Productivity in the Peruvian Amazon

During the crisis, indigenous people in the Amazon remind that the Amazon forest is not only an ecological habitat with a wealth of natural resources, but also a social and cultural space. In April, the Interethnic Association for the Development of Peruvian Forests (AIDESEP), stated that some essential productive sectors for Peruvian economy include activities in their territories such as forest and agricultural services. Weeks later, it was confirmed that they would be part of the «Comando Covid» along with the Ministries of Health, Culture and Development. Its cultural richness is another key component for the Amazon economic stability of these communities known for their hospitality and nice treatment to foreign people.

Many communities in the Peruvian jungles are aware that international tourism is one of the fundamental fuels for their territories. One of the Amazon destinations with the most recognized communities is Puerto Maldonado. This city delights tourists blending the amazing scenery and the traditional habits which is a new cultural experience. Although, the culture of their lifestyle may seem unusual for some, the heartwarming welcomes and the exuberant landscapes are proofs of the importance of tourism.

Indigenous communities should be included

The communities of the Peruvian jungles have demanded to be included in the Government’s reactivation plan. Over the past decades, Peru has seen protests from local amazon community members in order to be recognized as well as their territories to be respected. Because of the influence of tourism and the productivity he reactivation of the Peruvian Amazon is a must to consider not just in benefit of the communities, but for the stability of their national economy.

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Knowing new destinations as a therapy

Daily routines sometimes lead to frustration due to lack of motivation. In many ways, extra rewards, such as getting to know new places and cultures, are needed to reach professional goals. Higher levels of enthusiasm, confidence and happiness after stepping into a new place will be lead by a spiritual soar.

The sense of feeling identified with new people discovering new horizons is another clear possibility. While they all might share similarities, cultures shape them into individuals. Traveling outside the country allows the access to many cultures which give new mind mindchanging perspectives.

Being thankful is a constant principle everybody should keep in mind, although it may not be easy for some. After visiting a place where rest and relaxation are the only concerns, appreciating life turns easier. As the mind and soul can wander and think about all the good parts of life that wait when someone gets back home.

Depending the place and the company, what gives people to some people is not the same for everybody. Either if it is through adrenaline packed activities or enjoying a peaceful stay at cozy, heartwarming facilities, traveling changes lives in many ways. Both of these considerations blend in luxurious hospitality lodges and cruises to provide complete experiences for the mind, body and soul.

Try and enrich your soul through traveling!

To figure out how travel can enrich the soul, you have to experience it for yourself. The focus on restoration and balance can be thought from today to ground from positive vibes and choosing a destination that suits the best. If it is on your own to focus in on yourself or bringing along a friend, start planning the process to feel like a whole new you.

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Adaptation, the key to success

As not many countries have fully opened their borders, national and international tourism will reactivate slowly but surely. This undefined wait time for the total recovery of the sector has been giving opportunities to rethink promotions and adjust promotion methods into new insights. These steps are:

• BECOMING NEEDS-FOCUSED RATHER THAN SERVICE-FOCUSED: Nowadays, vacationing needs to be seen as an experience, not as a product. Travel suppliers must keep in mind they can provide the escape of daily routine and even the meaning behind the effort of hard work.

• BUILDING A PROMOTION PLAN: To let everybody know you are back you have to be noticed using the right tools at the right time. Promoting packages, discounts and benefits makes an impact if it is consciously funneled and measured through digital and traditional platforms.

• REMAINING COHERENT: From the top to the bottom of the organization hierarchy, the main message concept has to be the same. If audiences were already keen to know about the commitment of travel providers, now the ones able to will be the only that can remain in the mind of the consumers behavior.

• EMPHASIZING SAFETY: Bringing out the new dispositions and measurements travel institutions implemented this year are a must. Constant displays care and integrity will never be too much in the short future; moreover, this insight sets a different value for external stakeholders that are interested not just on purchasing services but on creating strategic partnerships.

• SHOWING PASSION: Last but not least, clients look forward to the trip they plan with excitement, and agencies should be their biggest encouragers. Contagious enthusiasm and convincing conversations about wonderful destinations are essential in order to up your services.

The thrill of travel will never be gone!

