Name: Puerto Maldonado

Status: city

Region: Madre de Dios

Province: Tambopata

Area: 85,183 km²

Population: 92,024 inhabitants

Puerto Maldonado sits deep within the tropical rainforest. It's the departure point for travelers eager to explore the Amazon jungle. The city opens onto three of Peru's major national parks: Manu, Tambopata, and Bahuaja-Sonene.

History

Juan Alvarez Maldonado reached the Rio Madre de Dios in 1567. Later, in 1861, Colonel Faustino Maldonado discovered Brazil. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, explorers ventured into the region to harvest rubber. Carlos Fermin Fitzcarrald discovered the isthmus in 1893 and gave it his name. In 1901, the Peruvian government established an exploration committee for the jungle under Juan Villalta's direction. The city of Puerto Maldonado was founded the following year. In 1912, the State created the administrative region of Madre de Dios, which then covered an area of 85,300 km², encompassing the Amazon forest around the Madre de Dios, Las Piedras, Manu, Tambopata, and Heath rivers. Puerto Maldonado became the region's capital.

Description of Puerto Maldonado

Geography

Puerto Maldonado lies 55 km west of the Peru-Bolivia border, between the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. It sits at the confluence of the Madre de Dios and Tambopata rivers. The city makes for an excellent starting point for a jungle expedition.

Climate

Puerto Maldonado enjoys a tropical climate, with high rainfall (3,500 mm annually). The period from June to September marks the dry season, though humidity remains notably high. Average temperatures reach 28 °C in summer and 15 °C in winter.

What to See in Puerto Maldonado?

The Plaza de Armas

Make the most of your stay in Puerto Maldonado by visiting the Plaza de Armas. Stroll in the shade of mango trees, Brazil nut trees, and palms. This square is distinguished by its large clock, a gift from the Japanese government. Don't miss a walk along the main street, Leon Velarde, either.

Visit Casa de las Mariposas

Also known as the Butterfly House, this garden is located near the airport. It allows you to observe numerous butterfly species in their natural habitat. It's also an information center on the Tambopata National Reserve.

The Mirador

This striking building with an unusual shape is nicknamed the Monument to Biodiversity. At its base, notice the sculptured motifs illustrating the city's main economic activities: mineral extraction and timber exploitation. Offering different vantage points over the city, the building has 15 floors and stands 47 meters tall. Along its stairways, admire the photographs depicting the surrounding nature and the region's history.

The Market

The market runs along Leon Velarde Street. Here you'll find numerous fresh products from the regional area. Taste "Suri," a large grub that's a hallmark of Amazon cuisine. These larvae live in certain types of palm trees, particularly the aguaje and ungurahui.

Valencia and Sandoval Lakes

Treat yourself to an excursion on these lakes to enjoy landscapes dominated by mangroves. Meet the indigenous communities living in the Amazon rainforest: Huarayos, Mashcos, Piros, Amahuacas, Yamanahuas, and many others.

Visit Tambopata National Reserve

A wealth of activities awaits you in the Tambopata National Reserve. Participate in birdwatching sessions for exotic birds, alligators, monkeys, and more. The site is ideal for boat excursions, fishing, swimming, camping, and more. Discover a remarkable variety of flora. Visit the Iquitos, an indigenous community of the region.

How to Get There?

To reach Puerto Maldonado, take the Interoceanic Highway from Brazil during the dry season, that is, between April and November. The 500 km journey takes 15 hours.

For air travel, book your flights with Peruvian carriers LAN Peru or Star Peru. Direct flights connect Lima to Puerto Maldonado (1.5 hours) and Cusco to Puerto Maldonado (30 minutes). Puerto Maldonado's airport is just 7 km from the city center.

How to Get Around?

As in most large cities in Peru, you can travel by taxi in Puerto Maldonado. The city is also easily explored on foot, by bike, or mototaxi. Buses and shared minibuses (combis) are available in most neighborhoods at affordable rates.