Puerto Maldonado Tour by Sparrow Explorer in the Amazon

1. Introduction to Amazon

The importance of the Amazon Jungle region and the city of Puerto Maldonado is detailed from the viewpoint of foreign university students undertaking a study of the area. The Amazon rainforest, covering over 60% of the country, is the world’s largest and most species-rich tropical rainforest, and the Amazon River is the world’s largest river by volume. It is home to one third of the world’s bird species and also harbors 10% of the world’s known species, which is obviously significant from a conservation and scientific perspective.

However, ongoing deforestation, environmental degradation, and indigenous population displacement are issues threatening the future of the area. Puerto Maldonado is a rapidly growing frontier city in Peru and the capital of the Madre de Dios region. Set amid the lush backdrop of the rainforest where the Madre de Dios River joins the Tambopata, it is a thriving, noisy, hot, and humid jungle boomtown and serves as an important gateway for travelers and researchers visiting the region’s nationally protected areas and uninhabited tropical wilderness. This topic is especially significant for the current authors, studying in Australia, since the past two summers have seen the newest official Amazon program launched by their home university.

The USyd-IIF (Intensive-Field-Based Program in Terrestrial Tropical Rainforest Ecology in Peru) will conduct field studies in Madre de Dios, in a collaborative project with local research stations, biologists, and conservationists. This joint endeavor illustrates the mutual interest and importance of tropical ecology research and conservation in the area and provides an ideal example of the type of projects the Peruvian government and non-government organizations encourage in the region. All of these factors make Puerto Maldonado a location of educational interest in the field of tropical ecology, and learning more about it will help the authors to contextualize their human ecology topic through one of the most rapidly changing modern cultures in the traditional rainforest setting.

1.1. Overview of Puerto Maldonado

Port Maldonado is a small town (about 25,000 people) which is the capital of the Madre de Dios department of Peru. It is very near the Bolivian and Brazilian borders and is essentially Peru’s principal entry point to the Southern Amazon – which means if you want to visit the Amazon Rainforest, odds are you’ll end up here. While the town itself has no real tourist attractions, it is a common stopover point for tourists visiting the jungle, and a small market exists due to tourism. If you need to stock up on supplies there will also be time for this in Puerto Maldonado, and it is also possible to exchange money here.

The town itself is much cheaper than Lima, so if you have large amounts of cash you would do well to wait until you reach Maldonado to change your money. As a side note, there is also a wine store in Maldonado selling wines from all over the world at non-tourist prices.

This may sound out of place in the middle of the jungle, but a bottle of nice wine can make a good change from the cheap jungle beer! Due to the shortness of the boat trip necessary to reach so many varied ecosystems around Puerto Maldonado, there are many different tours on offer to the visitor – from cheap and cheerful 2 night jaunts to expensive 10 day trips. With their extensive knowledge of the area, Sparrow Explorer will select a tour to best suit your interests and to visit an area with the richest possible fauna and flora in the time that you have available.

1.2. Importance of the Amazon

The Amazon rainforest has been referred to as the “lungs of our planet” due to its crucial role in systematically converting carbon dioxide into oxygen. A noteworthy statistic is that over one-fifth of the Earth’s oxygen originates from the Amazon rainforest alone. Furthermore, more than half of the estimated 10 million species of flora, fauna, and insects can be found in these tropical rainforests. Additionally, the Amazon Basin accounts for twenty percent of the world’s fresh water supply. The impressive scale of this rainforest makes it the largest remaining natural resource on our planet and an indispensable part of our global heritage.

One cannot disregard the fact that it is also a treasure trove of ecological wonders that potentially hold remedies to various debilitating and perilous illnesses. Clearly, the Amazon’s significance to our planet cannot be understated. Regrettably, conveying the detrimental impact of deforestation in the rainforest on the daily lives of the locals in Puerto Maldonado, many of whom have migrated from the Sierra region, is a difficult task. The primary concern for these individuals revolves around providing sustenance for their families. As a result, those employed in the rubber and gold industries often fail to recognize the harmful consequences of their jobs until they experience it firsthand.

