The Amazon: A Nature Lovers Paradise
Many people do not realise you can visit the Amazon Rainforest in Peru, in fact the Amazon takes up 60% of the countries landscape. With its diverse wildlife and stunning scenery, it really feels like you are living in a David Attenborough documentary.
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There are three main places in Peru where you can visit the Amazon: Iquitos, Manu or Tambopata. Having only visited the Tambopata Nature Reserve from Puerto Maldonado, that is where this post is going to focus on.
What to do and see in the Tambopata Nature Reserve
Visit the Macaw Clay Lick
A bird watchers dream, Puerto Maldonado is home to the largest clay lick in the world.
This is the perfect spot to see an array of colourful birds, where macaws and parrots come together to eat the clay every morning. Great if visiting The Amazon with kids!
Go on a Night Walk
Waiting till dark gives you the perfect opportunity to see a range of nocturnal creatures and critter. From snakes to tarantulas, it really is a spooky experience.
Take a Sunset River Cruise
The perfect way to admire the sunset and go looking for animals is by taking a sunset cruise. As darkness arrives the stars come out. With barely any light pollution, we were even able to see the milky way!
Visit one of the reserves many lakes
I visited Condenado and Sachavacayoc Lake during my visit. With no other people around in what appear to be a completely untouched lakes, paddling along while surrounded with animals and jungle noises was magical.
We were lucky enough to see a variety of birds, black caymans and even a 6m long anaconda (as someone who hates snakes I still haven’t got over this).
Go on a Jungle Walk
It doesn’t get much cooler than being surrounded by monkeys in the wild. Going out in the day also allows you to see the diversity of plants that make up the rainforest. Seeing bananas and cacao (used to make chocolate) growing in the wild is a unique experience.
Where to stay in Puerto Maldonado
If you want to have the opportunity to do all the activities and see as many animals as possible I recommend staying in a lodge deep in the jungle. I went with Jungle Pro, and suggest you do too! Located a two hour boat journey away from the town of Puerto Maldonado, this lodge has it all. I had one of the best experiences of my life spending three nights here.
If you want to relax and with a wonderful view of the river I would recommend staying at Hotel Enai. Despite being located just outside the city centre, there isn’t much around, making it feel like you’re deep in the Rainforest.
How to get to Puerto Maldonado
By Plane
With the airport less than 15 minutes away from the city centre, flying is the easiest and quickest way to get from Lima or Cusco to Puerto Maldonado. If booked in advance you should be able to find flights for under £50.
Top tip: while there are daily departures from Lima, there are limited flights to Cusco each week so make sure you plan ahead accordingly.
By Bus
Another popular option to get to Puerto Maldonado from Cusco is to take the bus. The bus takes around 10 hours, with many people opting to take an over night bus (saving you a nights accommodation!).
Where next?