This set of considerations redefine and expose the image of travel organizations and build stronger connections. The desire of travel is currently tamed but not gone and these short term actions are crucial to spark it up again.

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Machu Picchu is Peru’s most popular destination due to its historic majesty and cultural richness; however, the magic comes even from the start of the trip to this world wonder. Many transportation methods headed to the Inca citadel have a considerable amount of daily passengers who want marvelous experiences before the arrival; undoubtedly, one of the most fulfilling is the journey on the Andean Explorer, luxury train of Belmond, where cultural richness meets tailor-made comfort.

Memorable hospitality in the Land of the Incas

As soon as the crew welcomes each one of the 48 passengers this train can hold,  Pisco cocktails, Peru’s national drink, are served and live music playing on the main lounge and the dining and bar cars. All the food and drink offered on the menu is made from fresh Andean produce and local ingredients that give an authentic Peruvian gastronomic experience.

At first look, the enchanting soft tones of alpaca wool and Andean slate grays of the cabins transport you to a hotel suite. These are equipped with oxygen tanks and masks in order to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes at 4,470 m. a. s. l. to the fullest.

The ultimate place to enjoy unforgettable views is the Observation Car located at the back of the train, here passengers can relax with a drink while they appreciate the amazing scenery. However, if there is need for even more relaxing, the Spa Car gets rid of any kind of stress through treatments featuring local herbs.

Cusco is not the only destination of the Andean Explorer, this train embarks on more thrilling itineraries across the Peruvian Highlands. One- and two- day trips to Puno and Arequipa are available from March to January, where amazing scenery is still guaranteed.

There are many ways of transportation in order to explore and enjoy the diversity of Peru, but few of them are as stylish as the journey luxurious Andean Explorer. A unique experience that combines comfort and history awaits!

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Awaken romanticism with this Andean ceremony, where the couple is united for a lifetime with the blessing of the Inca gods in a mystical setting.

This ancient ritual consists of a spiritual affirmation that harmonizes a couple’s union with elements of nature, invoking the Apus, or spirits of the mountains; Pachamama, or Mother Earth; Mama Koka, or Mother Coca; the chaskas, or stars; the Aukis and Achachilas, or light; and Willka Nina, or sacred fire; It is a shaman who directs the ceremony.

All these to make their relationship a duality that will trespass eternity.

The Arac Masin has been regarded for years as a symbolic ceremony, celebrated by old civilizations of the southern Andean areas, which has become one of the most attractive activities for tourists, especially for those who spend their honeymoon in Machu Picchu.

Peru is a place where the diversity and authenticity of the culture, nature, and food hold the essence of life itself. Experience the most unforgettable moments on a trip to Peru.

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One of the many reasons for Peruvian pride is without a doubt the Peruvian Paso Horse, a species that is considered one of the most comfortable chair races in the world, due to its smooth ride. In addition, it is characterized by having great strength, beauty, and docility, generating a rhythmic and harmonious step when walking.

It is an equine sub-race, originally from Peru, a descendant of the Berber cordovan horse brought by the Spaniards at the time of the conquest of Peru. It is an animal that does not have a typical walk of the common horse since it carries the front and back legs of the same side simultaneously (amblar). Therefore, the finest specimens are those that manage to four times.

The selective breeding associated with other factors such as climate and pastures has helped to modify successive generations and create a new breed that has different characteristics from any other horse in the world.

The current Peruvian Paso Horse is the result of more than 400 years of selective breeding. The race combines qualities that could be contradictory. It is very fiery-but easy to handle, free and relaxed in its movements. Its front legs have bright air – but its gait is extremely comfortable and its foot is sure. It is a slender horse, but it is very powerful. All of this is accompanied by grace and intelligence.

The Peruvian Paso Horses have all coat colors with a uniform base, as well as white and ruano. Its average size ranges from 1.42m to 1.54m. In general, its weight varies between 400 and 500 kilograms. Similar to the Morgans and the Arabs.

Currently, this animal is protected by Decree-Law No. 25919 of 1992, which declares it as a native species of Peru. It was declared a Cultural Heritage of the Nation.