For instance, the toxic mercury used in gold mining has been known to contaminate rivers and fish, which are a vital component of the typical villager’s diet. Moreover, logging can have even more insidious effects, leading to widespread flooding in certain areas and the depletion of crucial water sources in others. This process occurs in a remote manner, often taking several years before the damage becomes noticeable.

Other farmers are enticed by the financial gain associated with cattle ranching or simply believe they have no other viable options when their soil becomes depleted, compelling them to venture further into the rainforest. These individuals typically employ slash and burn methods, where the forest is destroyed to obtain land cheaply and rapidly. However, the consequences are devastating, rendering the land unusable in a short period of time.

2. Sparrow Explorer Travel – Tour to Tambopata Rainforest

This company offers fixed tours of 3 to 7 days around the river Tambopata. Each day explores different habitats on varying types of treks. This provides you with a chance to see a wide variety of animals. They have multilingual tourist guides that have much experience in jungle tours and first aid. Puerto Maldonado and your desired tour serves as the meeting point, trips from this point onwards are all inclusive. You are taken to the company’s lodge via car and then by boat. This boat trip, depending on your tour, can range from 2 hours to 3 hours, to Deep Amazon Tambopata reserved zone.

This could also be considered a marvelous opportunity to see wild animals. On arrival to the lodge, you are given a fresh exotic fruit juice and provided with rubber boots if necessary to explore the jungle. It is at this point where you will have to say goodbye to soda and beer as it is not included in the package. An example of a tour is the Chuncho macaw clay lick and Sandoval lake 4-day tour. On arrival to the lodge on the first day, breakfast is provided and you are able to familiarize yourself with your surroundings. A three-hour jungle walk by a guide exposes you to some of the beauty.

This is followed by a motorboat trip where you can fish for piranha, viewing is really of the river wildlife. Day two involves a walk to a Chuncho macaw clay lick and a visit to a local brazil nut harvester. Day three is a trek to Sandoval lake, an oxbow lake. The final day involves an early walk to try to see the crested hoatzin and various monkeys by the lake, and then after breakfast, it’s a sad departure back to Puerto Maldonado.

2.1. Tour Itinerary on the Peruvian Amazon

On arrival in Puerto Maldonado, you will be warmly greeted by our knowledgeable guide and travel comfortably by bus to our office to prepare for the exciting journey ahead. At our office, you will have the convenience of securely storing any belongings that you deem unnecessary for the upcoming adventure in our reliable safe deposit facility. With all the logistics taken care of, the anticipation builds as you embark on your highly anticipated tour. The expedition truly begins as we board our sturdy 4×4 vehicle and venture into the wilderness, immersing ourselves in the wonders of the jungle.

The breathtaking ride lasts for a memorable 2 hours, traversing through untamed terrain and revealing the hidden treasures of this captivating environment. As the wheels churn the earth beneath, you will find yourself surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty. But the adventure doesn’t end there. The next leg of our journey takes us on a mesmerizing boat ride, where we sail for an additional 1 ½ hours, delving even deeper into the heart of the jungle. The tranquil river becomes our passage to discovery, presenting a remarkable tapestry of scenic wonders that will leave you in awe.

While gliding along the water’s surface, you can feast your eyes upon the breathtaking landscape that envelops the river, catching glimpses of elusive wildlife that may grace the riverbanks. Keep your gaze sharp and your camera ready, for you might catch a rare sighting of the magnificent Ronsoco, playful Capybaras, elusive Tapir, and an array of captivating bird species that call this vibrant ecosystem their home. Finally, after this exhilarating journey, we arrive at our exclusive private reserve, a sanctuary nestled within the lush depths of the jungle.

Instantly, a sense of tranquility washes over you as you step foot onto this pristine paradise. With the tantalizing prospect of swimming in your future, you can’t help but feel a surge of excitement. Take a refreshing dip in the inviting waters, allowing the cool embrace to refresh both body and mind, rejuvenating you for what lies ahead. With a brief moment of rest to recharge, we embark on a captivating walk near the lodge led by our expert guide. During this immersive experience, you will have the remarkable opportunity to witness and learn about the awe-inspiring primary rainforest trees that dominate the landscape.

