famous Macaw Research Project. This comfortable lodge takes 8 hours to get to by boat from Puerto Maldonado so it best if you have at least 4 nights to stay. Spend the first and last night at Rainforest Expeditions closer lodge Refugio Amazonas and the nights inbetween at the research center.

●      El Gato: Owned by a family native to Tambopata, this friendly homestay offers knowledgeable guides comfortable accomodations and a claylick a 40-minute walk from the lodge. 

●      Majosehue: This budget option is located within the Native Community of Infierno. Don José Mishaja, a shaman from the Community, is the leader of this initiative. The location of Majosehue allows access to different interesting natural attractions and ethnobotanical garden. The parrot clay lick can be reached after walking only 15 minutes from the lodging house.

●      Refugio Amazonas : As a charming 32 bedroom lodge, it is well placed immediately adjacent to the Tambopata National Reserve. A comprehensive program includes a morning visit to the claylick, complete with guide.

 

Facts about the Rainforest

1.     Rainforests cover 6% of the earth’s surface but contain more than half of its plant and animal species. 

 

2.     Rainforests can be defined as a dense forest with an annual rainfall of 406 cm (160 inches).  They are often but not always located in tropical regions. 

 

3.     The Amazon is the largest rainforest in the world.  It covers roughly 40% of the South American continent and is in part of eight countries including Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Venezuela, Colombia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.

 

4.     The Amazon rainforest is the ancestral home to around one million indigenous people.  These people can be divided into around 400 tribes, some of whom still have little or no contact with outside people or influence. 

 

5.     Half of our medications from from the plant kingdom.  The U.S. National Cancer Institute has identified 3000 plants that are active against cancer cells.  70% of these plants are found in the rainforest.  Twenty-five percent of the active ingredients in today’s cancer-fighting drugs come from organisms found only in the rainforest. 

 

6.     The Ayahuasca, or 'rope of the spirits' in Quechua, is the master plant of the Amazonian rainforest. For many thousands of years, shamans have used its properties to cure the body and the soul and to connect with gods and nature.

 

7.     A hot and humid climate plays a large role in the species biodiversity found in rainforests.  With over 600 species of birds, 32 parrot species (that’s 10% of the world’s total), 200 mammal species, 1200 butterfly species and 10,000 species of vascular plants Tambopata, Peru is often referred to as the “Capital of Biodiversity.”

 

8.     Rainforests are home to thousands of endangered mammal species such as the Harpy Eagle (the world’s second largest), the Jaguar, and the Giant Otter.

 

9.     The largest threat to rainforests is deforestation.  Trees are cut down for cattle pastures, slash and burn farming and human settlement.  While rainforests used to cover 14% of the planet, they now only cover 6%.

 

10.  One of the best ways to protect the land from deforestation is by giving value to the forest while it is still standing through methods such as ecotourism.  Land enjoyed by travelers from around the world while allowing species to thrive.

 

The 5 Best Hostels in Puerto Maldonado, Peru

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These hostels are bettern than any hotel in Puerto Maldonado:

 

1.     Parayso: El Parayso has one of the most well-preserved sectors in the sector, ideal for long walks that strengthen your relationship with the ecosystem.  You will see some of the most emblematic tress of the Amazon rainforest and with luck a variety of animals.  The hostel is owned by the Balarezo Yabar family are the founders of Tambopata’s ecotourism corridor and the original settlers in this sector.  They have a wealth of knowledge about Tambopata which they are eager to share with you. 

 

2.     Amazon Shelter: The Amazon Shelter is a non-profit organization that has implemented a wildlife shelter called the Center for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CRCAS).  The money you pay to stay here is used to assist in the centers efforts to shelter rescued animals and eventually reintegrate them into the wild.  Your stay includes 3 meals/day and comfortable accommodations and interaction with a variety of wildlife from the Amazon. 

 

3.     Botafogo: Located at a meander of the Tambopata River, about 25 minutes from Puerto Maldonado, Botafogo is a recreation center that offers a 3-km-long sand beach during the dry season (from July to October) as well as an ideal place to relax and have fun either with family or friends. If you are a visitor to the country, this would be an ideal place to meet some locals.

 

4.     Kapievi:  Permaculture is Kapievi ecovilliage’s life guide.  This yoga center follows a health oriented approach both physically and spiritually while protecting the earth.  Your stay includes comfortable accommodations, three vegetarian meals per day and two optional yoga classes. 

 

5.     Tambopata Backpackers Hostel:  Located one block from the central plaza in Puerto Maldonado, this is a good option if you want to socialize with other tourists.  Your stay includes dorm-style accommodations and breakfast. 

 

 

The Giant Otter in Tambopata - Facts about Endangered Mammals in Peru

The Giant Otter

A few facts about one of the most endangered mammals in Peru. 

 

 

●      This playful mammal grows to be 1.5 to 2 meters long (5 to 6.5 feet) and weighs around 25 to 32 kilograms (55 to 70 pounds), making it the largest in the otter family.  They exist in only in isolated tropical regions of South America in bodies of water with slow current such as rivers, creeks and lakes. 

