From Cusco we'll drive east passing by Cusco's tallest peak Ausangate before descending from the Andean altiplano down into the Peruvian Amazon. We begin with a hike from the Trans-Amazonian Highway to an lesser-known creek which feeds into the Malinowski River which then joins the Tambopata to Puerto Maldonado. During these 7 days we'll explore unknown creeks, oxbow lakes and virgin campsites along the Tambopata Reserve. Since the area is protected from all forms of human encroachment we have great possbilities to see tapir, capybaras, caimans and many others including macaws at the clay licks. The Tambopata is also very gentle so we will have the option of packrafting in the middle of the night.
Duration
Difficulty
Adventure
Walking Distance
Rapids Class
Rafting Distance
Rafting Duration
River Speed
Water Quality
Bugs?
8D7N
2 of 5
7 of 10
6.5km/4mi
1-2
142km/88mi
~6hrs
3-5kph/2-3mph
Murky
Yes
Day 1 Cusco - Mississippi Creek
We leave Cusco at 7 am and drive southeast and climb to more than 4,724m/15,500ft at the Pirhuayani Pass then begin a giant descent through Quince Mil and Mazuko to the Trans-Amazonian highway until we reach a crossroad where we walk 4 miles to a creek known by the locals as the "Mississippi". There we'll set up camp.
Day 2 Malinowski River - Creek #3 Entrance
We navigate the smaller Mississippi Creek 1 mi until it converges with the Malinowski River then continue another 15 miles reaching a point just before the entrance to "Creek #3" and either camp on a sandy beach or in the forest canopy.
Day 3 Creek #3
This morning we paddle and portage up Creek #3 which is a long, up to 10 mi unexplored natural waterway and unspoiled habitat for a variety of birds, reptiles and large mammals. After about 3 miles we'll stop for lunch and decide as a group to either continue upstream or find a suitable campsite overlooking the creek.
Day 4 Creek #3 - Malinowski River - Tambopata River
We can either continue further up the creek or begin our return to the Malinowski River. After returning to the Malinowski River we'll have lunch before rafting a short distance to the Tambopata River confluence and to our next campsite on the Tambopata River.
Day 5 Tambopata River - (Oxbow Lake Option) Gato Creek
Today we raft down the Tambopata Reserve another 20 mi beginning with a fun, quick rapids section then stopping for lunch at Gato Creek. Here depending on the current we can paddle up to Gato Falls. We'll continue downriver another 2.5 hrs to our next campsite on the Tambopata.
Day 6 Tambopata River - (Oxbow Lake Option)
Today we paddle another 20 mi stopping at the Collpa La Torre Clay Lick for lunch where we can observe red and green macaws from our boats. We'll continue downriver past both Cocococha and Tres Chimbadas lake entrances to our next campsite on the edge of the reserve where tapirs are plentiful.
Day 7 Tambopata River - Puerto Maldonado
Today we have another 25 mi to go to reach our take out point at Puerto Maldonado From the river we'll walk a short distance with our packs to the hostal.
Day 8 Puerto Maldonado - Cusco
We take a private 9 hrs from Puerto Maldonado to your hotel in Cusco.
Personal boating at its' best
Related Raft | Tambopata Creek Exploration 3 Days | Laberinto's Oxbow Lakes and Creek 6 Days | AmazonDay 1 Cusco - Mississippi Creek
We leave Cusco at 7 am and drive southeast then climb up to Tinki near Ausangate Mountain and to more than 4,724m/15,500ft at the Pirhuayani Pass then begin a giant descent from the Andes highlands down to the Peruvian Amazon through Quince Mil and Mazuko to the Trans-Amazonian highway until we reach a crossroad where we will walk and use a motorcycle taxi to carry our gear. Along the route to our put-in location we can find parrots, macaws, caciques and oropendolas in the trees. It is a nice walk with plenty of shady areas for taking breaks. After 2 hrs and 4 mi later we'll arrive at the Mississippi Creek where we'll have a short hammock setup demonstration then situate our campsite. Night camping.
