Rainforest Expeditions

What is Wired Amazon?

Wired Amazon is a science initiative by Rainforest Expeditions in Tambopata, Peru, promoting offbeat science projects for conservation in the Amazon rainforest. Utilizing technology, it raises awareness and engages citizen scientists globally in the urgent preservation of the Tambopata ecosystem.

Tambopata Macaw Project
Discovering New Species
AmazonCam Tambopata
8 Primates
Amazon Aerobotany
Harpycam_

Founded in 1989 by Eduardo Nycander and Kurt Holle, the Tambopata Macaw Project, and Rainforest Expeditions originated in Madre de Dios, PERU. Initially focused on macaw ecology and conservation, the project gained international recognition in 1994 with a National Geographic feature. Led by Dr. Donald Brightsmith, the project has expanded to study parrots, clay licks, and forest protection through tourism. The extensive data collected on macaw behavior at clay licks makes the Tambopata Macaw Project a crucial initiative for Amazon rainforest conservation.


 

What is Discovering New Species?

Approximately 2 million insect species are described, but 10 to 20 million remain undiscovered. The daily loss of 524 kilometers of Amazon rainforest results in the unknown extinction of numerous species. Engaging citizen scientists helps us explore Amazon biodiversity, advancing our understanding of the planet's diverse species and environments.

How do we discover a new species in Tambopata?

The International Barcode of Life (IBoL) aims to achieve bio-literacy by instantly identifying living organisms using a DNA barcode library. Rainforest Expeditions, through projects in Tambopata, contribute significantly to bio-literacy by cataloging rare insect species. Expeditions with Wired Amazon tropical biologists allow participants to trap and discover new insect species, contributing to bio-literacy through DNA sample submission to IBoL. The team discovers a new species every month, encouraging collaboration for global bio-literacy advancement—one discovery at a time.
 

What is Amazoncam Tambopata?

AmazonCam Tambopata involves citizen scientists in Madre de Dios, Peru, contributing to wildlife knowledge in the Tambopata National Reserve. Focusing on 51 threatened species, the project, led by Rainforest Expeditions, Dr. Mark Bowler, and Mathias Tobler, aims to determine the jaguar population. Participants set camera traps during rainforest tours, providing valuable footage through motion-triggered cameras. Join by setting your own traps near Refugio Amazonas lodge to actively contribute to this non-invasive initiative.

Where is the Amazon big grid and how do we study jaguars?

The Big Grid, spanning 200 square kilometers between Bahuaja Sonene National Park and Tambopata National Reserve, is Amazonia's largest wildlife study area, with a planned 300-square-kilometer expansion. Camera stations with two cameras each, divided into two river blocks, facilitate unique jaguar identification. Regular field team visits every three months ensure uninterrupted research by managing images and batteries. The AmazonCam Tambopata project on Zooniverse involves citizen scientists in identifying animals through uploaded images.

Jaguars are a magnificent species

Engage in our decade-long jaguar research project, shedding light on their population, movements, birth and mortality rates, territory size, and diet. The extensive camera network captures all movement, allowing global citizen scientists to study various mammals. Explore Zooniverse.org to contribute to this wildlife discovery initiative in the Amazon jungle, supporting conservation strategies and aiding Natural Protected Areas authorities in assessing and refining their efforts. Join us in the world's largest long-term wildlife study, blending ecotourism, citizen science, biological research, and natural area protection for enhanced bio-literacy.

What is 8 Primates project?

The Tambopata River center serves as a prominent wild primate research hub in South America, where all eight species have become habituated over the past 25 years. The 8 Primates Project employs behavioral follows and bioacoustics to examine ranging patterns and communication among these species. Extensive call libraries are being developed for each primate species, aiding in the detection of monkeys across the broader forests of Peru. Participation from individuals of all levels is encouraged to contribute to the continuous expansion of our dataset.

Join wired amazon! train as a primatologist in the Peruvian Amazon!

Train in behavioral research and fieldwork on the job with us. Gain experience with eight primate species, acquiring specialized skills in techniques such as behavioral sampling, photography, video identification, live recording of primate communication, and setting remote recorders to detect monkeys across the field site.

Participate as a citizen scientist while at Tambopata Research Center!