In addition, it was appointed one day for his commemoration. Every third Sunday of April the «Peruvian Paso Horse Day» is celebrated.

Likewise, the National Peruvian Paso Horse Contest takes place in Lima every April, where dozens of equines demonstrate all their elegance and beauty in order to obtain the desired victory.

If we talk about the chalan, he could be called the tamer of the passing horse. He is a character that normally is found wearing a shirt, pants, linen poncho of vicuña fiber, straw hat, and a handkerchief. His style of driving the emblematic horse has one main characteristic, not moving towards the sides when guiding the equine, remaining almost motionless on the ride, with technique and elegance in each of its demonstrations.

The Peruvian Paso horse is one of the greatest treasures of Peru and the unifying pride of an entire country.

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Peru holds much more than just the wonderful city of Cusco and the marvelous ruins of Machu Picchu to enjoy; hundreds of ancient trails, camping sites and lots of natural sites are available for camping, offering you an unforgettable experience.

Peru as a destination is suited for every type of tourist

No matter what you are looking for as a tourist, Peru gives you a widespread catalog of options to have fun in your holidays. Whether it is practicing extreme sports in some of the most amazing locations, hiking some of the most incredibly beautiful mountains in the Americas, or having a taste of traditional Andean and Inca history and culture, this country offers a lot you can do.  

If you like mountains, hiking and enjoy nice cold weather and exuberant locations, the Andean highlands in Peru are the best option for you. For those who prefer cozy and warm weather with beaches and lots of waves, Peruvian beaches like Lobitos and Chicama are world-wide known options for you. 

Even if you are eager to experience the Amazon and the beautiful wilderness and quiet beauty of the creatures living in it, along with its astonishing biodiversity, you will be able to feast your eyes and your senses in places like Puerto Maldonado.       

Do you want to get warm and enjoy the waves? 

One thing few people know is that Peru is also an ideal destination for those seeking adventures filled with sand, wind, and water. If you practice any aquatic sport, Peru has some destinations waiting for your visit. 

Among the many beaches in the Peruvian territory, Chicama and Lobitos are perhaps the most known examples. Both located in the northern region of Peru, these beaches feature perfectly shaped waves and a chilled environment where you can relax and enjoy some good waves. 

Besides great surfing conditions, these places offer you incredible sunsets and clear water, getting in touch with a part of Peru sometimes forgotten due to the magnificent attractions in the Peruvian Andes. 

Do you like the jungle? Peru is the place!

The best place to visit the Amazonas!

If you thought that Peru was nothing but mountains and cordilleras, you should know that you could also enjoy the wilderness and tranquility of the Peruvian Jungle, where you will be able to do crazy activities, from spotting caimans at the riverbank, taking tours around some of the most amazing lakes or even pay a visit to an island full of monkeys. 

Planning to visit the Peruvian jungle? Then Puerto Maldonado is a must. This warm and little town located at the confluence of the Tambopata and Madre de Dios rivers, in the southeastern region of Peru. 

From caiman spotting to visiting monkeys at monkey island, taking a tour in a canoe around the Sandoval Lake or immersing yourself into the depths of the jungle, this region offers you a completely different experience from that of the Andean highlands.      

Get cozy in the beautiful highlands of the Andes

Among the various types of weather that you can enjoy when visiting Peru, the most famous is perhaps its Andean highlands, where you will find from beautiful white peaks to enjoy a nice hike or a taste of the Inca empire embodied in the outrageous Machu Picchu.  

For those who seek action, who enjoy nature and want to have a glimpse of the amazing ancient culture, the Andean highlands of Peru are the perfect destination. Places like the Cordillera Blanca, which is the highest tropical mountain in the world, hide in-between its series of peaks marvelous lakes (like the Laguna 69) that will blow your mind.  

Besides the Cordillera Blanca, Peru hides in its highlands the print of the ancient Inca civilization, embedded in cities like Cusco or places like the breathtaking Machu Picchu, a world-renown wonder that attracts visitors from all over the world the entire year. In this place, you will be able to experiment with the ancient traditions of the Incas, as well as the amazing Peruvian cuisine and the culture that surrounds this magnificent place. 

 Year-around fun!