8 hrs
2 hrs
Hammock
Meals LD
Leave from Puerto Maldonado
Fly into Puerto Maldonado and reach the crossroad in 1.5 hrs instead of 8 hrs.
Day 2 Malinowski River - Creek #3 Entrance
We'll inflate and rig our boats before setting down the creek for a short distance until we reach the Malinowski River. During this section of river we can find goldminers, taricaya turtles and small caimans on the riverbanks. We'll see firsthand the effects of Amazon deforestation. We'll raft 17 miles over about 4-5 hrs spotting white-necked herons, great black hawks and pairs of macaws crossing the river overhead. We'll also stop and explore canals #1 and #2 along the way depending on accessibility due to outflow and river level. In the afternoon we'll pull over at either a sandy beach or bushwhack into the forest canopy for setting up hammocks. This can depend on group preference and remaining daylight. Night camping.
5 hrs
Hammock
Meals BLD
Day 3 Creek #3
This morning after breakfast by the river we get back on the Malinowski River in our packrafts and float a few minutes to Creek #3's entrance. This creek can go on for 10 mi+. It has both narrower and wider lake-like sections and downed logs we must either go around, under or over in our boats. At least 95% does not require getting out of our boats and can be paddled. There are also some swampier areas and flowing grassy areas. Unlike the river, the creek has clean water. It's unique and unlike areas which have been spoiled by loud motorboats and frequent tourist visits. This creek is unknown, unexplored and only reachable by packraft. As we wind around bends in the creek we have the chance to surprise unsuspecting wildlife. At about 1 hr up the creek we'll pull over and explore an old oxbow lake which has dried up but now makes a great spot for tapirs. Further up it widens and resembles an oxbow lake before narrowing again and becoming more lush for birds like the hoatzin, green parrots and red and green macaws. And even further up at over 2 miles from the river we can find more exotic things like hanging birds nests made from algae and the spotted freshwater stingray with a size up to .5 m! As a group we'll decide when to stop for lunch, how far we want to go and where would be the best place to watch the creek wildlife from resting in our hammocks. Night camping.
.5 hr
3+ hrs
Hammock
Meals BLD
Day 4 Creek #3 - Malinowski River - Tambopata River
This morning after waking up in the middle of such abundant wildlife we'll have breakfast next to the creek then decide as a group to either continue further up the creek or begin our return to the Malinowski River. After returning to the Malinowski River now going with the flow we'll have lunch before rafting a short distance to the Tambopata River confluence and to our next campsite on the Tambopata River. If time allows in the early afternoon we can take a skinny trail 1.5 mi through dense forest to a small hidden lake and explore it by foot or inflate our boats and paddle it. In the late afternoon we'll decide on a campsite next to the Tambopata River. Night camping.
3+ hrs
2.5 hrs
Hammock
Meals BLD
Day 5 Today we raft down the Tambopata Reserve another 20 mi beginning with a fun, quick rapids section then stopping for lunch at Gato Creek. Here, depending on the current we can paddle up to Gato Falls. We'll continue downriver another 2.5 hrs floating by tourist lodges and a few plantations until we reach our next campsite on the Tambopata. Night camping.
5 hrs
Hammock
Meals BLD
Day 6 Tambopata River - Clay Lick
Today after breakfast we'll leave early to paddle another 20 mi first stopping at the Collpa La Torre Clay Lick where we can watch red and green macaws congregating from our boats. We'll continue downriver past both Cocococha Lake and Tres Chimbadas Lake entrances before stopping for lunch in a sandy, shady area. We'll continue another 2 hrs noticing more plantations on the left side of the river and none on the right which is the Tambopata Reserve border. We'll find our next campsite on the edge of the reserve where tapirs are plentiful. Night camping.
5 hrs
Hammock
Meals BLD
Night Rafting!
The Tambopata from this point to Puerto Maldonado is very predictable and gentle so night rafting under the moonlight is now an option.