Marvel at their grandeur and ponder the intricate interconnectedness of this mesmerizing ecosystem. As we traverse the trails, you may also be fortunate enough to encounter some of the enchanting resident mammals that roam these grounds and delight in the symphony of melodies sung by the countless bird species that grace the skies above. As twilight descends upon the jungle, we venture out once more on an exhilarating nocturnal expedition in search of the elusive caiman, a member of the Alligator family. Guided by our experienced team, we navigate the riverbanks under the cover of darkness, using our keen senses to spot these majestic creatures as they emerge from their hiding spots.

The thrill of the hunt fills the air, and the adrenaline courses through your veins as you witness this captivating wildlife spectacle. As the night settles in, we retreat to our cozy lodge, where the welcoming atmosphere invites you to unwind and revel in the tranquility of your surroundings. This is the perfect moment to reflect on the adventures of the day, relishing in the memories forged and the stories waiting to be shared. Indulge in the company of fellow explorers as you enjoy some well-deserved downtime, savoring the taste of ice-cold beers or perhaps sampling the traditional coca beverage, immersing yourself in the local culture.

With our first night at the lodge drawing to a close, the anticipation of what tomorrow holds fuels your excitement. As you prepare to rest, your mind teems with anticipation for the exhilarating adventures that await you on the next leg of this unforgettable journey into the heart of the jungle.

2.2. Accommodation and Facilities

Finally, visitors leave the lodge from Puerto Carlos at the Tambopata River, which is primarily used as an exit point for tourists. The most impressive part of the lodge is a large, wooden house where visitors can stay. It has a bar with a pool table and a balcony that looks over the river.

On the final night, deep within the rainforest and near the macaw clay lick at Boca Colorado, is our cabana. This is an open plan but cozy style of accommodation with a central room with mattresses and mosquito nets. There is an outside cooking area and a long drop toilet.

We offer Homestay for the second night. Here, you will stay in Los Amigos Conservation concession with local people. The accommodation is basic, but it’s a great cultural experience, and the money goes directly to the family hosting you. This would be the perfect time to give any second-hand clothing or tools to the local people.

You will stay in one of our three specially selected lodges. For the Inti Eco Lodge, it is a two-hour boat ride upriver from Puerto Maldonado. The eco-friendly lodge lets in the sounds, sights, and scents of the forest and puts you near the parrot and macaw clay lick at Colorado. It has a dining room, kitchen, and small bar, as well as double and twin bedrooms.

3. Highlights of Puerto Maldonado

The city of Puerto Maldonado has a lot going for it. It’s the gateway to the rainforest and is a bustling small city in the Amazonian lowlands. It sits right on the confluence of the Tambopata and Madre de Dios rivers, which makes it seem a lot like one of those tropical frontier outposts you might have read about as a kid in some adventure novel. The first thing you’ll notice stepping off the plane is the heat. It’s hot and it’s humid, and that’s the way we happy tropical types like it!

But if you decide that you’ve had enough of the stifling jungle heat, don’t head for the Andes just yet: there’s a new Ecological Park located just 5 kilometers outside of Puerto Maldonado named the “Lupaca” Private Conservation. Puerto Maldonado is the gateway for entering the wild world of rainforest. The highlight for nature lovers is probably seeing the macaw salt lick, where hundreds of technicolored macaws and parrots gather on a clay bank over the Tambopata River. The salt lick is a great place to see brocket deer, peccaries and maybe even a jaguar.

And then there’s the incredible flora and fauna, some of which you might not want to see. If you’ve got a thing for bugs, you could spend weeks looking for all sorts of different species of creepy crawlies. And frog lovers beware, you might not ever want to leave because the Madre de Dios region has more species of frogs and toads than any other lowland rainforest locale.

