Many indigenous groups who are native to the Madre de Dios region have moved to the regional capital Puerto Maldonado but many live in small villages. Most of these villages have schools, roads, a government health post and churches. They speak their native language and also Spanish. There are seven main groups: Harakbut, Matsigenka, Amahuaca, Kichwa, Runa, Ese Eja, Shipibo and Yine.

Initial contact

There are also groups that are classified as “initial contact” and “non-contacted.” The groups in initial contact have recently expressed an interest in having access to things like healthcare, transportation and education. Some of their villages have these things and some do not yet. Most of these villages host missionaries from a variety of Christian faiths.

Non-contacted