Hello bloggers! Today we’re talking about the Peruvian Amazon — Puerto Maldonado — a destination you absolutely can’t miss when visiting Peru.
The Peruvian jungle has countless places to explore, and the city of Puerto Maldonado offers many incredible attractions.
1 – Plaza de Armas:
Just a few blocks from the main square, the Plaza de Armas, you’ll find the Obelisk of Biodiversity, a renowned eight-story observation tower offering magnificent views of the city, the jungle, and surrounding rivers. The sculptures outside the tower tell a charming story about the rainforest.
2 – Sandoval Lake:
Considered the most beautiful lake in the Peruvian Amazon, Sandoval Lake is located within the Tambopata National Reserve in Puerto Maldonado. Here, you can observe various species in their natural habitat, including giant otters, capybaras, caimans, monkeys, turtles, and countless bird species.
During a Sandoval Lake tour, you’ll glide through serene waters on a boat ride. If you’re an animal lover, this excursion is unbeatable, offering up-close encounters with exotic creatures such as birds, monkeys, and sloths. Be sure to catch a family of giant otters early in the morning.
You’ll also see the world’s second-largest freshwater fish, the paiche, as well as shanshos (tropical catfish), herons, cormorants, and caimans during night excursions. Around Sandoval Lake, you might even spot a nest of scarlet macaws.
The vastness and beauty of the lake are breathtaking—so awe-inspiring that they silence conversation. It’s the perfect place for introspection and reflection.
3 – Billinghurst Bridge:
Also known as the Continental Bridge, the Billinghurst Bridge is a steel suspension bridge located in Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, spanning the Madre de Dios River. Inaugurated on July 15, 2011, it forms part of the Southern Interoceanic Highway, connecting Peru with Brazil and Bolivia. At approximately 722 meters long, it’s the second-largest bridge in the country and a crucial piece of infrastructure for land transportation in the Amazon, replacing the need for river ferries.
Beyond its economic and transportation importance, the bridge has become a popular tourist attraction. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the jungle and spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Its impressive design and strategic role have made it a symbol of regional integration and development for Puerto Maldonado.
4 – Clay Licks (La Cachuela and Chuncho):
These are massive clay cliffs where parrots and macaws gather to feed. You’ll need to wake up early, but it’s well worth it to witness the live spectacle of vibrant colors and sounds.
The Red-billed Blue-and-yellow Macaw Clay Lick, located within the Tambopata National Reserve, is recognized as the largest clay lick in the Peruvian Amazon and one of the best birdwatching spots in the world. Occasionally, you may spot tapirs, capybaras, or squirrels in the treetops, and various monkey species such as red howler monkeys, spider monkeys, squirrel monkeys, and even the rare maquisapa.
As part of the tour, you’ll have the chance to observe and photograph birds and other wildlife. You’ll also learn a more scientific explanation of the clay-eating process, traditionally known as the “colpeo” ceremony.
5 – Tambopata National Reserve:
Puerto Maldonado is home to several fantastic protected areas, the most important being the Tambopata National Reserve. It’s the closest reserve to the city, and its vast forest represents one of the largest expanses of protected tropical rainforest in the world. It safeguards an incredible diversity of Amazonian animals and plants, as well as the largest macaw clay licks and the most stunning lakes in southern Peru.
6 – Yacumama Lake:
My absolute favorite place. Without a doubt, you can fish for piranhas, spot caimans, and enjoy one of the most breathtaking sunsets I’ve ever seen in the jungle. A magical and unforgettable oasis surrounded by aguaje palm trees.
One tip:
This region offers many unique ingredients and fruits found nowhere else, giving you even more reasons to come and explore Puerto Maldonado.
Contact Us:
For more information, please contact us DREAMY TOURS, we will be happy to answer all your questions about Peru, Bolivia and Chile.
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