2 Day Tambopata & Sandoval Lake Amazon Tour

Welcome to the Peruvian Amazon

Your Tambopata Amazon adventure begins when our Jungle Trekkers Peru team welcomes you in Puerto Maldonado. Depending on your travel arrangements, we can meet you at the airport, bus terminal or your accommodation.

After meeting your professional Amazon guide, we transfer toward the river port, where our journey into the rainforest begins.

We board our motorized boat and navigate along the Madre de Dios River, gradually leaving Puerto Maldonado behind as tropical vegetation begins to dominate the landscape.

The river is an important natural corridor for Amazon wildlife, so from the beginning of our journey we will keep watch for tropical birds and other animals that may appear along the forested riverbanks.

Upon arrival at our jungle accommodation, we settle into our rooms and prepare for our first exploration of the Amazon.

Amazon Rainforest Nature Walk

Accompanied by our guide, we begin a fascinating walk through the surrounding tropical forest.

This is much more than simply walking through the jungle. Our guide will introduce us to the complex relationships between plants, insects, birds, mammals and the rainforest environment.

We will discover enormous tropical trees, palms, vines and medicinal plants traditionally used by Amazonian communities while learning how different species have adapted to survive in this extraordinary ecosystem.

Along the trail, we search for signs of wildlife and listen carefully to the sounds coming from the surrounding forest.

Depending on wildlife activity, we may encounter monkeys, tropical birds, butterflies, frogs, insects and other rainforest species.

After our exploration, we return to enjoy a freshly prepared lunch and have some time to relax surrounded by the sounds of the Amazon.

Sunset & Caiman Search

As daylight begins to disappear over the rainforest, we return to the Madre de Dios River for another wildlife experience.

Sunset marks an important transition in the Amazon. Many daytime animals become quieter while nocturnal species begin to emerge.

From our boat, we explore sections of the riverbank while our guide searches for Amazon caimans.

Using a flashlight after darkness falls, their eyes can sometimes be detected reflecting light from the vegetation and water’s edge.

This peaceful excursion also gives us an opportunity to experience the sounds of the Amazon as night takes over the forest.

Amazon Night Walk

After dinner, we venture into the rainforest once again for a guided Amazon night walk.

The jungle becomes an entirely different world after sunset.

With flashlights in hand, we slowly explore the trails while searching for tree frogs, insects, spiders, sleeping birds and other nocturnal creatures.

Your guide will explain how these animals have adapted to life in darkness and why nighttime plays such an important role in the Amazon ecosystem.

After our night exploration, we return to our accommodation and rest surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest.

• Meals: Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Jungle Accommodation.

Journey to Sandoval Lake

We wake up early because the first hours of the morning are often among the most active periods for wildlife in the Amazon.

After breakfast, we begin our journey toward Sandoval Lake, located within the protected Tambopata National Reserve.

After traveling by boat, we reach the entrance area and begin our walk through the tropical rainforest toward the lake.

The journey itself is part of the experience.

As we walk beneath the forest canopy, our guide will help us search for monkeys, tropical birds, insects and other wildlife while explaining the ecology of this protected rainforest.

Gradually, the forest opens and we reach the peaceful waters of Sandoval Lake.

Exploring Sandoval Lake by Paddle Canoe

Here we board a traditional paddle canoe and quietly begin exploring the lake.

Using paddles instead of a motor allows us to move slowly and peacefully through this sensitive environment while minimizing disturbance to wildlife.

Sandoval Lake is surrounded by palms, tropical vegetation and flooded forest, creating an exceptional habitat for numerous Amazon species.

We carefully explore the shoreline and surrounding forest while searching for red howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, capuchin monkeys, hoatzins, kingfishers, herons, parrots, caimans and many other species.

But one animal in particular makes Sandoval Lake famous among wildlife enthusiasts.

Searching for Giant River Otters

The giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is one of the most fascinating animals of the South American rainforest and one of the iconic wildlife species associated with Sandoval Lake.

These highly social animals can live in family groups and communicate through an impressive range of vocalizations.

With patience and some luck, we may have the opportunity to observe them swimming across the lake, fishing or interacting with members of their family group.

Because these are completely wild animals living freely within a protected ecosystem, giant river otter sightings can never be guaranteed.

Their movements depend on natural factors such as water levels, weather, food availability and their own behavior.

Searching for them respectfully and patiently is part of the authentic Amazon wildlife experience.

Birds, Monkeys & Amazon Wildlife

Our exploration of Sandoval Lake is not limited to giant river otters.

The lake and surrounding forest support an impressive diversity of birds, mammals, reptiles and other wildlife.

Our guide will help us identify the different species encountered while explaining how animals depend on the lake, forest and seasonal cycles of the Amazon.

For photographers and wildlife enthusiasts, this peaceful exploration can provide excellent opportunities to observe and photograph animals in their natural environment.

After completing our exploration, we leave Sandoval Lake and walk back through the rainforest toward the Madre de Dios River.

We then begin our return journey toward Puerto Maldonado, enjoying our final views of the Amazon rainforest from the river.

Upon arrival, Jungle Trekkers Peru will assist with your transfer according to your onward travel arrangements.

Our 2 Day Tambopata & Sandoval Lake Amazon Tour comes to an end after two days of rainforest exploration, wildlife encounters and unforgettable moments in one of the most biodiverse regions of Peru.

• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch.