Is Puerto Maldonado Worth Visiting: Explore the Amazon in Peru

(updated July 2024)

You might be wondering if Puerto Maldonado is worth visiting when you travel to Peru. Known as the gateway to the Amazon, Puerto Maldonado provides easy access to the rainforest. The Amazon is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, teeming with millions of species. It’s no wonder that tourists from around the world flock to the Amazon to experience its splendor.

Puerto Maldonado is worth visiting to experience the Amazon’s biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Boat along the Madre de Dios River with opportunities to see sloths, monkeys and caiman. Gaze over the jungle from canopy tours, fish for piranha, and view colorful macaws in the Tambopata Reserve. 

We recently returned from a vacation to the Amazon rainforest in Peru. I can attest that the authentic jungle experience in Puerto Maldonado makes it worth visiting. In this post I will share how to get to Puerto Maldonado and the best time to visit. Learn what to do in Puerto Maldonado and some recommended Amazon lodges in the area. I hope this helps you decide whether to include Puerto Maldonado and the Amazon in your Peru itinerary.

DISCLOSURE: PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME LINKS BELOW ARE AFFILIATE LINKS. I EARN A MINIMAL COMMISSION THAT SUPPORTS MY SMALL BUSINESS AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU.

Visiting the Amazon in Peru

The Amazon rainforest is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. It spans over eight countries including Brazil, Columbia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela.

After Brazil, the Peruvian Amazon is the second-largest area of the Amazon. It covers nearly 60% of Peru’s landscape and is the life force for everything around it, including 12,810 species. In fact, Peru is the 9th most biodiverse country in the world. Therefore, it’s understandable that tourists are drawn to this region in South America.

Where Is Puerto Maldonado, Peru?

You might be wondering, “Where is Puerto Maldonado, Peru?”. It’s understandable if you have never heard of this city of only 85,000 people. But what the capital of the Madre De Dios region lacks in size, it makes up for in importance.

Puerto Maldonado is the gateway to the Amazon jungle in southeastern Peru. It borders Brazil and Bolivia. At 840 feet above sea level, it is nestled along the Madre de Dios River. This is one of the essential tributaries of the Amazon river. 

Importantly, Puerto Maldonado is within Tambopata National Reserve offering some of the most pristine ecological areas of the world. It borders Bahuaja-Sonene National Park and Manu National Park. These national parks have a combined area of 5,275 square miles with high levels of biodiversity and beautiful natural landscapes. In short, this is a desirable destination for tourists seeking a rainforest adventure!

Is Puerto Maldonado Worth Visiting?

Puerto Maldonado is worth visiting to experience the fascinating flora and fauna of the Amazon rainforest. The Madre De Dios region is 21 million acres of territory that are home to the world’s greatest concentration of bird species as well as populations of jaguar, tapir, and other large Amazonian mammals.

Boat along the Madre de Dios River searching for sloths, monkeys and caiman. Use the vantage point of a canopy tour to gaze over the jungle from above. Then explore beautiful lakes searching for endangered river otters and fish for piranha. Last, but not least, view colorful macaws in the famous Tambopata Reserve clay licks.

Keep reading below for the best things to do in Puerto Maldonado!

How To Get to Puerto Maldonado Peru

Puerto Maldonado is accessible by air, roads and river craft. In 2012 construction finished on the InterOceanic Highway connecting Peru and Brazil. This highway passes through Puerto Maldonado via the Continental Bridge.

Lima to Puerto Maldonado By Bus

The journey from Puerto Maldonado to Lima by bus is an excruciating 30 hour bus ride of 975 miles. There are overnight bus options, but this is not the most convenient way to travel. Bus tickets cost approximately $50-65.

Getting From Lima to Puerto Maldonado By Flight

It’s simple to reach Puerto Maldonado from Lima by air. This quick flight only takes 1 hour and 40 minutes. In addition, several flights are available per day. I definitely recommend saving time by flying from Lima to Puerto Maldonado. Flights cost approximately $82-170.

Taking a Bus From Cusco to Puerto Maldonado

If you are trying to save money, it is possible to take a bus from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado. The route is on average 8-10 hours, so it’s not the most efficient way to travel. Tickets range in price, but expect to pay $30-60 per ticket.

