Inicio / Tambopata Tours
Puerto Maldonado (Tambopata), the gateway to the southern jungle bio-reserve in the heart of the Amazon Basin. Book your Tambopata tours today with Fertur!
The rugged frontier town of Puerto Maldonado, bisected by rivers and surrounded on all sides by the lush Amazon Jungle, is the starting off point for Tambopata’s many remote lodges.
Out in the wilderness, the enthralling rhythms of the jungle dominate, and capybaras, caimans, parrots and all manner of other animal and bird life let you know that you have left the modern world far behind.
Guests staying in the remote lodges can enjoy comfortable accommodations with direct access to guided nature walks, offering the chance to observe diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. Additionally, many lodges support scientific studies, providing unique opportunities to learn about ongoing conservation efforts and research in the Amazon.
Enjoy four days at the Posada Amazonas, a lodge devoted to ecoutourism and partially owned by the local indigenous community of Infierno. Activities include a jungle canopy walk, a catamaran visit to a nearby clay lick and discussions of sustainable use of the forest’s resources.
Includes:
If you have ever dreamed about being a professional nature photographer, this all-inclusive, five-day Amazon photography tour is for you. It’s a small group program (4-6 people max!), geared toward the beginner and intermediate photographer. Explore one of the world’s most bio-diverse jungles with a professional photographer as your guide.
A four-day package to the Sandoval Lake Lodge, with excursions to see macaws, river otters, monkeys and the elusive black caiman. You will also enjoy a fascinating guided walk through the Mauritia Palm Forest.
This four-day package vacation includes river transfers to the Reserva Amazónica Lodge and visits to Sandoval Lake, Rolin Island and Gamitana Creek, as well as a traditional jungle farm. Opportuinites to see monkeys, exotic butterflies and other wildlife abound.
Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the Amazon, is a treasure trove of biodiversity, cultural richness, and natural wonders. Nestled in the southeastern region of Peru, this vibrant city offers unparalleled access to some of the most pristine rainforests in the world.
The jungle frontier town of Puerto Maldonado is located in the confluence of the Tambopata and Madre de Dios rivers, and is the jumping-off point to some of the most exciting wildlife viewing available on the planet.
Named after explorer Faustino Maldonado, the town is a short 35-minute flight from Cusco and is a gateway to three protected jungle zones: Manu, Bahuaja-Sonene and Tambopata-Candamo.
Rather than flying in from Cusco, some travelers choose to visit Puerto Maldonado by bus. The nearly 290-mile (465 km) journey takes about 10 hours, but the new modern highway connecting the two cities makes for a smooth ride, even during the rainy season from December through March. Some of the mountain views are stunningly beautiful — even breathtaking, as the bus climbs above 13,000 feet (4,000m) before making the descent into the jungle basin. So be prepared for the altitude.
There are also direct 1½-hour flights from Lima to Padre Aldamiz International Airport. Don’t expect the designation of “international” to imply the airport is large. Like most of Peru’s international airports, it’s not. (Also, in Peru’s storied aviation tradition, the name of the Puerto Maldonado airport has an interesting backstory: Padre Joseba Aldamiz was a missionary from the Basque Country who came to Peru in the 1950s to serve isolated indigenous communities in Madre de Dios. Alarmed by the difficulty of getting medical attention during outbreaks of yellow fever, the then-middle aged Dominican priest enrolled in pilot school in Lima in 1960 and obtained his aviation license. He died in 1966 when his single prop Cessna aircraft — known throughout the region as the “Fray Martín de Porres” — crashed due to engine failure.)
The reserves surrounding the city cover more than 8.6 million acres (3,500,000ha), holding some of the richest pockets of biodiversity in the world: Jaguars, Anteaters, Giant Otters, Caimans, Monkeys, Tapir, Vultures, Hawks, Macaws, Hummingbirds, etc.
Here there are more than 200 species of mammals, 1,000 birds (10% of the world’s species) and more than 70 amphibian species. Also identified are some 760 species of fish, 500 species of beetles, 80 species of ants, and more than 15,000 species of flowering plants, to name a few.
Scientists are discovering new species every year, as they study animal behavior and catalogue new biological data that could hold the key to major advances in medicine and science.
