A very enriching experience, full of history and good coordination even with changing weather during the route.
See moreMacaw Clay Lick Tambopata and Lake Sandoval
Macaw Clay Lick Tambopata and Lake Sandoval
Our Lake Sandoval Peru Tour itinerary is designed to give you a memorable introduction to the breathtaking beauty of the Peruvian Amazon. Lake Sandoval, locally known as Lago Sandoval, is one of the must-visit destinations within the Tambopata National Reserve.
Lake Sandoval is home to an extraordinary variety of wildlife and biodiversity. Unlike the waters of the Madre de Dios River, the lake is calm and crystal clear, creating the perfect habitat for countless species. Here, you can observe colorful birds, butterflies, black caimans, the unique Hoatzin, and the impressive giant river otters.
This two-day adventure offers much more than the peaceful scenery of Lake Sandoval. You’ll also experience exciting activities such as a zip line and an elevated canopy walk, providing spectacular views of the Amazon Rainforest from above.
Highlights
- Puerto Maldonado
- Puerto Capitana Boat Pier
- Madre de Dios River
- Lake Sandoval
- Lake Sandoval Checkpoint
- Sandoval Lake Lodge
Itinerary
Day 1: Puerto Maldonado - Lake Sandoval Peru
Lake Sandoval Peru
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We will pick you up from the Puerto Maldonado Airport or the bus terminal. On the way to the boat pier, we will make a brief stop at our office, where you can safely leave any unnecessary luggage and bring only what you need for the Macaw Clay Lick Tambopata and Lake Sandoval Peru Tour.
Once everything is ready, we will drive to the Puerto Capitana Boat Pier, where you will board a motorized boat for a scenic one-hour journey along the Madre de Dios River.
During the boat ride, you will have the opportunity to observe a variety of Amazon wildlife, including colorful birds, turtles, monkeys, caimans, giant river otters, and many other species. We will stop at the Lake Sandoval Checkpoint to register your entrance into the protected area.
Next, we will hike approximately 5 kilometers through the rainforest to reach the Lake Sandoval Boat Pier, a walk that typically takes about 1.5 hours. From there, we will continue with a peaceful 50-minute canoe ride across Lake Sandoval to reach the Sandoval Lake Lodge.
The lodge is located near the Tambopata Research Center, surrounded by the lush Amazon Rainforest. After checking into your room, we will gather in the dining area to enjoy a delicious traditional Amazonian lunch.
In the afternoon, we will explore the incredible biodiversity of Lake Sandoval on a guided excursion. Along the way, you may encounter black caimans, giant river otters, turtles, and many other fascinating species that inhabit this pristine ecosystem.
Later in the evening, we will return to the Sandoval Lake Lodge for a freshly prepared dinner. After dinner, our naturalist guide will lead a short night walk, giving you the chance to discover a variety of fascinating nocturnal wildlife. At the end of the excursion, we will return to the lodge for a restful night in the heart of the Amazon.
Day itinerary details
Day 2: Macaw Palm Tree Lick - Giant Otter Spotting
In the morning, we'll see the palm trees' watering hole and the macaws
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We will leave the Sandoval Lake Lodge early in the morning to visit the spectacular Macaw Palm Tree Lick. Since the lodge is located in the heart of the Tambopata National Reserve, only a short walk is needed to reach this unique wildlife observation site.
Here, you will have the opportunity to observe colorful Red Macaws, Green Macaws, and various species of Parrots feeding on palm fruits rich in essential nutrients that help eliminate toxins from their bodies.
After enjoying this unforgettable wildlife experience, we will return to the lodge for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.
Following breakfast, we will hike through the Amazon Rainforest to discover the incredible diversity of native flora and fauna found within the Tambopata National Reserve.
During the excursion, you may encounter different species of monkeys, wild boars, deer, spectacled bears, tapirs, and many other fascinating rainforest animals. We will return to the Sandoval Lake Lodge for a freshly prepared lunch.
