This region, located in the southeast of Peru, keeps nature in its purest state. Trees that hug each other, while herds of monkeys run quickly through them. And while you appreciate this unique spectacle, you listen in the background to the melodious song of the macaws that nest in this area. Your first stop will most likely be in the city of Puerto Maldonado, the capital of Madre de Dios. Here, you will find an extensive hotel offer so that you can choose the ideal place according to your needs. although it is preferable to have a lodging already reserved before arriving at this destination. Once installed, Puerto Maldonado offers you the opportunity to get to know the most beautiful places in the Peruvian jungle.
All of the above may have shocked you. But, honestly, you still haven't seen the
best of Madre de Dios, three huge sanctuaries await you, full of magic and
nature. The third largest region of Peru, keeps in its territory the
Manu
National Park, recognized as a core zone of the Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO
(1977) and declared a Natural Heritage of Humanity (1987).
This natural space is not only a sight to behold. It is also considered a focus
of concentration of flora and fauna species, many of them unique. For example,
in its territory lives the national bird of Peru, the famous cock of the rocks.
Even in its space there are still populations grouped into 30 different peasant
communities, who still practice ancient techniques.
Likewise, the Tambopata National Reserve and the Bahuaja Sonene National Park
are at your disposal. The first of those mentioned is described as a
paradisiacal place, where nature merges with you after each step you take. This
protected nature reserve is considered globally as one of the most biologically
diverse. At the same time, it is not only a necessary trip for biology lovers,
it is also for adventurers: travel to the Sandoval and Sachavacayoc lakes, where
you can take a boat ride and witness the macaw, chuncho and colorado clay licks,
in their purest state.
The not so explored Bahuaja Sonene National Park is home to a great
biodiversity: you will find hundreds of mammals, reptiles and fish, almost a
thousand species of birds and more than 20 thousand species of plants. It is
home to incredible species such as the marsh deer, maned wolf, black lizard and
giant anteater.
If you want to connect with nature, Madre de Dios is the right place to become
one with the environment.
The department of Madre de Dios was created on December 26, 1912 from the
territories of Cusco and Puno. It receives its name from the Madre de Dios
River, from whose basin most of the rivers in the region are tributaries. The
petroglyphs on the Shinkebeni River (Pusharo Petroglyphs), indicate a very
ancient presence of human beings.
It is believed that the Arawaks (or their predecessors) arrived in migrations,
and from them many ethnic groups were derived. Some tribes, such as the
Machiguenga, survive to this day. What is now known as Madre de Dios was part of
the ancient Inca Empire, in the region known as Antisuyo. Historians agree that
the conquest of this region was difficult for the Incas, as they had to face
brave tribes that knew the area. In the area of the Nistron river basin there
are also the ruins of Mameria, an Inca settlement, which was discovered in
1979.
During the colony, Spanish expeditions entered with tragic results for the
Europeans. Finally, in 1861, Colonel Faustino Maldonado explored the entire
territory and in 1890; Carlos Fermín Fitzcarrald discovered an isthmus that
joined the basins of the Ucayali and Madre de Dios rivers.
During the following decades numerous adventurers and merchants exploited the
forests, eager for rubber and gold. From 1915, due to the persistence of the
Dominican missionaries, the local tribes began to accept civilization. This has
not always been good for them, as tribes like the Harakmbet have abandoned many
of their traditional instruments, relying heavily on the city dwellers. However,
even today there are groups in total physical and cultural isolation.
During this century, there has been strong pressure on ecosystems due to the
exploitation of natural resources. Especially by gold mining (mostly illegal).
The Peruvian Amazon is never shown as openly as in the Manu National Park, which
is considered a World Heritage Site.
In Manu it is common to find nature in its purest form, an average of 221
species of mammals, thousands of birds and a great diversity regarding the
climate from the low tropical jungle to the frigid punas of more than 4000
meters above sea level. In the Manu live native populations that preserve their
traditions, some are completely isolated from civilization on a voluntary basis.
The manu is located to the east of the eastern mountain range of the Andes and
includes part of the departments of Cusco and Madre de Dios. It can be reached
by air or by land. The most advisable thing is to take the organized and
authorized services of an organized travel agency such as Pacha Mama Spirit.
Macaws of the Manu National ParkManu is the only place in the world where three different ecosystems are under protection, differentiated by:
In the highest areas the temperature ranges between 3ºC and 6ºC, while in the lowest part the annual average reaches approximately 24ºC.
The Manú National Reserve has always enjoyed protection thanks to how difficult it is to reach it, in addition to the presence of different indigenous tribes. Currently four different ethnic groups live in the Manú, two of them still remain isolated from any contact with civilization. It has an area of 1,716,295.22 hectares. With an extension equivalent to half of Switzerland, the Manú is probably the richest protected area in terms of species on the entire planet.
The great variation of altitudinal floors allows the existence of a great variety of species and forms of plants, with an estimated 2,000 to 5,000 species of flowering plants. As a reference, 179 species of orchids have been registered in the cloud forest.
