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Travel To Puerto Maldonado : The Ultimate Guide On What To Do And Where To Stay

You have finally decided to travel to Puerto Maldonado and visit the Tambopata National Reserve in Madre de Dios, well known as the capital of biodiversity because it concentrates a significant amount of wildlife. Species that are very accessible to see because of the pretty healthy rainforest that it has.

Connecting with nature is the possibility of being able to walk through the forest, listen to 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 Puerto Maldonado city?

The city of Puerto Maldonado is southeast of Peru, next to Cusco in the Madre de Dios region, the 3rd biggest department of Peru.

To get to Puerto Maldonado (PEM), you can fly from Lima taking a direct flight of 1.5 hrs. From April 2021, you will be able to fly from Cusco in just 30 minutes to get to 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 as there are at least 10 hours in the dry season from May to September.

Where to stay in Puerto Maldonado?

In Puerto Maldonado city you will find 2 types of accommodations: hotels and ecolodges.

Hotels usually include breakfast and transfers from the airport. So you have to find where to eat and what to do.

The jungle lodges are ALL-INCLUSIVE.

  • We recommend

Hotel Cabaña Quinta or Hotel Wasai, are 3* hotels, very well located and closer to the main square where all you need is close including restaurants, ice cream stores, and nightlife.

Double rooms come from around USD per night per 2 people, and you can find them on main online platforms such as Booking.com. But contact them directly as they might offer you the same or better price as every accommodation.

There are also nice properties outside the center such as Enai Hotel, located in the Madre de Dios riverbank, so you will need to cross the river to get there and every time you would like to chill around the main square. It has a swimming pool and will let you enjoy amazing sunset views on the river.

  • The Jungle Ecolodges

The ecolodges are designed for the ones who look for 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.

But if all of them include the same, what is the difference in the experience and prices? I can resume this on 3 things:

  • Location

Some lodges located in the Madre de Dios River are settled in secondary forest, next to or where the land was used for agriculture or next to road connection, so very easy to access. Most of the lodges in the Tambopata river are accessible only by boat and have the Tambopata National Reserve in its backyard.

  • Wildlife

Because of its location, you will have more or fewer chances to find wildlife. Through undisturbed rainforest, you have higher chances to see unique wildlife including the elusive jaguar, a harpy eagle nest, or 4 to 5 species of monkeys including the spider monkeys. check out our how-to choose an amazon jungle lodge for better tips.

jaguar by lucas bustamante

Jaguar in the riverbank in the amazon when you travel to Puerto Maldonado

  • Their commitment to sustainability

If you get this far, you are an explorer who cares about nature and is committed to changing the world, you have not traveled this far only for the Instagram picture, but for making a positive impact on the Amazon rainforest conservation and the well-being of its native communities. Many ecolodges work closely with local communities or develop science and conservation projects. Ask for results, participate actively in one of those if you have the chance.

  • Where to eat in Puerto Maldonado?

In Puerto Maldonado, we have plenty of options right now, the city has grown so fast after the implementation of the Interoceanic Highway that you can find traditional or gourmet cuisine, but since you are here, we highly recommend trying traditional food first and the author’s cuisine based on local ingredients.

We recommend: Burgos Restaurant, Cafeteria La Semilla and Puzanga Bar

Don’t forget to pass by Gustitos del Cura or Copazu Ice Cream store, artisanal ice creams based on local fruits. Both are located in the main square.

  • What to do in Puerto Maldonado and Tambopata?

First of all, REMEMBER this is not a place to enjoy the sun and stay in the swimming pool all day, if you are looking for that, then there are very nice places in the north jungle or the central jungle too. Tambopata is a place for explorers, for adventurers looking to discover the Amazon rainforest.

You will not find respectable places with animals to touch, feed, or carry for the picture. Wildlife here is unpredictable, they do not get closer to you for the picture. This is NOT a zoo and all tour operators are very committed to respecting nature and its wildlife.

What to do next?

Having said that, here are the Top 5 excursions and activities you should NOT MISS when visiting Tambopata

1. Visit a Macaw clay lick

The 2 most famous are Colorado and Chuncho, the first one inspired a National Geographic cover in 1994, the second one has been very active in the last 2 years. Better for you if you can visit both.

macaw clay lick in Tambopata Research Center

Macaw clay lick near Tambopata Research Center

2. Climb a canopy tower or visit a canopy walkway

Having the chance to see the rainforest from the canopy, it’s a unique experience, as most of the famous wildlife is active on this level of the forest. A 35-meter-high, at least, will be perfect to observe the Amazon as the birds do.

3. Visit an oxbow lake

These were part of the main river and many species have made their home in its calm waters, including piranhas, caimans, and giant river otters.

Giant River Otters

Giant river otters 35% probability to spot them

4. Join a night walk

The Amazon rainforest is completely different by night, just the amazing soundtrack will make this experience unique, besides the numerous creatures you can find at night.

nightwalk in the Amazon Rainforest

Jungle night walk

5. Actively participate in science and conservation projects

As you have chosen a sustainable project where to stay, then do not limit yourself and become a citizen scientist. Did you know you can discover a new species for science in the Amazon and name it?