After lunch, you will have free time to relax or enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Sandoval.
Later in the afternoon, we will board a traditional rowing canoe to cross Lake Sandoval and admire a spectacular Amazon sunset. At approximately 7:00 PM, we will return to the lodge for a delicious dinner.
After dinner, you may join an optional night excursion to search for caimans and other fascinating nocturnal wildlife that become active after dark.
Day itinerary details
Day 3: Lake Sandoval Peru - Tambopata Reserve Center
We will arrive at the jungle lodge, Tambopata Lodge Inn
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After enjoying breakfast, we will check out from the Sandoval Lake Lodge. We will travel by rowing canoe back to the pier and hike to the Lake Sandoval Checkpoint, where our journey continues.
From there, we will board a motorized boat and navigate the Tambopata River toward Puerto Maldonado. During the approximately 50-minute ride, you will have excellent opportunities to observe a variety of Amazon wildlife, including colorful birds, capybaras, turtles, and, with a bit of luck, Jaguars resting along the riverbanks.
Upon arrival at our exclusive Tambopata Lodge Inn, our staff will welcome you with refreshing traditional Amazonian beverages. After settling in, you will enjoy a delicious lunch.
In the afternoon, we will explore the surrounding Amazon Rainforest on a guided hike through dense jungle filled with ancient trees and remarkable biodiversity. Along the trail, you may encounter a variety of insects, spiders, ants, toads, butterflies, monkeys, and other fascinating rainforest mammals.
Later, we will return to the Tambopata Lodge Inn for a freshly prepared dinner.
After dinner, we will embark on an exciting night safari using flashlights to search for caimans, capybaras, and possibly some Amazonian felines that become active along the riverbanks after dark. At the end of the excursion, we will return to the lodge for another peaceful night in the rainforest.
Day itinerary details
Day 4: Tambopata Macaw Clay Lick
breakfast right in front of the macaw clay lick
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This day features the highlight of the Tambopata Jungle Tour. At daybreak, we will depart at 5:00 AM for an unforgettable visit to the Parakeet and Parrot Clay Lick, traveling by boat for approximately one and a half hours.
During the boat journey, you will have excellent opportunities to observe a wide variety of Amazon wildlife, including numerous species of birds, mammals, and other rainforest animals.
The spectacular Macaw Clay Lick is one of the Amazon’s most iconic wildlife attractions. Every morning, colorful Macaws and Parrots gather to feed on mineral-rich clay, which helps them digest food and neutralize natural toxins found in fruits and seeds.
We will spend approximately from 6:30 AM to 11:30 AM enjoying this incredible natural spectacle. During the visit, a delicious breakfast will be served with a privileged view of the clay lick.
On our return to the lodge, we will stop briefly at the checkpoint museum, where you will learn more about the region’s natural history and conservation efforts. Afterwards, we will continue to the lodge, where you can relax or enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters.
Later, we will take a guided hike through the Amazon Rainforest to discover its extraordinary flora and fauna. Along the trail, you will encounter an impressive variety of plant and animal species unique to this remarkable ecosystem.
After the excursion, we will return to the lodge for a delicious dinner.
In the evening, you will join an exciting night walk, where you’ll have the opportunity to observe fascinating nocturnal wildlife, including insects, spiders, tarantulas, frogs, snakes, and night monkeys. At the end of the activity, we will return to the lodge for a restful night in the heart of the Amazon.
Day itinerary details
Day 5: Exploring Tambopata (Flora and Fauna)
Boat trip on the Tambopata River, we will stop at Gato String for fishing
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Wake up to the sounds of chirping birds and howling monkeys deep in the Amazon Rainforest. After enjoying a delicious traditional Amazonian breakfast, we will board a boat for a scenic 30-minute ride downstream along the Tambopata River.
During the journey, we will stop at Gato Stream, a popular fishing area where you may catch native species such as Catfish, Tarpon, Sábalo, and Pilchards. We will also visit a nearby stream with crystal-clear waters, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim before continuing to a local farm to learn about life in the Amazon.