One of the features that make Peru a destination to consider when you plan your next holidays is its weather: you won’t have to worry if its rain season of the dry season, there will always be great attractions and many things to do despite if the sun shines or not. 

Whether it is Lima, the Amazon jungle, the northern region with its beautiful and famous beaches, the Andean highlands of the Cordillera Blanca and the Sacred Valley of the Incas, this country offers you a lot of environments that will let you enjoy these amazing destinations to the fullest.  In Peru, the rainy season usually runs from December to March, while the dry season runs from May to September. Having this information in mind can come handy when planning your trip to Peru, knowing that the best time to visit places like the Jungle and the Andean highlands is between May and August, and if you want to visit the coast, Although is a weather-friendly throughout the year, from December to March you will have the best chances of having a great time.

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Known as Vinicunca, Winikunka, Montaña de Siete Colores or Rainbow Mountain, this marvelous mountain has become very famous due to its colorful and unique surface. 

This might not represent the most challenging hike in Peru. However, once you start ascending, the incredibly high altitude will give you some trouble if you are not an experienced hiker.  

Where is the Rainbow Mountain located?

This amazing place is 3 hours away from Cusco, near the Ausangate mountain, just between the Andean districts of Cusipata, province Quispicanchi, and the provinces of Pitumarca and Canchis. 

The weather in the Rainbow Mountain 

According to the locals, the best time in the year to visit the Rainbow Mountain is in August since its the peak of the dry season, giving you the chance to see the colors at full intensity.  

Despite being the best time to visit the mountain, August isn’t the only time you can go. These famous colors look aesthetically amazing throughout the entire year, being the dry season the time when you can enjoy them the most because the surface remains mostly intact.    

We highly recommend travelers to try avoiding the mountain the days following significant rainfall as well when the snow has fallen. In terms of fauna, travelers can view a wide variety of alpacas and other camelids in certain short-term seasons.

Where are the Rainbow Mountain colors from? 

Seeing the bright and beautiful colors on the surface of the mountain, you could be wondering how is this even possible. Following scientific studies from the Cultural Landscape Office of the Decentralization of the City of Cusco, the 7 colors showed on the surface of the mountain correspond with the many mineralogical components found on it. 

For example, pink color is linked to red clay, fangolitas (mud) and arilitas (sand). The whitish coloring is due to things like quartzose, sandstone and marls, rich in calcium carbonate. The red tones are created by the claystone (iron), and the green is due to clays rich in Ferromagnesian. 

But, have they always been exposed?  

If you visited Peru before 2010, you would be probably asking yourself how did you miss this beautiful place. However, there is a meaningful and at the same time sad explanation to this, climate change. 

The reason these colors began to show is the melting of the ice that used to cover the surface of the mountain. When the ice that covered the top began to melt, this water mixed with the minerals underneath, creating a reaction that ended up with the beautiful colors we can witness today. 

Not an easy hike!

(Rainbow Mountain Elevation)

This marvelous mountain sits at 5,200 meters above sea level (around 17,000 feet). Just to put this into perspective, the summit of this mountain sits slightly lower than Everest base camp, which sits at 5,380 meters above sea level. If you have hiked at altitude before, you know that breathing under these conditions can get difficult.

Even though the hike itself is not very demanding, the altitude makes it very hard to walk. We highly recommend taking your time after arriving in Cusco before making the trip to the Rainbow Mountain, so you can acclimate and enjoy the hike. 

Tips for hiking the Rainbow Mountain

• Be ready for sudden weather changes.
• Be sure to pack sunblock, sunglasses, a rain jacket, and a hat.  
• Try some coca leaves to beat altitude sickness.
• Bring a backpack with a lot of water, snacks and toilet paper. 
• Be aware that the entrance fee to the park is 10 Soles (around $3). 

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Original from the highlands of the Andes, Llamas, Alpacas, Vicuñas, and Guanacos are the original camelids from South America. If you ever plan to travel to Peru or another Andean destination, you might be able to see for yourself the majesty of this beautiful creature. 

