Puerto Maldonado

Written by Sandra Frank, Jose Quispe
05/08/2025
Stunning view of Villarrica Volcano with snow cap and smoke against a vibrant blue sky.
ATHENEA CODJAMBASSIS ROSSITTO, Pexels

Puerto Maldonado serves as a primary gateway to the Peruvian Amazon, drawing visitors with its unparalleled biodiversity and commitment to ecotourism. The region offers an immersive jungle experience focused on observing diverse wildlife and engaging in a variety of outdoor activities.

While the city of Puerto Maldonado itself features a lively central square with restaurants and hotels, the true Amazonian experience often occurs at remote eco-lodges. Here, travelers often socialize with an intimate group of fellow guests and guides during tours and activities, fostering shared experiences within the natural environment.

Top 5 Things to do in Puerto Maldonado

The region offers an immersive jungle experience focused on observing diverse wildlife and engaging in a variety of outdoor activities.

1. Explore the Tambopata National Reserve and stay in an Eco-Lodge

Embarking on a multi-day tour into the Tambopata National Reserve offers an immersive experience, providing a true sense of the Amazonian rainforest. Stays at eco-lodges deep within the jungle facilitate daily guided excursions such as jungle treks, night walks, and river explorations, allowing for intimate encounters with diverse wildlife and a complete disconnection from urban life. This approach ensures responsible tourism and expert guidance for wildlife observation.

Cost: Multi-day tours typically range from $250 - $500 USD for 3-day/2-night or 4-day/3-night packages, often including accommodation, all meals, activities, and transfers. Some lodges are more luxurious and pricier. The Tambopata National Reserve entrance fee, around $15 - $75 USD per person, might be an additional cost or included depending on the tour.

Transport: Access to jungle lodges is primarily by motorized boat along the Madre de Dios or Tambopata rivers, with journeys varying from 45 minutes to several hours depending on the lodge's remoteness. Most tour packages include roundtrip transfers from Puerto Maldonado airport or bus terminal to the lodge.

2. Visit Sandoval Lake

A journey to Sandoval Lake involves a tranquil paddle boat exploration of this oxbow lake, recognized for its abundant wildlife. Visitors can spot giant river otters, various monkey species including capuchins, squirrel monkeys, and howler monkeys, as well as black caimans and a wide array of birds. A walk through the forest is required to reach the lake, offering additional opportunities for wildlife observation.

Cost: A full-day tour to Sandoval Lake typically costs between $65 - $80 USD, not including the Tambopata National Reserve entrance fee of approximately $15 USD. It is often a key activity within multi-day jungle lodge packages.

Transport: A 45-minute to one-hour boat ride on the Madre de Dios River from Puerto Maldonado is followed by a walk of about 3 kilometers (approx. 1.8 miles) through the rainforest to reach the lake. Tour prices generally include all necessary transport.

3. Witness the Macaw and Parrot Clay Lick

Observing the daily spectacle at a clay lick, such as the famous Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick, is an unforgettable experience. Hundreds of vibrant macaws and parrots descend upon the mineral-rich clay walls at dawn, creating a breathtaking display of color and sound. This natural phenomenon is vital for the birds' digestion and provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching and photography.

Cost: A dedicated full-day excursion to a macaw clay lick can cost around $220 USD. Shorter, more focused tours might be available for about $30 USD, excluding taxi and tips. This activity is frequently a highlight included in multi-day eco-lodge tours.

Transport: Access requires an early morning boat trip of 45 minutes to 2 hours along the Tambopata River from Puerto Maldonado, depending on the specific clay lick. Tours typically include pick-up services from accommodations in Puerto Maldonado.

4. Experience a Canopy Walk and Ziplining

A canopy walk offers a unique aerial perspective of the Amazon rainforest, traversing suspended bridges high among the treetops, often around 40 meters (130 feet) above the ground. This activity provides an excellent vantage point for birdwatching and observing arboreal wildlife. Many tours combine this with ziplining for an added thrill, allowing one to glide through the forest canopy.

Cost: A full-day tour combining a canopy walk, ziplining, and a visit to Monkey Island can be approximately $65 - $80 USD. This activity is often integrated into comprehensive multi-day jungle packages.

Transport: These activities are typically located outside the immediate city center, requiring a short boat ride and possibly a land transfer, which is usually arranged and included in tour packages.

5. Embark on a Night River Tour for Caiman Spotting

As twilight descends, a river tour transforms the jungle experience, revealing its nocturnal inhabitants. Cruising along the Madre de Dios River, guides use flashlights to spot the glowing eyes of caimans on the riverbanks. This activity also presents opportunities to observe other nocturnal animals, such as capybaras, sloths, and various insects, providing a thrilling insight into the Amazon's hidden life after dark.

Cost: This experience is commonly included as part of multi-day eco-lodge tour packages. Standalone night tours may be available, though specific recent costs for independent excursions were not consistently listed.

Transport: The tour involves a boat trip on the Madre de Dios River, departing from Puerto Maldonado or directly from a jungle lodge. Transport is typically facilitated as part of the overall tour package.

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