The Experience

Konterra invites you to embark on a transformative family adventure designed to engage new generations in environmental conservation. This unique experience allows families to connect deeply with nature, free from social media distractions and the internet. It's a perfect opportunity to step away from daily routines and chores, fostering meaningful connections with our loved ones and ourselves in an inspiring outdoor setting. Ideal for nature enthusiasts and wildlife conservation advocates, this adventure promises unforgettable experiences shared with your children.

Immerse yourself in the daily operations of the wildlife rescue center, nestled next to the Tambopata National Reserve in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Here, you'll gain insight into the crucial work of scientists, veterinarians, and international volunteers dedicated to studying wildlife and rehabilitating rescued animals for their eventual return to the wild.

Witness the magical moment of tiny river turtles hatching and being released into their natural habitat as the sun sets over the Amazon. Explore the forest with researchers monitoring spider monkeys, part of the first and only successful program for reintroducing rehabilitated primates into a conservation area. Join the scientific research team as they review footage from camera traps, unveiling the hidden lives of jaguars, pumas, anteaters, and other forest inhabitants. Additionally, you can assist an ornithologist in studying and identifying various bird species.

As part of the adventure, ascend a canopy walkway to one of the highest platforms in South America, offering a breathtaking view of the forest canopy and its wildlife. Experience a spectacular sunset from over 40 meters above the ground, perched on the treetops of a majestic tree. The Rescue and Research Center is home to a variety of recovering wild animals, including monkeys, felines, spectacled bears, river otters, and macaws, all within a vast natural forest teeming with birds, frogs, mammals, and plants. Our daily guided visits will allow you to explore this rich ecosystem, making unforgettable memories along the way.

Join us for an extraordinary journey that combines adventure, education, and conservation. Creating lasting memories and inspiring a deep appreciation for the natural world in both you and your children.

Experience Highlights:

Transformative family adventure

Connect deeply with nature

Immerse in daily operations of the wildlife rescue centre

Witness magical moments with tiny river turtles

Magical views from canopy tree top

Families with children

Nature and wildlife enthusiasts

Conservation advocates

Photographers and explorers

Those seeking remote, immersive experiences

Perfect for:

Day 1 - Arrival and Exploration

Arriving in Puerto Maldonado at 12:35pm, we will begin our adventure with a warm reception at the airport. From there, we'll head to the Taricaya Rescue and Research Center Office and embark on a private boat for a scenic 1.5-hour journey along the Madre de Dios River to the rescue and research center. Upon our 2:30pm arrival, we'll settle into our accommodations and enjoy a delicious lunch. At 3:30pm, we'll take a guided tour of the rescue and research center, exploring the facilities and meeting some of the animals.

The highlight of the afternoon will be a forest walk at 5:00pm to the canopy walkway, where we'll climb an ancient Lupuna tree, standing tall at 42 meters, to marvel at the vibrant forest canopy and its colorful birds, culminating in a breathtaking sunset. Dinner will be served at 7:00pm at the reserve, followed by an insightful welcome talk at 7:40pm by resident biologists. The day will conclude with an 8:00pm night boat ride in search of caimans and other nocturnal creatures before we retire for the night at 9:00pm.

Overnight at Taricaya Rescue and Research Center (Lunch, and Dinner provided).

Day 2 - Immersive Wildlife Research

Our second day begins with a hearty breakfast at 6:30am. From 7:00am to 8:40am, we'll assist our resident ornithologist in studying and identifying local bird species. This hands-on experience includes capturing birds using mist nets, collecting data, photographing, banding, and releasing them back into the wild. At 9:00am, we'll join the scientific team to review and study camera trap footage, uncovering the presence of jaguars, pumas, anteaters, and other local wildlife. We'll also check Pitfall traps used to study frogs, small mammals, and invertebrates. By 11:00am, we'll return to the rescue center for a midday break.

Lunch will be served from 12:00pm to 1:30pm. The afternoon at 3:30pm will be spent aiding veterinarians and volunteers in preparing food for the rescued birds, bears, felines, and monkeys. Dinner will be served from 6:30pm to 7:00pm, followed by a 7:30pm night walk to discover frogs, invertebrates, and other nocturnal forest dwellers. The day concludes with rest at 9:00pm.

Overnight at Taricaya Rescue and Research Center (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner provided).