 

●      The Giant Otter has no serious predators but competes with other species (such as caiman) for food.  They feed mostly on large fish but will also consume other vertebrates such as snakes and small caiman.  An adult giant otter eats approximately 4kg (almost 9 lbs) of fish per day!!!

 

●      This mammal has extremely sensitive whiskers which they use to detect changes in water pressure and currents, helping them to be quite effective in hunting prey.

 

●      Giant otters live in strongly cohesive family groups of 4 to 9 individuals.  When an adult gives birth to pups the family is highly protective of them, defending them against predators such as the Black Caiman or Jaguar. 

 

●      The species first became threatened in the 1960’s when an enormous number were hunted for their water-repelling hides. From 1946 to 1973 more than 24,000 skins were exported from the Peruvian Amazon and 20,000 from the Brazilian Amazon, as it was legal during that time.  Afterwards, very few families remained.  The department of Madre de Dios, Peru only harbors 150 individuals. 

 

●      The main risk to the species these days is habitat loss due to logging and farming.  Despite efforts to protect them, their numbers are dropping each year.  Ecotourism is an important part of the protection of this beautiful mammal as it funds research, raises awareness of the species and protects their precious habitats. 

 

Upon your next visit to Tambopata, you may be lucky enough to see these spectacular creatures.

 

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Facts about the Rainforest

1.     Rainforests cover 6% of the earth’s surface but contain more than half of its plant and animal species. 

 

2.     Rainforests can be defined as a dense forest with an annual rainfall of 406 cm (160 inches).  They are often but not always located in tropical regions. 

 

3.     The Amazon is the largest rainforest in the world.  It covers roughly 40% of the South American continent and is in part of eight countries including Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Venezuela, Colombia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.

 

4.     The Amazon rainforest is the ancestral home to around one million indigenous people.  These people can be divided into around 400 tribes, some of whom still have little or no contact with outside people or influence. 

 

5.     Half of our medications from from the plant kingdom.  The U.S. National Cancer Institute has identified 3000 plants that are active against cancer cells.  70% of these plants are found in the rainforest.  Twenty-five percent of the active ingredients in today’s cancer-fighting drugs come from organisms found only in the rainforest. 

 

6.     The Ayahuasca, or 'rope of the spirits' in Quechua, is the master plant of the Amazonian rainforest. For many thousands of years, shamans have used its properties to cure the body and the soul and to connect with gods and nature.

 

7.     A hot and humid climate plays a large role in the species biodiversity found in rainforests.  With over 600 species of birds, 32 parrot species (that’s 10% of the world’s total), 200 mammal species, 1200 butterfly species and 10,000 species of vascular plants Tambopata, Peru is often referred to as the “Capital of Biodiversity.”

 

8.     Rainforests are home to thousands of endangered mammal species such as the Harpy Eagle (the world’s second largest), the Jaguar, and the Giant Otter.

 

9.     The largest threat to rainforests is deforestation.  Trees are cut down for cattle pastures, slash and burn farming and human settlement.  While rainforests used to cover 14% of the planet, they now only cover 6%.

 

10.  One of the best ways to protect the land from deforestation is by giving value to the forest while it is still standing through methods such as ecotourism.  Land enjoyed by travelers from around the world while allowing species to thrive.

 

How To: Collect Brazil Nuts in Madre de Dios

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Brazil nut collection is an important sustainable industry in Madre de Dios and brings in around ten million dollars per year to this region of Peru.  Want to give it a try?  Here’s how...

1.     Obtain a concession:  Each concession has an average of 5 trees per hectare. 

2.     Wait for the fruits to fall: The fruits usually fall to the ground in the months of January and February.  It is dangerous to enter the forest during this time as the fruits are very dense and can cause injuries if they land on your head.

3.     Gather your family and friends: People often go in groups to gather the Brazil nuts and camp out on their concession for several days in March.

4.     Collect the fruits: Use a three-pronged stick and put them in a large basket strapped to your back.  Gather the fruits in a large pile and use a machete to open each one to reveal 15 to 20 nuts inside.

5.     Carry out the nuts: Put all the nuts in a sack that will weigh around 60 kilos (132 pounds) and hike to your house in town.

6.     Prepare the nuts: Wash and dry the nuts on a platform about one meter above the ground.  Shell the dried nuts and they are ready for consumption and exportation.

 

A few facts about the Brazil nut industry in Madre de Dios:

●      The enormous Brazil nut tree is found in the emergent layer of the canopy and can live to be 1200 years old.

●      One Brazil Nut tree produces between 300 and 400 fruits per year (about 120 kilos or 265 pounds of shelled nuts).

●      Each fruit contains 15 to 20 nuts.

●      The principle disperser of the Brazil nut is the Brown Agouti.  This rodent gathers the nuts, stores them for future consumption in the ground, but forgets some of the seeds allowing them to sprout.   

●      Over 20% of Peru’s region of Madre de Dios is covered by Brazil nut forests.

●      20,000 people in Madre de Dios base part of their livelihood on gathering Brazil nuts.

 

Learn More about Brazil nuts and Madre de Dios, Peru: http://www.tambopataecotours.com