Discover the magic of the Peruvian Amazon with this captivating 2-day, 1-night tour to Sandoval Lake, one of the most iconic natural jewels of the Tambopata National Reserve. This experience invites you to immerse yourself in an environment where biodiversity, tranquility, and adventure blend in perfect harmony.

From the very beginning, you will navigate the majestic Madre de Dios River, entering a landscape that constantly shifts between dense jungle and mirror-like waters. Then, a hike through the tropical forest will lead you to the impressive Sandoval Lake, surrounded by palm trees and home to an incredible variety of wildlife.

During your stay, you will explore the jungle both by day and by night. You will have the chance to observe giant river otters, black caimans, monkeys, exotic birds, and macaws, as well as discover the forest’s most mysterious side on guided night excursions. Every moment is an opportunity to connect with nature in its purest state.

You will stay at an eco-lodge facing the lake, where comfort is seamlessly integrated into the natural surroundings. Enjoy golden sunsets reflected on the water, dinners accompanied by the sounds of the jungle, and sunrises full of life, creating unforgettable memories in one of the richest ecosystems on the planet.

Ideal for travelers with limited time seeking an authentic, intense, and deeply connected nature experience, this tour is the perfect gateway to discovering the essence of Tambopata.

🌅 Day 1: Puerto Maldonado – Tambopata National Reserve – Sandoval Lake

• Welcome and Transfer to the Pier: Upon your arrival in Puerto Maldonado, our team will meet you at the airport or bus terminal. We will provide a brief orientation about the tour, safety recommendations, and an introduction to the Tambopata National Reserve, one of the most biodiverse protected areas on the planet.

• Navigation on the Madre de Dios River: We will board a motorized boat to navigate for about 30 minutes along the majestic Madre de Dios River. During the journey, you can appreciate tropical birds such as kingfishers, herons, and toucans, as well as capybaras resting on the banks.

• Entry to the Tambopata National Reserve: We will make a brief stop at the official checkpoint for entry registration. Here, the guide will explain the ecological importance of the area, home to emblematic species such as the giant river otter, the black caiman, and the hoatzin (a prehistoric bird).

• Interpretive Hike through the Amazon Rainforest: We will begin a hike of about 3 kilometers (approx. 1 hour) along natural trails surrounded by ancient trees like the shihuahuaco, the Amazonian chestnut, and aguajales palms. The guide will show you medicinal plants and curiosities about Amazonian wildlife.

• Canoe Ride on Sandoval Lake: We will reach Sandoval Lake, a natural jewel surrounded by palm trees and home to countless species. Aboard a traditional rowing canoe, you will navigate silently through its calm waters to observe giant otters, black-spotted turtles (taricayas), tiger herons, and howler monkeys coming down for a drink.

• Amazonian Lunch and Rest: We will enjoy a typical jungle lunch, featuring dishes like fish wrapped in bijao leaves, Amazonian chaufa rice, tropical salads, and exotic fruit juices like aguaje, cocona, or camu camu. Afterward, you will have time to rest in hammocks and connect with nature.

• Wildlife Sighting and Amazonian Sunset: In the afternoon, we will take a second canoe trip to look for birds and animals that are more active at the end of the day: red macaws, toucans, capuchin monkeys and, if luck is on our side, anacondas resting among the mangroves. We will culminate with a golden sunset over the lake, reflected in its crystal-clear waters—perfect for panoramic photographs.

• Dinner and Night Walk in the Jungle: Dinner at the lodge followed by a night walk to discover the fauna active during the night: frogs, insects, and other forest inhabitants.

🌄 Day 2: Sandoval Lake – Birdwatching – Return to Puerto Maldonado

• Sunrise and Bird Watching: Early departure by canoe to witness the awakening of the jungle. This is the best time to observe macaws, toucans, herons, and cormorants in full activity.

• Amazonian Breakfast at the Lodge: We will return to the lodge to enjoy a natural breakfast with fresh fruits, tropical juices, local coffee, and artisanal breads prepared in the Amazonian style.

• Final Canoe Trip on Sandoval Lake: A final exploration through less-traveled areas of Sandoval Lake, ideal for observing more discreet fauna such as squirrel monkeys, kingfishers, and tropical butterflies.

• Return Hike through the Jungle and Final Navigation: We will begin the hike back (approx. 3 km) to the checkpoint, where you can continue enjoying the birdsong and the sounds of the forest. From there, we will navigate again along the Madre de Dios River toward Puerto Maldonado.

• End of the Tour and Return: After the final transfer, we conclude the experience at the Plaza de Armas in Puerto Maldonado, closing an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Tambopata.

✅ What Is Included in the Sandoval Lake Tour 2D/1N?

This tour is designed to provide a complete and safe experience in the Tambopata National Reserve, allowing you to enjoy the adventure without worrying about logistics.

• 🧭 Bilingual Guide (Spanish – English)
  You will be accompanied throughout the experience by a guide specialized in wildlife, Amazonian ecology, and responsible tourism, who will explain every detail of the ecosystem.
• 🛶 Round-Trip River Transportation
  Includes transportation from Puerto Maldonado along the Madre de Dios River to the entrance of the Tambopata National Reserve, as well as all canoe excursions on Sandoval Lake, both during the day and at night.
• 🛌 Eco-Lodge Accommodation (1 Night)
  Includes a stay at a rustic eco-lodge located on the shores of the lake, surrounded by nature, with private or shared rooms, beds equipped with mosquito nets, basic electricity (solar panels), and bathroom facilities.
• 🍽️ Full Board During the Tour
  Includes:

1. 🍴 Lunch and dinner on the first day
2. 🍳 Breakfast on the second day
3. Meals are prepared with fresh local ingredients and can be adapted to special dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free upon prior request).

