Things to see and do Amazonie Péruvienne

Small island on the Madre de Dios river, just north of the Sandoval lake in the Tambopata reserve. The only inhabitant of the island takes care of the monkeys that have taken up residence there and that it is possible to see up close. It is very interesting to make this stop before going to a lodge, because once in the selva itself, it is sometimes difficult to see them and even more to recognize them. Many agencies offer it and, as you go by boat, you have to take a tour anyway. A short excursion, but not without interest!

These pampas are large green areas along the Heath River and are almost the last Amazonian savannahs to be so well preserved. Indeed, the other spaces of this kind were altered by agriculture or breeding. However, this biotope is home to rare species such as the maned wolf or the spectacled bear! It is in the Pampas del Heath that the most intensive research has been carried out in order to list the vascular plants of the savannahs (plants with vessels through which water is drawn by the roots).

Embark from the port of Boca del río Huascayacu (about 40 minutes by cab from Moyobamba) for the adventure: 1 hour of navigation then you turn right and enter a much narrower arm, the río Avisado. A few minutes more and you will see appear in the distance, a spectacular tree house: it is the entrance to the universe of Tingana. Here, Juan Isuiza and his troops watch over their reserve with care. They have built two rustic family bungalows (each with 5 beds on 2 floors) and also offer a family kitchen. It's worth spending some time there to enjoy the place more and share a real experience at the hands of the community. As this is a flooded jungle, everything depends on the water, but most of the time the excursions are done by dugout between the roots. We see more fauna during the rainy months (from January to May). Some walks are also possible in dry season. As it is a preserved case, here took refuge many animals and to be able to observe them in silence is a true privilege. The experience is great, we leave with a lot of memories and we support this 100% ecotourism project. An alternative for those who are in a hurry, the neighboring community of Santa Elena is more accessible. It is from now on privileged by the agencies, but we do not hide you that the charm of places is not completely the same. This option remains however nice, for those who miss time.

Gocta had barely achieved fame and recognition when another name was whispered: Yumbilla. At 896 metres, it is one of the top five highest waterfalls in the world according to the World Waterfall Database. And it is located further north, near the village of Cuispes, about 30 minutes by motorcycle taxi from Pedro Ruiz. Which one to see? Both would be ideal. Even though Gocta is not as high and only consists of two waterfalls, the panoramic view from the Cocachimba viewpoint makes for a beautiful and unique picture. But Yumbilla does not lack assets, less known, wilder and more impressive. A muddy but flat path of 4 km (1h30-2h) leads to the bottom of the^first jump and to the beginning of the^second one, not without having seen two smaller waterfalls on the way. Another trek leads to the foot of the beautiful one where a natural cave has formed, amazing. And a^third one at the top of the mountain where it originates, at the bottom of a cave and a stream lined with white sand. And this is without mentioning Pavilion and Chinata, the twin sisters of Yumbilla, other waterfalls that can be seen from the road and that can also be approached... In short, Yumbilla is a series of adventures and explorations, in the heart of the cloud forest, also pleasing for the flora (orchids, bromeliads, trees covered with moss, ferns) and the large number of birds seen on the way. It is not one but several waterfalls, in the heart of what is now known as El valle de las cataratas.