Wild Herpetofauna Exploration and Scientific Tourism 5 Days

Upon arrival in the city, our team will greet you at the airport or bus terminal. From there, we will take a car and travel for about two hours to the banks of the Tambopata River, in the community of Filadelfia. There, we will board a motorboat and head upstream, first along the Tambopata River and then the Malinowski River, on a journey that lasts approximately 1 hour.

Upon arrival at Jiboa Jungle Lodge, we will be welcomed by a local family with a refreshing drink made from regional fruits. Then, we’ll be shown to our rooms, which include a single bed, nightstand, private bathroom, and a large window overlooking the jungle. The lodge cabins are built with wasai palm wood and thatched with crisneja leaves, which help keep the environment cool and in harmony with nature.

After settling in, we’ll attend a special talk about a research project titled “Diversity of Gastrointestinal Parasites and Their Relationship to the Health of Snakes in the Boidae Family”. A researcher will explain the ecological importance of boas and how this study contributes to their conservation.

Later, we’ll go on an exploratory hike along the lodge’s trails, which will last approximately two hours. During the walk, we’ll learn about the different ecosystems of the rainforest, the most important tree species, and the local wildlife.

At nightfall, at 8:00 p.m., we’ll board our motorboat again for a night expedition along the Malinowski River. Using flashlights, we will look for white caimans, which often rest on the sand to regulate their body temperature. It will be an exciting experience and a unique opportunity to see these amazing reptiles up close in their natural habitat.

After enjoying a nutritious breakfast, we will prepare for an exciting expedition in search of anacondas and other herpetofauna species. Alongside the research team, we will board a small motorboat and head toward a blackwater creek.

This type of habitat is ideal for the anaconda (Eunectes murinus), as it allows them to easily camouflage while basking on branches and floating logs. With patience and careful observation, we’ll attempt to locate and capture an anaconda with the help of the project’s experts. If successful, biometric data such as length and weight will be recorded, and fecal samples will be collected for laboratory analysis.

After about an hour of navigation, we will arrive at a mammal clay lick, a special site where jungle animals gather to consume clay. This clay is rich in mineral salts, which helps them neutralize plant toxins and improves their diet. Here, we’ll have the amazing opportunity to observe different species in their natural habitat, such as the black spider monkey, red howler monkey, Amazonian tapir, and collared peccary.

At nightfall, we will venture into the jungle for a night search of amphibians and reptiles. We will walk along forest trails using flashlights to find snakes, frogs, and lizards, with a special focus on snakes from the Boidae family, such as boas. We will use the “Visual Encounter Survey” (VES) method, which involves observing and recording species in their natural environment. If boas are found, researchers will collect biometric measurements and fecal samples as part of the scientific study.

This will be a day full of adventure, exploration, and learning about the fascinating wildlife of the Amazon.

In the afternoon, we’ll embark on an unforgettable adventure to Lake Barbón, a magical place surrounded by lush vegetation and home to a great variety of bird species. Here, we’ll have the chance to fish for piranhas—an exciting experience that will allow us to learn more about these fascinating fish and their sharp teeth. While we wait for a bite, we’ll enjoy the spectacular sunset over the jungle—a perfect moment to relax and take in the scenery.

To explore the lake more thoroughly, we’ll use a rowboat and paddle through its calm waters in search of giant river otters (Pteronura brasiliensis). These otters are very special animals, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem as apex predators and natural population controllers. However, their survival is at risk due to illegal mining. We’ll learn more about the importance of protecting this species.

After fishing, we’ll set off on a hike along the trails surrounding Lake Barbón. During this exploration, we’ll search for amphibians and reptiles that inhabit the area, observing their behavior and features up close. With a bit of luck, we might spot colorful frogs, arboreal snakes, and small lizards camouflaged among the leaves.

Later on, we’ll return to the boat and slowly navigate the lake again, this time with a special goal: to spot the caimans that live in these waters. In this area, four different caiman species have been recorded: the black caiman (Melanosuchus niger), the spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus), the smooth-fronted caiman (Paleosuchus trigonatus), and the dwarf caiman (Paleosuchus palpebrosus). With the help of flashlights, we’ll try to spot them as they rest on the shore or silently glide through the water.

It will be a fascinating experience—perfect for connecting with nature and discovering the incredible biodiversity of the Peruvian Amazon up close.

Today we’ll start the day in a small motorboat, navigating through the blackwater creek in search of anacondas. Together with the research team, we’ll venture into a lake surrounded by shrubs and grasses where anacondas often come out to bask in the sun. If we’re lucky enough to find one, we’ll have the opportunity to get close and take part in the measurement and sampling process for the ongoing research project.

In the afternoon, we’ll navigate the Malinowski River, known for being a no-commercial-fishing zone, allowing us to catch large fish. In this river, it’s possible to catch fish weighing up to 50 kilos, along with smaller ones. We’ll look for a strategic spot to fish with a hand line, and with some luck, we might land a few big ones.

Finally, after dinner, we’ll head out on the project’s trails for the final herpetofauna search. Accompanied by researchers, we’ll walk in search of terrestrial and arboreal boas. During this night walk, it’s common to encounter various species of amphibians and snakes. If we find a boa, we’ll take part in biometric measurements and fecal sample collection to continue the scientific study.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we’ll begin our journey back to the city of Puerto Maldonado. This will be a smooth car ride along the same route we took at the start of the tour. During the trip, we’ll have a chance to reflect on all the amazing moments we experienced in the jungle and once again enjoy the tropical landscape.

Once we arrive in Puerto Maldonado, we’ll head to the Airport or Bus Terminal, depending on your preference and departure time. We’ll accompany you to your departure point to make sure your return is as comfortable as possible.

This will mark the end of our service, concluding an unforgettable experience in the Peruvian Amazon, full of adventure, discovery, and learning about the region’s biodiversity. We hope you’ve enjoyed every moment and that the memories of the jungle stay with you long after you return home.