This bibliographic study aimed to evaluate and to quantify the contribution of science to current knowledge on 41 ethnic groups (19 linguistic families) from the Peruvian Amazon. A total of 790 papers were selected through a literature review by key words in titles and abstracts compiled in two data bases: ISI Web of Science and Anthropology Plus (1895-2007). The most highly cited ethnic groups were Machiguenga (103), Ashaninka (60) and Yánesha (43) [arawaks], Shipibo-Conibo (78) [panos] and Aguaruna (64) [jíbaros]. Over the period of study, a transition from linguistic to ecological themes was observed, while the amount of publications increased notably between 1970 and 1990. These trends can be accounted for by the gradual establishment of global environmental agenda, as well as by patterns of population density, geographical location and cultural preservation. Finally, a new field of research is proposed which should integrate traditional knowledge and natural resource management. © 2008 Boletín Latinoamericano y del Caribe de Plantas Medicinales y Aromáticas.