Traveling from Lima to Puerto Maldonado is the first step if you are thinking about an adventure in the Peruvian Amazon. It may seem complicated at first, but there are actually several ways to do it, depending on your time, budget, and desire to explore. In this guide, I will tell you about the most common routes, whether flying, traveling by land, or combining both, so you can choose the one that best suits you and start your journey to the heart of the jungle on the right foot.
How to Get from Lima to Puerto Maldonado
There are two main ways to travel from Lima to Puerto Maldonado: by plane or by bus. The best option will depend on how much time you have available, your budget, and the type of experience you are looking for.
By plane:
The fastest and most direct way is to fly. There are daily flights from Jorge Chávez Airport in Lima to Puerto Maldonado, with a flight time of approximately one and a half hours. This is the most comfortable option if you want to arrive without any setbacks and make the most of your time in the jungle.
By bus:
It is also possible to make the journey by land. The bus trip can take between 26 and 30 hours, depending on the route and the company. Many buses pass through Cusco, so some travelers take the opportunity to stop in this city before continuing on to the Amazon. Although it is longer, it is a more economical option and offers breathtaking scenery along the way.
Combined route:
An alternative is to fly to Cusco first and then take a bus to Puerto Maldonado. This overland section takes about 10 hours. It is ideal if you plan to visit both the mountains and the jungle on the same trip. Whichever means you choose, getting from Lima to Puerto Maldonado is the beginning of a unique experience in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon.
How to get to Puerto Maldonado and the Peruvian Amazon?
Puerto Maldonado is the capital of the Madre de Dios region in southeastern Peru, widely known as the gateway to the southern Amazon rainforest and the starting point for unforgettable Puerto Maldonado Amazon tours. The central Obelisk tower dominates the city from above, along with displays of local history. On the banks of the Madre de Dios River, there is a busy ferry dock near the Plaza de Armas. Near the city is the biodiverse Tambopata National Reserve that stretches through savannah and ancient jungle.
Arriving in Puerto Maldonado by air
To get to Puerto Maldonado, you generally have to travel first from Lima – Cusco before arriving at Padre Aldamiz Airport (PEM) in Puerto Maldonado. Since domestic flights in Peru change so much, it is difficult to recommend airlines; however, the most reliable seem to be LanPerú and StarPerú. Commercial flights in and out of Puerto Maldonado are almost always in the morning or early afternoon. Be sure to have your yellow fever vaccination card with you; local officials often request it whether or not it is an “official” requirement.
Arriving in Puerto Maldonado by road
The road to Puerto Maldonado from Cusco is improving as it is part of the Interoceanic Highway, but currently the bus ride still takes 12 hours, so most tourists opt for the faster and more comfortable 30-minute flight. It is also possible to rent a car from a travel company or cab and it takes about ten hours with a few stops. The road is surprisingly empty for most of the way. The mountain pass rises to 4700 m and then plunges dramatically into the rainforest. Have your camera ready for the views, the lamas and the local herders.
From Cusco to Puerto Maldonado it takes approx. 10 hours and costs. From Lima to Puerto Maldonado it takes approx. 36 hours. The Interoceanic Highway is finished and the road is in good condition, although the stretch from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado is quite curvy.
Arriving in Puerto Maldonado by boat
You can reach Puerto Maldonado from the Tambopata or Madre de Dios rivers, but this is not likely for tourists.
