The Tambopata region of Peru is internationally renowned for its incredible biodiversity. Research over the past 20 years has recorded more species of birds (628), butterflies (1240) and many other animal taxa than any other location of comparable size. Our lodge is located in the River Las PiedrasMap which lies between Tambopata and Manu, in its headwaters is the recently created Alto Purus National Park, the largest National Park in Peru covering some 2.7 million hectares. The River Piedras represents an exciting new area for tourism and research and unlike Tambopata, which has over 10 lodges along it and more being built all the time, Las Piedras remains unexploited by tourism and unexplored by scientists.

The large 5,000 hectare reserve around the lodge is home to a huge variety of wildlife. It protects many rare and endangered species including cats such as the Jaguar and Puma, Giant Anteater, Deer, Peccaries (large wild pigs), Macaws and 10 species of monkey including spider monkeys which are not commonly seen in Tambopata as they have been extensively hunted, Monk Saki monkeys and Emperor Tamarins which are also found in Manu National Park. Guided walks on the varied network of trails around the lodge are offered to all guests.

Genuine ecotourism plays an important role in conservation ecology by providing employment and revenue for the local people and economy whilst preserving the environment. Everyone involved in the planning, construction and day to day running of Tambopata Expeditions lives locally in the Tambopata region and has a strong affinity for the rainforest and its wildlife. Although we are a small operation, only able to accomodate up to 25 guests at the lodge, our aim is to influence the future of conservation and tourism in the area through research, education and example.

Along the rivers and inside the rainforest there are a large number of clay licks locally known as Collpas. Guests have the opportunity to visit these Collpas as part of the tour package where a wide variety of bird and animal species can be seen feeding. Species commonly seen at the macaw collpa include Red and Green Macaws, Scarlet Macaws and up to 7 species of parrot. Adventurous visitors can spend a night at a specially designed platform overlooking the mammal collpa where there is a possibility of seeing tapir, peccary and other mammals.