Location:
It borders Ucayali and Brazil to the north; Brazil and Bolivia to the east; Cuzco to the west; and Cuzco and Puno to the south. Its capital, Puerto Maldonado, is located at the confluence of the Madre de Dios and Tambopata rivers.
Altitude:
This department is completely covered by tropical rainforest, with areas of highland rainforest, lowland rainforest, and palm savanna. Part of its geography is rugged, as the Andes penetrate the rainforest, forming steep slopes.
Rivers: Madre de Dios River, Las Piedras River, Manú River, Tambopata River, Tahuamanu River, and Heath River.
Lakes: Señor de los Milagros (540 m above sea level) in Tambopata; Fitzcarrald (469 m above sea level) in Fitzcarrald.
Lakes: Valencia and Sandoval.
Climate:
The climate is tropical, warm, and humid, with annual rainfall exceeding 1,000 mm (40 in). The average annual temperature in the capital is 26°C (78°F), with a high of 38°C (100°F) in August and September. Occasionally, it can reach 40°C (104°F) and a low of 21°C (70°F), with rain from December to March. In exceptional years, the area is invaded by cold air masses from the south during the months of July and August, causing exceptional temperature drops of up to 8°C (41°F), a phenomenon known as friajes (fries).
Best time to travel:
The best time to visit Madre de Dios is from May to October, during the dry season. During these months, the rains are less intense and the trails are in better condition.
Advantages of traveling during the dry season:
Hiking is more fun and safer.
The trails are more accessible.
Wildlife viewing is better.
There are fewer mosquitoes.
The temperatures are more pleasant.
River levels are lower.
Lighting and visibility conditions are optimal for photographing Amazonian flora and fauna.
Puerto Maldonado has several transportation options: by air from Lima and Cusco, and by land from Lima and all cities in southern Peru.
By air:
To fly from Lima to Puerto Maldonado, there are daily departures from Jorge Chavez International Airport, located in Callao. To get to Puerto Maldonado, you must arrive at Puerto Maldonado International Airport (Airport Code PEM), or simply Padre Aldamiz Airport. Flights to Puerto Maldonado from Lima take approximately just over an hour and a half. From the airport, you can take a motorcycle taxi to the city.
By land:
You can also reach Puerto Maldonado by bus from Cusco (9 hours) or Juliaca (10 hours). Although it’s not far, the road can be difficult during the rainy season, which occurs in November, December, January, February, and March. Heavy rains can cause landslides and make the journey quite long. A bus from Cusco costs approximately 50 soles for semi-cama service. You can buy tickets online, at the bus station, or at an agency.
Did you know that the Madre de Dios region represents 15% of the Peruvian Amazon? For this reason, Puerto Maldonado is considered the biodiversity capital of Peru. This fascinating department boasts great natural and cultural wealth. We present some places to visit:
City Tour: Explore the Plaza de Armas, the Mirador Miguel Grau, and the iconic Billinghurst Bridge.
Lake Yacumama: Enjoy a boat ride surrounded by palm trees and exotic birds.
Castana Park: Learn about the harvesting and cultural importance of Brazil nuts.
Tambopata Tourist Corridor: Immerse yourself in nature with outdoor activities and eco-friendly accommodations.
Lake Sandoval: Sail and observe wildlife in the heart of the jungle.
Macaw Clay Licks: Marvel at hundreds of macaws consuming clay and the mineral salts accumulated on the walls, a product of river erosion. Visiting the Chuncho clay lick, considered the largest in the world, or the Colorado clay lick is an experience everyone should experience at least once.
Also, visit the native communities of Infierno or Palma Real, where you can learn about their local customs and culture. An authentic and enriching experience not to be missed!
Holiday Calendar in Madre de Dios
| Key Dates |
Place
|
Festivities
|
| January 23 |
Mother of God |
Crafts Day |
| February |
Puerto Maldonado |
Carnival of Comparsas |
| March-April |
Movable date |
Easter week |
| May 1-6 |
Mother of God |
Feast of Religious Crosses |
| May 3rd |
Mother of God |
Feast of the Cross |
| May 24 |
Manu (Community of Salvation) |
The Virgin of Chapi |
| June 24 |
Amazon Region |
Feast of San Juan (Caserío del Prado) |
| June 25-29 |
Tambopata (Puerto Maldonado) |
Feast of Saints Peter and Paul |
| June 28-29 |
Mother of God |
Cachuela Village Festival |
| July 20 |
Mother of God |
Tourist Week in Madre de Dios |
| July 26-30 |
Tambopata (Puerto Maldonado) |
Agricultural, industrial and craft fair |
| October 17 |
Mother of God |
Native Food and Craft Fair |
| November 6 |
|
Festival of the native community of Palma Real |
| December 26 |
Puerto Maldonado |
Anniversary of the political creation
of the Department of God (1912) |
The cuisine of Puerto Maldonado, Peru, is characterized by a combination of jungle flavors, indigenous culture, Spanish colonization, and migration.
Typical Dishes
Juane: Rice, chicken, and spices
Inchicapi: Yucca and chicken soup
Timbuche: Fish broth with green plantain and sacha culantro
Tacacho con cecina: Roasted or fried plantain mashed with lard, served with dried meat
Patarashca: Amazonian-style fish
Amazonian-style Chaufa Rice: A fusion of flavors
Majaz Stew: A jungle delicacy