Later in the afternoon, we will visit the fascinating Mammal Clay Lick, where you will have the opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife. Depending on the season and natural conditions, you may spot howler monkeys, wild pigs, deer, and other mammals that gather to consume the mineral-rich clay, which helps neutralize toxins and aids their digestion.
After this unforgettable wildlife experience, we will return to the Tambopata Inn Lodge for a delicious dinner.
In the evening, we will gather around a traditional campfire, where your guide will share fascinating stories and interesting facts about life in the Amazon, its wildlife, local traditions, and the unique rainforest ecosystem. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions before returning to the Tambopata Inn Lodge for the night.
Day itinerary details
Day 6: Tambopata- Puerto Maldonado
Before returning, we will visit three local communities
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On the final day of your Macaw Clay Lick Tambopata and Lake Sandoval Peru Tour, you will enjoy a delicious traditional Amazonian breakfast before beginning the return journey by boat to Puerto Maldonado.
Along the way, we will make several stops to visit three fascinating local communities: Lake Condenado, Tres Chimbadas, and the Infierno Community. Accompanied by our knowledgeable local guide, you will gain valuable insight into their traditions, culture, and way of life in the Peruvian Amazon.
After these cultural visits, we will continue by boat to the Puerto Maldonado Boat Pier, where our private transportation will be waiting to transfer you comfortably to the Puerto Maldonado Airport or the bus terminal, marking the end of your unforgettable Amazon adventure.
Day itinerary details
Wildlife sightings depend on weather and natural conditions, so the presence of specific animals cannot be guaranteed.
Recommendations
Before Booking
- Make sure you are comfortable with jungle walks and boat excursions.
- Inform the operator of any dietary restrictions or medical conditions.
- Bring your original passport or valid ID.
- Travel insurance is recommended.
- Reserve your tour early, especially during the dry season.
Before Traveling
- Pack lightweight, breathable clothing and a waterproof jacket.
- Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes or trekking sandals.
- Carry binoculars, a camera, and a power bank for wildlife photography.
- Bring personal medications, a reusable water bottle, and a flashlight or headlamp.
Included services
What is included
- Naturalist, conservationist and bilingual guide
- 05 breakfasts / 05 Lunches / 05 Dinners
- 3 Night in our Tambopata Inn Lodge
- Water
- Entrance fees to the Sandoval Lake Reserve / Tambopata Reserve.
- Meals (vegetarian option)
- 2 nights in our lodge in the Lago Reserve
- First Aid kit
- Rubber Boots
- Airport / Bus Terminal Transfers
What is not included
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Airport Taxes
- Any Private Expenses
- Tips (Optional)
Frequently Asked Questions
01 What wildlife can I see during this tour?
You may encounter macaws, parrots, monkeys, giant river otters, caimans, turtles, capybaras, colorful birds, butterflies, and many other Amazon species. Wildlife sightings vary depending on the season and natural conditions.
02 What makes Lake Sandoval special?
Lake Sandoval is one of the most beautiful oxbow lakes in the Peruvian Amazon. It is famous for its calm waters, giant river otters, black caimans, rich birdlife, and pristine rainforest surrounded by the Tambopata National Reserve.
03 Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes. The tour is suitable for most travelers with a moderate fitness level. Activities include short jungle hikes, canoe rides, boat excursions, and wildlife observation, making it ideal for nature lovers of all experience levels.
04 What should I pack for the tour?
Bring lightweight clothing, a rain jacket, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, hiking shoes, binoculars, a camera, a flashlight, personal medications, and a reusable water bottle. Neutral-colored clothing is recommended for better wildlife viewing.
05 When is the best time to visit Tambopata and Lake Sandoval?
The tour operates throughout the year. The dry season (May to October) generally offers better trail conditions and easier wildlife observation, while the rainy season (November to April) provides lush rainforest scenery and abundant wildlife activity.
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