
Short on time but refuse to miss the world’s greatest rainforest? The 2-Day Sandoval Lake Getaway is designed specifically for travelers seeking a compact, high-impact Amazon experience without spending multiple days in transit.
Departing from Puerto Maldonado, this overnight tour takes you directly into the protected heart of Tambopata National Reserve. Glide by silent rowboat across the pristine waters of Lake Sandoval, spot playful Giant River Otters and basking turtles, track glowing red caiman eyes on an evening water safari, and awaken to the calls of macaws feeding at sunrise.
Even within 24 hours, the Amazon leaves an indelible mark. Located just 25 minutes by river and an easy trail walk from Puerto Maldonado, Lake Sandoval offers biodiversity comparable to deep wilderness regions hundreds of miles away.
By staying overnight at our lodge inside the reserve, you experience the two most biologically active windows in the rainforest: dusk, when caimans and nocturnal creatures emerge; and dawn, when macaws, monkeys, and otters begin their morning feeding.
Every aspect of this tour is seamlessly organized—from airport pickup and secure luggage storage to private boat transport and full-board dining—giving you maximum wildlife immersion with zero stress.
Starting Point: Pickup at Puerto Maldonado Airport (PEM) or bus station before 12:00 PM on Day 1
Ending Point: Drop-off at Puerto Maldonado Airport by 12:30 PM on Day 2
Transport: Motorized riverboat and engine-free wooden rowboats
Lodging: 1 Night at Sandoval Lake Eco-Lodge (private bathroom, hot water)
Meals: 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner + tropical juices and drinking water
Difficulty: Easy (5 km flat trail walk each way)
We meet you upon arrival at Puerto Maldonado Airport (PEM) or the bus terminal. After storing large luggage at our central office, we transfer to the port and board our motorized boat down the Madre de Dios River.
We enter the Tambopata National Reserve and walk an easy 5-kilometer shaded trail through primary rainforest. Along the way, our naturalist guide introduces towering hardwood trees, medicinal plants, and active monkey troops.
At the lake edge, we board a wooden rowboat and paddle through a lush palm canal into the open waters of Lake Sandoval. We check into the lodge and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch. In the late afternoon, we take a relaxing rowboat excursion along the shoreline to observe giant river otters, hoatzins, and squirrel monkeys. After dinner, we set out on an exciting night safari to spot Black Caimans and nocturnal wildlife. Overnight at Sandoval Lake Eco-Lodge.
At 05:30 AM, we set out on a peaceful sunrise rowboat cruise. The early morning light offers prime viewing of macaws, parrots, and kingfishers, with a second opportunity to watch giant river otters fishing.
We return to the lodge for breakfast, pack our daypacks, and row back across the lake. We retrace our steps along the 5-kilometer forest trail to the Madre de Dios River, boarding our boat back to Puerto Maldonado.
We retrieve your stored luggage and transfer you directly to Puerto Maldonado Airport in time for afternoon flights to Lima or Cusco. End of services.
Tour Rates (USD per person):
Includes official SERNANP Tambopata National Reserve entry permit.
Timing: Recommended flight on Day 1: Arriving in Puerto Maldonado by 10:30 AM or 11:30 AM. Recommended flight on Day 2: Departing Puerto Maldonado after 01:00 PM.
Quick Logistics: Puerto Maldonado is a brief 55-minute flight from Cusco, making this the easiest, most accessible Amazon add-on to any Machu Picchu trip.
Q: Will I have enough time to catch my afternoon flight on Day 2?
A: Yes! We arrive back in Puerto Maldonado by 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM, well in advance of all standard afternoon flights departing between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM.
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.
Read genuine experiences and candid impressions shared by travelers who explored the Amazon rainforest with Inka Amazonia.