Top Things to do in Madre de Dios Region
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Things to do in Madre de Dios Region, Madre de Dios Region: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas
Discover the best top things to do in Madre de Dios Region, Peru including Inkaterra Ecological Reserve, Colorado Macaw Clay Lick, Amazon Shelter, Manu National Park, Tambopata National Reserve, Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick, Panthera Sanctuary, Mariposario Tambopata, Monkey Island, Hoja Nueva.
Restaurants in Madre de Dios Region
1. Inkaterra Ecological Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 101 reviews
Reviewed By 628DebbieG
Our hike through the reserve was an awesome workout that included navigating through thick mud from heavy rain. It's all part of the authentic experience. We learned about the natural wildlife and besides a walk it included a wonderful dug out canoe ride into the Sandoval Lake.
2. Colorado Macaw Clay Lick
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By judithh966
Well worth the 4.30 start to the day - breakfast near the clay lick and display of 3 different types of macaws and parrots. Capobaras near by and just missed a jaguar which two researchers had seen trying to catch - but the capobarra won this time around!
3. Amazon Shelter
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
We are a rescue, rehabilitation and release center for wild animals of the Amazon rainforest. We largely care for animals that have suffered from the illegal wildlife trade and habitat loss. We are not a zoo, every animal that can be released will be, and we are one of the only centers in Peru who actually release animals back into the wild. We currently have a number of different monkeys, mammals and birds, including Howler monkeys, Woolly monkeys, Capuchins, Tapir and Macaws. We are a 15 minute drive from Puerto Maldonado along the Tambopata 'corredor touristico' and you are welcome to come for a tour or to vounteer. You´ll learn all about the animals behaviour and the issues they are facing in the wild. We rely on visitors and volunteers donations to survive.
Reviewed By Meggygx
My partner in I spend 20 days here over the course of new year and January, I have spent the last 5 years working with a range of animals and have always wanted to volunteer abroad, once I came across the Amazon Shelter on a Facebook group I knew I had to visit. We had the most amazing experience I could of ever ask for. It exceeded all expectations and I’m so glad I had the chance to be here at the Amazon Shelter and work very closely with some wonderful species of animal that not a lot of people get the chance to work with. Magali, is an inspiration,she runs the place every single day without a second thought. Everything she does is for the animals and every penny goes towards them all and the upkeep of the shelter. She manages every single task of animal keeping and the running of the shelter with such ease. She adores her animals and does all she can to ensure they are released back into the wild. We have spent every day together, ate some of the best food I’ve tasted together and endured many nights of playing rummy-o. She has welcomed us into her hectic animal life and she and the staff, including the lovely Jackie who is the most experienced, down to earth vet I have ever met, let alone work so closely with.. have shortly became family and for that I’m so thankful. I am so sad to be leaving the jungle and it’s fascinating inhabitants (besides the wasps) the animals and the company. As with a lot of places this shelter is non-governmental funded, meaning it runs solely of donations and volunteers. However in the last 3 weeks, we have been the only volunteers. Watching Magalis reaction as she receives donations and hearing what she will do with the money for animal is heartwarming. A lot of the animals here have been ex illegal pets and rescued from poor conditions. Each animal here is loved, looked after and healthy. My life and views have changed and my heart belongs in this place. Thank your hospitality, company and animals Magali, I’m positive that I will return
4. Manu National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
The Manu National Park is one of the jewels of the protected areas system in Peru, because it encompasses a range of altitudes, from the puna grasslands at 13,123 ft down to the Amazonian plain at 984 fasl, passing through dwarf forest, montane forest, and foothill forest. Moreover, uncontacted ethnicities still exist within its boundaries. It is advisable to visit from April to November.
Reviewed By Ikouzolele - Brussels, Belgium
Almost 2 million km of protected rainforest = one of the most amazing experiences you'll ever have. So many animals! (Which are protected instead of being hunted for food / trophies / pets, like in other places such as Iquitos among others...) Be prepared for a long trip (8 hours by car and boat to the first lodge, then several hours by boat for the 2 next lodges in our case), but that includes several stops along the way to eat but also to look for wildlife - we started seeing quite a few animals after about 4 hours, so it's definitely not all wasted time! We chose the 7 day trip with Manu Wildlife Adventure, and it was simply an unforgettable, amazing experience. 4 of us in the group, plus our excellent cook Richard and our guide Alex Olave who was simply great - very dedicated, always making sure we got the best chances of seeing wildlife and very respectful of the environment - clearly loves his job. Alex now has his own tour company as well, Green Amazon Tours.
