Weekend in Puerto Maldonado

The central market filled with stalls selling tropical fruit, local crafts and juice bars. Cheap and genuine — no souvenir tat, just everyday life.

Tip: Get a fresh aguaje juice from the back row of stalls. It's 2-3 soles and tastes like a creamy mango-pumpkin mix, only found here.

A pedestrian suspension bridge connecting the main town to the neighbourhood of La Joya. Great for watching fishermen and river traffic at low cost.

Tip: Stand in the middle and watch for turtles sunning on logs below — especially after 10am when the morning mist clears.

A public viewing platform on an island in the Madre de Dios River. Climb the metal stairs for a sweeping view of the river and canopy. Often used by locals for sunset photos.

Tip: Time it for 5pm — the light is golden and the monk saki monkeys come out on the island's east side.

An oxbow lake in the Tambopata reserve, reachable by boat and a short walk. You'll see giant river otters, howler monkeys and plenty of birdlife from a rowboat. No entry fee beyond park registration.

Tip: Go with a local guide from the Puerto Maldonado dock — they cost about 40-50 soles and include boat transport. Avoid agencies that charge over 100 soles for the same trip.

A small natural history museum with preserved insects, reptiles and plant specimens from the region. Good background before heading into the rainforest.

Tip: Entry is 5 soles. Don't skip the second room — it holds a collection of Amazonian butterflies you can't see anywhere else in town.