Fishing in the Peruvian Amazon

While most fishing in the Tambopata National Reserve is illegal due to conservation concerns, Casa Hospedaje El Gato is a privately-owned property adjacent to the reserve offering sustainable fishing in their local creek.  This lodge, located about 5-hours by boat from Puerto Maldonado is an ideal location to fish for a variety of species while getting an introduction to the incredible flora and fauna in the area.

• The Owners: Don Adrian Ramirez settled on his property in the 1980’s with his family.  While he was aware of the resources the land and creek had to offer for agriculture and fishing, tourism had not yet become popular in Puerto Maldonado.  For years the family lived sustainably as they developed their farm and trails throughout the property.  In the 1990’s the Peruvian Amazon began to see a significant increase in tourism in the area and the family began to welcome guests to the property.  Eventually, Don Ramirez passes the property on to his sons Victor and Eduardo and in 1997, Casa Hospedaje El Gato was officially opened to tourism.  Today Don Ramirez’s two sons guide fishing tours and manage the property with the support of their mother and other family members for preparing meals and making guests comfortable.  
• What types of fish can I catch? Visitors have the option of releasing their catch or bringing it back to camp and having it prepared for dinner.  Among many species of fish that can be found in El Gato, here are some of the more common:
  • Piranhas
  • Doncellas
  • Catfish
  • Sardines
  • Huansacos
• What is the lodging like? Lodging at El Gato consists of 6 basic cabins (a total of 18 beds) with shared bathrooms.  The main lodge serves as a dining room and meeting area.  From here there is a view of the small waterfall along the Quebrada El Gato.  Travelers can also enjoy this view while relaxing in a nearby hammock.  All buildings at El Gato are constructed using local materials and techniques.
• What else can I do while I’m there?
  • Guided jungle walks offering the opportunity to see a variety of fauna such as monkeys, peccaries and many birds species.
  • Guided night walks through the forest to see some of the nocturnal species or along the water to hunt for Caiman with flashlights.
  • A visit to the family farm where guests will be able to try local fruits such as Papaya or Copuazu fresh from the plants.
  • Down time at the camp can be spent listening to the stories of the Ramirezs’ who are native to the area.  Ask them about their ancestors or how the area has changed since they first arrived.  They will have a wealth of stories to share with you.