Exploring this region of Peru means discovering virtually untouched ecosystems and encountering iconic species, through experiences that combine wildlife spotting, forest treks and interaction with the local biodiversity.
Madre de Dios, located in south-eastern Peru, is one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. Its capital, Puerto Maldonado, is approximately an hour and 45 minutes by plane from Lima, and 55 minutes from Cusco, making it an accessible destination for those wishing to explore the Amazon. The region attracts visitors seeking to observe virtually untouched flora and fauna and to engage with the local culture, always through the lens of responsible tourism.
From Puerto Maldonado, visitors can access the Tambopata National Reserve, sustainable lodges and guided tours that allow them to actively explore the region: walking along trails amidst nature or navigating impressive rivers, connecting directly with the biodiversity of one of Peru’s most stunning natural destinations.
Tambopata National Reserve, a wildlife sanctuary
Among the most notable attractions is the Tambopata National Reserve, renowned for the conservation of its tropical forests and the diversity of species that inhabit them. The area offers a variety of settings for wildlife watching, from its streams and lagoons to the trails that wind through the forest, where it is possible to spot jaguars, giant otters, capybaras, caimans and an extraordinary variety of birds, including macaws, toucans and the cock-of-the-rock, whose colourful plumage and distinctive courtship display attract the attention of researchers and visitors alike. Lake Sandoval, surrounded by dense vegetation, also provides a prime setting for observing aquatic wildlife and exotic birds, including the hoatzin, whilst the sounds of the jungle accompany every tour, making the experience both visual and sensory.
Furthermore, visitors can take part in activities that allow them to explore the Peruvian Amazon from different angles. The canopy walk offers a panoramic view from the treetops, whilst day and night walks invite you to venture along the trails and discover wildlife at different times of the day. Canoe trips provide opportunities to encounter caimans, waterbirds and monkeys that inhabit the area, and tours of clay licks allow visitors to observe macaws and other birds, as well as mammals such as the tapir, whilst they feed and socialise in their natural habitat. Each activity offers the opportunity to observe the wildlife and, at the same time, understand how the ecosystem functions and the interdependence of its species.
Protecting the macaws: the Tambopata Macaw Project
When it comes to wildlife, macaws, with their striking plumage and curious nature, are one of the great symbols of the Madre de Dios rainforest. In the region, their breeding cycle and behaviour are studied and protected through initiatives that combine conservation and environmental education, offering visitors an enriching experience in close contact with wildlife.
Among these initiatives, the Tambopata Macaw Project stands out, one of the projects promoted by Wired Amazon. The project works to support and strengthen the reproduction of these iconic birds through artificial nests designed to replicate the conditions of natural nests. Thanks to this strategy, the chicks grow up in a safe environment, whilst researchers can monitor their development and better understand their behaviour.
The project has also incorporated innovative tools such as Macaw Cam, the first live stream from artificial macaw nests in the reserve, which allows a global audience to observe the birds’ breeding cycle in real time. Furthermore, studies at sites such as the Collpa Colorado, where macaws gather to feed, offer a more comprehensive insight into their life in the wild, demonstrating how Madre de Dios combines research, conservation and experiences that directly connect visitors with Amazonian wildlife.
About PROMPERÚ
The Commission for the Promotion of Peru for Exports and Tourism (PROMPERÚ) is an agency under the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru and is responsible for formulating, approving, implementing and evaluating strategies and plans to promote Peru’s image in the areas of tourism, exports and foreign direct investment in the country.
Source: NEWLINK