The great diversity of ecosystems has allowed the development of one of the
largest samples of fauna diversity in the world. The Manú National Park is home
to a wide variety of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, as well as
invertebrates. In mammals, 200 species have been identified (around 40% of
mammals in all of Peru). Birds constitute an extremely important population and
of an admirable variety that exceeds 1000 species.
When visiting some areas suitable for tourists, you can discover a large number
of reptiles, such as six-meter-long alligators, or land and marine mammals, even
fish and amphibians.
Among the mammals that inhabit the Manu, the marmoset monkey stands out,
considered the smallest in the world. These primates are usually very friendly
with visitors and even get up to mischief. Another of the most loved and sought
after species by tourists is the giant otter or river otter. This fun and
playful mammal is unfortunately in danger of extinction. Previously, the wolf
was found in practically all the rivers of the Amazon basin. Now, most of those
who remain alive are inside the Manu.
The Manu not only stands out for its natural charm, but also for its valuable archaeological remains. Relics and vestiges have been found in it, some still under study, which demonstrate the human presence in this territory since ancient times. The best known are the petroglyphs of Patiacolla, considered the largest in Peru. Another important archaeological site in this area is the ruins of Mameria.
Recognized as the protected area with the greatest biological diversity in the world by UNESCO, the Manu National Park is home to more than a thousand species of birds and nearly two hundred mammals. Much of this abundant fauna is due to its privileged location: it covers practically all altitude levels, from the Puna of Cusco to the Amazonian plain.
The more than a thousand species of birds recorded in Manu represent 25% of the
total that inhabit South America and about 10% of all species in the world,
according to the United Nations Protected Areas Program. For this reason, the
park is one of the most recommended places for bird watching fans.
Because of their showiness, parrots and macaws are the most precious species and
also the most threatened. The large red macaw is one of the most beautiful birds
that can be found in this place: it has a large head of orange feathers combined
with the blue and green of its wings and tail. Among the parrots, the
blue-headed one stands out, only thirty centimeters long.
The basins of the Alto Madre de Dios and Manú rivers are traditional settlement
areas for various indigenous groups, most of whom remain voluntarily isolated,
and who belong to different linguistic families. The best known are the
Machiguenga, Piro, Yora and Yaminahua. The relationship that these settlers
maintain with modernity is very limited, some of them have even never had
contact with the outside world. The vast majority of them are organized in
native communities; others live in voluntary isolation, apparently rejecting all
contact with modern society.
The economic activity of these communities is limited to hunting, fishing,
gathering and an incipient agriculture. In this way, they maintain their
ancestral traditions and wildlife style since they are the only people
authorized to exploit the natural resources provided by the park. Currently,
there are about 50 thousand inhabitants distributed in approximately thirty
communities.
Amazonian Center for Anthropology and Practical Application
Located between the provinces of Paucartambo and La Convencion in the department
of Cusco, this park contains a total of 1,884,200 hectares of pure nature and a
pleasant environment, in the same place live an endless number of colorful birds
of variable species, the site lends itself to to be able to take photos and
record videos of all kinds because of the beauty it has.
It is the second national part of the country with the largest number of bird
species, more than 860 in total which are protected and sheltered. Tourists can
camp in the park, campfires and garbage remains are prohibited in the area. It
is essential that people wear comfortable clothing, insect proof clothing and
enough drinking water for the journey.
The entrance to the park is totally free, it is not necessary to cancel or pay
to enjoy a pleasant and unique atmosphere in the province. There are excursions
with trained guides who know the most beautiful places in the park itself and
the surprises it has for its visitors.
It comprises a total of 102,109 hectares of pure beauty and large natural
territories, where there are many species of fauna and flora, it is considered a
sacred sanctuary for the animals that live there and its importance for the
country. Among them the swamp deer, inhabited only in this unique sanctuary in
all of Peru.
Apart from the deer, you can enjoy the large number of birds that live there,
among them the famous colorful macaws, according to the story, when people are
touched by the macaws, the blessed souls of the sanctuary offer them the
blessing and protection through the bird, which for them is emblematic.
The national sanctuary of the Pampas del Hearth is available at all times of the
year for those who wish to visit it. As advice for tourists, comfortable
clothing, light footwear, enough drinking water, insect repellent and a good
camera to capture the beauty are undesirable. unique to the place. Totally free,
it does not require an entrance fee to enjoy said sanctuary.
As its name indicates, it is a reserved area where its only arrival is through
waterways, or through the Maldonado race. It has a total of 1,400,000 hectares
of great impact and beauty, awaiting the arrival of tourists to leave them
shocked with all the surprises that the reserved area has.
It is considered a paradise for butterflies, since it has a total of 1,300
species of butterflies throughout its territory. It is the area in all of Peru
with the most diversity of animals in their natural habitat, jaguars,
alligators, river otters, capybara otters, among others, each and every one of
these are protected by the nation. The reserved area of Tambopata Candamo is
available throughout the year, there are private organizations that allow, with
the permission of the nation, private entrance to the area and tourism without
any problem, it is essential to wear appropriate clothing and footwear, it is
prohibited to make fires and dispose of rubbish on site.
