2 minute read
Puerto Capitanía
from Madre de Dios
by Visit Peru
Tambopata Province
Puerto Maldonado Main Square Puerto Maldonado, the departmental capital, is also known as the Biodiversity Capital of Peru and is an important economic center in the Amazon. The plans for this city and its main square were prepared by the prefect Carlos León Velarde in 1923. The bandstand is a legacy of the Japanese community of the beginning of the 20th century.
Miguel Grau Plaza and Lookout One block from the Main Square. This site is notable for its excellent view of the confluence of the Madre de Dios and Tambopata rivers and for being an excellent place to watch an Amazon sunset.
The Billinghurst Bridge City center (one block from the Main Square). This suspension bridge over the Madre de Dios River forms part of the Southern Inter-Oceanic Highway that connects The Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Measuring 723 meters, it is the country’s longest bridge.
Handicraft Tourist Center Jr. Billinhurst Nº480. Opening hours: Mon-Sun 9:00 am - 9:00 pm This center has stands from local handicrafts and native communities: Palma Real (Ese-eja), Monte Salvado (Yine), Tres Islas (Shipibo), Amarakaeri Communal Reserve (harakbut). Also, a showroom, furniture and rustic accessories and delicatessen stands where they offer a variety of Amazonian products. You can also enjoy the Novo-Amazonian cuisine with a view of the Madre de Dios River.
The Ministry of Culture Exhibition Hall of Archeology, Paleontology and Typical Costumes of the Amazon Jr. Gonzáles Prada 222 (3 min. walk from the city center). Tel. (51-82) 572-135. Opening hours: Mon-Sun 8:30 am - 1:00 pm / 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Archeological and paleontological items from different parts of Madre de Dios are on display in this hall. The region has eleven sites which have been declared Cultural Heritage of Peru. Native costumes of indigenous communities are also exhibited.
The Model Market The intersection of Avenida Ernesto Rivero and Avenida Fitzcarrald (10 min. walk from the center of the city). This is the ideal place to purchase handicrafts, as well as for trying the area’s farm products, chestnuts, exotic fruits and its gastronomy.
The Biodiversity Lookout The intersection of Avenida Fitzcarrald and Avenida Madre de Dios (5 min. by car or mototaxi). Opening hours: Thu-Tue 8:00 am - 9:00 pm. Ticket entry. The lookout provides an opportunity to view the city from above (47 meters). The meeting of the Tambopata and Madre de Dios rivers can be seen, as well as the surrounding verdant countryside.
The Tropifauna Serpentarium At the two kilometer mark of the Triunfo Sector (3 min. by car or mototaxi). Opening hours: Mon-Sun 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Tel. (51) 956-382-618. Ticket entry. It is a place dedicated to the conservation and local environmental education, with the purpose of contributing and promoting in the population the respect for the wild fauna and flora.
