The Río Tambopata is a major tributary of the Río Madre de Dios, joining it at Puerto Maldonado. Boats go up the river, past several good lodges, and into the Reserva Nacional Tambopata , an important protected area divided into the reserve itself and the zona de amortiguamiento (buffer zone). The park entrance fee needs to be paid at the Sernanp office in Puerto Maldonado, unless you are on a guided tour, in which case you will pay at the relevant lodge office. An additional fee is required if you are heading into the reserve proper (such as to the Tambopata Research Center) rather than just the buffer zone.
