Puerto Maldonado, founded in the 19th century by the explorer of the same name, capital of the Madre de Dios region, is the main city of southeastern Peru. Without losing its frontier-town spirit, Puerto Maldonado is an active, rapidly growing city, driven by recent Andean migration to the region.
Originally a starting port for explorers, hunters and miners, today it is a gathering place for thousands of tourists who come to the city seeking to discover the beauty of the tropical jungle.
Located at the confluence of the Madre de Dios and Tambopata rivers, whose waters sustain extremely important biodiversity, it is one of the most promising eco-tourism destinations in the world.
Much of its activity revolves around trade, fine timber and alluvial gold extraction. The area also has the largest Brazil nut forests in the country, a resource of great importance to the regional economy.
Situated at around 183 meters above sea level, with a tropical, warm and very humid climate, with a well-defined rainy season (from December to March) and average annual temperatures around 26°C, Puerto Maldonado is the prototype of the Amazon jungle. However, it also has a period of very scarce rainfall, dry during the winter months.
Tourist Attractions
Lake Sandoval
Located just 40 minutes by boat from Puerto Maldonado, it is one of the most beautiful lakes in the region. It is reached along a trail of about 4 km surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, which still preserves endangered species such as the black caiman and the giant river otter.
The place is ideal for observing the flora and fauna of the tropical forest, swimming, fishing, or simply canoeing across its calm waters and enjoying the scenery in its natural state.
Lake Valencia
A place favored by the abundance of fish and trees. The richness of its waters allows both the native Huarayo people and the settlers established nearby to fish for doncella, palometa, golden dorado, piranha and paiche.
In addition to fishing, another of the area’s most important economic activities is Brazil nut harvesting.
Tambopata National Reserve
Located between the Tambopata and Heath river basins, the reserve holds an immeasurable wealth of biodiversity. The variety of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and butterflies discovered upon immersing yourself in this tropical paradise, which features excellent lodges with all the comforts, is impressive.
Lodges located on the Madre de Dios River
- Corto Maltes Amazonia
- Ecoamazonia Lodge
- Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica
Lodges located on the Tambopata River
- Wasai Lodge
- Rainforest Expeditions
- Tambopata Ecolodge