Day 3 - River Turtle Conservation and Celebration

The third day starts with breakfast at 7:00am. At 8:30am, we'll learn about the rescue, birth, and release of baby Taricaya turtles. We will witness the magical moment of their birth on the artificial beach at the rescue and research center, with children participating in the process. Scientists will guide us through the handling, studying, weighing, measuring, and DNA sampling of the baby turtles.

Lunch will be enjoyed from 12:00pm to 1:30pm. At 3:30pm, we’ll embark on a boat ride along the Madre de Dios River to the beach where the baby turtles will be released. Witnessing the release of hundreds of baby turtles back into their natural habitat will be an unforgettable experience, capped by a stunning river sunset. The day will end with a special dinner or BBQ at 7:30pm to celebrate the 24th Anniversary of the Taricaya Ecological Reserve.

Overnight at Taricaya Rescue and Research Center (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner provided).

Day 4 - Lake Sandoval

An early start at 5:00 am with breakfast precedes a boat trip to Lake Sandoval in the Tambopata National Reserve. Explore the lake by canoe, spotting caimans, birds, giant otters, and monkeys. Return by 10:30 am for lunch.

In the afternoon at 5:00 pm, enjoy a relaxing float down the Madre de Dios River in inflatable boats, embracing a colorful riverside sunset. Dinner at 7:30 pm is followed by an optional night walk in search of nocturnal wildlife at 8:00 pm. Retire for the night at 9:00 pm.

Overnight at Taricaya Rescue and Research Center (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner provided).

Day 5 - Departure

Our final day begins with breakfast at 7:00am followed by taking part in releasing local wildlife rescued from illegal trafficking (this may take place at any moment on any day). Between 8:00am and 9:00am, we'll take a boat ride back to Puerto Maldonado. Upon arrival, we'll check in at the airport at 11:15am for our 1:15pm flight back to Lima, concluding our incredible journey through the ecological reserve.

Transfer to the airport and end of services (Breakfast provided).

** Shorter trips of 4 days also available on request.

Itinerary - 6 Days

Services

Included

• All transfers from the arrival in Puerto Maldonado until the return to the airport on the last day.

• 3 nights at Taricaya Ecological Reserve

• Meals from lunch on the first day to breakfast on the last day, including free filtered water.

• WiFi and Electricity.

• Entrance fees for Ecological Reserves/Rescue and Research Center.

• Experiences: canopy tower, trail walks, lake visits.

• Rubber boots and ponchos.

• Experience with wildlife photographer and expedition leader Michael Tweddle.

Practical Information

• This is a private only family experience

• Best dates for this experience: All year

• Diffuculty level: 2 - Moderate, outdoor focused experience

• This experience is also availble in 4 days. Please contact us for more information.

Not Included

• Travel Insurance (highly recommended to avoid inconveniences).

• Cost of obtaining a visa (if there is any)

• Communication costs, such as phone calls and faxes

• Inoculations, excess baggage charges, personal insurance.

• Alcoholic beverages or liqueurs (unless stated otherwise); soft drinks & bottled water with meals.

• Gratuities for local guides and drivers.

• Air tickets to/from Puerto Maldonado or other destinations within Peru.

• Airport taxes for domestic flights (included in the cost of your domestic flights) or for international flights (please check if they are included in the cost of international flights).

• Laundry services.

• Any other service not mentioned.

Contact us for pricing

This is a custom family experience

Spaces are limited to ensure a personal, curated experience

Your Signature Guide - Michael Tweddle

Michael Tweddle is a photographer and conservationist, specializing in guided nature tours and photography expeditions in some of the world’s most biodiverse regions. With decades of on-the-ground experience—particularly in the Peruvian Amazon—he brings deep local knowledge of ecosystems, wildlife, and cultures, creating highly immersive and educational journeys.

With a wealth of experience capturing the allure of the Amazon, Michael's work has adorned books, articles, and various media, showcasing the region's unparalleled biodiversity. Join him for a captivating journey into the heart of one of the world's most remarkable natural wonders.

He has collaborated with leading institutions, including the Smithsonian (notably the book Amarakaeri: Connecting Biodiversity) and the Pulitzer Center, contributing to projects on biodiversity and environmental threats like illegal logging.

Michael’s contributions extend beyond storytelling—he documented the first known golden (leucistic) Andean bear, and his work has inspired national conservation initiatives in Peru, including wildlife coin series and postal collections.

His photography has been exhibited internationally (Spain, Australia, UK, UAE and more) and has earned awards in prestigious competitions, with works like Two in One and Amazon Reflection receiving top honors.

Gallery

Your Private Journey

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