If you visit Peru, make sure to stop in Puerto Maldonado, which is known as the capital of the exotic Peruvian biodiversity!
It is known as such because it serves as the entrance to the Tambopata National Park and the Manu National Park. Both of which are very appealing options for seeing wildlife in Peru.
Tambopata National Park is easily accessible due to its tourism infrastructure. It is also a less expensive option than Manu National Park.
The national park is easy to reach by flying into the city of Puerto Maldonado from Lima or Cusco. From Cusco. it is generally a 30-minute flight. The lodges are reachable by boat because they are located along the Tambopata River.
The best time to visit Tambopata is from November to February. However, with increased tourism interrupting the peace of the rainforests, it can be difficult to spot a wide variety of wildlife.
Tambopata National Park is especially well-known for birdwatching expeditions, with over 650 bird species reported to have been seen. This includes the Harpy Eagle, Macaws, and Parrots. Monkeys, jaguars, Amazonian tapirs, and poisonous frogs live there as well.
Because the exploration of the wildlife can be completed in 3–4 days, Tambopata is recommended for travelers who are in Peru for a short vacation. It is also less expensive, with only about $100 spent per day.
Manu National Park is Peru’s largest and most sheltered region. Many people believe it has the greatest species diversity in the world!
However, getting to the national park is difficult because there are no flights. Instead, tourists must travel to the village of Paucartambo and then to the Amazon Basin, which is a 7-8-hour journey from Cusco.
This means that Manu National Park’s natural way of life is not disturbed. The best time to visit Manu National Park is from April to September.
It’s also a great place to go birdwatching, with over 850 bird species, including macaws. You can also spot monkeys, jaguars, pumas, giant otters, giant armadillos, and the Andean Mountain cat.
As a result, Manu National Park is recommended for travelers staying in Peru for more than two weeks, as wildlife explorations can take 9-10 days. For researchers, nature enthusiasts, and biologists, it can be an exciting experience. However, it can be costly, as you can expect to spend around $300 per day.
So, which option is the best? Is it Manu National Park or Tambopata?
Whether you visit Manu National Park or Tambopata, the Peruvian Amazon rainforest will provide you with an unforgettable wildlife experience. It depends completely on whether you want to spend 3-4 days or more than a week exploring the Peruvian jungle, as well as the time of year you plan to visit Peru.
Animals that are frequently seen include monkeys, birds, and giant otters. Jaguars, pumas, and Andean Mountain cats are extremely rare. So don’t get your hopes up about this one. And consider yourself incredibly lucky if you come across one!
