FAQS Tambopata EcoLodge

Frequently Asked Questions at Tambopata EcoLodge

Services included

Our Tambopata EcoLodge ecotourism programs include: transportation from our guests’ arrival at the Puerto Maldonado airport to their return to the airport; lodge-style accommodations with all the comforts of a hotel, in secluded cabins among our extensive tropical gardens; all meals (most are buffet style with a selection of traditional Peruvian cuisine) from lunch on the first day of each itinerary to breakfast on the last day; all excursions described as part of our responsible ecotourism programs; the services of a professional and experienced bilingual naturalist guide.

Services not included

Flights to and from Puerto Maldonado; entrance fee to the Tambopata National Reserve; drinks at the Ecolodge bar; tips.

Clothing

For trekking in the jungle we recommend to bring: light clothing, long and loose pants, long sleeve shirts, wide brimmed hat and hiking boots or tennis shoes. Around the lodge you can bring: shorts, t-shirts and sandals. In the mornings it can be cold, especially on the river, so bring a windbreaker or sweater. Please wear shoes at all times when walking around the lodge complex.

Rainwear

Come prepared with a waterproof jacket or rain poncho, as rain in the area is unpredictable. Rain ponchos are available at the lodge, but can only be used on the lodge trails. You should also bring a bathing suit for swimming in Gallocunca and other forest streams. For hiking on the Ecolodge trail system, waders are available in a selection of sizes for use by our guests.

Personal items

We recommend bringing the following items for personal use: sunscreen, flashlight and batteries (preferably rechargeable), backpack, water bottle, medical kit, sunglasses, pocket knife, passport, waterproof bags, insect repellent.

Single-use plastics

In the Tambopata National Reserve where we operate our ecotourism programs, the use of single-use plastics is prohibited. Therefore, we recommend that our guests travel with their own sports bottle, water bottle or similar, with a minimum capacity of between 750 ml and 1 liter.

Luggage

Please remember that we have secure luggage storage facilities at our offices in Puerto Maldonado. Tambopata Ecolodge requires guests to leave their non-essential luggage in town before leaving for the Ecolodge. Thanks to this measure, guests can travel to the Ecolodge in our boat in a more comfortable way, carrying only what they will need during their stay. In our offices we provide all guests with a travel bag for this purpose. Guests should travel with only what they will need during their stay in the top of their suitcases or backpacks, and our office will give them ample time to transfer these essentials to the duffel bags provided.

Photography

It is a good idea to bring waterproof cases for all your photographic equipment. Protect your cameras, lenses, documents and any other valuables that may be damaged by moisture in any form. You will be visiting a tropical rainforest; we will be crossing lakes, walking on muddy trails, boarding and disembarking from boats, so there is a constant threat of moisture/water damage to equipment. Be mindful to wrap items in plastic bags and take them out only when you are going to actually use them. A slip, trip or dip by you or a companion could cause damage that you will regret for the rest of your vacation.

Health and safety

When you arrive at the lodge, your guide will brief you on what you should and should not do while at the lodge or in the forest. We suggest that you come with insect repellent and malaria prophylaxis. Yellow fever is present but rare. If you have a vaccination certificate, bring it with you.

Vaccines

None are mandatory for entry into Peru, but several are recommended. For general travel, typhoid fever, infectious hepatitis and polio are usually advised. Consult your physician or local travel clinic.

Yellow fever

Although vaccination against yellow fever is not officially mandatory for travel to Peru, the disease is known to be present in the rainforest, and vaccination is recommended for travelers to all rainforest destinations in South America, Central America and the Caribbean. Those wishing to be vaccinated prior to travel should remember to do so at least 10 days before arriving in the rainforest. Those who are already vaccinated should remember that they will need a “booster” vaccination every ten years.

Fire

A fire extinguisher is located on the balcony of each stateroom. Please remember that we are far from the nearest town and emergency services, so please be especially vigilant.

Water supply at Tambopata EcoLodge

Water comes from a reservoir located behind the Ecolodge and is precious. Any leaks should be reported to the administration for immediate repair. The water used at the lodge is pumped from the Gallocunca stream to a 20 cubic meter tank, where it is allowed to settle to remove any sediment.