Puerto Maldonado is a city in the Madre de Dios region of eastern Peru, set in the South American Amazon. It serves as the main gateway for visitors heading into the rainforest, and it is widely known as the Capital of Biodiversity, a name that reflects the richness of the surrounding forest.
Why visit
The city is best understood as a base. From here, travellers set out to explore two protected areas: Tambopata National Reserve and Manu National Park. Both are reached by river and forest trails, and visits to them tend to be the centre of any trip to the area. Puerto Maldonado itself gives you a comfortable place to prepare, rest and arrange your excursions.
What to expect
- A relaxed town that works as a starting point for Amazon rainforest trips
- Easy access to Tambopata National Reserve and Manu National Park
- A setting where the forest feels close, with wildlife and river life all around
Because the city is the gateway rather than the destination in itself, most visitors plan their time around the reserves. Allow for the travel involved in reaching the forest, and think about how many days you want to spend immersed in the rainforest before you arrive.
If you are drawn to the Amazon and want a place that puts you close to its biodiversity, Puerto Maldonado is a practical and fitting place to begin.
