How to get here!
Puerto Maldonado is reached by a one and a half hour flight from Lima, the capital of Peru or by a 30 minute flight from Cuzco. Currently there are 2 carriers flying to the city - Star and Lan Peru. Tickets for both airlines can be purchased in Europe or America, it is advisable to reserve your tickets in advance as space is limited. There is an overland option from Cuzco for the more adventurous. The road has been much improved in the last few years and is in the process of being paved as it is part of the infamous trans oceanic highway.  Depending on the time of year expect the journey to take between 20 to 30 hours.  There are now a number of bus companies that sell tickets for the route although the buses are not that comfortable especially for taller people!!

Weather Conditions
The Tambopata region has a sub-tropical climate with a distinct wet and dry season. The average annual temperature is 26°C and the average annual rainfall 2000mm. The majority of this rainfall is between November and April, the wettest months, whilst between May and October, the dry season, tends to be cooler and less humid but it may still rain. Cold events (friajes) occur during May and July when temperatures may fall to as low as 10°C.

What to bring

• light weight but tight weave cotton trousers and long sleeved shirts preferably light or nuetral in colour
• walking boots for the trails and sandals or flipflops for around the lodge
• a waterproof jacket
• a bathing suit
• a water bottle
• camera equipment - if you are staying for a long time in a humid tropical climate you may want to look into bringing silica crystals and an airtight container to keep your equipment dry
• a torch (flashlight) with batteries for night walks
• a hat or cap
• sunblock
• insect repellent
• sunglasses
• binoculars
• yellow fever vaccination card
• a washbag (preferably with biodegradable soap and shampoo)
• underclothes
• personal items

Please try to bring all that you need in a daypack or overnight bag rather than a large rucksack or suitcase. Large bags can be left in our secure office in Puerto Maldonado.

Medical Information
A Yellow Fever vaccination is required for visitors to the area. Certificates are sometimes checked in the airport upon arrival so have yours ready just in case.
For information about malaria it is best to consult your doctor to get advise on the preferred antimalarial tablets.

Leishmaniasis is a skin disease transmitted by a small biting fly which is present throughout the rainforest of Southern Peru. It is treated by a course of injections. The best way to prevent infection is to wear trousers and long-sleeved shirts and to sleep under a mosquito net. The risk of infection is very low.

Background Reading
There is a large selection of books on Amazon Rainforest Ecology listed below is a selection of those we`ve found particularly useful.

• Pearson, D.L. The Ecotravellers Wildlife Guide to Peru.
• Kritcher, J. A Neotropical Companion.
• Forsyth, A and Miyata, K. Tropical Nature.
• Caufield, C. In the Rainforest.
• Emmons, L. Neotropical Rainforest Mammals.
• Clements, J.F. and Shany, N. A Field Guide to the Birds of Peru
• Gentry, A.H. The field Guide to Woody Plants of Northwest South America.

   All of these books can also be found in the library at the lodge incase you don't get the time to read them all before you visit!