Lucerna on Las Piedras: River Landscapes and Conservation

Lucerna lies on the Las Piedras River; nearby, forests and conservation are at the heart of several nature destinations. Bosque de ARBIO and Las Piedras Amazon Center offer different activities. A paved road from Alegría reaches Puerto Lucerna; check current road conditions before setting out.

Riverside town and getting around the area

To reach Bosque de ARBIO from Puerto Maldonado, travel overland to Lucerna on the Las Piedras River, then continue by boat to the forest. The overland journey is listed as taking 2.5 hours, and the river leg one hour. Actual travel times may vary depending on road and river conditions. For river transport, ARBIO uses its own boat, which carries a maximum of eight people. Confirm current transport arrangements before your trip.

Conservation at Bosque de ARBIO

Bosque de ARBIO covers 916 hectares of tropical rainforest. The Peruvian state granted the concession in 2006 for 40 years, with the possibility of an extension. A visit is for people who would like to take part in conservation work. ARBIO provides guidance and support for all activities. Participants can choose a hectare of Amazonian forest or a tree threatened by illegal logging to protect.

A network of marked trails leads through the forest. Visitors can follow these trails through the forest and learn about large Amazonian trees. This offers two distinct ways to experience the area: a guided stay on forest trails and the opportunity to participate in conservation. Confirm current program details before your trip.

Forest and water experiences at Las Piedras Amazon Center

At Las Piedras Amazon Center, visitors can spend a day as forest rangers, patrolling remote trails and learning to identify and monitor endangered species. Activities also include walks along trails and swimming at waterfalls. Visitors can also learn about and share the experiences, customs, and concerns of nearby communities, as well as their work in sustainable agriculture. Confirm the availability of planned activities before your trip.

Access from Puerto Maldonado is via Puerto Lucerna: the overland journey is listed as taking three hours, followed by a 20-minute boat ride. Access depends on weather conditions. This is a separate route to Las Piedras Amazon Center and should be taken into account when planning.

Ancient trees and their different roles

An estimate from 2025 puts El Tayta at more than 1,100 years old; ANNITA is estimated to be more than 700 years old. Because of its imposing size, El Tayta is considered a heritage tree, a living monument, and a symbol of the Peruvian Amazon. ANNITA is considered the forest’s mother tree because of its particularly pronounced natural regeneration; it too is a living monument and a symbol of the Peruvian Amazon. Both belong to wild flora classified as at risk and are categorized as “vulnerable.”

El Marqay adds an ecological role to these stories of trees: its fruits provide food for birds, mammals, and primates, while its hollows offer shelter to numerous species. The three trees thus represent different aspects of the nature experience: great age and remarkable size, natural regeneration, and food and habitat for animals.

Factor the itinerary into your holiday rental search

The boat legs highlight the difference between the two forest destinations: one hour for the river transfer to ARBIO, and 20 minutes for the onward journey to Las Piedras Amazon Center. These travel times apply to different destinations and can help you plan your stay. So, when looking for a holiday rental in Lucerna, factor your preferred nature activities and the journey there into your plans.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Sandoval, Inca, Repartición, Madre de Dios, Manú, Iberia, La Torre and Filadelfia.

Return to the main travel overview: Madre De Dios.