Tucked within the protected boundaries of the Tambopata National Reserve in southeastern Peru, Lake Sandoval is universally acclaimed by naturalists as one of the most stunning and wildlife-dense oxbow lakes in the entire Amazon basin.
Measuring over three kilometers long and fringed by towering Mauritia flexuosa palm swamps, the lake serves as a critical refuge for a thriving resident clan of endangered Giant River Otters (Pteronura brasiliensis), massive Black Caimans up to four meters in length, six primate species, and over 500 varieties of tropical birds.
Starting and ending in the accessible jungle hub of Puerto Maldonado, this 3-day classic eco-safari provides direct access to primary rainforest without demanding exhausting overland transfers. Staying inside the reserve at Sandoval Lake Lodge, you explore quiet waters by engine-free rowboat, watch hundreds of macaws feed at a dawn palm lick, and embark on thrilling nocturnal caiman safaris.
Unlike many Amazon lodges located along commercial river corridors, our lodge sits directly inside the protected national reserve, just steps from Lake Sandoval. When day-tripping tourists leave in the late afternoon, our guests remain in the forest, experiencing the serene magic of sunset over the water and the mysterious symphony of the night.
Your journey begins with a scenic 25-minute motorized boat ride down the Madre de Dios River, followed by a gentle 5-kilometer nature walk beneath towering Brazil nut trees and ancient ironwood canopies. Boarding a silent wooden rowboat, you glide through a flooded palm canal directly into the open waters of the lake.
Over the course of three unforgettable days, your expert local naturalist guide will help you spot troops of squirrel monkeys crashing through shoreline trees, track silent caimans by flashlight, and witness the playful hunting dynamics of giant river otters in their natural habitat.
Starting Point: Welcome at Puerto Maldonado Airport (PEM) or bus terminal
Ending Point: Airport or bus terminal drop-off in Puerto Maldonado on Day 3
Access: 25 minutes by motorized boat on Madre de Dios River + 5 km flat forest boardwalk/trail
Lodging: Sandoval Lake Eco-Lodge (rooms with private bathrooms, hot water, and screened windows)
Meals Included: 2 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners + fresh fruit juices and drinking water
Wildlife Highlights: Giant River Otters, Black Caimans, 6 monkey species, Hoatzins, Macaws, Toucans
You are met at Puerto Maldonado Airport (PEM) or the bus terminal by our representative and transferred to our central office to store any large excess luggage. We then transfer to the local river port and board our motorized boat for a 25-minute journey down the Madre de Dios River.
We arrive at the official checkpoint of the Tambopata National Reserve. After registering, we begin a pleasant 5-kilometer (approx. 1.5-hour) walk along a shaded forest trail. Towering bamboo stands, wild ginger, and giant trees shade the path as our guide introduces the fascinating ecology of the rainforest.
At the edge of the lake canal, we board a wooden rowboat and paddle through a stunning flooded palm forest into the open waters of Lake Sandoval. We cross to our lodge, check into private rooms, and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch featuring regional Amazonian flavors.
In the afternoon, we take a paddle excursion around the lake perimeter, looking for squirrel monkeys, brown capuchins, hoatzin birds, cormorants, and kingfishers. After enjoying a breathtaking sunset over the mirror-like water, we return to the lodge for dinner. Later, we head out by rowboat for an exciting night caiman safari, using spotlights to locate the glowing red eyes of massive Black Caimans hunting along the shore. Overnight at Sandoval Lake Eco-Lodge.
We wake early at 05:30 AM and paddle across the lake to the Collpa de Palmeras (Macaw Palm Lick). Here, dead Mauritia flexuosa palm trees contain concentrated mineral salts and calcium. Watch in awe as dozens of Blue-and-Gold Macaws, Red-bellied Macaws, and parrots flutter down in a vibrant, noisy show to feed on the palm bark.
We return to the lodge for a full tropical breakfast. Mid-morning, we embark on an in-depth botanical and wildlife hike through primary rainforest trails behind the lodge. Our guide points out massive 500-year-old Brazil nut trees (Bertholletia excelsa), straggler figs, walking palms, and medicinal vines.
After lunch and a relaxing midday break in the lodge hammocks, we take an afternoon paddle across the lake targeting the resident family of Giant River Otters (Pteronura brasiliensis). Watch these curious, vocal aquatic carnivores diving and feeding on fish just meters from the boat. After dinner, an optional night walk introduces tarantulas, tree frogs, and nocturnal insects. Overnight at Sandoval Lake Eco-Lodge.
Enjoy one final early morning paddle across the quiet, mist-shrouded waters of Lake Sandoval, enjoying the dawn bird chorus and watching for monkeys active in the shoreline canopy.
After breakfast at the lodge, we row across the lake, walk the 5-kilometer forest trail back to the Madre de Dios River, and board our motorized boat back to Puerto Maldonado.
We retrieve your stored luggage at our office and transfer you directly to Puerto Maldonado Airport (PEM) or the bus terminal in time for your onward travel. End of services.
Tour Rates (USD per person):
Includes official SERNANP Tambopata National Reserve entry ticket ($20 USD value).
Flight Coordination: We recommend booking flights arriving in Puerto Maldonado before 12:00 PM on Day 1, and departing after 11:30 AM on Day 3 for seamless transfers.
Access: Puerto Maldonado is reached by daily 55-minute commercial flights from Cusco or 90-minute flights from Lima (LATAM Airlines).
Health: Yellow fever vaccination is recommended. Bring personal insect repellent and lightweight long clothing.
Q: How long is the walk to the lake?
A: The walk is approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles) on a flat, shaded trail with wooden boardwalks over wetland areas. It takes roughly 1.5 hours at an easy, comfortable walking pace.
Q: Is swimming permitted in Lake Sandoval?
A: Swimming is permitted only in designated open water sections during the heat of the day under guide supervision. The water is clean, refreshing, and free of dangerous currents.
Our local specialists craft custom itineraries suited to your pace, preferences, and budget.
Important Reservation Notes: Prices are in US Dollars per person based on shared double/twin room accommodation. A deposit of 30% is required to guarantee your departure date. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from entry to Peru.
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