Herping in the Madre de Dios Region

      Puerto Maldonado, Peru

      TE
      19 reviews
      Jan 10 - 17, 2024
      Group size: 5 - 11
      Herping in the Madre de Dios Region
      Puerto Maldonado, Peru

      19 reviews

      Jan 10 - 17, 2024
      Group size: 5 - 11

      About this trip

      On this first-of-its-kind expedition, we'll not only learn about the impending threat of illegal resource extraction in the amazon, but the trip will be extremely focused on tracking down some of the Amazon's most cryptic and elusive lifeforms- Reptiles & Amphibians (Herps). We call searching for them "Herping" and as a group we'll dive into the jungle every night to find, photograph, and appreciate as many of them as possible. Diversity trumps quantity in the jungle, so we'll see new kinds of herps every single night- many either undescribed or understudied. We'll do early morning walks as our cold-blooded friends bathe in the soft sunlight and search for all 4 species of caiman in the region by boat. 


      Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the expedition will be a consistent, committed and muddy search for the unrivaled king of the jungle- the Green Anaconda. Anacondas can grow up to 20 feet and are the heaviest snakes on the planet. While able to attain massive sizes, they're incredibly hard to find, imperiled in the region due to habitat loss, climate change, and local myths & legends leading to uneducated killings. We'll have access to pristine Anaconda habitat of which many behemoths have been spotted in the past, and will work our hardest as a team to get a once in a lifetime look at these apex predators. 


      One more notable snake in the area we'll search for is the Bushmaster, another cryptic predator often residing in primary rainforest and Brazil Nut concessions. They're the 2nd largest venomous snake in the world, and maybe the closest we can get to seeing dragons in real life. We'll also hold extensive and fun wildlife photography workshops to help those interested in best capturing the beauty of these animals attain the most awe-inspiring shots as possible. Buckle up!

      Lead Guide - Ian Breland

      Ian Breland is a Wildlife Filmmaker and Conservation Photographer with a burning passion for helping show others the Amazon's infinitely biodiverse ecosystems and the bottomless depths of adventure that the jungle provides. He is a Reptile and Amphibian specialist, with years of experience in the relentless pursuit of the ones that call the Peruvian Amazon home. Throughout his career Ian has amassed a wealth of knowledge and curiosity regarding all kinds of Neotropical flora & fauna, and will learn alongside you as we push forward into the unknown.

      Payment Terms

      The deposit to secure your spot on the trip is non-refundable for any reason. 


      The balance of payment is due on December 1st and is non-refundable for any reason at this time. 

      What’s included

      • Puerto Maldonado Hotel
      • Jungle Accommodations
      • Jungle Meals
      • Guides and Staff

      What’s not included

      • Airfare
        Not Included
      • Puerto Maldonado Meals
        Not Included
      • Travel Insurance
        Not Included. This is required to go on an expedition

      Available Packages

      Trip Price
      $2,750
      Deposit: $900

      Itinerary

      January 10th
      Arrive in Puerto Maldonado, Peru

      Arrive in Puerto Maldonado (airport code PEM) and take a short taxi ride to the hotel. Tamandua guides will welcome you into the jungle town and make sure you are settled in your hotel. We’ll all go out for dinner and an orientation before getting a good night of rest before tomorrow. 

      Your Organizer


      TE
      Tamandua Expeditions
      19 reviews
      Tamandua Expeditions originally began running trips out of the Peruvian Amazon Basin over 10 years ago. Today, we offer adventure-packed, hands on, expeditions through some of the most beautiful and challenging wilderness on earth. With locations in Peru and India. Our focus on wildlife research, conservation, and responsible adventure travel.

      Reviews

      Unbelievable experience. Every team member went above and beyond to give us the best experience possible. It was an honor to see the untouched jungle and learn about the work that is being done to save it. Would definitely do this trip again!!
      By Abbey K for Become a Junglekeeper on Apr 24, 2024
      AI
      An adventure of a lifetime! A dream come true with the best team possible. Very knowledgeable, caring, entertaining… delicious food! Paul and JJ’s mission in the Amazons is admirable! We need to preserve this Jungle with its perfect harmony and equilibrium. A constant reminder of our existence.
      By Amparo I for Exclusive Jungle Experience with Paul Rosolie on Apr 18, 2024
      Epic adventure! Huge personal challenges. The Peruvian Amazon is a different world! Site staff was knowledgeable and supportive. Delicious meals!
      By Rob B for Herping in the Madre de Dios Region March on Mar 26, 2024
      JD
      Went on the Operation Malinowski herping trip with Ian and William in March 2024. It was an amazing experience! They were both super knowledgeable and skilled at finding and handling the reptiles and amphibians that we found. I always felt safe, while still being able to admire the amazing animals that we found. Plus the accommodations were great, and food was amazing. Would definitely recommend the opportunity to enjoy the amazing ecosystem while supporting a great company!
      By Jacob D for Herping in the Madre de Dios Region March on Mar 26, 2024
      MZ
      This was an experience of a lifetime! Awesome locals, delicious food and comfortable accomodations! Our guides where professional, and made the trip a complete success!
      By Melita Z for Herping in the Madre de Dios Region March on Mar 19, 2024
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      References

      JD
      Went on the Operation Malinowski herping trip with Ian and William in March 2024. It was an amazing experience! They were both super knowledgeable and skilled at finding and handling the reptiles and amphibians that we found. I always felt safe, while still being able to admire the amazing animals that we found. Plus the accommodations were great, and food was amazing. Would definitely recommend the opportunity to enjoy the amazing ecosystem while supporting a great company!
      By Jacob D on 26 Mar, 2024