Planning a trip to the Amazon? This travel guide to Puerto Maldonado will help you explore one of Peru’s most vibrant jungle gateways. From river cruises and clay licks to local markets and hidden lodges, here you’ll find everything you need to make the most of your adventure in the heart of the rainforest.
We congratulate you for making the decision to travel to Puerto Maldonado and visit the Tambopata National Reserve in Madre de Dios, an ecological reserve well known as the capital of biodiversity because here we can find a significant amount of wildlife. Species that are very accessible to see due to the fairly healthy tropical forest it has.
Here you can connect with nature and the possibility of being able to walk through the forest, hear its voice and meet its inhabitants in perfect harmony. Follow these tips and you will be leaving a positive impact on the Peruvian Amazon.
How to get to the city of Puerto Maldonado?
The city of Puerto Maldonado is in the southeast of Peru, next to Cusco in the Madre de Dios region, the third largest department of Peru. To get to Puerto Maldonado (PEM), you can fly from Lima taking a direct flight of 1.5 hrs. Starting in April 2021 you will be able to fly from Cusco in just 30 minutes to reach Puerto Maldonado at the Padre Aldamiz Airport. You can also drive or take a bus or car from Cusco, but we do not recommend the road since it is at least 10 hours in the dry season from May to September.
How to get from cusco to Puerto Maldonado?
The quickest and easiest way is definitely by plane. The flight takes less than an hour — around 50 minutes — and there are usually a couple of direct options each day. It’s a smooth ride (weather permitting) and perfect if you want to maximize your time in the jungle and start your Puerto Maldonado Amazon tours as soon as you arrive. Just keep in mind that during the rainy season, flights can sometimes get delayed, so it’s a good idea to leave some wiggle room in your schedule.
Now, if you’re more into slow travel or trying to save some money, you can take a bus. It’s an overnight trip — about 10 to 12 hours — but it’s actually kind of beautiful. You go from the mountains down into the Amazon basin, and the change in landscape is incredible. Buses like Movil Tours or Tepsa offer “semi-cama” or “full cama” seats, which are pretty comfy for long rides. If you can, try to get a seat on the lower level of a double-decker bus — it’s quieter and smoother.
There’s also the option of going by car, either with a private driver or as part of a tour. Not super common, but it does happen. It takes about the same amount of time as the bus, but you can stop along the way, take photos, stretch your legs — which is honestly nice if you hate sitting for hours straight.
Puerto Maldonado weather
If you’re heading into the Amazon, understanding the Puerto Maldonado weather is key to having a great trip — and packing smart. The climate here is tropical year-round, which means warm temperatures, high humidity, and, yes, a fair amount of rain. But don’t worry, that’s part of the magic.
The dry season, which runs roughly from May to October, is the most popular time to visit. Days are sunny, trails are less muddy, and wildlife is easier to spot. Temperatures usually hover between 24°C and 31°C (75°F to 88°F), and nights tend to be cooler — sometimes even chilly if you’re heading deep into the jungle.
Then there’s the rainy season, from November to April. This is when the rainforest really lives up to its name. Expect short, heavy downpours (mostly in the afternoon), lush green landscapes, and fewer tourists. It’s still very much doable — and in fact, many travelers prefer it for the serenity and lower prices.
Where to stay in Puerto Maldonado?
In the city of Puerto Maldonado you will find 2 types of accommodation: hotels and ecolodge. Hotels usually include breakfast and transfers from the airport. Then you have to find where to eat and what to do.
Accommodations that we recommend
Hotel Cabaña Quinta or Hotel Wasai, are 3* hotels, very well located and closer to the main square where everything you need is nearby including restaurants, ice cream parlors and nightlife.
Double rooms cost around USD per night for 2 people and you can find them on the main online platforms such as Booking.com. But contact them directly as they could offer you the same or better price than any accommodation.
There are also good properties outside the center, such as Hotel Enai, located on the bank of the Madre de Dios River, so you will have to cross the river to get there and whenever you want to relax in the main square. It has a swimming pool and will allow you to enjoy incredible views of the sunset over the river.
The Jungle Ecolodge
Ecolodges are designed for those seeking a deep exploration of the Amazon rainforest. They will include everything: land and river transportation to/from Puerto Maldonado airport, activities and excursions, all meals and accommodation.
Wildlife in Puerto Maldonado
Due to its location, we will have a very good chance of finding wildlife. Through the tranquil rainforest, you’ll have a better chance of seeing unique wildlife, including the elusive jaguar, a harpy eagle nest, or 4 to 5 species of monkeys, including spider monkeys. Check out our guide to choosing a hostel in the Amazon rainforest for better tips.
Our commitment to sustainability
If you come this far, you are an explorer who cares about nature and is committed to changing the world. You have not come here just for the Instagram photo, but to generate a positive impact on the conservation and well-being of the Amazon rainforest. . of their native communities. Many ecolodges work closely with local communities or develop scientific and conservation projects. Ask for results, actively participate in any of them if you have the opportunity.
Where to eat in Puerto Maldonado?
In Puerto Maldonado we have many options right now, the city has grown so quickly after the implementation of the Interoceanic Highway that you can find traditional or gourmet food, but since you are here we recommend you try the traditional and the author’s food first. Cuisine based on local ingredients.
What to do in Puerto Maldonado and Tambopata?
Tambopata is not a place to enjoy the sun and spend all day in the pool, if you are looking for that there are very nice places in the northern jungle or in the central jungle as well. Tambopata is a place for explorers, for adventurers seeking to discover the Amazon jungle.
In Puerto Maldonado, wildlife are not pets, they are wild animals with unpredictable behavior, the fauna will not approach you to take photographs (As happens with the llamas in Machu Picchu, which are very friendly).
The Peruvian jungle is not a zoo and all tour operators are very committed to respecting nature and its wildlife.
What excursions to do in Tambopata
That being said, here are the top 5 excursions and activities that you should NOT miss when visiting Tambopata
Visit a macaw clay lick
The two most famous macaw clay lick are Colorado and Chuncho. Colorado became world-renowned after inspiring a National Geographic cover in 1994, while Chuncho has shown remarkable activity over the last two years. For the best experience, it’s highly recommended to visit both.
Climb a canopy tower or visit a canopy walkway
Having the opportunity to see the rainforest from the canopy is a unique experience, as most of the famous wildlife is active at this level of the forest. One 35 meters high, at least, will be perfect for observing the Amazon as birds do.
Visit an oxbow lake
These formed part of the main river and many species have made their home in its calm waters, including piranhas, caimans and giant river otters.
Join a night walk
The Amazon jungle is completely different at night, only the incredible soundtrack will make this experience unique, in addition to the numerous creatures that you can find during the night.
Actively participate in science and conservation projects
Since you have chosen a sustainable project to stay in, then don’t limit yourself and become a citizen scientist. Did you know that you can discover a new species for science in the Amazon and name it? Most accommodations include all of these activities in the price per night and you won’t have to worry about any extras. At least ours does.
