Location: Puerto Maldonado
Top Things to do in Puerto Maldonado
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Things to do in Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios Region: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas
Puerto Maldonado (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈpweɾto maldoˈnaðo]) is a city in southeastern Peru in the Amazon rainforest 55 kilometres (34 mi) west of the Bolivian border; located at the confluence of the Tambopata and Madre de Dios rivers, the latter of which joins the Madeira River as a tributary of the Amazon. It is the capital of the Madre de Dios Region.
Restaurants in Puerto Maldonado
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. 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
3. 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
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Tambopata National Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By 190sidc
The trip to the reserve started very early at 5:30 am with a 45 minute boat ride from Puerto Maldonado riverside port under the main bridge where we met our very knowledgable English speaking guide. Not the most attractive location but once on the river the the views over the jungle soon took over and after an exciting ride avoiding floating debris and whirl pools we arrived at the reserve. The boardwalk through the jungle was just wide enough for people to pass and well above the ground so quite dry. After only a few 100 meters it felt that you were really in the Amazon - loads of birds song, animal calls and beautiful butterflies everywhere. The trees were enormous and dense foliage all around had stunning flowers. After only a 5 minute walk we saw spider monkeys, capuchins, parrots and parakeets. After about an hour we reached an area with lots of small wooden boats - the whole area was surrounded by monkeys leaping between trees. We then boarded a boat and our guide gently paddled out of the dock and through what appeared to be a very narrow river - it was amazing and then we suddenly popped out into a large lake surrounded by tall trees with high canopies. It was surprising how well hidden the lake was. We then drifted along the edges eating our packed breakfast whilst watching herons, snake birds, kingfishers, howler monkeys and then saw a group of very noisy river otters - it was truly fantastic. It was a very early start but well worth it. The trip was booked through our accommodation at Tambopata River and cost $100 including the taxi from the hotel.