Day 7 Tambopata River - Chonta - Puerto Maldonado
Today we have another 25 mi to reach our take out point at Puerto Maldonado. Along the way we'll pass by more plantations now seen on both sides of the river. We'll also pass by the pueblo of Chonta where we can access internet and phone calls from a point on the river from our boat. There is also a store in town for any snacks. The adventure isn't over! Floating into the bustling city of Puerto Maldonado provides its own sense of accomplishment. We'll float by numerous wooden boat builders, carpenters, resorts, and tourist bungalows before we reach our take out point in the late afternoon. From the riverbank we'll walk up some steps a short distance with our packs to the hostal. Night in hostal.
6 hrs
Hostal
Meals BLD
Day 8 Puerto Maldonado - Cusco
This morning after breakfast we'll enjoy another long private car ride 9 hrs from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado. We'll again experience the transition from hot low jungle (183m/600ft) all the way up to the Pirhuayani Pass (4,724m/15,500ft) and down to Cusco (3,400m/11,150ft). Along the way we'll see jungle plantations, Andean highland chacras, waterfalls and geological wonders. We'll see firsthand local Peruvian culture from both tropical and altiplano regions and notice the incredible difference between them. We'll stop for lunch next to Tinki's majestic Ausangate peak before a final 3 hr descent to Cusco and your hotel.
9 hrs
Fly from Puerto Maldonado
Fly out from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco or Lima. We can arrange your flights.
Meals BL
| Group Size | All Included | No Gear | No Gear / Meals | Transp. Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1250 | $1150 | $1050 | Private |
| 2 | $850 | $750 | $650 | Private |
| 3 | $750 | $650 | $550 | Private |
| 4 | $700 | $600 | $500 | Private |
| 5 | $650 | $550 | $450 | Private |
| All Included | No Gear | No Gear / Meals |
|---|---|---|
|
• All Packrafting Equipment • All Camping Equipment • Meals - 2B / 2L / 2D • Hotel Reception • RT Private Transfers from PEM • English-Speaking Guide |
• Meals - 2B / 2L / 2D • Hotel Reception • RT Private Transfers from PEM • English-Speaking Guide |
• Reception - Taxi Transfers • Hotel Reception • RT Private Transfers from PEM • English-Speaking Guide |
| All Included | No Gear | No Gear / Meals | Optional |
|---|---|---|---|
|
• Light Sleeping Bag • Backpack (Daypack) • Change of Clothes • Light Jacket • Raincoat / Poncho • Flashlight / Batteries • Hat / Sunblock / Sunglasses • Insect Repellent • Toilet Paper • Snacks • Water Bottle • Swimsuit |
• Packraft / Paddles / PFD • Dry Bag 50l+ • Hammock w/ Bug Net • Rain Tarp • Light Sleeping Bag • Backpack (Daypack) • Change of Clothes • Light Jacket • Raincoat / Poncho • Flashlight / Batteries • Hat / Sunblock / Sunglasses • Insect Repellent • Toilet Paper • Snacks • Water Bottle • Swimsuit |
• Cook Kit / Gas • Meals (2B / 2L / 2D) • Packraft / Paddles / PFD • Dry Bag 50l+ • Hammock w/ Bug Net • Rain Tarp • Light Sleeping Bag • Backpack (Daypack) • Change of Clothes • Light Jacket • Raincoat/Poncho • Flashlight/Batteries • Hat / Sunblock / Sunglasses • Insect Repellent • Toilet Paper • Snacks • Water Bottle • Swimsuit |
• Camp Chair • Binoculars • Long Camera Lens • Afterbite |
• Prices are per person according to your group size.
• All prices are for your own private group. We will not "pool" your group with other groups.
• We require a deposit which we refund 100% with the return of all undamaged equipment.
• We have included prices for those wanting to bring their own camping gear and/or meals. For all 3 options your transportation, lodging and guide are included. Contact us if you will be bringing specific gear for adjusted prices.