Tambopata Candamo Reserved Zone
For water lovers, Madre de Dios has an impetuous and magical surprise such as
the Baltimore waterfall, it is located about 85 kilometers from Puerto
Maldonado, to access and see the waterfall it is necessary to travel by boat for
an approximate time. 4 to 5 hours against the current of the Tambopata
River.
But, the waiting time will be worth it, upon arrival you will enjoy an imposing
waterfall contemplating the beauty of the waterfall, giving a view similar to
the waterfall from the sky, you will feel the freshness of the water and the
pleasant atmosphere that provides.
In times of rain, the flow increases, increasing the flow of water from the
fall, making the landscape even more beautiful. Tourists are advised to carry
waterproof cameras so that they can capture unique images and perpetuate the
visit to the waterfall, as also to the landscape on the way through the same
river.
The community of Palma Real is a unique and exemplary site in the area, located
on the edge of the Madre de Dios River, approximately 45 kilometers from Puerto
Maldonado, the site can be reached. What is exemplary in this area is the way in
which the fully habitable houses are built. Elevated above the river with wooden
uprights that provide unparalleled stability.
The community of Palma Real is a place that, despite its location, has a good
economy thanks to the trade that is handled there, tourists have the possibility
of buying handicrafts and enjoying typical local dishes. In turn, you can find
clothing, items from the area and other products that can be purchased as a
souvenir of the trip.
The handicrafts of the place lend the identity of the area as well as its value,
you can see the elaboration of bows, arrows, seed necklaces and all kinds of
fabric based on fibers of vegetable origin, without a doubt, the Community of
Palma Real it is magical, autonomous, beautiful and worth visiting to learn
about its customs, values, economy and lifestyle.
The community of Miraflores is located about 50 kilometers from Puerto
Maldonado, the first 30 kilometers must be traveled by boat on the Hearth River,
as the kilometers go by you can notice how the landscape changes in a unique
way, the contrast of the nature with the river and the sky is very magical.
This community has one of the most important characteristics of all, being the
only one that, despite time, preserves its culture so intact that it is
surprising how they live in a calm way. The locals are always looking for people
and tourists who do not belong to them to feel comfortable and get to enjoy an
environment that is totally new to them.
To get to the community it is only necessary a total of or less than two hours,
therefore it is essential and as I advise for travelers, that they wear a
protector for insects, clothing and footwear suitable for the trip as well as
drinking water, it is considered a lack of respect for the community and the
place, throwing garbage in green areas, therefore it is a very important aspect
to take care of.
Peru will always protect its communities and everything that preserves the
identity and cultures of the ancestors. Knowing a little about this small but
valuable population is to see the way in which the native Peruvians made life
with total tranquility, providing themselves with nature and everything that
surrounds them. This community is one of the most sacred to the nation.
Sandoval Lake is a place that has been formed thanks to a strangulation of one
of the drainages or meanders of the Madre de Dios River. To get to the final
site you have to go by boat about 25 kilometers in the same direction as the
river, after some time you have to walk along a trail through the woods. It is
important that the tourist or visitor has protection against insects because it
is a very leafy section.
What makes the journey to visit Lake Sandoval beautiful is the passage and its
extensive number of orchids, each and every one of them untouchable, as they are
considered sacred to the place. According to the story, the gods decided to
bless the place by giving them something of great beauty and grandeur, so they
thought of decorating the short trees with a precious and unique flower, giving
birth to the orchid. It is totally forbidden to tear them from their
seats.
Once in the lake, fishing is allowed as a sport in its waters, the fish found
can be taken without any problem, and even be able to cook them with a simple
fire on the shores of the lake itself, being important that at the end of
everything, the fire is extinguished to avoid problems with the authorities.
Tourists can also camp during the day and enjoy the majestic sunset that the
lake will offer them during sunset.
This area is the capital of the Jurisdiction in Tambopata and the well-known
region of Madre de Dios. It is an extremely attractive and highly regarded
locality in the Peruvian forest. In the same way, it has its port as a fluvial
axis for diverse boats in the tropical area.
The site is examined as a hub for biodiversity, where the high climate stands
out. In addition, it has a large number of spaces of great interest to explore,
from the Youth Park out of respect for César Vallejo, the Serpentarium,
exhibitions in the Butterfly Park, and others.
The National Reserve is located three hours from the beautiful Madre de Dios
River, or forty-six kilometers from Puerto Maldonado. This was accredited as a
favorite natural area thanks to its natural beauty, the exuberant flora and
fauna, the great wildlife and the territorial area that it comprises.
In the Reserve there are about 530 diversities in birds, 205 prototypes of fish,
1082 genera of butterflies, and many more species. The mammals that stand out
here are the giant otter and the macaw. Apart from some native
communities.
It is certain that you will not want to leave all these places in Madre de Dios
for a moment while you explore them.
