Add a homestay to your trip to Posada Amazonas or Refugio Amazonas

After spending 3 nights at one of Rainforest Expeditions’ ecotourism lodges, spend a couple more nights in Tambopata.  There are a variety of lodges and homestays in and around Puerto Maldonado that can give you a more thorough understanding of the people and culture in Madre de Dios.  All stays include food, lodging, and spanish-speaking hosts.  Interpreters are available upon request.  Here are a few great homestays in Tambopata:

 

 

●      Majosehue:  Majosehue 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 an ethnobotanical garden. Majosehue give visitors a chance to get to know the fruit and plant species that are very important for the population.   know a

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●      Saona: Saona meaning “boa” in the Ese’Eja dialect, is located within the Native Community of Infierno. Saona is owned by the Durands, twelve siblings native to Madre de Dios. The property of all the Durand siblings accounts for approximately 600 hectares of well preserved forest. Saona show aspects of culture, as well as elements of nature. Saona offers Ayahuasca sessions led by a Shaman. by a

 

●      Casa Camping Sachavacayoc:The Casa Camping Sachavacayoc was formerly known as "Centro de la Interpretación de la Vida Silvestre El Castaño" offers a camping site which is next to the small farm. The activities are focused mainly on jungle walks and Brazil nut. The owner of The Casa Camping Sachavacayoc is Javier Huinga. For 8 years Javier was a park ranger for the Peruvian authority protecting national parks, reserves and other areas under public protection.

 

●      El Gato: Don Adrian Ramirez, Eduardo´s father, decided to start a new life with his family at the creek called El Gato.  The camp is built on a 45-hectare property situated adjacent to the Tambopata National Reserve. It is located on the right bank of the Tambopata River, next to the creek called El Gato. Thanks to its location ideal location this homestay offers diverse interesting activities for its guests organized around the creek, the forest and the small family farm. The property has a series of trails that go across one of the best well-preserved forests in private hand of the region.  Today it is operated by Don Adrian’s sons Eduardo and Victor with their mother’s support.

 

●      For more information and to meet some of these lovely families visit: http://www.tambopataecotours.com

 

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.