Puerto Maldonado is one of my favorite places to experience the Peruvian Amazon up close. Surrounded by lush rainforest and incredible biodiversity, Puerto Maldonado is the perfect starting point for exploring Madre de Dios and Tambopata National Reserve.
The best part is that you can book an Amazon jungle lodge tour that takes care of everything – they’ll pick you up from the airport and drop you off afterward, so you don’t have to worry about any logistics. You’ll find options ranging from simple accommodations to luxurious lodges with all the comforts and extras you could imagine. It’s a great experience for families, solo travelers, couples, or groups of friends.
Amazon & Machu Picchu: 10-Day Wonders
Experience the best of Peru in 10 unforgettable days. Combine majestic Andean peaks with a deep-dive Amazon adventure, from historic Lima and Cusco to iconic Machu Picchu.
Getting here is simple – it’s just about a one-hour flight from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado. For a more economical option, you can take a night bus through the Andes, though the journey takes around 10 hours. Once you arrive, you can stay at one of the all-inclusive lodges or join a day tour from Puerto Maldonado city to explore the tropical rainforest canopy.
In this guide, we recommend you the best places to stay in Puerto Maldonado, and which activities you shouldn’t miss!
Why Visit the Peruvian Amazon from Puerto Maldonado?
Puerto Maldonado is the perfect place to experience the Amazon – it offers one of the most accessible ways to explore the jungle without sacrificing authenticity. Compared to more remote Amazon regions, reaching this area is simple and convenient, making it ideal for travelers with limited time. Once you arrive, you can take part in day excursions to admire colorful macaws at clay licks, playful monkeys, curious caimans, capybaras, giant river otters, and countless butterflies!
Besides, the region stands out for its excellent network of eco-lodges that prioritize sustainability and responsible tourism. Visiting the Amazon after exploring Cusco or Machu Picchu creates the perfect combination of Andes and rainforest adventure in one unforgettable trip.
If you want to explore other jungle places such as the Manu National Park or Iquitos, check out our blog posts for other jungle travel inspiration!
Where to Stay: Amazon Lodges & Accommodation for Every Budget
Let us share everything you need to know about the best eco-lodges in the Amazon, with options for every budget – from affordable stays to veeery luxurious jungle retreats.
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Budget Lodges: Lower Price Category
If you’re traveling on a budget, you’ll find that affordability makes Puerto Maldonado a great choice, with plenty of excellent options to suit different travel styles.
Budget lodges usually feature shared rooms or simple private cabins, communal dining areas, and all the basic amenities for a comfortable stay. Many also include guided excursions so you can experience the jungle without spending a fortune.
Places like Tambopata Hostel provide excellent value, with friendly local guides and well-organized guided tours. These hostels or hotels can be combined with packages that include airport transfers, meals, and basic jungle activities such as canopy walks, boat rides, and night hikes to spot nocturnal animals.
Keep in mind, these places are located in Puerto Maldonado town, so while you enjoy the jungle excursions, you are not staying deep inside the jungle itself – which helps keep them budget-friendly.
These budget options are perfect for backpackers, adventurer, students, or budget-conscious travelers looking for an authentic Amazon experience without breaking the bank.
Mid-Range Lodges in the Amazon basin
For travelers seeking a balance between comfort and adventure, mid-range lodges are an excellent choice. These lodges typically offer private rooms with comfortable beds, solar electricity, and the chance to explore the Amazon in small groups, creating a more personalized experience.
Examples include EcoAmazonia Lodge, Wasai Eco Lodge, and Corto Maltés Amazonía Lodge, all providing great value for money. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities, such as guided hikes, visits to clay licks, oxbow lake tours, and night safaris to spot nocturnal wildlife.
My personal favorite is Corto Maltés Amazonía Lodge – I’ve stayed there twice, and the experience was fantastic. The guides are incredibly knowledgeable, and it’s one of the few lodges in this category that offers both Wi-Fi and a swimming pool, making it a perfect mix of comfort and adventure.
Our co-founder Ariana, along with her family, visited Refugio Amazonas lodge. Read her review and discover her guide with tips for traveling with kids in the jungle.
Luxury Lodges around Puerto Maldonado
For those seeking the ultimate Amazonia experience, luxury lodges offer top-notch comfort, stylish bungalows, gourmet dining, and expert naturalist guides. Guests can expect premium service and a highly personalized experience in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.
