Sandoval lake – 1 Day

Reception at the airport or bus station and transfer to our office where you can leave some luggage that is not going to take the tour and then begin our adventure, Sandoval Lake is located within the Tambopata National Reserve south-eastern Peru, and is 14 km from the nearest town. Puerto Maldonado. You can book flights to Puerto Maldonado from Cusco or Lima.

Then we will go to the dock of the river “Madre de Dios” where our boat and motorist will take us down the river, crossing over the Tambopata river. After an one hour in the Madre de Dios river we will arrive at the entrance of the Tambopata National Reserve during this journey we have the chance to observe birds like herons and egrets, sometimes is also possible to see white Caiman on the riverbank. After registering at the control point, we will take between half an hours and two hours through secondary forest (6 km) depending on how muddy or stopping on the way to admire the huge trees ficus and other plants, birds, butterflies and if they are in luck, see rainforest animals. We will enjoy environmental interpretation of the reserve. The trail connects to extraordinary water body rich in ichthyological species surrounded by an extensive swamp forest where mauritia flexuosa palm trees, also known as Aguajales, grow and créate an extraordinary landscape, these palm grow up to 30 m (nearly 100 ft) tall flexuosa. Visiting the most beautiful and isolated Lake Sandoval in the Tambopata National Reserve is an unique excursión not to be missed. It gives the visitor a chance to understand an oxbow lake ecosystem of approx. 3 km (1,8 miles) long .1 km (0.6 miles) wide and 0,5-5 m (1,6-9,8 ft) deep. Visitors are paddle around the lake o non-motorised canoes with guides who will point out and give explanations about the wildlife and ecosystems in the área.

At Lake Sandoval we will travel via canoe are rowing around the lake and enjoying the views. Around the edge of this beautiful lake exposed rich flora and fauna which will observe in their natural habitat. There are 2 species living in lake sandoval considered the flagship to look for giant river otters and black caiman. Lake Sandoval is one of the few places where we can observe a family of the critically endangered giant river otters when are often seen hunting for fish to eat in the lake frequently in small groups. There is an 80 percent chance of seeing them during an one day visit to the lake. The lake is surrounded by swamp forest also provide hábitats for an incredible variety of other wildlife such as six types of monkeys. A great variety of Amazon birds, such as macaws, toucans, parrots, and the prehistoric-looking Hoatzins, turtles, black caimans and many more. Now that I’ve told you what the lake is like and what we can see during the day visit, we will continue toward the home of a local family that lives within the reserve. They will greet us with a delicious lunch – a traditional meal prepared wrapped in a leaf from the jungle to seal in the flavor, accompanied by a typical drink. Then, after resting, we can return to the Lake to go swimming there is only one part of the lake where it is permitted to swim (opcional). Then we will continue our journey through the lake, enjoying the view of not just the animals that we can see, but also the gorgeous view that we have of the Lake.

We will be back to Puerto at around 6pm – we could always leave a little earlier or a little later as needed. All excursions are guided by one of our trained professional naturalist Guides in Spanish or English (other languages available upon request, and may be subject to additional cost). Their knowledge and interpretive skills combine to provide understanding, insight, and an enhanced experience of the surrounding environment.

Note: Giant river otters are highly endangered and sensitive animals. You will be asked to remain on your seat in the boat, not to talk above a whisper, especially while they are less than 100m (330ft) away, and to no use flash photography.