5. Tambopata National Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
This reserve in the southern Amazon is rich in flora and fauna and the most biodiverse area of the rainforest in the Peruvian Amazon. The reserve has world record diversities in bird, butterfly, dragonfly, beetle and fly taxa. It is such an adventure to access the reserve sailing down the river and then staying at one of the local lodges. An unforgettable experience you can´t miss!
Reviewed By bucklistrip
With two buffer zones. Tambopata National Reserve is the most protected of all the Amazon Jungle Reserves. Because of this, you'll see more animals at Tambopata than at other reserves. That's not to say it's not in jeopardy. Corrupt politicians, greedy people and companies still threaten the survival of the jungle. Trees have been felled to harvest the baby chicks of macaws for pet shop owners or to profit from the lumber. Locals feast on the monkey. Gold nuggets found in the waters in the jungle, perpetuate the legend the jungle sits on top of the Lost City of Gold, encouraging voilationsin search of riches. Oil and other natural resources incent the local politicians to turn a blind eye to speculator violations. Still, every year Tambopata has identified 4 or more new species in the jungle. We went during the rainy season. It was sunny and dry for 3 out of the 4 days, allowing us to see monkeys, otters, a variety of birds and butterflies, alligators, rodents, turtles and frogs, a variety of fish, all kinds of insects and snakes. The bigger animals shy away from humans and are almost impossible to see. The guides are very knowledgeable about not only the animals, but also the vegetation and flora. Their passion and commitment to the jungle is obvious. It's hot and humid in the jungle. The lodges don't have fans or air conditioning and the electrical power is only available for part of the day. Still, for many reasons, Tambopata is a great place to visit.
6. Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 189 reviews
This is the largest macaw clay lick on earth, hundreds of macaws and parrots gather together to eat clay every day, the 3 large species of psitacis present in Peru come to this place to eat clay, they love the sunny days but even in rainy days or cloudy, they will come, may not eat the clay but will always go to this place so is easy to watch. This clay lick warrants all the species of large macaws, there are other clay licks in the area, each one far away of each other. But, not all of them have the visit of the 3 large species of macaws and 11 more species of parrots. With not doubt this macaw clay lick is the best in the world to watch this unique natural show in the Amazon jungle.
Reviewed By jenniferbN962OP
This was amazing to see in real life! Chuncho Lodge are the best tour guides!!! They provided chairs and a lunch for us to enjoy while bird watching. Very easy to get to as well. Go see this!
7. Panthera Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Jungle Conservation Reserve in the Amazon Rainforest--Ecovolunteering and Guest House Opportunities available to Nature Lovers
8. Mariposario Tambopata
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 251 reviews
The Tambopata Butterfly Farm (Mariposario Tambopata) is the first and biggest butterfly exhibition in Peru. Located only 2 min from Puerto Maldonado International Airport. In the Tambopata Butterfly Farm you will stroll around hundreds of amazing amazonian butterflies. The Tambopata Butterfly Farm is a great place to wait for your flight.
Reviewed By Butterflier2006
By far the best "butterfly house"! ALL native butterflies, no imports. Owner, Augusto, was very knowledgeable. We are amateur lepidopterists, and as such are much more interested in local species, so this was a wonderful find. We spent about 3 hours there, which is more than the usual visitor would spend. Native plants and local butterflies make this a very unique butterfly house. For anyone who wants to see local species in their native habitat, without tromping through the jungle, this is definitely a must stop! It's only a few minutes from the airport, and has a very nice cafe, with a small gift shop offering locally made items.
9. Monkey Island
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 81 reviews
Reviewed By TedK443
This island is for rescued monkeys. We had a wonderful guide named Charlie from the Greenhouse Tambopata Hostel we stayed at he took us here and told us all about the different kinds of monkeys as well as how Monkey Island became a sanctuary for the rescued creatures.
10. Hoja Nueva
Hoja Nueva is a local research center, eco-lodge, & wildlife rescue center. We offer tourist experiences along the Las Piedras River for 3-6 nights that help power our conservation programs, focused on wildlife viewing & research, nature hikes, tours to local waterfalls & lookout points, & behind-the-scenes experiences with our staff as we rehabilitate rescued wildlife.
