Peru 4U

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Puerto Maldonado Information

Puerto Maldonado, in the province of Tambopata, is the capital of the department Madre de Dios. In this area of the Amazon - mythologized by the Spanish conquerors as El Dorado - the greatest variety of animal and plant species on the planet coexist in perfect harmony. The whole region of the Madre de Dios River is a paradise of biodiversity in the southeast of Peru. There are three conservation areas in Madre de Dios of great importance: the Manu Biosphere Reserve, the Tambopata - Candamo Reserve, with intact populations of several endangered species, such as the giant otter and the shrew eagle, and the Bahuaja-Sonene National Park, home to 450 different species of birds.

Reserva Nacional de Tambopata-Candamo.

This reserve is located at the junction of the La Torre and Tambopata rivers, at 58 km from Puerto Maldonado. With an extension of 5,500 hectares of virgin Jungle, it stands out for the richness and variety of its different species of birds (above 600), butterflies (over 900) and dragonflies (approximately 115).

Santuario Nacional de las Pampas del Heath

With an extension of 109 hectares, this reserve was founded in 1983. It houses the priceless lobo de crin (horsehair wolf). There are beautiful lagoons in the region, such as, Valencia, Copa Manu, Sandoval, La Pastora, Tambopata, Madre de Dios, Cocococha, Tres Chimbadas y Amigos. The rivers that run through this territory are Manu, Tambopata, Madre de Dios, La Torre, Manuripe, Las Piedras and Tahuamanu. This reserve is an ecosystem that has had an unchanging evolution throughout thousands of years, housing one of the biggest varieties of flora and fauna in the world. It is estimated that there are more than 1,000 bird species in the park and over 200 mammals. There is a number of between 2,000 and 3,000 plant species, 10% of which are still unknown by scientists.

Lago Valencia

is located at 60 km (37.3 ml) from Puerto Maldonado. In the four hour ride on motor boat it is possible to see gold seekers working at the bank of the Madre de Dios river; the native settlements of the Huarayos; and a great variety of flora and fauna. The lake holds corvinas, dorados, doncellas, among other fish species. The most representative native communities located in this region are the Amaralari, Arasaeri, Kisambaeri, Pukirieri, Sapiteri, Toyoeri, Wachipari, Arawak, Machiguenga and Piro-Mashko.

Monkey Island

Located in the heart of the Madre de Dios River, five minutes from the lodge, is Monkey Island, the only place of its kind. You will see beautiful landscapes of luxurious flora and fauna and a great variety of monkeys in their natural habitat. During this remarkable itinerary you will see many different species of monkeys such as the "Maquisapas", the "Black Martin", the "White Martin", the "Leoncito de la Selva", "Achunis" and "Ronsocos", as well as a rich variety of birds and flora. One cannot fail to be impressed by such a marvellous place - it's an unforgettable experience. To complete the tour of the island one enjoys the spectacular Amazonian sunset, one of the most impressive phenomena of the forest.

Lost Cocha, Ecological Natural Reserve

This reserve, presently preserved by Ecoamazonia lodge, is a refuge and feeding place for great variety of animals such as otters, alligators, turtles, "sachavacas", colourful birds and the majestic jaguar among others. This place situated in our Reserve Zone, which is unique in the jungle of Madre de Dios because it still has virgin marshlands. The way to Lost Cocha (cocha is quechua for lake) is a winding pathway that leads deep into the forest peppered with exotic plants, trees and an extraordinary range of wildlife. From the Amazonian viewing point, built on top of the Sihuahuaco tree, the most luxuriant and largest of its kind in the area, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding jungle. Finally we make a tour on the lake in a jumbo canoe. One can distinguish the song of many different bird species, as well as the numerous animal residents. This has proved to be an unforgettable and unique experience.

Apu Victor Lake

Located at only 45 minutes from the lodge, in the middle of Virgin rainforest, Apu Victor Lake is an extraordinary shelter and food source for flocks of parrots. From our Amazonian viewing point you can see parrots, toucans, guacamayos, camungos, herons, alligators, caimans, anacondas, and "the giant wolf of the river". The lake is also home to hundreds of different fish species.
Briolo and Gamitana Rivers rise from the depths of the virgin jungle. These rivers, with their meandering and serpentine courses, form wide channels that give shelter to large community of mammals, birds, giant butterflies and many other kinds of animals. From this idyllic place you can admire the slopes of the jungle and the Amazonian Plains. It's an experience that you will never forget.