Black-capped squirrel monkeys found in cane forest along the Madre de Dios River.
Highlights
- See an incredible diversity of wildlife including hundreds of bird species and over a dozen monkey species
- Home of jaguars, giant river otters, anteaters, anacondas, and some of the biggest trees in the world
- Numerous oxbow lakes teaming with wildlife
- Nearby protected areas include Tambopata National Reserve, Bahuaja-Sonene National Park, and several other large conservation concessions
- Access the Madre de Dios, Tambopata and Las Piedras Rivers
Madre de Dios (Mother of God) is a region in southeastern Peru, bordering Brazil, Bolivia and the Peruvian regions of Puno, Cusco and Ucayali, in the Amazon Basin. Its capital is the city of Puerto Maldonado. The name of the region is derived from the Madre de Dios River, ultimately a tributary of the Amazon.
The Tropical Conservation Fund works in two different regions of the Madre de Dios. The first is accessed via a harrowing road starting from Cusco and traveling along the Manu National Park border to the Kosnipata region, while the other is accessed via the Transoceanic highway to Puerto Maldanado. This page focuses on the Puerto Maldonado region where half of our research expeditions take place. We also offer trips in April the Manu National Park region. Other arrangements can be made for larger groups. Please visit our expeditions page for more information.
The Tropical Conservation Fund works in two different regions of the Madre de Dios. The first is accessed via a harrowing road starting from Cusco and traveling along the Manu National Park border to the Kosnipata region, while the other is accessed via the Transoceanic highway to Puerto Maldanado. This page focuses on the Puerto Maldonado region where half of our research expeditions take place. We also offer trips in April the Manu National Park region. Other arrangements can be made for larger groups. Please visit our expeditions page for more information.
The area is notable for many different reasons. First, the Madre de Dios is dominated by lowland Amazonian rainforest which harbors incredible biodiversity, some of the largest tracts of primary forest protected by a network of areas such as Manu National Park, Amarakaeri Communal Reserve, and Tambopata National Reserve. And, the area is home to an unknown number of uncontacted indigenous communities. Due to the vast size of the area and its low population density, rivers provide the best way of getting from one town to another. For examples of what you might see in this area, follow us on Instagram at Tropical Conservation Fund or check out videos from some of our expeditions at Tropical Conservation, Travel, and Adventure.
Puerto Maldonado and the surrounding area is increasingly facing environmental degradation from gold mining and logging; however, this area remains extremely important to wildlife and supporting ecotourism in the area is likely to help support local conservation efforts. Whether you're traveling on a budget or whether you want to stay at premier jungle lodges, the Madre de Dios region has what you are looking for. Many travelers also couple this experience with time spent in the Sacred Valley, or you can head south towards Lake Titicaca and Bolivia.
Field Stations, Lodges,and Conservation Projects (Puerto Maldonado Entrance)
A note about this entrance into the Madre de Dios region. You can either fly directly into Puerto Maldonado or you can access the area via Transoceanic Highway through Puerto Maldonado.
This is in contrast to the Kosnipata Entrance which takes you down the Andean slopes and into lowland rainforest along the outer edge of the Manu National Park and requires chartered boats to access further inland.
Most field stations outside of Puerto Maldonado are only accessible by chartered boats or public transport. There are dozens of field stations and ecotourism sites accessible in this region. Accommodations range from cheaper dorm rooms to rather expensive private bungalows catered towards wealthy tourists. Here's a short list of suggested sites. The Tropical Conservation Fund almost exclusively visits research stations with well-protected rainforest and wildlife.
Field Stations, Lodges,and Conservation Projects (Puerto Maldonado Entrance)
A note about this entrance into the Madre de Dios region. You can either fly directly into Puerto Maldonado or you can access the area via Transoceanic Highway through Puerto Maldonado.
This is in contrast to the Kosnipata Entrance which takes you down the Andean slopes and into lowland rainforest along the outer edge of the Manu National Park and requires chartered boats to access further inland.
Most field stations outside of Puerto Maldonado are only accessible by chartered boats or public transport. There are dozens of field stations and ecotourism sites accessible in this region. Accommodations range from cheaper dorm rooms to rather expensive private bungalows catered towards wealthy tourists. Here's a short list of suggested sites. The Tropical Conservation Fund almost exclusively visits research stations with well-protected rainforest and wildlife.
Wildlife, Flora, and Unique Ecosystems
The area is home to a staggering variety of plant and animal species, including giant otters, capybaras, peccaries, tapirs, jaguars, caiman, 13 different species of monkeys, over 1000 species of birds and over 1300 species of butterflies. All together there have been over 4,000 animal species described and over 20,000 types of plants.
The area is home to a staggering variety of plant and animal species, including giant otters, capybaras, peccaries, tapirs, jaguars, caiman, 13 different species of monkeys, over 1000 species of birds and over 1300 species of butterflies. All together there have been over 4,000 animal species described and over 20,000 types of plants.
A cup fungi species, Cookeina sp.
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The hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin) - a prehistoric looking bird that is quite common in the Madre de Dios.
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