Monitoring parrots and macaws in the Peruvian Amazon
LOCATION AND STUDY SITES
Research is based out of the Rainforest Expeditions lodges. All lodges have limited electricity from generators, internet access, radio communication with town, well equipped kitchens, hand-wash laundry facilities, bar and boutique. Each lodge has its own personality with distinct conditions.
Posada Amazonas is Rainforest Expedition’s first lodge along the Tambopata River, two hours from Puerto Maldonado by bus and boat. It is situated in the territory of the native community of Infierno, who’s native inhabitants belong to the Ese Eja tribe. The lodge is half owned by the community, with Rainforest Expeditions in charge of logistics and marketing. The lodge has won many prizes as an example of conservation work with communities and is very popular with tourists, being one of the busiest lodges in the area. The lodge has a lot to offer in terms of the interesting relationship with the community: medicinal gardens, shaman experiences and most staff at the lodge come from the community. There are several outstanding wildlife attractions including the largest clay lick on the lower Tambopata River, lakes with endangered Giant Otters, a canopy tower and an abundant primate population.
Refugio Amazonas is Rainforest Expedition’s newest lodge. Located an hour and a half upriver from Posada Amazonas on private property, it adjoins the Tambopata National Reserve. The lodge has a working agreement with the surrounding community of Condenado and visits are regularly conducted to an interesting local farm, known as a chacra. Attractions include 2 lakes, a mammal clay lick frequented by White-lipped Peccary, tower, extensive trail system, the El Gato River (navigable by white-water canoe), and the not so accessible Gato clay lick.
Tambopata Research Center was the first lodge built by Rainforest Expeditions
in around 1989. This world famous lodge is close to the world’s
largest clay lick and a wildlife haven.