Citizen scientists are needed for various tasks during visits, such as photographing monkeys for our catalog, tracking them with GPS or smartphones, and making valuable contributions to wildlife research and conservation. Enjoy a fulfilling stay in the Amazon of Peru with a range of activities at Tambopata Research Center. Enhance your experience by learning from researchers during mealtimes and spending unique moments with them and the monkeys.
 

What is aerobotany?

The Amazon, a biodiversity-rich and least-explored ecosystem, includes a canopy over 50 meters high. Wired Amazon's Aerobotany project, initiated by Dr. Varun Swamy and Daniel Couceiro in 2016, employs mini-drones and online citizen science for remote monitoring of the rainforest canopy. This innovative approach enhances understanding of Amazonian flora life cycles without expert tree climbers.

Where is aerobotany?

Aerobotany operates from Refugio Amazonas Lodge on 4 sq km of private land next to the 2700 sq km Tambopata National Reserve in Peru's Madre de Dios Region. This Naturally Protected Area, known for diverse wildlife and towering trees like Ceiba pentandra, shihuahuaco, and Brazil nut, is a hub for the project.

How do we study the tree canopy?

Aerobotany, led by Dr. Swamy, uses a quadcopter mini-drone for high-resolution rainforest canopy imagery. Citizen scientists can contribute by analyzing canopy images on Zooniverse, supporting Tambopata's research and conservation efforts in just a minute per image, aiding long-term monitoring and protection of these ecosystems.

The Harpy Eagle in Tambopata nests mainly on Ironwood Trees, a highly commercial wood. Logging, agriculture, and illegal mining have led to a considerable decline in the Harpy Eagle population. Wired Amazon researchers use the HarpyCam, a remote camera near a nest, to study the behavior of this near-threatened species. The live footage, transmitted from a camera located about 90 feet high on a neighboring tree, allows researchers to monitor the eagles in a protected blind at Refugio Amazonas in Tambopata, Madre de Dios - Peru. The #HarpyCam is powered by Rainforest Expeditions and San Diego Zoo Global.

Working with the community

Supporting native communities is a fundamental aspect of Rainforest Expeditions' ethos, going beyond typical efforts. In their Posada Amazonas Lodge, an association with the Ese'eja de Infierno Native Community ensures 75% of profits directly benefit the community. Over 20 years, the project has provided over 30 million soles in income, trained 200 individuals, and fostered formal employment with benefits. Current projects include mini-farms for vulnerable families and supplying medical needs during the pandemic.

The hostel's menu, crafted by Peruvian chef Dennys Yupanqui, prioritizes local and community producers, showcasing biodiversity and responsible Amazonian practices. The menu balances nutritional standards and features seasonal and local ingredients.

Energy-efficient practices, solar power, and recycling initiatives define Rainforest Expeditions' commitment. The lodges use a combination of solar energy, gas hot springs, and satellite internet. Recycling efforts include responsible segregation of waste, with biodegradable materials processed in septic tanks. Single-use plastics are prohibited, and the lodges are actively carbon-neutral through offsetting initiatives.

Deeply committed to sustainability, Rainforest Expeditions partners with Regenera to measure and offset its carbon footprint. The lodges are now the first carbon-neutral ones in the Tambopata National Reserve, covering day-to-day operations, offices, and staff transportation. The company collaborates with Nature Services Peru to provide guests with options to offset their travel emissions.

Embracing a love for science, Rainforest Expeditions facilitates easy data gathering for tropical field biologists, contributing to groundbreaking discoveries. The company's commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and scientific advancements reflects its dedication to protecting the rainforest for future generations.

What kind of luggage should I bring?
Your luggage is hand-carried at various stages in the trip for a long distance. We strongly recommend you limit your weight to 15 kilos (33 pounds apiece). You can leave your large luggage in our office at Puerto Maldonado. If you are visiting other destinations in Peru or South America that require different kinds of clothing, you can always pack separate bags and safely leave them at our offices in Puerto Maldonado on the first day so we won’t be carrying them around uselessly. Your bag will be waiting for you at the airport the day you leave.
 
Are Kosher foods available at our Lodges in Tambopata?
No, unfortunately, we do not have Kosher-certified food in Puerto Maldonado, the closest town to where we get our supplies, like fresh produce, meat and fish, and dairy products.

Can I bring my drone?
No, the use of drones for entertainment is not allowed in our ecolodges since the fauna is quite active and the forest is quite dense.
 