Cusco to Puerto Maldonado by Flight

The fastest option to reach Puerto Maldonado from Cusco is a one hour flight. Passengers arrive at Padre Aldamiz International Airport. Flights range in prices by season, but are approximately $60-175. There are several flights per day. Some are non-stop from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado airport and others connect in Lima.

Travel By Boat From Puerto Maldonado to Your Jungle Lodge

Following your arrival into the city of Puerto Maldonado, you will take a shuttle to the boat dock. Next, take a boat ride on the Madre de Dios River to your jungle resort. It took us 45 minutes along the river to reach Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica jungle lodge.

Seeking Stamps Tip: Roundtrip transportation from the airport is typically included with your jungle lodge reservation.

The Best Time to Visit Puerto Maldonado

Puerto Maldonado weather is hot, humid, and tropical.  In the jungle, the average temperature is 32°C (89 F), and varies from 25°C (77 F) to 42°C (107 F). Remember, the seasons are opposite to those in the U.S. The warmest daytime temperatures usually occur in the months of December-March.

July is typically the coldest month. Is it important to note June-September winds from the south can blow during winter. These surazos, can lower the temperature to 10/12 °C (50/54 °F) at night and to 18/20 °C (64/68 °F) during the day. Depending on the time of year, temperatures at night can get surprisingly chilly.

As one would expect in a rainforest, the Amazon gets a significant amount of rain year-round. The best time to visit Puerto Maldonado is during the dry season from June to August. Rainy season is October-April. With the rainy season, exploring the Amazon jungle can get extremely muddy!

15 Best Things to Do in Puerto Maldonado, Peru

If you are considering whether Puerto Maldonado is worth visiting, it’s helpful to look and some of the jungle activities that are available.

1. Do a Night Tour of the Madre De Dios River

After dark, the jungle comes alive! One of the most thrilling jungle activities is an exploration along the Madre de Dios River. Search the river banks for caiman surrounded by the cacophony of jungle sounds. Gaze above at thousands of stars twinkling overhead. As we cruised, we got lucky and saw a family of capybara in the water. It’s a bit eerie to see all that lurks in the dark!

Seeking Stamps Tip: This excursion is fabulous, but don’t expect great pictures.

2. View the Amazon Rainforest With a Canopy Tour

Next, make your way to the Canopy Walkway. It consists of seven hanging suspension bridges connected between eight treetop platforms. This 1,135 feet network, 124 feet above the forest floor, is not for the faint-hearted. This is an unforgettable 1.5 hour experience to observe the enormity of the rainforest from above. If you are lucky you have the chance to see toucans, monkeys, and three-toed sloths. I’m not going to lie, these heights and rickety bridges will get your heart racing!

3. Explore Tambopata National Reserve

One of the highlights of Puerto Maldonado is exploring the Tambopata National Reserve. The reserve has 648 species of birds, 108 species of mammals, 103 species of reptiles, 323 species of fish and 1713 plant species. You can find giant river otters, jaguars, pumas, monkeys, deer, caiman and boas, to name a few of the animals.

4. Experience a Dugout Canoe Trip on Lake Sandoval

Hike an hour and a half into Tambopata National Reserve to reach Lake Sandoval. The hike is about 2 miles each way, but it’s along an easy footbridge pathway. Then paddle in a dugout canoe through the mangroves into Lake Sandoval.

We entered the oxbow shaped lake at dusk and it looked like a mirror. Explore the lake surrounded by the sounds of the jungle. You will see birds, monkeys and caiman. We were fortunate to witness river otters playing in the water. The lake was like glass, reflecting the beautiful sky and clouds.

Seeking Stamps Tip: Bring some cash to buy water and snacks at the hut near the lake. Also, make sure to use bug spray “everywhere” if you need to go to the bathroom in the jungle. My poor nephew ended up with about 40 bug bites on his rear.

5. Try Piranha Fishing at Lake Victoria

If you have the chance, try fishing for piranha. This was our favorite jungle activity when we visited Puerto Maldonado.

We set off in the early morning fog for the excursion to Lake Victoria. Along the 2 hour journey downriver, try your skill for piranha fishing. Use rustic fishing poles baited with chunks of raw meat. It takes a bit of trial and error to get the feel for when to pull your rod up. Watch out, piranha quickly steal your bait. Once you catch a piranha, check out their sharp teeth!

Afterward, enjoy a buffet lunch of everything you catch. The staff prepares piranha, chicken, vegetables and fresh fruit. Piranha are full of small bones, but taste light and delicious.

6. Swim in the Lakes & Rivers

If nearby piranha and caiman don’t worry you, dive into the refreshing water of Lake Victoria. Brave members of our family felt extremely refreshed after their dip in the cool water.

Seeking Stamps Tip: Don’t urinate in the water. Parasites in the river can enter your urethra and wreak havoc. That doesn’t sound fun!

7. Taste Exotic Fruit at Gamitana Jungle Farm

Next, discover exotic fruit at the Gamitana Farm. Taste citrus fruit, cocoa beans, Brazil nuts, cashews, sour cherries and more. Some are sweet and others will make you pucker. Make sure to look for the massive Shihuahuaco trees along the sun-dappled trail. Trek through the jungle to the creek where you will canoe down serene Gamitana Creek.

Seeking Stamps Tip: The mosquitos are plentiful here, so make sure to wear pants and bug spray.

8. Visit the Ese’Eja Community

If time permits, visit the Ese’Eja community of Infierno. This is a local community of indigenous people. They live in the Tambopata Region about 2.5 hours away from Puerto Maldonado. Here you can learn about their customs, hunting and handicrafts.

9. Monkey Island (Rolling Island)

Monkey Island near Puerto Maldonado is a frequently recommended activity. Howerer, I would advise skipping it. We learned, monkeys were originally brought to the island as a tourist attraction. Visitors feed them mangoes and bananas because food is scarce on the island. I strongly suggest skipping any Puerto Maldonado tours that encourage unethical animal tourism.

Amazon Day Trips From Puerto Maldonado

10. The Bahuaja-Sonene National Park

The Bahuaja–Sonene National Park has some of the wildest and least impacted habitats in the world. This day trip is about 55 miles south of the Puerto Maldonado city center. The park also borders Madidi National Park in Bolivia and Tambopata National Reserve. The journey along the Heath River takes approximately five hours by boat. Located between Puno and Madre de Dios, the park is over 4,000 square miles of protected tropical savanna, rainforest and grasslands. Here you can find species such as deer, black caiman, the giant anteater, bush dog, and harpy eagle.

11. Witness the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick

Next visit one of the many clay licks or “collpas”. Here you can watch the vibrant birds up close as they squawk and fly around the clay lick. The Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick is one of the best in the area for birdwatching.

Tambopata has the largest concentration of clay licks in the world which attracts hundreds of birds each day. Erosion on the river banks forms steep walls of clay. Why the clay licks attract birds is not fully understood. Theories suggest the soil is rich with essential minerals, such as salt. Other theories hypothesize the clay helps birds filter toxins in their systems.

It should be noted that Chuncho Clay Lick about 75 miles south of Puerto Maldonado. It is a considerable journey, about 7 hours by boat. Not all the Amazon jungle lodges visit this location. If this is something you want to see, make sure your lodge includes tours to the clay lick.

Things To Do In Puerto Maldonado City Center

12. Admire the Longest Bridge In Peru

As you make your way back to Puerto Maldonado take a moment to view the Continental Bridge (formerly Billinghurst Bridge). This bridge, completed in 2012, is the longest bridge in Peru. It spans 2,366 feet connecting Peru to Brazil. You can stroll across the suspension bridge, or simply admire it on your way down the river.

13. Visit the Amazon Animal Shelter

In the main town of Puerto Maldonado, you can support a business that helps wild animals in need. At The Amazon Shelter, their objective is to rehabilitate animals that have been affected by habitat loss and illegal animal trading. Their aim is to re-release animals to the wild.

14. View a Butterfly Farm

Near the airport you can visit the Inkaterra Butterfly House before you depart. Here butterflies are bred in a laboratory, but you can observe them in a natural garden setting.

Previously, you could also visit a large butterfly farm called Mariposario Tambopata. Sadly, this location is currently closed and our guide did not have any information about whether it would open again.

15. Explore Puerto Maldonado Town

If you have time in town there are several things to do in the Puerto Maldonado city center. You can visit the main square, Plaza de Armas, which offers shops and restaurants. Climb the 8-story Biodiversity Viewpoint. This is the obelisk known for its scenic views. Or sample exotic fruits at the market in Puerto Maldonado.

Puerto Maldonado Amazon Tours

When you visit Puerto Maldonado there are a variety of different tour options. They vary in length, price and type of accommodations. Check the fine print for each specific tour. They generally include roundtrip transportation, meals, accommodations, jungle tours, and English-speaking guides. Here are some popular options:

2 day/1 Night Eco Tour:

For a budget friendly tour with a taste of the jungle, consider this 2 Day/ 1 Night Puerto Maldonado eco Jungle Tour. Ride down the Madre de Dios River, take guided jungle walks, and visit Lake Sandoval. You have two days to explore and one night at the eco lodge.

3 Day/2 Night Tambopata Tour:

For a 3 Day/ 2 Night Jungle Tour experience Tambopata Reserve. Visit highlights of the jungle at Lake Sandoval and the parakeet clay lick. This includes transportation, accommodations and tours.

3 Day Tour and Stay at Hacienda Concepcion:

Book a Jungle Tour and Stay at Hacienda Concepcion. It includes two nights with luxurious accommodations. Start your adventure with a twilight river cruise. The next day visit the Anaconda Walk, Canopy tour and Lake Sandoval.

Where to Stay In Puerto Maldonado

When visiting Puerto Maldonado, you want to book one of the jungle lodges along the Madre de Dios River. We did not spend time in town, but on our drive from the airport to the boat dock, it appeared quite humble. You can book with tour operators or directly with the jungle lodge.

Seeking Stamps Tip: When you research Puerto Maldonado hotels, make sure to look for ones in the jungle, not the city center.

Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica

If you are looking for a lodge in Puerto Maldonado, I highly recommend Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica Jungle Lodge. We stayed here for a 4 day/3 night package.

Established in 1975, this is one of the best eco lodges in Peru!! It offers several packages that allow you to experience the best parts of the jungle. Inkaterra Amazonica is far enough away from civilization to feel remote, but close enough for convenience.

Inkaterra Reservas’ style is “rustic-luxury”. It’s the perfect accommodation to immerse yourself in the jungle while feeling pampered. We enjoyed staying in the gorgeous Tambopata Suite. It is spacious with 840 square feet and boasts an outdoor shower and private plunge pool.

The service and dining is top notch at Inkaterra. We were amazed at the quality of the meals and bar service. English-speaking guides provide interesting facts about the flora and fauna of the jungle. Our guides Gus and Henry were amazing throughout our trip. We would stay at this lodge in Puerto Maldonado again in a heartbeat.

Other Recommended Puerto Maldonado Amazon Lodges

• Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción– this is another Inkaterra property at a lower price point. It is easy to reach with only a 25 minute boat ride from the airport. Hacienda Conception has fewer rooms and a bit more seclusion than Inkaterra Amazonica. This Puerto Maldonado lodging does not have rooms with a river view.
• Refugio Amazonas Lodge– this Puerto Maldonado lodge is deep in the Amazon rainforest. The journey here takes about 2 hours.
• Posada Amazonas– this is about 2 hours away from the airport. It is partially owned by the Ese’Eja community.
• Tambopata Research Center– is deeper in the jungle offering amazing wildlife viewing. The rooms here are more rustic in nature. Also, the lodge requires 3.5 hours of travel time to reach the remote destination. Tambopata Research Center is more expensive compared to its sister properties Refugio Amazonas and Posada Amazonas.

What to Bring to Puerto Maldonado

Most lodges in Puerto Maldonado limit the size and weight of luggage you can bring with you. To be honest, you are better off leaving your nice clothes and huge suitcases behind. Check with your accommodations to find the luggage restrictions.

In the jungle, protect yourself from disease-carrying pests, poisonous animals and sharp plants. Despite the jungle heat, you will want to wear long sleeve shirts, pants and hiking socks. Breathable, loose, sweat-wicking fabrics will keep you cool while you travel. For more information, read my blog post with an extensive packing list. Here is the best Amazon rainforest clothing.

