SUMMARY
Heath River Wildlife Center 4 days
Explore the Untouched Beauty of the Heath River: A Unique Amazon Rainforest Experience -Heath River Wildlife Center 4 days
If you’re seeking an extraordinary Amazon rainforest experience that’s far from tourist crowds but still surprisingly accessible, the Heath River Wildlife Center offers a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Nestled at the remote border of Peru and Bolivia, this eco-lodge sits at the heart of one of the most biologically diverse and pristine regions in the world—the Upper Amazon Basin.
Heath River Wildlife Center 4 days: A Unique Location at the Frontier of Two Nations
The Heath River is one of the Amazon’s hidden gems. Flowing between Madidi National Park in Bolivia and Bahuaja Sonene National Park in Peru, this region represents a colossal corridor of protected rainforest. Combined with the adjacent Candamo Reserve, these conservation areas cover over 32,000 km² (more than 12,000 square miles), making it the second-largest protected region in South America—and arguably the most ecologically rich.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Arrival in Puerto Maldonado – Jungle Transfer
Scenic motorized canoe ride to Heath River, crossing into Bolivia.
Wildlife sightings: herons, cormorants, capybaras.
Evening arrival at Heath River Wildlife Center.
Day 2: Macaw Clay Lick + Jungle Hikes
Sunrise macaw experience.
Guided forest walks.
Sunset hike to the Pampas, lookout for Red-bellied Macaws.
Day 3: Wildlife Activities + Giant Otter Lake
Optional second clay lick visit.
Canoe trip to Cocha Guacamayo.
Evening caiman spotting along the river.
Day 4: Return to Puerto Maldonado
Early departure through prime wildlife-watching time.
Airport drop-off for flights to Cusco or Lima.
Why Choose Heath River Wildlife Center?
- Only lodge in the remote Heath River zone.
- Located between two iconic Amazon reserves.
- Access to both rainforest and tropical savanna ecosystems.
- Led by expert naturalist guides and researchers.
- Focused on eco-tourism, conservation, and community engagement.
What Makes This Amazon Tour Unique?
Most Amazon tours only cover one ecosystem. On this journey, you’ll explore jungle, rivers, oxbow lakes, and savannas—all within a few days. You’ll also gain exclusive access to wildlife observation platforms and less-traveled trails, away from the crowded tourist routes.
Travel Tips:
Bring your passport for border crossing into Bolivia.
Lightweight long sleeves, insect repellent, and waterproof shoes recommended.
Best time to visit: May to October for drier weather and wildlife visibility.
Important Note:
All itineraries may vary slightly to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities, based on expert guides and current wildlife activity.
ITINERARY
Heath River Wildlife Center 4 days
Day 1: Arrival & Journey to Heath River Wildlife Center
Highlights: Tambopata & Madre de Dios Rivers | Border crossing – Peru 🇵🇪 / Bolivia 🇧🇴 | Wildlife glimpses
Morning Arrival: You land in Puerto Maldonado, greeted by our local team. A swift drive takes you from the airport through lush cityscapes to the Tambopata River dock.
River Voyage Begins: Board a motorized canoe that glides across the Tambopata toward the confluence of the mighty Madre de Dios and the Heath River, tracing the Peru–Bolivia border.
Riverside Ecosystem: Float past vivid red clay cliffs, dense Cercopia groves, and wild couch grass banks. Border checks are brief and smooth.
Wildlife Watch: Spot children playing on sandy shores; watch for herons, hawks, cormorants, river geese, Orinoco ducks—and possibly capybaras (the world’s largest rodents, weighing up to 55 kg).
Arrival and Rest: Reach the cozy Heath River Wildlife Center by late afternoon. Enjoy dinner amid the soothing sounds of the Amazon. (Box Lunch, Dinner)
Day 2: Macaw Clay Lick, Jungle Trails & Pampas Sunset
Highlights: Parrot clay lick | Jungle flora & fauna | Pampas observation deck | Night safari
Sunrise Spectacle: Pre‑dawn departure to the famous parrot and macaw clay lick—a stunning Amazon ritual where parrots gather to neutralize toxins. Expect vibrant scenes: Chestnut-fronted, scarlet, green-winged macaws, and more. Hidden within a floating viewing platform, you’ll enjoy this show alongside a hearty breakfast.
