Monthly Newsletter - February 2009

The Tambopata Research Center may be one of Peru’s most unique jungle lodge experiences. As its name implies, the center was initially constructed in order to facilitate research on the wildlife of the Peruvian rainforest. The research facility is especially famous for macaw investigation and people travel from all around the world to see these birds. The world’s largest known mineral clay lick or collpa in Quechua, within close proximity to the hotel, is what attracts the varied birds to this region. One can easily see the famous scarlet macaws, the green and red macaw and the blue and yellow macaw. I was recently fortunate enough to be able to make the trip to this ideal jungle setting.

Clay licks are the mineral feeding areas for the wildlife of the rainforest. For the parrots and macaws of Puerto Maldonado, Amazon river bank clay deposits rich in minerals serve as clay licks. Mammals will usually get their mineral intake from feeding on soil, while monkeys usually get these nutrients from tree trunks.

An early morning adventure, took me to observe the giant clay lick that makes this hotel famous. While I am by no means an early riser, this wake up call was definitely worth it! I and other travelers were taken to the other side of the collpa. This was definitely the highlight of my trip. From a distance, we waited in tranquility and anticipation as parrots and macaws flew in to feed for the day. This was a truly unique experience – I do not know where else one could see such a display of colorful and exotic colors changing each time the groups of macaws switched direction of their flight. Our distance was just far enough for the parrots and macaws to feel relaxed and at ease, but close enough were we could enjoy some of the best nature photography opportunities in the country.

This area of Tambopata is famous for its macaws, but it is not limited to only these bright and lively creatures. At night, you will be surprised by the bright green frogs and other reptiles you can find if you are brave enough to go on the night walks. Caimans and other exotic birds line the river banks. Monkeys howl and jump from tree to tree right above your head. I came to Tambopata for the macaws, but I could not let them be the only animal to capture my attention!

As wildlife investigators also call the Tambopata Research Center home, guests have an infinitely valuable resource by their side. Dr. Donald Brightsmith of Texas A & M University, the director of the Tambopata Macaw Project, took the time to explain to fellow guests and me the importance of his research. The Tambopata Research Center, along with their sister lodges, Refugio Amazonas y Posada Amazonas, make a conscious effort to not only show guests the beauty of the Amazon, but also to make them aware of the dangers that threaten the rainforest and what can be done to help with conservation. Unfortunately, macaws are often poached for the feathers or sold as pets. I learned a lot and felt truly blessed that the head of such an intense research project would take the time to give such a detailed presentation.

Decades ago, the Tambopata researchers decided to try to hand raise the third or forth chicks of a mother macaws that most likely would not have survived in the wild. While this practice has stopped, 26 hand-raised macaws (affectionately called chicos) call the Tambopata Research Center and the surrounding jungle home. Because they were raised in captivity and now forced to live in the wild, they will often find themselves in parts of the hotel or try to attach themselves on guests. This makes for great photo opportunities! Do not leave shiny valuables in plain sight around your room, they have been known to “borrow” watches and cameras that caught their attention. The Tambopata chicos are also an integral part of the jungle experience that this lodge offers.

It is important to remember that the lodge’s facilities were initially for researchers and strive to conserve the rainforest; therefore, there are no en-suite bathrooms, electricity is limited and there is no hot water. However, even customers accustomed to five star facilities have been known to stay at the Tambopata Research Center because of its proximity to the clay lick. The Tambopata Research Center gives the ideal jungle experience; open windows allow you to listen to the tranquil jungle night, while safely protected by your bed’s netting. While reading with candlelight at night or napping on hammock after a delicious meal, it was hard to admit that soon I would have to go back to the bustling metropolis of Lima.

By
Alex Seeger

If you have any questions regarding his article, please write to him at: alex@peruforless.com

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• Newsletter January 2009
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