
We’re Jungle Girls Now!
The morning of our trip to Tambopata National Reserve started very early. On the boat at 5:30 and immediately headed down the river for a 20 minute boat ride. When we arrived at the Tambopata dock it was still dark outside.

Early Morning River.

Map of Tambopata National Reserve.
Turning into real Jungle Girls now!

Tambopata, Fun Name to Say!

Nice Boardwalk Along the Mud.
3km later we ended up at a small inlet with several boats crowded around. John loaded out group into one of the boats, luckily we were in the front and off he started paddling. Through the jungle we headed and it was very cool! This part felt like true exploring and was really pretty. No animals in here but there were a few birds!

Map of the Lake.

Boats Just Waiting For Us!

Front of the Boat Perspective.

Front of the Boat Pack!

Here We Come Through the Watery Jungle.
Eventually we ended up at Lago Sandoval and it was a huge lake. The goal here was to see the giant otters but apparently animals like it when it’s sunny so we didn’t see any otters. John paddled us around the entire lake.

Lago Sandoval!

Was About as Cold as it Looks.

Honorary Members of Bird Watchers International.

Scan the Treetops for Something Interesting!
The coolest thing we saw was a bunch of tiny bats lined up on a tree. Lago Sandoval would be a bird watchers dream, we saw so many birds and zero mammals. We had a packed breakfast on the lake before heading back out.

What’s That There on the Tree Trunk?

Oh, Just a Bunch of BATS!

Packed Breakfast!

Cocoi Heron.

Hoatzin.

Anhinga.

And This Little Guy!

On a Mission.
The boat ride back to where we started was just as cool as the beginning so I was glad to do that part again.

Headed Back to Land.

Elise Loved the Jungley Bits.

Awake From Their Lake Naps.
A Child’s Dream, a Trip to Monkey Island You can read all about that here.

Hiding Away!
After exiting the boat we headed back down the same wooden boardwalk. Still no animals but the sun did come out a bit and that warmed us up and dried us out. This gave a little more time to explore and look at some of the trees and plants better.

Trees Were Way Bigger Than Us!

On the Lookout for Sloths.

Amazon Berries.

Amazon Mushrooms.

Lush Rainforest.

Jungle!

Find the Gecko in the Tree.
Before we boarded the boat John spotted howler monkeys really high up in the tree. Couldn’t really see them but it was fun to feel like animals were actually in the area.

This Ant Was Working Hard Below the Monkeys and We Could See Him!
Finally we ended with a boat ride back to lodge and straight on to lunch.

Headed to a Nap!

Cruising Down the River.

Bye for Now Tambopata!
Before You Go:
- We booked everything through Crossing Andes
- Our Amazon Lodge can be found HERE
- It is hot and humid, with occasional rain, pack accordingly
- Don’t forget mosquito repellant.
More Peruvian Fun Below:
Beginning Altitude Acclimation at Saqsaywaman
Exploring the Colors and Cultures of Cusco
Feeding Alpacas near Cusco at Awana Kancha
Mountain Biking Through the Peruvian Countryside
Salt Mines of the Sacred Valley
So you want to hike for 4 days straight? Inca trail Days 1 and 2 baby!
Keep Hiking On! Inca Trail Days 3 and 4!
Visiting One of the New Wonders of the World – Machu Picchu!
Don’t Stop, Keep Hiking Higher – Huayna Picchu
A Night Under the Stars at the Skylodge
The Gateway to the Inca Trail – Ollantaytambo
Rainbow Mountains, a Colorful Day Trip!
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