• "Local" transportation is a 15 passenger Sprinter van which is available to the public. You will be sharing the bus with local Peruvians. We leave Cusco at 11 am and arrive in Manu at dusk to dark. There is only 1 stop in Pilcopata for lunch. The Mercedez Sprinter is a high ceiling passenger van built for comfort.
• "Private" transportation is an 11 passenger Toyota H1 van for your group only (Sprinter also avail). We leave Cusco at 5 am with time for stops for breakfast, lunch, photos and a 30 min birding hike along the "Manu Road". We will arrive in Manu in the early afternoon.
• There are also options for private transportion for groups of 1-3 with an additional cost or local transportion for groups of 3 or more with slightly lower costs. Contact us for more info.
• Contact us if your group is larger than 5 people for more options.
Cancellations: We are not responsible for natural occurances, delayed or cancelled flights, political protests or personal sickness.
Refunds: Tours and deposits (partial payments) are 100% refundable if cancelled within 2 months of your reserved start date. Partial refunds of 50% are available up until 2 weeks of your reserved start date. This is to protect us from any loss as we operate 1 group at a time. If we have reserved your dates then denied availability to another we are unable to fully refund a deposit or full payment according to specified time limits.
Gear: Our equipment is expensive and has to be imported so we require a 100% refundable deposit (specified in "Rates") in case of any loss. This is 100% refundable at our office in Cusco following our trip provided that all gear is returned and undamaged. This includes replacing any lost items, repairing holes in packrafts or mosquito nets etc. We're in this together and any lost or damaged gear in the field can make for a difficult trip. Please follow our simple guidelines for gear care.
Gear Care: Please review the following helpful guidelines in order to avoid any additional fees.
1. For our jungle trips and after arriving to our campsites on the river bank, simply deflate your raft. Please do not carry your raft into the forest. At most campsites there are bamboo thorns which can put holes in your boat. Your guide is responsible for taking care of your boat at campsites. Please do not under any circumstance carry a fully inflated packraft into the forest!
2. Keep a list of provided gear and check this list every morning before rafting. You are responsible for any gear items left behind at campsites. Your guide is unable to check all items for all group members. If something is missing please bring it to your guide's attention.
3. Be mindful of your boat's inflation volume (tightness). It can get hot in the jungle and regulation is very important as to prevent any warping to your packraft.
4. No smoking in your boat or in your hammock. You do not want to sink or let any bugs in.
Safety: We are not responsible for any injuries, sickness or accidental death. Sorry, we've got to put it out there but know that we have not have had any issues thus far. Although the jungle has been portrayed as a dangerous environment with flesh eating disease, hungry piranhas and man-eating caimans, this is not the case. You are more likely to hurt yourself with your own machete or with a nasty fall. As with any forestal environments there are precautions to take such as watch where you step and what you touch. Be aware of your surroundings always. Listen to your guide's instructions both on the river and at camp and most of all, have a humble attitude. The Amazon commands the greatest respect from the most experienced campers to local guides to the indigenous for good reason. For experienced rafters, the river may not act according to your experience creating eddies where they shouldn't be or unexpected moments of turbulence from below the surface.
Machete Safety: Always swing your machete away from your body, never towards your limbs and especially your legs. Be aware of anyone in close proximity and warn others nearby of anything you need to cut down. Do not cut anything towards your arms or hands such as small sticks, cordage etc. Always cut out and away. If you are unsure of any machete work, let your guide help or do it for you.
River Safety: No experience is required for most of our rafting trips as we mainly stick with class 1-2+ whitewater. Please consult with us before booking as we are not responsible for river levels and changing conditions nor are we responsible for your boating skills. In most cases there is a road which follows our river so at any time you do not want to continue, let your guide know. Not to worry, we prefer calmer rivers for sightseeing as opposed to wild and rocky adrenaline rushes.
Conclusion: Whew! We don't like these things either and appreciate you taking the time to read this. Glad that's over now let's just have fun! We are sure it will all go well, but if you have any questions or concerns just let us know. We are happy to help.
