Madre De Dios brings together different ways to observe nature: birds gather at clay licks, river otters can be spotted at lakes, and rivers offer experiences such as boating and rafting. There are also trails through rainforest areas and cultural discoveries. If you are planning a trip and looking for a hotel in the region, these interests can be a starting point for your plans.
Clay Licks and Wildlife Watching
At the clay licks of the Tambopata National Reserve, weather permitting, hundreds of birds of various species of parakeets, parrots and macaws gather every morning. They feed on mineral-rich clay there. The weather is therefore part of this special wildlife-watching experience.
The Collpa de Guacamayos Colorado has its own distinctive features: the clay bank is about 50 meters high and 500 meters long. Six different species of macaws, parrots and parakeets gather there to eat clay. At the Collpa Chachuela, in turn, hundreds of parrots and small macaws gather to take in minerals from the clay. Pakitza also has a mammal clay lick that is visited regularly by many species. Descriptions of these places therefore draw attention to different aspects of wildlife: the size of the bank, the gathering flocks of birds and mammals visiting a clay lick.
Lakes, River Otters and Waterways
Several lakes offer different wildlife encounters. A family of river otters lives permanently at Lago Sachavacayoc; large anacondas also live there. At Lago Cocococha, there is an opportunity to watch a family of river otters amid palm forests. Cocha Salvador is home to one of Manu’s most stable river otter families. Catamarans are also permitted there, allowing visitors to observe wildlife and explore the lake. Before your trip, check whether this is still permitted.
Rafting on class I, II and III rapids is offered on the RĂo Tambopata. At Lago Yacumama, activities described include boat or canoe trips, during which visitors can observe biodiversity in its natural habitat. Sustainable recreational fishing for piranhas is also possible there, with the fish released afterward. Before your trip, find out whether the trips and fishing are still offered.
Hiking, Trails and Other Activities
Those interested in trails through the rainforest will find a range of described highlights. The route along the RĂo Pamahuaca offers trekking through the typical flora and fauna of the upper and lower rainforest. The route to the La Torre lakes combines boat trips and hikes; the route to Lago Sandoval includes boat trips. At Quebrada Palma Real, the route in the Sandoval sector of the Tambopata National Reserve offers sport fishing. Depending on your interests, the focus can be on wildlife watching, getting around on foot or water activities.
Pakitza also combines trails with wildlife watching: its trail system passes through forests that are especially popular with birdwatchers. On the route to the RĂo Manu, visitors can watch shorebirds and other birds, turtles and macaws; with a little luck, they may also see tapirs and jaguars. These possible sightings are not all equally certain—seeing tapirs and jaguars depends on a little luck.
Culture and Regional Discoveries
Nature experiences are not the only way to explore the region. In Bahuaja Sonene National Park, visitors can learn about the living cultures of the Ese'eja and Harakmbut peoples. At Parque de la Castaña, they can take part in traditional activities involving chestnuts: collecting and transporting them, as well as cracking and peeling them. Check before visiting whether this visitor program is available. Manu National Park adds a historical dimension to regional discoveries: it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Your trip planning can therefore revolve around several clear themes: bird and mammal watching, experiences on lakes and rivers, trails through the rainforest or cultural encounters. If you are looking for hotels in Madre De Dios, you can first decide which of these discoveries you want to shape your trip. For individual activities whose availability may change, it is advisable to confirm the latest details.
Discover More Destinations
Puerto Maldonado, Loyoboc, ManĂş, Sandoval, Iberia, Filadelfia, Inca, ReparticiĂłn, Madre de Dios, La Torre, Lucerna.
For the main travel overview: Peru.