The mighty Vicuña 

The vicuña is a wild South American camelid native of the central region of the Andes, specifically found in Peru, northwestern Argentina, Bolivia, and northern Chile. This specific type of camelid is related to the llama and is now believed to be the wild ancestor of domesticated alpacas. Vicuñas are the rarest of South American camelids due to its biological nature and the fact of having the finest animal fiber in the world. 

Wonderful wool

Vicuñas are known for producing very small amounts of extremely fine wool, which is very expensive because each animal can only be shorn once every three years and has to be caught from the wild. Once the raw material is knitted together, a product made of this wool can be soft and warm.

According to historical records, this kind of fiber was reserved for the Inca Royalty during ancient times. By the 1960s, the quest seeking this highly coveted luxurious raw material left the vicuña on the verge of extinction. Since then, the Peruvian government along with private initiative gave birth to numerous conservation programs to ensure the survival of this beautiful creature. Nowadays the wonderful animal fiber of the vicuña is available to the textile industry, being the most expensive fiber in the world. Among the 350 thousand vicuñas inhabiting South America, almost 80% of these inhabit Peru.  

Wild but calmed

Despite being of wild nature, the behavior of the vicuña is very similar to that of the guanacos (another wild South American camelid), being very shy and easily aroused by intruders due to their amazing hearing capabilities. 

What do vicuñas eat?

Besides being wild, the vicuñas share other things with the other wild South American camelid, the guanacos. Like them, vicuñas frequently lick calcareous stones and rocks, which are rich in salt, as well as drink a lot of saltwater. The diet of the vicuñas consists mainly of low grasses growing in clumps on the Andean ground.

Guanaco 

Among the South American camelid, the vicuña and the guanaco are the two wild species of camelids inhabiting the area. The guanaco is a wild camelid, closely related to the llama, that grabs its name from the Quechua word huanaco, with almost 80% of its population inhabiting Argentina and the rest divided among Chile and Peru.   

The regular size of a guanaco is much larger than the vicuña, making it one of the largest wild mammal species inhabiting south America, this along with the Amazon river dolphin, the tapir, and the jaguar. 

Natural habitat

Guanacos inhabit the steppes, scrublands and mountainous regions of South America. They are found in the altiplano of Peru, Bolivia, and Chile, and Patagonia, with a small population in Paraguay. In Argentina, they are more numerous in Patagonian regions, as well as in places such as Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego. Of the 600,000 Guanacos in South America and about 80% of them are found in Patagonia, Argentina. 

Guanacos are the only South American camelid that adapts easily to different environments. They can live either at sea level or in the Andes at altitudes of more than 4,600 meters.

What About its fiber?

The natural fiber of the guanaco is a reddish shade and valued second only to that of the vicuña. The fiber of the guanaco is well known for its soft and warm feel. Like their domestic descendant, the llama, the guanaco is double-coated with coarse guard hairs and a soft undercoat, these particular hairs which have 16 to 18 micrometers in diameter, are only comparable to the best cashmere.

Alpaca

The Alpaca is an indigenous camelid native to the Peruvian highlands. along with the Llama are perhaps the two most notorious camelids from South America. Although they are biologically linked to the vicuña, they have been domesticated for hundreds of years. 

Population 

In South America, there are an estimated four million alpacas, with almost 95% of this population living in the central and southern regions of Peru. This is Alpacas thrive at altitudes ranging from 3,000 to more than 4,500 meters above sea level in temperatures that may range from -20 to 30 degrees Centigrade in a single day.

Wait! There are different kinds of alpacas?

The difference between alpacas comes from the difference in their fiber, rather than conventional classifications. There exist two different kinds of alpacas: first is the Huacaya. This is the predominant Alpaca type, known by its fine and bulky fleece, which offers the widest range of natural shades; second, we have the Suri, the least predominant Alpaca type known by its long, curly, shiny and silky fiber.

And it’s the difference between qualities of fibers that sets the dominance in terms of population of the Huacaya alpaca. This type of Huacaya alpaca is the most common type of alpaca found, representing almost 90% of the total population of this camelid, this due to the thickness of their fleece, which makes them more prepared to survive in higher altitudes. 

Suri alpacas represent around 10% of the entire population of alpacas, despite being thought to have had a more important role during pre-Columbian Peru since they were kept in lower altitudes, where a thicker fleece was not that important for survival. 