 

Most lodges include all these activities at the nightly price, and you do not need to worry about any extra. At least ours does.

If you stay in Puerto Maldonado, remember that you will have to organize your tours and excursions. Always look for local operators with experience, seriousness, and commitment.

  • What our guest say

    • Valuation Excellent
    • 5/5

Nancy Hodgson March 2026

Lesly Lagos March 2026

Batya K. February 2026

S. K. February 2026

Julian S January 2026

Flora Warfel January 2026

Julian Sack January 2026

Laura Franklin December 2025

Lee Wozencroft December 2025

Suraj Vijayan December 2025

Claudia A. January 2026

AMJNZ November 2025

This trip was the highlight of our travels through peru. The lodge was absolutely 5 stars for everything. The room, food, people. We had a private guide, Allen, who grew up locally and really had deep knowledge of the land, the history, and the variety of plant and animal species in the jungle. His knowledge and passion were invaluable to our experience. There are a variety of tour companies and lodges you can book to visit the Amazon, however, I would only recommend Rainforest Expeditions as they are truly connected to the community and offer high quality first class amazon experience! Read all

We had a truly wonderful stay with Rainforest Expeditions. Everyone was incredibly kind and welcoming, and our guide was fantastic — very knowledgeable and passionate about the rainforest. We saw many animals, even from the boat, which made the experience unforgettable. Read all

I just spent 3 days here with my family. The research center surpassed all our expectations. I want to give a special shout out to Carlos who took such good care of us. He went above and beyond to make sure we werr comfortable. And he was always smiling. He made us feel so welcome. We had Erik as our guide who is so knowledgeable and experienced. We learned so much, saw so much wildlife. It really was a dream vacation. Thank you!! Read all

Chose this place to stay at the Amazon, as I heard it benefits the local indigenous community. Life changing experience. Oscar was an excellent guide! We saw so many wildlife! No 4th wall made it such an immersive jungle experience. Since they are eco friendly, there is no AC. It can get pretty hot depending on the season. So better to follow their guidance for clothing choices Read all

If you want to experience the Amazon in all its glory This is the place to come to Staff and guides were excellent Food was just incredible The forest walks were really interesting and informative Read all

If you are a birder, ask for Juan Carlos Yatto. He recognizes an astounding number of bird calls and can duplicate many of them. This place is magical, all I could have imagined. All the staff and scientists are incredible. The experience of a lifetime. Read all

This was the most amazing experience Very well organised The ground staff were so well organised The guides were excellent ( I’m looking at you Carlos!) Food was tasty and very varied Amazed that the chefs managed to get such variety in the middle of the Amazon Do not hesitate Book immediately you will not be disappointed. Highly recommended Read all

I can not say enough good things about my time at the Tambopata Research Center. Between the guides, the boat drivers, the chefs, the staff, the bartenders, the researchers, etc. Everyone was absolutely wonderful! If you are interested in viewing wildlife in the Amazon, this is the place for you! A special thank you to the maître d' Carlos who was so incredibly kind and hospitable and our guide Dino who was like a real life Indiana Jones. I can't wait to come back! Read all

An unforgettable, fully immersive jungle experience. Amazing how Tambopata Lodge delivers luxury touches in such a remote and rugged location. The food is fantastic, the staff incredible, and the wildlife sightings non-stop. The personalised itinerary and one-on-one guiding made the trip truly special—huge thanks to our guide Johan for sharing his passion and knowledge. The Macaw Project is inspiring, and it’s clear the lodge fully supports this important conservation work. Manager Brian was always kind, helpful. Well-done all involved. Read all

The most important fact we are grateful for is the true sense of understanding of the ecology of the Amazon the staff at Rainforest Expeditions (RFE) have shown us. RFE stands out for its stand against the pure, profit-motive initiatives many other tour operators do. We are very grateful to have had Carlos as our guide. Carlos is deeply dedicated, and is able to explain the nuances of the flora and fauna. The world today needs to act as one against the impact of climate change. RFE is one, bright shining light in this regard. Read all

We had a fabulous trip! The people were amazing, kind and very professional. The food was exceptionally good! The facilities are beautiful and well kept. We just loved our second time with Rainforest Expeditions and can't wait to go again!! Read all

Fantastic to be deep in the forest surrounded by incredible wildlife with our amazing guide Juan Carlos Yatto, who really knew his stuff! Also his photography skills meant that we could share our experience even better through his telescope using our phone cameras! We learned so much!! He went to extra lengths to find butterflies and moths for us along with so many different birds and monkeys. This was a travel highlight for us as experienced wildlife travellers. We loved our spacious room with no windows and open to more wildlife visitors but after 5 nights the bed could have been a little more comfortable. Luckily we had a second bed to use. Otherwise it was fantastic with hot water showers and fresh drinking water all the time. We were amazed at the variety of food on offer for breakfast, lunch and dinner and couldn’t believe they could have such a wonderful food offering in such a remote location. Even the wine and cocktails were great. I highly recommend spending the extra money and time getting to this location. We stayed at another lodge later which was closer to Puerto Maldonado and there was far less wildlife. Read all

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