Safari in Southeastern Amazon (Madre de Dios & Ucayali)
Venture into the remote and biodiverse rainforests of southeastern Peru, including world-renowned Manu and Alto Purús, offering unparalleled wildlife encounters.
Southeastern Amazon (Madre de Dios & Ucayali) Parks Map
Explore safari parks across Southeastern Amazon (Madre de Dios & Ucayali)
Southeastern Amazon (Madre de Dios & Ucayali) Safari Parks
Explore safari parks in Southeastern Amazon (Madre de Dios & Ucayali)
Estação Ecológica Rio Acre
Estação Ecológica Rio Acre is a protected area in Peru.
Parque Nacional Alto Purús
One of the largest and most remote protected areas in Peru, Alto Purús is home to several uncontacted indigenous groups and boasts exceptional biodiversity. It's a frontier for serious conservation and offers unparalleled opportunities for deep Amazonian exploration, though access is challenging.
Parque Nacional Bahuaja Sonene
Sharing a border with Bolivia's Madidi National Park, Bahuaja Sonene protects a unique transition zone between the Amazon rainforest and the dry Chaco. It's a crucial habitat for jaguars, giant otters, marsh deer, and the rare maned wolf, offering a different Amazonian experience.
Parque Nacional da Serra do Divisor
Parque Nacional da Serra do Divisor is a protected area in Peru.
Parque Nacional del Manu
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Manu is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, protecting vast tracts of Amazon rainforest. Visitors can expect to see an incredible array of wildlife including jaguars, giant otters, macaws, monkeys, and hundreds of bird species, making it a premier destination for serious wildlife enthusiasts.
Parque Nacional Sierra del Divisor
Parque Nacional Sierra del Divisor is a protected area in Peru.
Santuario Nacional Megantoni
Santuario Nacional Megantoni is a protected area in Peru.
Compare Parks in Southeastern Amazon (Madre de Dios & Ucayali)
Side-by-side comparison of safari parks in Southeastern Amazon (Madre de Dios & Ucayali)
| Park | Area | Wildlife | Lodges | Crowds | Malaria | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parque Nacional del Manu | - | 612 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | SPNU (81km) |
| Parque Nacional Bahuaja Sonene | - | 598 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | SPLG (81km) |
| Parque Nacional Alto Purús | - | - | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | SPEP (150km) |
| Estação Ecológica Rio Acre | - | 253 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | BR-1699 (79km) |
| Parque Nacional da Serra do Divisor | - | 357 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | SSPR (70km) |
| Parque Nacional Sierra del Divisor | - | 394 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | SPBJ (99km) |
| Santuario Nacional Megantoni | - | 329 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | VVN (71km) |
65 species recorded in Southeastern Amazon (Madre de Dios & Ucayali)5 threatened
We love the sheer, untamed wildness of southeastern Peru. Stepping into the Madre de Dios feels like entering another world, a symphony of emerald green under a humid sky. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and unseen blossoms, and the constant hum of insects is a reminder of the incredible life teeming all around. We recommend venturing deep into Manu or Alto Purús for an experience that truly immerses you in the heart of the Amazon.
Terrain & Altitude
Predominantly lowland rainforest characterized by vast, relatively flat expanses dissected by winding river systems.
100-500m above sea level
Vegetation
Dense, multi-layered tropical rainforest dominated by towering emergent trees, a thick understory, and abundant epiphytes.
Water Sources
The region is crisscrossed by major river systems like the Madre de Dios and Ucayali, along with countless smaller tributaries, oxbow lakes, and seasonal swamps.
Unique Features
The sheer scale of intact primary rainforest and the presence of massive clay licks attract an astonishing concentration and diversity of wildlife.
Getting to the southeastern Amazon requires patience, but the rewards are immense. We always advise flying into Puerto Maldonado (PEM) as your primary gateway; from there, most lodges arrange boat transfers which are an adventure in themselves. Don't underestimate the time needed for these transfers, as they are part of the experience.
Nearest Airports
Puerto Maldonado Airport (PEM)
Varies depending on lodge location; typically 1-4 hour boat transfer
Daily connections from Lima (LIM) and Cusco (CUZ) on LATAM Peru and Star Peru
Iquitos International Airport (IQT)
Requires onward travel via boat or small aircraft; not the primary gateway for this specific region
Connections from Lima (LIM) on LATAM Peru and Star Peru
Bush Airstrips
Driving Routes
From Cusco
A long but scenic overland journey via the Interoceanic Highway. We recommend breaking this up with an overnight stay in a town like Urcos. The road is generally good, but can be slow going.
From Lima
Most travelers fly from Lima to Puerto Maldonado to save time. If you opt for the bus, be prepared for a very long journey, often 18-20 hours.
Temperature
23.5°C
74°F
Rainfall
283.8 mm
Heavy rains
Humidity
86.8%
Sunshine
8.9 hrs/day
Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API
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