Road trip in Peru, 15 April - 1 May 2025
Puerto Maldonado
This vibrant city, located in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, is a gateway to some of the most pristine rainforests in the world.
This vibrant city, located in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, is a gateway to some of the most pristine rainforests in the world. Known for its rich biodiversity, the area is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The city itself is a bustling hub of activity, with a lively market and a variety of restaurants offering local cuisine.
The history of this city is deeply intertwined with the rubber boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Founded in 1902, it was named after explorer Faustino Maldonado, who navigated the Madre de Dios River. The city's growth was fueled by the rubber industry, and remnants of this era can still be seen in the city's architecture and culture.
One of the city's highlights is the Obelisk, a towering structure that offers panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest and rivers. Another must-visit is the bustling market, where visitors can sample local delicacies and purchase handmade crafts. The city is also home to a butterfly farm, where visitors can learn about the life cycle of these beautiful creatures and see a variety of species up close.
The city serves as a launching point for excursions into the surrounding rainforest. The nearby Tambopata National Reserve and Bahuaja-Sonene National Park are teeming with wildlife, including macaws, caimans, and capybaras. These protected areas offer a variety of activities, from bird watching and wildlife spotting to hiking and canoeing.
The city's location on the banks of the Madre de Dios River also makes it a hub for river travel. Visitors can take a boat trip down the river, offering a unique perspective on the rainforest and its inhabitants. The river is also a vital lifeline for the city, providing transportation, food, and water.
Despite its remote location, the city has a vibrant cultural scene. The annual Carnival is a highlight, with parades, music, and dancing filling the streets. The city is also home to a number of museums and cultural centers, where visitors can learn about the history and culture of the region.
In all, this city is a unique blend of urban life and untouched nature. Its rich history, vibrant culture, and proximity to some of the world's most pristine rainforests make it a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the Peruvian Amazon.
The history of this city is deeply intertwined with the rubber boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Founded in 1902, it was named after explorer Faustino Maldonado, who navigated the Madre de Dios River. The city's growth was fueled by the rubber industry, and remnants of this era can still be seen in the city's architecture and culture.
One of the city's highlights is the Obelisk, a towering structure that offers panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest and rivers. Another must-visit is the bustling market, where visitors can sample local delicacies and purchase handmade crafts. The city is also home to a butterfly farm, where visitors can learn about the life cycle of these beautiful creatures and see a variety of species up close.
The city serves as a launching point for excursions into the surrounding rainforest. The nearby Tambopata National Reserve and Bahuaja-Sonene National Park are teeming with wildlife, including macaws, caimans, and capybaras. These protected areas offer a variety of activities, from bird watching and wildlife spotting to hiking and canoeing.
The city's location on the banks of the Madre de Dios River also makes it a hub for river travel. Visitors can take a boat trip down the river, offering a unique perspective on the rainforest and its inhabitants. The river is also a vital lifeline for the city, providing transportation, food, and water.
Despite its remote location, the city has a vibrant cultural scene. The annual Carnival is a highlight, with parades, music, and dancing filling the streets. The city is also home to a number of museums and cultural centers, where visitors can learn about the history and culture of the region.
In all, this city is a unique blend of urban life and untouched nature. Its rich history, vibrant culture, and proximity to some of the world's most pristine rainforests make it a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the Peruvian Amazon.
Lima
This bustling metropolis is the capital of a country known for its rich Incan heritage, diverse landscapes, and world-renowned cuisine.
Miraflores
This vibrant district is renowned for its lush parks, world-class restaurants, and bustling nightlife.
Huaca Pucllana
The pre-Columbian site is a main attraction in the colonial centre of Lima, offering insight into the region's ancient history.
Paracas
A small seaside town filled with restaurants serving fresh seafood, it offers a unique coastal experience.
Ballestas Islands
Known as the 'poor man's Galapagos', this destination offers a rich biodiversity that rivals its more famous counterpart.
Nazca
This enigmatic location, steeped in ancient history, is home to a series of massive geoglyphs etched into the earth's surface.
Arequipa
A blend of history, architecture, nature, and culinary excellence.
Chivay
A small town nestled at an altitude of 3,650 meters in the Peruvian Andes, it offers a unique high-altitude experience.
Colca Canyon
A stunning canyon combining natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture.
Puno
A town of 145,000 inhabitants, it's situated at the western end of Lake Titicaca, at an altitude of 3,860 m..
Lake Titicaca
Situated at an altitude of 3,860 m, Puno is a town of 145,000 inhabitants at the western end of the renowned body of water.
Sillustani
Visit the archaeological site next to Lake Umayo, a pre-Inca cemetery featuring about 90 chullpas, above-ground tombs with unique inverted cone architecture.
Cusipata
A quaint village nestled in the vast Andean Altiplanos, it offers a unique experience with stays at the River Lodge, located next to the Urubamba River.
Andean Altiplanos
This high-altitude plateau, stretching across several nations, is a breathtaking spectacle of nature's grandeur. Its vast expanses are dotted with shimmering...
Titicaca Plateau
This high-altitude region, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural history, is a must-visit for any traveler.
Urubamba River
This majestic waterway, often referred to as the Sacred River, is a significant part of the ancient Incan Empire.
Cuzco
Departing early from the hotel, the journey leads to the Rainbow Mountains before the crowds arrive. The serene environment allows for undisturbed photograph...
Sacred Valley
Explore the colonial town of Chinchero and the Moray Agricultural Laboratory, a structure of circular terraces. Visit the Maras salt mine and walk to the Uru...
Chinchero
This colonial town is known for its peculiar structure of circular terraces that sink into a 150-meter deep crater, each maintaining unique climatic conditio...
Moray Agricultural Laboratory
This unique structure consists of circular terraces that descend into a 150-meter deep crater. Each terrace maintains its own climate, suitable for different...
Ollantaytambo
This beautiful small town is built on ancient Incan walls, preserving their urban features. It's divided into blocks, each with a single entrance leading to...
Inca Trail
This ancient path, carved by a civilization long past, is a testament to the ingenuity and endurance of its creators.
Machu Picchu
High above the Sacred Valley, an ancient citadel rests on a mountain ridge, a testament to the architectural prowess of a long-gone civilization.
Inca Bridge
It's an impressive trail along vertical cliffs of a canyon, offering an opportunity for a hike up to a historical site.
Huayna Picchu
Early in the morning, a climb to a steep peak offers panoramic views of an archaeological site. The path is built, and the tour concludes with this ascent.
Puerto Maldonado
This vibrant city, located in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, is a gateway to some of the most pristine rainforests in the world.
Madre De Dios
It's an Amazonian tributary where one can observe turtles, osprey, and capybara on its banks.
Sandoval Lake
This Amazonian gem is accessible via a 5 km jungle trail. It hosts a rich variety of wildlife including giant otters, black caiman, and diverse tropical bird...