Examples include Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, Tambopata Research Center, and Posada Amazonas. Many of these lodges also feature eco-friendly initiatives, spa services, private tours, and exclusive rainforest wildlife experiences for an unforgettable stay.
Luxury lodges are perfect for your honeymoon in Peru, couples, or nature enthusiasts who want to combine comfort with a fully immersive Amazon adventure.
In case you are interested in luxury cruises: Keep in mind that Puerto Maldonado does not currently offer luxury river cruises departing directly from this area. Most luxury Amazon river cruises operate from Iquitos, located in the northern Amazon region of Peru.
What is in Puerto Maldonado Amazon Tours Included?
A Puerto Maldonado Amazon tour usually includes everything you need for a seamless jungle experience. From the moment you arrive, transfers between the airport and your accommodation are usually taken care of.
Overnight stay options range from shared cabins to private suites, ensuring comfort at any level. All meals are included, often featuring a mix of local Amazonian flavors and international dishes. Your days will be filled with guided day tour activities – climbing canopy towers for sweeping views, visiting clay licks to spot colorful macaws, exploring the Sandoval Lake, taking night walks to discover nocturnal wildlife, and meeting local communities. Knowledgeable guides who speak both English and Spanish make every experience informative and enriching.
Check out our jungle tours and see our detailed itinerary with all the inclusions.
Here are our best Peru Amazon Tours:
Amazon Jungle & Machu Picchu (10 days)
Rainforest Expeditions Amazon Tours
Puerto Maldonado or Tambopata Luxury Lodges
And if you’re not sure where to start, just get in touch – we’ll help you plan the perfect Peru trip tailored to your travel style.
Travel Tips: Amazon Tours from Puerto Maldonado
Here are the most important things you should keep in mind when planning the Puerto Maldonado Amazon Tours.
Book in advance!
When traveling to the Amazon, choose your accommodation wisely! Many lodges have limited availability because they offer tours for small groups only. Also, be sure to book your flights early – the direct route from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado often fills up fast.
Pack smart for your Amazon adventure
Lightweight long sleeves, insect repellent, waterproof shoes, and a flashlight are essentials. Check out our Jungle Packing List to make sure you have all the essentials you’ll need and don’t forget anything important for your Amazon adventure.
Embrace an open mind!
Don’t come with the expectation of seeing a jaguar – stay open to whatever nature has in store! Remember that the jungle is all about adventure, not luxury, so even the most comfortable hotels aroud Puerto Maldonado maintain a rustic charm.
It’s also important to set realistic expectations – the Amazon can be hot, humid, and full of insects, and you’ll probably find yourself sweating most of the time. Day activities can be challenging, but that’s all part of the authentic jungle experience.
Respect the jungle!
Always respect the wildlife and local communities you encounter, keeping your impact as minimal as possible. The Amazon is a delicate ecosystem, you visit protected areas where countless species and Indigenous peoples have lived in harmony with the forest for generations.
Avoid touching or feeding animals, and keep a respectful distance to observe them in their natural environment. When visiting local communities, engage with curiosity and humility – listen to their stories, follow your guide’s advice, and support their crafts or projects in sustainable ways.
Making the Most of Your Puerto Maldonado Adventure
If you come to Peru, make sure to visit the Tambopata Reserve and Madre de Dios region – it is so worth it! The moment you start getting to Puerto Maldonado, you can feel the connection with nature, and the sounds of the jungle are absolutely unforgettable.
We also have a great blog post on when to visit the Peruvian Amazon, in case you are interested in learning more about the seasons of the jungle.
As a gateway to the rainforest, Puerto Maldonado offers a great Amazon experience for every kind of traveler – whether you’re seeking budget options or exclusive luxury.
For the ultimate jungle adventure, consider combining your Amazon stay with a visit to Cusco and Machu Picchu – a journey that brings together the best of Peru’s nature, culture, and history. Reach out to our travel experts, and they will help you find the best Amazon tour operators and create a customized trip that combines your visit to the Puerto Maldonado region with the Andes, Lima, and more. Visit the Amazon jungle and start planning now!!
We also have a blog post about Peru Private Tours: Why You Should Choose a Cusco & Machu Picchu Custom Tour – check it out!
Keep Reading:
Budget Puerto Maldonado & Tambopata Lodges
Luxury Puerto Maldonado & Tambopata Lodges
Rainforest Expeditions Amazon Tours
