The drawings made on stones and other evidences of archeological interest, found on the margins of the Shinkebenia and Palotoa rivers, as well as in the Pantiacolla Cordillera, are proof of human presence since ancient times. Much later, the Tahuantinsuyo (Inca State) was confronted with fierce resistence on the part of the experienced Mojo warriors. The Inca Roca´s dominion over the high valley of the Madre de Dios River (river which was then called Amarumayo or “Sacred Snake River”), was only partial. During the Colony, some Dominican missions failed in their attempt to evangelize the region. The main cause for this was the violence and resistence opposed by the native tribes.

In 1890, Carlos Fermín Fitzcarrald, the king of rubber, discovered a pass that united the basins of the Ucayali and Madre de Dios rivers. During the next two decades, numerous adventurers and merchants exploited the forests along the new route, finding abundant rubber and gold. One noticeable fact is that it only was from 1915 on and as a result of the Dominican missionaries´ persistence, that the local tribes began to accept civilization. Nevertheless, today, there are still native groups in total physical and cultural isolation.