The territory of Madre de Dios, in the areas near the Cusco provinces of
Paucartambo and Quispicanchis, was known since the Inca Era. First Inca Roca
and then Túpac Yupanqui arrived to the higher part of the watershed of Alto
Madre de Dios, incorporating it into the empire.
In 1566, Mr. Juan Alvarez de Maldonado, heading an important expedition,
went through the territory of Madre de Dios and navigated this river.
However, in 1860 the most important expedition was lead by Mr. Faustino
Maldonado. After traveling the Ucayali and Urubamba Rivers, Maldonado
arrived in Cusco. After staying two months in this city, he departed to
Madre de Dios navigating by the Piñipiñi, Madre de Dios, and Madeira Rivers
with the purpose of going back to the starting point. However, he died after
drowning in the Madeira. His son continued the expedition and completed the
scheduled route with the other survivors.
By the end of the 19th century, the "caucheros" (rubber men) would go scout
the territory in search of rubber and shiringa trees. The most famous rubber
man was Fermín Fitzcarrald. In 1893 he discovered an isthmus, which has
since been named after him as the "Varadero de Fitzcarrald".
Tourism
Puerto Maldonado is the capital of the department. Tourists come from around
the world to discover Madre de Dios' treasure: Manu National Park. You can
see wonderful landscapes, mysterious forests and beautiful lakes.
Its flora and fauna are unique and indescribable. Much of it has not even
been classified yet. It covers more than a million and a half hectares,
which hold a surprising variety of ecosystems of great scientific interest.
Tours in Puerto Maldonado:
PUERTO MALDONADO 5 DAYS /
4 NIGHTS
PUERTO MALDONADO 3 DAYS /
2 NIGHTS
PUERTO MALDONADO 2 DAYS / 1
NIGHTS
TAMBOPATA CANDAMO RESERVE 6
DAYS / 5 NIGHTS