What is the best age to bring my kids to the lodge?
Tambopata is undoubtedly one of the best places to connect with nature. However, being a remote place, these are our recommendations:

Children under 3 years old - Due to the weather conditions, location, and orientation of our activities, we do not suggest traveling with children under 3 years of age. Remember that our activities are in group service. Private service is available at an additional cost.
 
From 3 to 7 years old - For little adventurers, we recommend Posada Amazonas or Refugio Amazonas. These ecolodges have a playground and activities designed for children. Take note that there are some activities that require getting up early.

Take note that the guides will suggest the recommended activities for your little ones, however, you know them better and you know how much they can walk or not.

Remember that our guides interpret the forest for you and your little one, but they will not be able to help you by carrying them in case they get tired.

From 8 to more - If your child is adventurous and is used to taking walks for more than 1 hour, the Tambopata Research Center is ideal.

While each of our lodges has a topic equipped with everything needed for any emergencies, remember to take your personal first-aid kit with the medicines authorized by your GP in case of any allergic reaction, among others.
 
Is leishmaniasis or malaria present?
Leishmaniasis is present throughout the rain forests of southeastern Peru. It is a skin lesion caused by a protozoan transmitted by a certain kind of small biting fly. There is no vaccination against it but it is curable in every case. The selected cure, injections of pentavalent antimony (Glucantime), is uncomfortable. Leishmaniasis is also very easy to prevent by wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, and repellent on exposed skin at all times, and sleeping under mosquito nets. If you are interested in receiving complete information on leishmaniasis contact us before your trip. Malaria Malaria is present but extremely rare. If you wish to take medical precautions against malaria consult your physician or a specialist in tropical medicine.

Is there a safe in my room?
We ask you to keep your valuable belongings and documents in the safe. Do not leave them valuables in plain view. Equally, if you have food or candies please keep them in the safe. Do not leave them outside. This way you will avoid attracting insects and other animals. Ask the lodge manager or guide to inform you about the proper use of the safety box
 
Is there electricity at the lodge?
The lodge is run mainly through a generator. Communications are powered by solar energy and there is wireless internet available at night. We use LED bulbs in public areas at night.

Can I drink the water?
We provide natural spring water 24 hours per day. Please use the water wisely. We advise you not to drink the water from the river, lake, or any of the taps. Consumable water can be found throughout the lodge from many dispensers and pitchers as well as a variety of other beverages available. All the water that the lodge provides is purified with an ozone treatment. We also suggest that you use this water to brush your teeth. Please turn off the water flow while lathering and soaping up to reduce unnecessary water usage.
 
What can I expect in the rooms?
Our open and spacious rooms offer lots of natural light and fresh air while providing safe but close contact with the forest environment. Our three-wall rooms allow you to connect with nature, but no worries nothing will enter into your room. The lodge and rooms are 3 meters away from the forest and 1 meter and half above the ground. Each room is also equipped with private bathrooms for your convenience. The use of mosquito netting on each bed is strongly recommended to ensure your comfort and safety. We try to be as eco-friendly as possible so we request that you only change towels when really needed. After 9:30 pm we kindly ask that you lower your voices to allow all guests to enjoy the sounds of the forest at night.
 
What type of soap and shampoo do you recommend?
According to our environmental policies, we only use Brazil nut biodegradable soap and shampoo which you will find in the bathroom If you are allergic to nuts, please let us know and we will provide you with a lemongrass soap. We wash the towels and bed sheets using biodegradable detergent and we clean the bathrooms with biodegradable products as well.
 
Is there a phone at the lodge?
Thank God we do not have a telephone available in our lodge! In case of emergency, we could get cell phone signal, only at Posada Amazonas and Refugio Amazonas

Is laundry available at the lodges?
This service is only available on sunny days. Please ask for the rate at the lodge. Clothes are hand-washed using White Swipe biodegradable soap and are sun dried in order to protect the environment.

Is smoking allowed?
Smoking is allowed in the lobby and bar except at mealtimes. Please do not smoke in your room, the dining rooms, boats, or during activities
 
What are the meal times?
Breakfast time depends on your scheduled activity according to the lodge. Your guide will advise on this at the lodge. Regular breakfast is at 7:15hrs. Lunch is served at 13:00hrsand dinner is served at 19:00hrs. Please let us know if you are vegetarian or have any special dietary needs. We do offer a special menu for children, if need it, please inquire in advance.