Llama

The Llama is, alongside the alpaca, the two most famous South American camelids. They have also the title of being the heaviest and largest among them. Llamas have long legs, as well as prominent and crooked ears, a unique feature that puts them apart from the rest. Llama fur tends to be coarser than alpacas. However, once shorn, it can be as soft as alpaca. 

Friendly animals

If well trained, llamas are characterized for being friendly with people, extremely curious and easy to be around. However, llamas that are over-socialized and over-handled as youth tend to become very hard to handle when mature since they start behaving with humans as they behave among themselves (spitting, kicking and neck wrestling).

Another key feature of llamas is their domestication through history. Along with the alpacas, llamas integrate the group of domesticated camelids. They were used as well as beasts of burden from Pre-Incan times to this day, where they take part in many customs and Andean religious rituals. 

Used as a pack animal, the llama can carry up to 35 kilograms, and travel with this weight 32 kilometers in one day. A pack of llamas can easily carry heavy packages through the harsh Andean territory.        

Apart from its transportation capabilities, their skin is very useful since it can be turned into leather. Their fur can also be used to make ropes, carpets, and other textile goods. Even the excrement of the llama can be used as fuel once dried out.   

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If you thought that Peru was nothing but mountains and cordilleras, you should know that this wonderful country can offer you much more, and Puerto Maldonado might be one of the best examples to prove you wrong.  

But, where is Puerto Maldonado located? 

One of the best Peruvian destinations if you want to have a taste of the Amazon, Puerto Maldonado is a southeastern city located at the confluence of the Tambopata and Madre de Dios rivers, the latter being connected as well to the Madeira River which is a tributary river of the Amazon, just 34 miles west of the Bolivian border. 

Despite being a small city, Puerto Maldonado certainly holds many attractions that fill your visit with fun, excitement, and beauty. The town itself is small but lively and is surrounded by thick, lush swathes of verdant jungle, which stretch out in every direction as far as the eye can see.

Being part of the Amazon, you should always expect tropical weather, with incredibly high temperatures mixed with high humidity, which intensifies the heat. The yearly average temperatures for the year, the temperature typically oscillates between 64°F to 90°F. 

Being one of the most different and interesting tourist destinations in Peru, Puerto Maldonado will set a completely different standard of beauty from the Peruvian mountainous region. Although this Amazonian territory offers you plenty of different things to do, you might be wondering what this amazing region can offer you. 

How to get to Puerto Maldonado?

Most of the tourists that visit the Peruvian Amazon fly to Puerto Maldonado straight from Cusco. Another option is taking a bus that travels through the Interoceanic highway. After a 30 minutes flight or a 10-hour bus trip, you will arrive in Puerto Maldonado, where you will continue your journey to the Amazon in the Manú National Reserve or the Tambopata National Park by motorboat through the Madre de Dios River. 

Things to do in Puerto Maldonado 

Take an adventure tour through the jungle

This amazing place offers many jungle excursions with plenty of activities to enjoy: from soaring right through the jungle on a zip line, walking across a canopy bridge dozens of meters in the air, kayaking along the Madre de Dios river or even trekking through the Monkey Island; this incredible region will give you an incredible chance to experience the Peruvian Amazon at its best. 

Take a tour around Sandoval Lake

This tour will give you the chance to cruise around the Sandoval Lake, getting in touch with all kinds of exotic creatures, including birds, monkeys, and sloths. Although the animal-spotting makes the cruise fun and it is perhaps the best part of the trip, one feature that will not pass unnoticed is the silence of the place. 

The immensity and beauty of the area are enough to leave you speechless and the calm that it instills in you removes any desire you might have to carry on your conversations. This solitude and silence make it the perfect place to get lost in your thoughts.

Stay at the Sandoval Lake Lodge

Located in the Tambopata National Reserve, The Sandoval Lake Lodge is located right in the middle of what many people consider is one the most beautiful lakes in Peru, being this entire area filled with grandiose biodiversity, which makes of this place a great opportunity to explore and experience all the surprises that the Amazon has for you.  

