The
lodge's trail
system extends approximately 18 kms through the surrounding
rainforest, facilitating access to a variety
of habitats. The trails vary in length, in level of difficulty
and in frequency of use. The walk could last 1 or 2 hours
depending on the program selected. As we try to have the
least impact possible on the environment, availability
of the trails can change depending on state and conservation
level. Generally, we recommend that to increase your chances
of viewing wildlife, you: walk slowly and carefully, listen,
smell the air, talk softly, stop often, and look up. Small
groups are always better than large ones.
BOTANICAL
TRAIL
This
trail allows you to appreciate the diversity within the
rainforest of palms and trees such as Oje (Ficus insipida),
Catahua (Hura crepitans), Ceiba (Ceiba pentandra) or kapok
tree and Huito (Genipa americana). Botanica Trail is 1,775
meters long and the most accessible, easiest, and frequently
walked of our trails. It covers mainly riverine and seasonally
flooded forests. The trail begins at the far side of the
clearing in which the cabins are located. Visitors walk
this trail in the company of a resident guide. A leisurely
walk along this trail will take approximately 1 hour. There
are well-marked shortcuts.
LUPUNA TRAIL
Lupuna
Trail is 2,100 meters long and less frequently used. It
covers a greater variety of habitat types...from
seasonally flooded, and streamside forests to those on
terra firma. A section parallels Quebrada Madama ("Butterfly
Creek"), a small stream that forms the western border
of the Reserve. The habitat in the vicinity of the stream
is particularly good for bird and butterfly viewing. Lupuna
Trail is marked every 50 meters, although it is recommended
to go in the company of a guide. The highlight is a Lupuna
tree (Ceiba pentandra), roughly 200 years old. There are
some permanently muddy areas along the trail, particularly
between 1,000 -1,100 meters, that are ideal for spotting
the tracks of more elusive wildlife such as the Red Brocket
Deer (Mazama americana) and the Collared Peccary (Tayassu
tajacu). On this trail you might see some other species
of animals such as the sachavaca (a large tapir) and trees
such as the Capirona (Calycophy spruceanum), Ceiba (Ceiba
pentandra) or kapok tree and the Shihuahuaco (Dipteryx
micrantha) or cumaru tree.
Both the Botanical and Lupuna Trails
are loops so you do not have to retrace your steps.
AGUAJAL
TRAIL
Aguajal
Trail is an addition onto the Lupuna Trail, beginning at
B-975 m. This trail offers views of different rainforest
habitats. It winds through the forest before connecting
with and then following along Madama Creek. Aguajal is
a relatively short, non-loop, trail that is an option for
visitors planning a longer stay at the Lodge.
MAURITIA
TRAIL
Mauritia Trail is a short trail (1,100 meters long) used
to reach the rare, flooded palm forest dominated by majestic
aguaje palms (Mauritia flexuosa). It is accessed from
Botanica Trail at A-750. For many months, starting at
the beginning of the rainy season (November), the palms
are laden with fruit, which in turn attracts many species
of mammals, including monkeys, deer, peccaries and tapirs
(Tapirus terrestris). This trail includes a walk along
the marshy “aguajal” of aguaje palms, suggested
for the birdwatchers.
NOCTURNAL TRAILS: Rainforest by
Night
Venturing out into the rainforest after dark is
a fascinating experience that should not be missed. A multitude
of different
species are active at night and can be observed while walking
slowly with a powerful flashlight. The sounds of the forest
at night are always more intense with the spine-tingling
possibility of seeing tarantulas, armadillos (Dasypus sp.),
frogs or maybe even an ocelot. Trail A and parts of Trail
D have been identified as appropriate for exploration at
night. Please, venture along these trails only when accompanied
by one of our guides.
Eco – activities
are all subject to climatic conditions.
