Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
this for their groups). Standard entry fee is S30, but increases to S65 for visiting areas
away from the riverside lodges.
Detour:
Parque Nacional Bahuaja-Sonene
About two hours south of the Río Madre de Dios and along the Río Heath, the
Parque Nacional Bahuaja-Sonene
(admission S30)
has some of the best wildlife in Peru's Amazon region, including rarities such as the maned wolf
and spider monkey, although these are not easily seen. Infrastructure in the park, one of the nation's largest, is lim-
ited - making this a spot for dedicated adventurers.
The best (read: only) place to stay in the area is the
Heath River Wildlife Center
Offline map
(s/d 4 days & 3
nights US$725/1150)
, a 10-room lodge owned by the Ese'eja indigenous people, located five hours by boat from
Puerto Maldonado. Units in the simple thatched lodge come equipped with hot water, and guiding and cultural ser-
vices are available. Travelers can also take advantage of trails that lead right into the Bahuaja-Sonene. Capybaras
are frequently seen and guided tours to a nearby
colpa
(clay lick), to see macaws and parrots, can be arranged.
Park entrance fees are included. The first and last nights of tours are spent at a lodge on Lago Sandoval. To ar-
084-23-1138; Ricardo Palma J1 Urb
Santa Mónica & Plateros 361)
; Lima
(
01-440-2022; Manuel Bañón 461, San Isidro)
.
Getting There & Around
Air
The airport is 7km outside town. There are daily flights from Lima, via Cuzco, with
LAN
57-3564;
www.starperu.com
;
Velarde 151)
.
Boat
Getting around is done almost exclusively by boat. Boats for local excursions can be
found at the Río Madre de Dios ferry dock. The Tambopata dock, 2km south of town, has
boats to the Tambopata reserve. Boats to jungle lodges leave from both docks.
