Tambopata National Reserve is situated in the Amazon rainforest and encompasses lowland tropical rainforests, riverine habitats, oxbow lakes, and clay licks. It is part of the larger Madre de Dios Ecoregion, which is known for its exceptional biological richness.

The reserve is also notable for its high concentration of macaws and parrots, which gather in large numbers at clay licks to consume the mineral-rich clay that helps neutralize toxins in their diet.

The wildlife in Tambopata National Reserve is abundant and includes iconic species such as jaguars, giant river otters, tapirs, giant anteaters, capybaras, and several species of monkeys. The reserve is also home to various reptiles, amphibians, and fish species, as well as a vast number of insects and other invertebrates.