Lake Sandoval is a breathtaking natural wonder located in the midst of the Amazon rainforest. This pristine lake is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including herons, hoatzins (the only ruminant-like bird on the planet), and caimans. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as:
Japipi, which means “butterfly” in the Ese’eja language, is a unique butterfly farm and biodiversity center. It offers visitors the chance to learn about the various species of butterflies native to the region and their ecological significance. The center also provides insights into the broader biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest.
The Tambopata National Reserve is a biodiversity hotspot located between the river basins of the Tambopata and Heath Rivers. The reserve is home to an astonishing array of wildlife, including:
The reserve also boasts 1,255 species of plants and 17 distinct plant associations by type of forest, making it a prime destination for botanical exploration. Visitors can explore the reserve’s tropical vegetation and enjoy guided tours to learn about the complex ecosystems of the Amazon. A permit from INRENA is required for entry.
The Tambopata National Reserve is an essential excursion for nature lovers. The reserve’s vast array of wildlife and plant species, combined with its stunning natural beauty, make it a prime location for eco-tourism. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the reserve’s diverse ecosystems and learn about the intricate relationships between its inhabitants.
Spanning altitudes from 300 to 4,000 meters above sea level, Manu National Park encompasses the entire Manu watershed and is recognized as one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. Highlights of the park include:
A visit to Manu National Park is immersive experience in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. With altitudes ranging from lowland rainforests to high Andean grasslands, the park offers a variety of ecosystems to explore. Guided tours provide insights into the park’s ecological complexity and the conservation efforts in place to protect this natural treasure.
This national park straddles the departments of Puno and Madre de Dios and includes a variety of ecosystems, from mountain forests to savannahs filled with palm trees. The park is notable for its incredible biodiversity, including:
In addition to the unique wildlife and indigenous communities, Bahuaja Sonene National Park offers visitors the chance to explore extensive mountain forests and tropical rainforests. The park’s diverse habitats are home to countless plant and animal species, making it a prime destination for eco-tourism and wildlife observation.
Located within the Tambopata National Reserve, the Colorado Macaw Clay Lick is a natural spectacle. Every morning, macaws, parrots, and parakeets gather at the clay lick to consume the mineral-rich clay. This colorful and noisy event is a must-see for bird enthusiasts and photographers.
Lake Valencia is an awe-inspiring body of water rich in biodiversity. The native Huarayos and local settlers rely on the lake for fishing, catching various species such as catfish, oscars, piranhas, and paiche. In addition to fishing, chestnut gathering is another important livelihood in the area.
There are many full-day jungle trips from Puerto Maldonado that include a boat ride on the Tambopata River to the famous Macaw Clay Lick. There are also yoga and spiritual retreats within driving distance from the city. Things to do include meditation and shaman-led ayahuasca sessions, cooking classes, massages, and short excursions into the rainforest for hikes, bike rides, and kayaking adventures.
Celebrated on June 24th, the Feast of Saint John the Baptist is a vibrant event held throughout the Madre de Dios department. The most intense celebrations take place at resorts along the banks of the main rivers, where live bands play traditional music, and regional dishes like juane (a type of rice tamale) are served in a festive atmosphere.
Puerto Maldonado and its surrounding areas are home to several indigenous communities, each with their own distinct traditions and languages. Among these ethnic groups are the Esa’eja, Machiguengas and Yines. Visiting these communities provides a unique opportunity to learn about their way of life and the traditional knowledge they possess about the rainforest.
While both Amazonas in northern Peru and Tambopata in the south have great Amazon lodges to choose from, Puerto Maldonado is easier to reach from Cusco than Iquitos. Tambopata also is generally recognized for offering more opportunities to view a wider array of wildlife.
Sustainable eco-tourism is the greatest weapon against forces that threaten to degrade and destroy this pristine jungle. Responsible travelers offer an economic alternative to the illegal timber trade and unregulated gold prospecting, both of which are wreaking havoc on the fragile ecosystem.
Puerto Maldonado is a gateway to the Amazon that offers a rich tapestry of natural wonders and cultural experiences. From the pristine waters of Lake Sandoval to the biodiversity hot spots of Manu and Tambopata, this region is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Whether exploring the vibrant wildlife, engaging with indigenous cultures, or participating in festive celebrations, visitors to Puerto Maldonado will find a wealth of experiences that make their journey truly unforgettable.
Contact telephone numbers
Offices