Guided Jungle Trek: Disembark and trek rainforest trails lined with majestic kapok, fig, and strangler trees. Learn about indigenous medicine as your naturalist guide identifies plant uses. Keep an eye out for howler, spider, woolly, and tamarin monkeys, as well as peccaries—whose scent marks are unmistakable.
Pampas Panorama: After lunch, venture onto open plains of the Heath Pampas—the largest intact tropical savanna in the Amazon. Discover endemic species like the Fork-tailed Hummingbird and the elusive Maned Wolf. Climb the observation deck to watch parrots returning at sunset, gathering in this grassy Eden.
Night Safari: Return to the lodge under torchlight. Pause in total darkness to soak in the symphony of frogs, insects, and nocturnal life. Optional evening outing to a mammal clay lick in hopes of spotting the shy Lowland Tapir. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3: Optional Clay Visit, Otter Oxbow Canoe & Caiman Search
Highlights: Second clay lick visit | Jungle trails | Giant otters | Nocturnal caimans
Morning Flexibility: Choose a second visit to the clay lick (if you crave more bird drama) or embark on another guided rainforest hike to deepen your wildlife encounters.
Cocha Guacamayo Excursion: In the afternoon, canoe around a hidden oxbow lake within Bahuaja Sonene National Park. Here, giant otters often fish and play in pods—an unforgettable sight.
After‑Dark Canoe Ride: Traverse back by canoe as twilight deepens, searching riverbanks for glowing eyes of caimans—especially the endangered Black Caiman.
Evening Return: Relax at the lodge, soaking in the nocturnal music of the jungle. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Dawn Return to Puerto Maldonado & Departure
Highlights: Wildlife-packed dawn cruise | Jaguar and tapir sightings | Transfer to airport
Early River Cruise: Depart at dawn for the return trip. This is prime wildlife-viewing time—keep cameras ready for capybaras, and if luck is on your side, jaguars or tapirs swimming across the water.
Final Border Passage: Re-enter Peru via Madre de Dios. Enjoy your last river journey, soaking in Amazonian vistas.
Airport Transfer: Arrive in Puerto Maldonado mid‑morning. We’ll escort you to your flight to Cusco or Lima. (Breakfast)
INCLUDED (NOT)
GALLERY LODGE
FAQs - FREE INFO
Reachable Wilderness: How to Get There
Despite its remoteness, the Heath River Wildlife Center is easier to reach than one might expect. Travelers typically fly into Puerto Maldonado, Peru, followed by an exhilarating river journey that winds through rainforest waterways. Few eco-lodges in the Amazon offer this rare balance between seclusion and accessibility.
Wildlife Encounters Like No Other
This journey is not just about scenery—it’s a deep dive into the Amazon’s most dynamic ecosystems. One of the highlights is the Heath River macaw clay lick, where hundreds of macaws and parrots gather daily in a brilliant display of color and sound. This natural phenomenon offers unmatched opportunities for photography and observation.
You may also visit a mammal clay lick, where lucky explorers can spot the elusive Tapir—the largest land mammal in the Amazon. Along quiet trails, there’s a good chance of encountering monkeys, exotic birds, and even families of giant river otters in the serene lakes of Bahuaja Sonene National Park.
From Dense Jungle to Open Savannah
One of the most unique features of this region is the chance to witness a rare ecological transition. A short walk from the river takes you through dense rainforest, macaw nesting sites, and into the golden grasslands of the Heath Pampas—a stark contrast that showcases the Amazon’s extraordinary environmental diversity.
Activities to Deepen the Experience
Adventures here are immersive and engaging. Whether you’re hiking jungle trails, birdwatching, exploring oxbow lakes, or simply soaking in the silence of the forest, every moment offers an opportunity to connect deeply with nature. Guided excursions help guests better understand the fragile beauty of the rainforest and its wildlife.