• 🎟️ All Guided Activities
  All jungle hikes, wildlife observation activities, boat excursions, and visits to clay licks are included and led by your guide.
• 🩺 Basic First Aid Kit
  Your guide carries a basic first aid kit for minor emergencies such as insect bites, small wounds, stomach discomfort, or minor injuries.

❌ What is Not Included in the Sandoval Lake Tour?

Although the tour is quite comprehensive, there are certain services or items that are not included, which you should keep in mind when preparing for your trip:

• 🍹 Alcoholic or Bottled Beverages
  Soft drinks, bottled juices, and alcoholic beverages are not included. At some lodges, you may purchase additional drinks on your own.
• 💵 Voluntary Tips
  Tips for the guide, lodge staff, or drivers are not covered, but it is customary to acknowledge good service with an optional contribution.
• 🎒 Personal Gear
  The following items are not included:

1. Camera or binoculars
2. Small daypack for hikes
3. Personal flashlight or headlamp
4. Rain poncho or waterproof jacket
5. Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, toilet paper)

While some items may be available at the lodge, it is highly recommended to bring your own.

• ✈️ Transportation from Lima or Cusco to Puerto Maldonado
  This tour does not cover flights or bus tickets to Puerto Maldonado. However, we can assist with logistics or recommendations.
• 🧼 Personal Toiletries and Specialized Products
  Soap, shampoo, towels, toilet paper, and sunscreen must be brought by each traveler.
• 📶 Internet Connection or Phone Signal
  The Sandoval Lake area does not have internet access or cell signal. It is the perfect opportunity to disconnect and experience the jungle 100%.

🌟 Recommendations for the Sandoval Lake Tour 2D/1N

🎒 Pack Light, but Smart
Bring a small backpack with the essentials: comfortable, lightweight clothing, preferably long-sleeved to protect yourself from the sun and insects, plus an extra change of clothes in case of rain. Quick-dry garments are ideal for the humid jungle environment.

🥾 Appropriate Footwear
Although some lodges provide rubber boots, we recommend bringing non-slip sneakers or water-resistant sandals for use around the lodge and during daytime hikes.

🌧️ Be Prepared for Rain
Amazonian weather is unpredictable. Don’t forget to pack a waterproof poncho, a cover for your backpack or camera, and plastic bags to protect your belongings from moisture.

🌞 Sun and Insect Protection
Bring biodegradable sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat or cap, sunglasses, and eco-friendly insect repellent with DEET. These items are essential to prevent sunburn and insect bites.

🔦 Bring a Personal Flashlight or Headlamp
Although lighting is provided during the night excursion, it is important to have your own light source, especially while moving around the lodge after dark.

📷 Binoculars and Camera Recommended
If you enjoy birdwatching and wildlife observation, don’t forget your camera with extra batteries, binoculars, and an empty memory card. You won’t want to miss capturing those unforgettable moments!

💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring a reusable water bottle. Most lodges provide purified water for refills. The jungle’s heat and humidity make proper hydration essential.

🧼 Bring Your Personal Toiletries
Pack shampoo, biodegradable soap, a toothbrush, a small towel, toilet paper, and other personal hygiene items. Many lodges provide these only in limited quantities or not at all.

🧘‍♂️ Disconnect to Reconnect
There is no cell phone signal or internet access at Sandoval Lake. Let your family and friends know you will be offline so you can fully enjoy the experience and reconnect with nature.

🤝 Respect the Environment and Wildlife
Do not feed animals, pick plants, or leave designated trails. Always follow your guide’s instructions. Conservation begins with every visitor.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Sandoval Lake Tour 2D/1N

🟢 Is good physical condition necessary for this tour?
You don’t need to be an expert hiker, but basic physical fitness is important. There are walks of 1 to 3 km through jungle trails, which can sometimes be humid or muddy.

🟢 Can I see animals during the tour?
Yes. Wildlife varies according to the season and time of day, but it is common to see caimans, monkeys, exotic birds, turtles, hoatzins, giant river otters, and more. The guide knows the best spots for sightings.

🟢 Is there electricity and water at the lodge?
Lodges at Sandoval Lake have limited energy via solar panels, usually available for a few hours a day to charge devices. Water is treated, and there is access to showers and bathrooms, although in rustic conditions.

🟢 What kind of food is provided?
Homemade dishes made with local ingredients are served: rice, cassava, fish, Amazonian fruits, natural juices, and more. If you have a special diet (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free), please inform us at the time of booking.

🟢 Can I go with children?
Yes, but it is recommended for children over 6 years old, as the walks, humidity, and total disconnection can be demanding for younger ones. They must always be under adult supervision.

🟢 Is a yellow fever vaccine required?
It is not mandatory, but it is recommended, especially if you will later travel to jungle areas in Brazil or Bolivia. Consult your health center at least 10 days before your trip.

🟢 Are there many insects?
Yes, they are part of the Amazonian ecosystem. We recommend wearing long-sleeved clothing, using eco-friendly repellent, and sleeping with mosquito nets, which are usually already installed in the rooms.

🟢 Can I use drones or take aerial footage?
The use of drones is not permitted within the Tambopata National Reserve without special authorization from SERNANP. It is best to avoid using them to prevent disturbing the wildlife or bothering other visitors.

🟢 What happens if it rains during the tour?
Rain is normal in the jungle and does not stop activities. Tours are adapted to the weather and there are always alternatives. Hiking can be done with ponchos and boots, and boat trips continue except during heavy storms.

🟢 How safe is the tour?
It is completely safe. The guides are trained, boats are equipped with life jackets, and the trails are low-risk. Additionally, environmental and safety protocols are followed throughout the entire journey.