Puerto Maldonado is a vibrant city located in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon rainforest. Getting from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado is easy and will be less touristy than other areas. The city is the gateway to some of the most biodiverse and pristine areas of the Amazon, including Tambopata National Reserve and the Manu Biosphere Reserve. Expect to see lush rainforest and exotic animals by hiking, canoeing, and fantastic wildlife tours. Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting indigenious communities and learn about their traditions and way of life. Puerto Maldonado is a city that will awaken your senses and leave you with unforgettable memories.
What Makes Puerto Maldonado Special?
1. Unique Biodiversity
The Manu National Park and the Tambopata National Reserve, both accessible from Puerto Maldonado, are home to thousands of species of plants, birds, mammals, and reptiles. Visitors might spot animals like jaguars, black caimans, and hundreds of bird species, including the vibrant scarlet macaw.
Fun Facts:
- The Madre de Dios region boasts one of the highest concentrations of biodiversity in the world.
- The Tambopata National Reserve alone is home to over 1,200 species of butterflies.
2. Must-Do Activities
Puerto Maldonado offers a range of activities, from boat trips on the Tambopata River to nighttime jungle walks. Some standout experiences include:
- Visit to Lake Sandoval: Located within the reserve, this lake is ideal for seeing giant otters and enjoying an unforgettable sunrise.
- Excursions in the Tambopata Reserve: Perfect for spotting caimans and listening to the distant roar of jaguars.
- Macaw Clay Lick (Collpa de Guacamayos): One of the most spectacular natural sights in the region, this clay lick attracts hundreds of macaws and parrots that gather to feed on the mineral-rich clay. The vivid display of colors and the cacophony of calls make this an unforgettable experience for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
3. Local Culture and Cuisine
Puerto Maldonado’s culture is a blend of indigenous and colonial influences. Native communities like the Ese Eja maintain ancestral traditions that can be explored through guided visits.
The local cuisine is another unique experience, with traditional dishes such as juane and tacacho with cecina, showcasing the rich ingredients of the Amazon.
Tips for Visitors
- Best time to visit: The dry season, from May to October, is ideal for outdoor activities.
- Clothing and gear: Light cotton clothing, insect repellent, and rubber boots are essential.
- Sustainable tourism: Supporting tour operators that promote sustainable practices is a way to help protect the region’s natural and cultural wealth.
FAQS
Puerto Maldonado has a tropical rainforest climate, warm and humid all year. The best time to visit is from May to October, during the dry season, when trails are easier to access and wildlife sightings are more frequent. From November to April, the rainy season brings heavy showers but also vibrant green landscapes and fewer visitors—great if you prefer a quieter experience in the jungle.
Most travelers stay in eco-lodges along the Tambopata or Madre de Dios rivers, surrounded by pristine rainforest.
-Luxury & comfort: Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica, Tambopata Research Center, or Refugio Amazonas.
-Mid-range & local style: Ecoamazonia Lodge, Corto Maltes, or Wasai Lodge.
If you prefer to stay in town before or after your jungle adventure, there are also comfortable hotels near the main plaza and river port.
A minimum of 3 days / 2 nights allows time to experience the jungle’s highlights—canoe rides, wildlife spotting, and visits to oxbow lakes.
For a deeper Amazon experience, plan 4 to 5 days, which lets you explore farther into the Tambopata National Reserve or Lake Sandoval, and truly disconnect from city life.
Yes, Puerto Maldonado is generally safe, especially around lodges and tourist areas.
-Follow your guide’s instructions during jungle activities.
-Protect yourself from mosquitoes with repellent and long sleeves.
-Avoid walking alone at night in isolated parts of town.
With a guided tour or lodge stay, safety and logistics are well managed from start to finish.
Transportation in the area is straightforward:
-Most tours include all transfers, from the airport to the lodge and between activities.
-In town, mototaxis and taxis are the main options for short distances.
-River boats are essential for reaching jungle lodges—rides are scenic and often part of the adventure.
Padre Aldamiz International Airport is just a few minutes from the city center.
-If you’re staying in a lodge, transfers are usually included and coordinated by your tour operator.
-For hotels in town, taxis or mototaxis are available at the terminal.
-Always confirm pickup details before your flight—most tours begin immediately after arrival in Puerto Maldonado.
