Things to Do in Madre de Dios: A Guide to Peru’s Biodiversity Capital
Peru enjoys an extension of the Amazon Region covering 11.2% of the 7 million 350 thousand kilometers through which the Amazon River flows, and owns the last great virgin forests in the planet, where 34 life zones have been identified, breaking the biodiversity record and and including rich expressions of living cultures. For this reason, our Amazon Region is an amazing and unforgettable place where very good lodging can be found as well as tourist services, together with the warm treatment offered by the Peruvian rainforest inhabitants.
Its capital city is Puerto Maldonado, considered “world capital of biodiversity”. This is the starting point to travel to National Parks the size of Manu, with an extension of almost two million hectares (half the surface of Switzerland) found between two hundred and four thousand meters high.
In this guide, I will share the absolute best tourism services and activities you can enjoy in this green paradise, ensuring you get the most out of your visit with BEST ANDES TRAVEL.
Top 5 Must-Do Activities in Madre de Dios
1. Explore Tambopata National Reserve
This is the region’s crown jewel. The Tambopata National Reserve, which is only a short boat ride from Puerto Maldonado, has some of the world’s most intense wildlife experiences. I suggest hiking to Sandoval Lake with a guide. Families of enormous river otters and Hoatzins, which resemble dinosaurs, can be seen in this oxbow lake. You won’t soon forget the sensation of paddling a wooden canoe while watching the sunset.
2. Witness the Macaw Clay Licks (Colpas)
One of the most spectacular sights in the Amazon is seeing hundreds of macaws and parrots gather at a clay lick. Sites like Colpa Chuncho or Colpa Colorado are world-famous. The birds gather here at dawn to eat the mineral-rich clay, creating a literal explosion of color and sound. It is a photographer’s dream and a testament to the region’s vibrant life.
3. Discover the Wild Manu National Park
If you have more time, Manu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers an even deeper immersion. While some areas are restricted for research, the “Cultural Zone” and “Reserved Zone” allow you to witness the Amazon in its most pristine state. It is one of the few places on Earth where you can see the Andean Cock-of-the-rock (Peru’s national bird) and the elusive jaguar in the same trip.
4. Walk Above the Trees: Canopy Walkways
To truly understand the jungle, you have to see it from above. Many of the lodges we work with offer canopy walkways or observation towers that reach over 30 meters high. Being at the same level as the monkeys and toucans gives you a completely different perspective of the forest floor.
5. Visit the Isla de los Monos (Monkey Island)
Located in the middle of the Madre de Dios River, this island is a haven for various species of rescued monkeys. It’s a great spot for families to see capuchins and squirrel monkeys interacting in their natural habitat.
Another valuable attraction are the 30 peasant communities that keep Quechua as their native language and various Amazon native inhabitants that live in this area since immemorial times such as the Matsiguenka and Amahuaca. Some of them can be visited to get to know their traditions, crafts and life styles.
Why Choose BEST ANDES TRAVEL for Your Jungle Adventure?
At BEST ANDES TRAVEL, we don’t just sell tours; we offer tourism services designed by people who love the Amazon. We focus on:
- Competitive Pricing: We offer high-quality experiences that respect your budget without sacrificing safety or comfort.
- Expert Local Guides: Our guides are experts in spotting “hidden” wildlife that an untrained eye would miss.
- Sustainability: We work with eco-lodges that prioritize the conservation of this fragile ecosystem and support local indigenous communities.
Plan Your Trip
The best time to visit is during the dry season (May to October), but the “green season” (November to April) offers its own magic with lush landscapes and more active birdlife.
If you want to experience visiting a country that has it all, check out my section on the best tours in Madre de Dios.
