Heath River Wildlife Center
The best Combination in Tambopata

Rainforest and Savannah 5 days/4 nights

Only 4 hours by river from P. Maldonado, the Center is the best-located lodge in the world's largest pristine rainforest. Within easy reach are an excellent macaw clay lick, Capybaras (120-pound Guinea Pigs), oxbow lakes with Giant Otters, 480 bird species, and 6 monkey species. Furthermore, we feature healthy populations of Tapirs and Jaguars.

Heath offers the world's only large macaw clay lick reachable in less than a half a day from a jetport. Visitors have seen up to 260 macaws there at one time, making it one of the top 5 of the world's 100 known licks. Travelers view this spectacle from a roomy blind floating only 100 ft (30 m) away. A trail grid with mapped fruiting trees allow our guides to take you straight to the wildlife. At the end of one trail, the rainforest suddenly melts away, offering a startling, open vista reminiscent of East Africa--the only lowland pampas accessible from Peru. Downriver is the Ese'Eja Indian village of Sonene, where you can learn about tribal traditions and life in the rainforest. Everyone in Sonene speaks their native language, with Spanish reserved for school and for trading handicrafts with outsiders, including you.
The Heath's unique combination of comfort, macaw lick, pristine forest, unique pampas, and traditional culture offers what we believe is the Amazon's finest all-around value for money.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Puerto Maldonado to Heath River Wildlife Center
We meet at the Puerto Maldonado airport and drive through town to the Tambopata River port. After boarding motorized canoes, we travel downriver to the mighty Madre de Dios, which we follow for approximately four hours to the Heath River. We then travel up this wild and intimate river, which forms the wilderness border between Peru and Bolivia, and arrive at the Heath River Wildlife Center. Note that the Lodge is located on the Bolivian side of the Heath River so passports are required to clear Bolivian passport control. (L, D).

Day 2 - Heath River Wildlife Center
We rise early in the morning to board a motorized canoe for the 10-minute journey up the Heath River to the macaw and parrot clay lick. Brightly-colored parrots and macaws fly in by the hundreds to feed on the clay that detoxifies certain seeds and nuts they eat. Marvel at the cacophony of sound and color as Red-and-green macaws vie for the best clay-eating position. A specially-designed floating blind allows for proximity and complete concealment -- so you can even have breakfast and coffee while the birds are performing their morning ritual.
When we return to the lodge, the guide leads us on an ethno-botanical walk through the forest, pointing out flora used in the daily lives of rainforest people. The guide explains how certain plants are used for medicinal or healing purposes, which ones can be made into the best bows and arrows, and how to select trees and leaves for home construction.
After lunch and a short rest, we hike through the rainforest to the Pampas del Heath, the largest remaining undisturbed savanna in the Amazon. The contrast is striking as we emerge from the mature rainforest onto the grassland plain of the Pampas. (B, L, D)

Day 3 - Heath River Wildlife Center
We breakfast in the floating blind at the macaw and parrot clay lick for a last round of looks and photos. Then we return to the lodge to explore some trails.
After lunch we could visit the Ese'Eja native community of Sonene, where there will be an opportunity to interact with the community and purchase local handicrafts or explore the trails.
After dinner we'll explore the forest by flashlight, including a visit to a small mammal clay lick if it is active. (B,L,D)

Day 4- Heath River Wildlife Center
During the morning We explore different trails searching birds and monkeys. At the end we will visit a mammal lick. After lunch we travel upriver to explore different areas close the Madidi National park. Optional night walk through the forest. (B/L/D).

Day 5- Heath River Wildlife Center
Early morning departure to Puerto Maldonado. During the river trip back downstream, families of Capybaras are often spotted on the banks of the river. Weighing up to 120 pounds (55 kilograms), this giant, three-toed relative of the guinea pig is the largest rodent in the world. If time permits we will also Upon arrival, reception and transfer to the airport for the flight back to Cusco or Lima. (B).

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