Description

The Place:

Flanked by two rivers, the Tambopata and the Rio de Dios, Puerto Moldonado is a city that borders the Amazon in the South Western corner of Peru. As such, it experiences a jungle climate. I am told there are two seasons here - hot and wet. I haven't been here for the wet season, but I can vouch for the hot one. It's very hot and humid.

The Lodges:

Tourists typically stay in one of the many riverside lodges outside of the city. Accessing them is by small boat only, which is part of the experience. Another part of the experience is price. These lodges are not the best option for the thrifty traveler. They are pricey and remote. Services at the lodges are limited. There's no internet connection, nowhere to purchase that pair of socks you forgot, and power is delivered by generator. Don't expect more than an hour or two of electricity daily. Of course there's no hot water. Hot water is rare in Puerto, I haven't found it yet, although I am told that a few of the higher end hotels offer it. 

Other Options:

Hotels, hospedajes, hostels, and airbnbs are abundant and inexpensive in this city, I found a great hosepedaje on the Tambopata river with wifi, free breakfast, and a pool for $20.00/night. It's every bit as comfortable as the lodge I stayed at before, and there is electricity 24/7. If you need that pair of socks, the town is close (a $3.00 cab ride), and hiring a boat to visit any of the tourist destinations is an easy affair - just go down to the dock and inquire. They cost about $20.00/hour.

The Food:

In addition to hot showers, other hard to find items (that I particularly miss) are brewed coffee and white wine. You're best bet for either is the town square. There is a great coffee house near the park. Good luck with the white wine. I was able to snag a couple glasses in a tourist restaurant one night, but when I returned a few days later, it was no longer available.

In Puerto, as in the rest of Peru, you can eat inexpensively if you avoid the tourist joints. There is no shortage of restaurants, and they really feed you. The portions tend to be more than enough.

Transportation:

Getting around the city is easiest by cab. It's inexpensive and they are everywhere. Not only are they everywhere, there are all kinds of them, from cars to motorcycles, to small vans.

I understand that there are very few car rental agencies here. A Google search gave no results. However, if you are brave enough, you can rent a motorcycle. Don't expect the same courtesy from the drivers here that you get back home in your comfortable suburb. Here, you must obey the first law of nature: Get the Hell out of the way. 

The Find:

What you will find in abundance here, apart from the ubiquitous motorcycle and the soul-crushing, relentless sun, is a spirit of kindness and helpfulness among the people like nowhere else. People here affectionately refer to each other as Primo and Prima (Uncle and Aunt). The cab driver invited me for dinner at his house. The hospedaje I stayed at welcomed me to the patron's 70th birthday party. People here ROCK.

Photos