Seeking Stamps Tip: Check with your health care provider to see if they recommend antimalarial medications, yellow fever and/or typhoid vaccinations before you arrive.

The Best Place to Visit The Amazon: Puerto Maldonado Vs Iquitos

Without question, you should visit the Amazon when you visit Peru. I believe there is no “best” place to see rainforest in Peru. Every location has something unique to offer. Whether you visit Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos, largely depends on your itinerary and the length of your vacation.

Iquitos is in northern Peru and is most accessible from a 1.5 hour flight from Lima. It is a larger and more populated city, and outside the jungle it offers more than Puerto Maldonado. If you want to see the pink dolphins of the Amazon, you can only find them near Iquitos. Also, Amazon cruises are only available from Iquitos.

However, reaching Iquitos can be cumbersome. If you are visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu, it requires a 4 hour flight to reach Iquitos. The flight will also likely be double the price of the ticket from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado.

Advantages of Puerto Maldonado are that it is less crowded and tends to have better wildlife viewing than Iquitos. Lodges here are “more rustic”, often with limited power. But, I can assure you, there are some fabulous accommodations. If you want to see the famous macaw clay licks, stay near Puerto Maldonado.

From Cusco it is 1.5 hours to Puerto Maldonado and flights are inexpensive. If you want convenient access to the Amazon rainforest from Cusco, choose a jungle lodge near Puerto Maldonado.

Is Puerto Maldonado Worth Visiting: FAQ’s:

1. Is Puerto Maldonado Worth Seeing?

Puerto Maldonado is worth seeing to experience the Amazon’s biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Boat along the Madres de Dios River with opportunities to see sloths, monkeys and caiman. Gaze over the jungle from canopy tours, fish for piranha, and view colorful macaws in the Tambopata Reserve.   

2. How Far Is Puerto Maldonado From Cusco and Lima?

Puerto Maldonado is approximately 193 miles from Cusco. It takes 8-10 hours to reach Puerto Maldonado by bus or 1 hour by plane from Cusco.

To reach Puerto Maldonado from Lima it takes a 1 hour and 40 minute flight or a 30 hour bus ride over a distance of 1,081 miles.

3. Is Puerto Maldonado a “True Amazon Experience”

Puerto Maldonado offers a true Amazon rainforest experience. You have a chance to see flora and fauna of the Amazon with close animal encounters. Cruise down the Madre de Dios River to spot caiman, birds, capybara and more. In the Tambopata Reserve you can see a variety of insects, spiders, monkeys, and sloths.

4. Do You Need to Be Physically Fit to Explore Puerto Maldonado?

Treks through the jungle in Puerto Maldonado are mostly flat and do not require significant levels of physical fitness. Yet, limited mobility will make the jungle difficult to explore. There is uneven terrain, steep stairs to climb, mud, and entry/exits onto rocking boats to navigate.

5. Is Puerto Maldonado Safe To Visit?

The jungle lodges in Puerto Maldonado are safe and secure. Yet, visiting the Amazon has inherent risks from plants, animals and mosquitoes. Therefore, it is advisable to explore the jungle with a knowledgeable guide. In town, use common sense to avoid being a victim of petty crime.

6. How Many Days Should You Spend In Puerto Maldonado?

When visiting Puerto Maldonado the 4 day, 3 night package offered by many Amazon rainforest lodges allows adequate time to explore the highlights of the jungle. You will have the chance to do a night tour, visit the canopy walk, boat across Lake Sandoval, and piranha fish at Lake Victoria.

7. Should You Visit Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado?

Iquitos is easier to reach from Lima. It offers a larger city experience and the chance to see pink dolphins. Puerto Maldonado is easier and less expensive to reach from Cusco. It is less crowded and offers better wildlife experiences such as the gorgeous macaw clay licks and Tambopata Reserve.

Is Puerto Maldonado Worth Visiting: Final Thoughts

No trip to Peru is complete without a visit to the Amazon. I hope this guide helped you learn the best things to do in Puerto Maldonado and the Amazon rainforest in Peru. Without a doubt, the unspoiled wilderness and unique jungle lodges make Puerto Maldonado worth visiting. As you can see, Puerto Maldonado is one of the best places to see the rainforest in Peru!