Explore the Peruvian Amazon

Many know Peru for Machu Picchu, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, but not surprisingly, it boasts multiple wonders of the world on its soil. The mighty Amazon River flows through Iquitos, Peru and became one of the New 7 Wonders of the Natural World in 2012.

The Amazon River is something you must see in your lifetime! It is renowned for its astounding beauty, incredible biodiversity, and the vibrant cultures along its banks. 

Located right on the Amazon River, Iquitos is a destination catered to adventurous travelers with a love for nature. Iquitos, the gateway to the Amazon, is the perfect addition to your Machu Picchu tour.

Iquitos

Also known as the capital of the Peruvian Amazon, Iquitos is the largest metropolis in the Peruvian jungle, as well as a very important river port. Surrounded by forests, colossal rivers such as the Amazon and countless lagoons and oxbow lakes, Iquitos preserves in the city’s architecture glimpses of the prosperity of the rubber boom era, without forgetting the heritage of the Amazonian indigenous cultures exhibited in its main museum.
Undoubtedly, Iquitos is the best anteroom to the Amazon jungle and its wonders.

Madre de Dios Puerto Maldonado

Destination Madre de Dios Where biodiversity is felt in the

Choose your most comfortable pair of walking shoes, adjust them and tie the laces well, because in Madre de Dios you will become one with your shoes. This region, located in the southeast of Peru, keeps nature in its purest state. Trees that embrace each other, while herds of monkeys run through them swiftly. And while you appreciate this unique spectacle, you can hear in the background the melodious song of the macaws that nest in this area.

Most likely your first stop will be in the city of Puerto Maldonado, the capital of Madre de Dios. Here, you will find an extensive hotel offer for you to choose the ideal place according to your needs. Once installed in this city, take the opportunity to learn a little of its history.

You should not miss the Biodiversity Viewpoint, located less than two kilometers from the Plaza de Armas; the Tambopata Butterfly Farm, where you can see unique specimens; and the Archaeology, Paleontology and typical Amazonian costumes exhibition hall of the Ministry of Culture, which is just a few minutes from the city center.

Where biodiversity is felt

All of the above may have made an impact on you. But, honestly, you have yet to see the best of Madre de Dios: three enormous sanctuaries, full of magic and nature, await you. Peru’s third largest region holds in its territory the Manu National Park, recognized as a core zone of the Biosphere Reserve by Unesco (1977) and declared a World Natural Heritage Site (1987).

This natural space is not only a spectacle for the eyes. 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 rock. In addition, the area is still inhabited by populations grouped in 30 different peasant communities that still practice ancient techniques.

The Tambopata National Reserve and the Bahuaja Sonene National Park are also at your disposal. The former is described as a paradisiacal place, where nature merges with you after every step you take. This protected natural 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, but also for adventurers: travel to the Sandoval and Sachavacayoc lakes, where you can take a boat ride and witness the macaw, chunchos and colorados clay lick, in its 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.