Your Essential Checklist: Puerto Maldonado

Comprehensive Travel Planning

A detailed timeline aids managing bookings, health, and home affairs before your trip.

Planning Timeline Overview

A structured approach to your pre-trip preparations.

Initial Steps

Passport & Visa

Check passport validity; apply for any required visas well in advance.

Flights & Lodge

Book international and domestic flights, plus your Amazon eco-lodge.

Insurance & Health

Acquire comprehensive travel insurance; consult a travel health clinic.

Mid-Term Actions

Vaccinations

Receive all necessary vaccinations, including Yellow Fever.

Gear & Funds

Start compiling your packing list and inform banks of travel.

Confirmations

Confirm all major bookings like flights and lodge reservations.

Final Details

Digital Tools

Download offline maps and translation apps to your device.

Document Copies

Make digital and physical copies of all travel documents.

Medications & Contacts

Pack essential medications and share your itinerary with contacts.

Before Leaving Home

Address domestic needs for a worry-free departure.

Household Readiness

Secure your home: Lock all doors and windows.
Arrange pet care and plant watering.
Set up mail hold or ask a neighbor to collect mail.
Pay any bills due during your absence.

Required Reservations

Secure these elements of your trip in advance.

Mandatory Bookings

International flights to Lima or Cusco, then domestic flights to PEM.
Your all-inclusive Amazon eco-lodge package.
Any independent specialized tours not part of your lodge package.
These bookings aid a planned itinerary.

Research Your Journey

Deepen your appreciation for the Amazon before you arrive.

Biodiversity Insights

Learn about Tambopata's rich biodiversity.
Appreciate the unique species you may see.
Discover jungle ecosystems.
Identify animal groups.

Language & Culture

Learn basic Spanish phrases.
Refine interactions with local people.
Understand local customs.
Foster respectful travel.

Practicalities

Familiarize yourself with local climate.
Prepare for Amazonian conditions.
Review lodge specific guidelines.
Pack appropriately for your adventure.

Planning Reminder

Thorough planning simplifies your experience and enriches your trip.

Arrival & Departure

Seamless transitions for your entry and exit from Puerto Maldonado.

Your Arrival Guide

1
First Steps at PEM
Locate your lodge representative upon airport exit.
2
Independent Travel
Independent travelers: take a mototaxi to town; agree on fare.
3
Lodge Pick-up
Lodge pick-up services are common and convenient.

Orientation & Currency

Getting Situated
Get your bearings in Puerto Maldonado town, starting at Plaza de Armas.
Lodge Briefing
Attend the lodge welcome briefing for schedule and facilities.
Local Currency
Withdraw Peruvian Soles from ATMs at the airport or in town.

Travel & Transfers

Airport Transfers

Lodges coordinate transfers from the airport to their river port.

This typically includes a vehicle transfer, then a boat journey.

River Journeys

Boat travel on the river comprises part of the lodge experience.

The duration varies depending on your chosen lodge's location.

Local Rides

Mototaxis are the main mode of transport within Puerto Maldonado town.

Confirm the fare with the driver before beginning your ride.

Transfer Tip

Follow your lodge's detailed instructions for seamless transfers.

Departure & Post-Trip

Prepare for your departure and reflect on your Amazonian journey.

Departure Logistics

Purchase souvenirs before your departure day.
If shipping items internationally, Lima is a more reliable point.
VAT refunds are available for non-resident tourists, but procedures vary.
Retain original receipts for any tax-free purchases.

Return Trip Essentials

Plan to leave your lodge with ample time for boat and airport transfers.
Attempt to arrive at PEM at least 1.5 hours prior to your domestic flight.
Reconfirm your flight details the day before departure.
Pack efficiently, ensuring all belongings are accounted for.

Stay Safe

Important notes for health and personal security.

Health Measures

Underestimate humidity and heat: Pack light, breathable clothes.
Not using enough insect repellent: Apply frequently.
Ignoring guides' advice: Follow instructions always.
Not having small bills/coins: Carry small denominations.

Important Numbers

Police (general): 105
Fire Department (Bomberos): 116 (also for medical emergencies).
Emergency Assistance (SAMI): (01) 400-0004 (private ambulance in Lima).
Your Travel Insurance Emergency Hotline: Keep this number handy.

Post-Trip Reflection

Reflect on your Amazonian experiences and the memories you've made.

Consider how your journey might inspire future sustainable travel choices.

Your Essential Checklist