What do you imagine yourself doing once you finish your breakfast at the lodge? There are infinite options available. You could cruise the lake in a boat, going deep into the Maurita Palm Forest. Here you will have the chance of spotting major early-morning flocks of various species of parrots that inhabit the entire area. 

In this cruise, you will also have the opportunity of spotting magnificent jungle trees while the guide will tell you a little bit about the environment and the whole ecosystem in which you will immerse yourself into.  

Besides the cruise around the lake, you also have the chance of exploring the woods surrounding the lodge all by yourself, just with the help of a map provided by the lodge. By exploring the jungle by yourselves you will be able to spot various types of medicinal plants, birds and many other species of animals. 

Do some caiman spotting in the Madre de Dios River. 

While being at the lake, one of the many activities available to do is spotting caimans that inhabit the area. This 

particular excursion only lasts about two hours, a time when you will cruise around the Madre de Dios River 

looking for caimans. 

Four different types of Caiman reside in the Puerto Maldonado area but don’t expect to spot them all at once. Although it is a bit difficult to easily spot caimans in the area, the expertise of the guides will give you the chance of at least spotting one or two individuals of this majestic creature.

Bird-Watching at a Clay Lick

A clay lick is kind of a miniature cliff formed with clay and other minerals, which attracts birds that will nibble or link its surface to consume its nutrients. If you get a tour around this area, you will get a more scientific explanation

of how this was formed and its function in this particular environment. Hundreds of macaws, parrots, and parakeets visit this natural wonder every morning, creating a beautiful spectacle considered one of the best bird spotting sites in the whole world. 

Eat Local Food at Burgos

Burgos is the best place if you want to delight yourself and replenish your energy with delicious traditional meals fit for a king. This place will offer you a mouth-watering selection of Amazonian dishes that will give you a one-of-kind culinary experience. We highly recommend trying out Puerto Maldonado’s most iconic dish: The Juanes, a dish that includes rice and chicken bundles steamed in bijao leaves, this alongside plantain tacacho.

 Visit the monkey Island

One of the town’s most well-known attractions is the irresistible Monkey Island, home to hundreds of monkeys of

different species. Located just 30 km from the city of Iquitos, these sanctuary offers you the chance of interacting with various species of monkeys that run and live freely on the island. 

Accustomed to receiving visitors from all over the world, its adorable inhabitants are less than shy about receiving food or even playing with you or your belongings, filling your visit to this little island with fun and excitement. 

Tambopata Butterfly Farm

This butterfly farm was reopened in February of 2015 and is the first of its kind in Peru. It employs a local staff of butterfly breeders that works in the nursery next to the exhibition. The Tambopata Butterfly Farm is open year-round, including holidays and national days. 

This space will give its visitors the chance of getting to know a little bit more about the various species of butterflies that inhabit the Peruvian Amazon, their way of leaving and how they interact with the ecosystem that surrounds them. 

Besides the hundreds of butterflies inhabiting the facilities, this butterfly farm has a nice cafeteria and a boutique where you will find local hand-crafted products, some of them made by local native communities. Its location, near the airport, makes it a perfect place to visit while you wait for your flight.  

Mother of God Tropifauna Serpentario

This snake sanctuary is a small zoo located next to Puerto Maldonado’s airport. Its facilities are inhabited with various species of birds, snakes and other reptiles. You can touch and even put around your neck a Boa Constrictor or watch poisonous vipers in controlled environments. 

Going through the entire facility takes approximately 2 hours, making this an ideal visit to pay just before leaving the city. We highly recommend to book an English-speaking guide, so you can enjoy the explanations of the zoo staff while taking the tour. 

Inkaterra Lodge

With wooden cabanas inspired in the Ese’ Eja culture, this eco-luxury lodge located in front of Madre de Dios River offers you the chance of getting in touch with the immense biodiversity of the area, where around 540 bird species have been inventoried

This lodge offers you the opportunity of taking a wide range of excursions, including one to the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway, a bridge system at 30 meters above the ground that allows the adventurers to enjoy a privileged view of the Amazon.

With remote and yet pristine and accessible installations, this incredible lodge is adjacent to the lush Tambopata National Reserve, where the Madre de Dios river flows through the Southern Peru rainforest region.

Written by Agnys Orellana

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