Highlights | Inkaterra

HIGHLIGHTS

THE RAINFOREST
A rainforest is an expansive territory with high annual rainfall, very dense plant growth, and a relatively warm temperature. Two-thirds of the world’s plant and animal species make their home in these magic jungle regions, and hundreds of millions more are believed to be yet discovered. Tropical rainforests have been called the "jewel of the earth" and the "earth's lungs;" they are essential to recycling carbon dioxide into oxygen. The rainforest has also been called the "world's largest pharmacy," because of the many natural medicines discovered there.

The Tambopata National Reserve -adjacent to Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica- is one of the last easily accessible virgin tropical rainforests in the world. The reserve, a 274,690-hectare (678,774- acre) area, offers a wealth of biodiversity, as well as magnificent natural landscapes. Puerto Maldonado, known as the “Capital of Biodiversity,” is the largest city of the Tambopata Region. Overlooking the confluence of the Tambopata and Madre de Dios rivers, Puerto Maldonado is 400 meters (1,312 feet) above sea level, 650 km (404 miles) from Cusco, and 15 km (9 miles) upriver from the Inkaterra lodge.

WHAT to SEE?

Rainforests are a densely vegetated home to an enormous number of animal species. However, the animals tend to avoid human presence, making opportunities to observe them variable and unpredictable. Nonetheless, the region’s diverse plant life offers endless opportunity for discovery; the lakes and wetlands invite exploration, and the varied rainforest ecosystems hold the promise of new insight and understanding. For a complete list of animals and recent sightings please see our updated link at www.inkaterra.com. The richness of the Amazon Basin creates a spectacular arena for bird watching and other related activities. Some 480 different bird species, including toucans, tanagers, flycatchers, and colorful macaws, have been sighted around the reserve. Due to the tropical climate of the region it is common to observe fascinating insects such as spiders, beetles, ants, and centipedes near the lodge.