3.1. Biodiversity and Conservation Efforts

We will take you through unparalleled adventures to explore the diversity of its wildlife, to view the efforts of local people to conserve their natural resources, and to experience the rainforest in many different ways by guided nature walks and canoe rides. We will explore the beautiful and dense flooded palm forest of Lago Sandoval, a haven for endangered wildlife and an accessible location to enjoy a canoe ride. Sandoval Lake is home to a family of Giant Otters, Red Howler Monkeys, Red-Bellied Macaws, anacondas, side-neck turtles, and one of the resident families of 9 Harpy Eagles in Tambopata. We will take you to the new 30-meter canopy tower recently constructed and named the MALDONTOWER.

Quite an easy climb of only 96 stairs brings you to a breathtaking and unobstructed view of the rainforest around. Scarlet, blue, and gold macaws are often seen at the top of the trees and occasionally toucans, parrots, and many species of raptors. Up to 5 species of primates are also commonly seen, and this is one of the best locations to observe the elusive and stunning Harpy Eagle. A trail from the canopy tower runs to the spectacular tress swamp, which is the home of 2 different species of marmoset and giant otters. There is also a nearby parrot clay lick which is active during the late afternoon.

Inkaterra Reserva has an ethnobotanical trail, a natural farm, and a coca leaf interpretation. These guided walks will give you an introduction to the uses of rainforest plants in a direct form. Due to the location of the lodge amidst old rubber plantations that are continuously being bought by the lodge and added to the reserve, there is also a large population of distinct forest second growth and bamboo thickets where a variety of wildlife is commonly seen.

3.2. Indigenous Communities and Cultural Experiences

Cultural tourism is a new and growing economy in tourism. It is relevant to us as it’s about the current events of people traveling to specifically experience new culture, interacting with it, and learning from it. This relates to Puerto Maldonado as it is home to 56% of Peru’s population of wildlife, flora, and fauna. The reason for such an astounding number is because Puerto Maldonado is engulfed by the world-famous Amazon Rainforest and contains the Manu National Park, home to an immense biodiversity hotspot.

In the current day, it has overtaken many countries in Asia to become the most popular type of tourism. Due to so many ancient withering cultures about to be lost, they have forced today’s generations to travel to the few tribal communities still hanging on, and some have even had to revert to using their culture as a kind of tourist performance. Although often considered to naively intrude upon the tribal societies, it can potentially vastly help them with the right responsible tourism approach. Trekkers, mountaineers, and other adventure travelers constitute a second category of travelers who are increasingly likely to have culturally immersive experiences.

This could be as simple as a visit to a local market en route or an extended period of time. These travelers are quite often economically beneficial to the indigenous cultures, their desires to seek remote locations making many a trek to see them. Evident from before WW2 where trekking and mountaineering in the Himalayas developed a tourist industry still sustained today by cultural interaction and guide/porter employment, to the Kayan people of Thailand, who despite being victims of a human zoo tourist experience, still hold onto their own beliefs, customs, and traditions. This could be the Bedouin of Petra and Wadi Rum, which have experienced Jordanian sedentarization policies and are now seeking to revitalize their desert-based nomadic culture.

3.3. Adventure Activities and Excursions on Amazon Jungle

The abundance of accessible nature around Puerto Maldonado allows visitors the chance to participate in a number of wild and adventurous activities. A short boat ride from town takes travelers to the canopy tower, which gives a unique bird’s eye view of the forest and the river. There are a few places that have constructed canopy walkways, viewing the forest from high above the ground. The walkways are designed for scientific research and in some cases they are accessible to tourists. They offer a chance to view a part of the forest that is home to many birds and terrestrial orchids. Taking a motorboat up one of the rivers is also a nice way to see the forest.

The journey can be a couple of hours to several days depending on the location and the objective of the traveler. Travelers can see a great example of a river ecosystem and depending on the location, it may be possible to see giant river otters, turtles, caiman and a variety of fish species. If lucky, you may see a family of capybaras ambling along the riverbank. A few recreational divergent bars can offer a lively atmosphere is desire be, often throw beach parties with volleyball, reggaeton music, card games and everyone drinking a cold beer.

On occasion they have special events like talent shows, karaoke contest, live music and dance. Check out our Puerto Maldonado events and Puerto Maldonado actions schedules for dates and location of these types of events.