Puerto Maldonado and Tambopata

01.09.2013 – 03.09.2013
The Route: Cusco – Ccatca - Ocongate – Loromayo - Puerto Maldonado – Inapari (713 km)




For a long time already I have been planning, to go back to Brazil, and this time from Peru, along the Interoceanic Highway, which is the only road between these two countries.


A signpost at the beginning of the Interoceanic shows pretty big numbers, for example, that Sao Paulo is 4601 km from here, but the most important issue was - to reach Puerto Maldonado by the end of the day.

Just in a couple of hundred meters there is a police check post, I was just asked where I was going and then was wished to have a nice journey.


More of mountainous Peru. Cusco is at the altitude of 3600 m, before Brazil it is necessary to draive two more kilometers higher.


And some snowy peaks in the distance.






Interoceanic rises up to the height of 4725 meters and then a super-long descent begins,


I think someone has tried to make a snowman.




On the other side at the beginning there are bare hillsides, but the further and lower – the warmer it turnis.


I arrive at Puerto Maldonado a couple of hours after sunset. The last few hundred meters of the rain forest is by the road, and the temperature and humidity are corresponding. Could be 30 degrees or maybe even more. Warmer clothes are for some time very likely not needed.

The next day is a draive - free one. The Tambopata National Park near Puerto Maldonado can be reached only along the river. Rio Madre de Dios and the river transport - waiting for tourists.


At the moment this is the driest period here, however, the traces on the bank prove that the level of the river has been some metes higher.












And further on by boat to the lake Sandoval.
























A protection-coloured lizard. Even as close as from a meter it was difficult to distinguish it from the colour of the bark of the tree.




The map of Tambopata Reserve.

A daily visit includes a boat trip from Puerto Maldonado up to the protected areas, followed by a three mile walk through the rain forest, then one more boat ride over the lake Sandoval, lunch on the opposite shore and then back. And, of course, a taxi ride from the overnight place through the town to the port and later back.

Everything is taken nicely into consideration. Tourists should take only their own sunscream and mosquito repellent and water to drink for the whole day. Because it's hot and humid outside.


On the way back there are a few alligators in sight but noticing the approaching boat they disappear into the water.No success of taking pictures.


The guide at the boat`s nose.


Another overnight place.

The - Anaconda Lodge offers possibility of camping, ie the possibility of sleeping in the car. It is really warm in the car. Almost like in a just-turned-off oven. The initial idea of keeping open the doors, hatches and windows changes quickly when I notice a few meters away on the trunk of a tree sitting a huge spider, who at first makes the face that the white tourist is completely uninteresting and not edible. Better not to risk.

I 've read somewhere that there is a region of the Amazon,where are some carnivorous plants, but sometimes it's better not to know everything.




So - better doors and windows should be kept closed at all times, otherwise some four-legged guests are present as well.






The new bridge of Puerto Maldonado over the river of Madre de Dio. The bridge was built a few years ago, before a ferry was in use.

From here it is over 200 kilometers to the border, on both sides of the road there should be a powerful and colorful rain forest, full of life, but the reality is different.


Instead green and dense rainforest there is burned land.


Amidst burned clearings few trees have been able to withstand.




Instead green and dense rainforest there is burned land.




Meantime there are greener spots, and then the next burnout. And then the next. And the next.


Inapari is a border city and my visit to Peru will be over for this time.


It takes almost no time at the border. A stamp in the passport and some other short formalities. And that`all.


Thank you for visiting. Corredor Vial Interoceanico Sur Peru - Brazil.

Half of Peru remained unvisited, but sometimes you have to take into consideration the seasons and the weather.


Rio Acre and border bridže. Across the river is Brazilia.
And alongside - Bolivia.
Continued …