Imagine waking up in the heart of the Amazon rainforest and navigating toward a mirror of water where nature contemplates itself. The Tambopata Sandoval Lake tour Full Day takes you to the lake for an unforgettable adventure: paddle through crystalline waters surrounded by towering aguaje palms, spot black caimans basking on the shores, observe over 70 species of birds, and watch the charismatic giant otters playing in the shallows.
Duration
1 Day
Difficulty
Easy, Easy
600 feet (139 meters)
1L
by Bus
All year
Sandoval Lake, also known as Lago Sandoval is a picturesque lake located in the Tambopata National Reserve in the Madre de Dios region of Peru. It is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the Peruvian Amazon and is a popular destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Location: Is situated in the Tambopata National Reserve, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) southwest of Puerto Maldonado, the gateway city to the Peruvian Amazon. It is part of the larger Amazon rainforest ecosystem.
Formation: The lake was formed naturally as a result of the shifting course of the Madre de Dios River. Over time, a cutoff meander of the river created a separate oxbow lake.
Scenic Beauty: The lake is characterized by its calm and clear waters, which reflect the surrounding rainforest, creating stunning mirror-like reflections. The area is lush and green, with towering trees, colorful flowers, and dense vegetation. The serenity and natural beauty make it a tranquil and enchanting destination.
Activities: Visitors to the lake can engage in various activities to explore and appreciate the natural wonders of the area. Guided boat tours are a popular way to navigate the lake, providing opportunities to observe wildlife and enjoy the scenic surroundings. Walking trails and canopy walkways allow visitors to explore the rainforest on foot and discover its diverse flora and fauna.
Visiting Sandoval Lake: Is typically arranged through tour operators based in Puerto Maldonado. Most tours involve a boat ride followed by a short hike to reach the lake. It is advisable to plan your visit with a reputable tour operator who can provide knowledgeable guides and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Sandoval Lake Full Day Tour is a stunning natural experience, the lake is located in the Tambopata National Reserve, near Puerto Maldonado in Peru.
1. Biodiversity: Is known for its incredible biodiversity. The surrounding rainforest is home to numerous species of plants, animals, and birds. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
2. Boat Ride: Visitors must take a boat ride along the Madre de Dios River followed by a pleasant 3-kilometer walk through the rainforest. The boat ride itself is a scenic experience, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the surrounding jungle.
3. Pristine Lake: Sandoval Lake is a beautiful oxbow lake, formed when a bend in the river gets cut off, leaving a crescent-shaped body of water. The lake is serene and crystal-clear, reflecting the lush greenery of the surrounding forest.
4. Wildlife Spotting: One of the main highlights of visiting Sandoval Lake is the opportunity to spot a wide variety of wildlife. The lake is home to several species of monkeys, including squirrel monkeys, capuchins, and howler monkeys. You may also spot giant otters, caimans, turtles, and an array of colorful birds such as macaws and herons.
5. Night Excursions: Sandoval Lake is particularly enchanting during nighttime. Guided night excursions offer a chance to observe nocturnal creatures such as night monkeys, owls, and frogs. The sounds of the jungle come alive, creating a magical atmosphere.
6. Canoeing: Exploring by canoe is a popular activity. Silent canoe rides allow you to get closer to wildlife while enjoying the tranquility of the lake. It’s a unique experience that offers a different perspective on the surrounding ecosystem.
7. Rainforest Walks: Apart from the lake itself, the tour offers various hiking trails that take you through the lush rainfores These walks allow you to appreciate the incredible plant diversity, learn about medicinal plants, and spot additional wildlife along the way.
8. Birdwatching: With over 100 species of birds recorded in the area, including toucans, macaws, parrots, and kingfishers, it’s a paradise for bird enthusiasts. Early morning birdwatching excursions are highly recommended.
9. Eco-Lodges: To fully experience in the jungle, many visitors choose to stay at one of the eco-lodges located near the lake. These lodges offer comfortable accommodations while minimizing their impact on the environment. Staying in an eco-lodge allows you to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
10. Conservation Efforts: Sandoval Lake is part of the Tambopata National Reserve, a protected area aimed at preserving the region’s biodiversity. Your visit directly contribute to the conservation efforts and sustainable tourism practices in the area.
We will provide transportation from the hotel to the port where you can board the boat. During the journey, we will distribute lunch and snacks to each traveler. The boat will take us to the control point of the Tambopata National Reserve Zone.
After walking through the rainforest for approximately one and a half hours, we will arrive at the renowned Sandoval Lake.
The path will be surrounded by immense ancient trees and tangled vines, offering a view of vibrant flowers and diverse wildlife, including Giant Otters, birds, colorful butterflies, turtles, and various types of fish. We will spend a few hours in a canoe, exploring this incredibly beautiful lake in the region.
Afterwards, we will walk back to the control point, take the boat to Puerto Maldonado, and transfer you back to the hotel.
– Group Service US$90 per person: (Upcoming Trips 2026) Daily Departures
Please if you are a group of over 06 people let us know to give you a good discount.
– Private Personalized Service Price per person US$240 – (02-06ppl Average – 08ppl Maximum) / (Includes All as well as a Private Bus and Boat to Explore better) we leave any day you suit. we need at least 02 ppl.
To confirm the tour/trek we need you to send us your personal information: Full Names, Passport Numbers, Nationalities, Ages, Gender as well as a deposit to secure the trip/tour.
For Tambopata National Reserve (Puerto Maldonado) – Manu National Park We do require a Non-Refundable US$100 deposit per person.
The Tambopata Sandoval Lake Full Day Tour isn’t just another excursion; it’s an invitation to step into one of the planet’s most biodiverse sanctuaries, where giant otters glide through crystalline waters and the canopy above bursts with life.
Choosing when to visit Lake Sandoval can significantly impact your experience, though the lake offers spectacular wildlife viewing year-round.
The dry months, particularly June through September, are optimal for the Tambopata Sandoval Lake tour. Lower water levels concentrate wildlife around the lake, making sightings more frequent and predictable. Forest trails are drier and easier to navigate, giant otters hunt actively in shallower waters, and caimans bask along exposed shorelines. Expect sunny weather with occasional afternoon showers and temperatures between 70-90°F (21-32°C). Note that this is peak tourist season—book in advance.
The rainy season transforms the Amazon into a verdant paradise with higher water levels. While trails become muddier and more challenging, canoeing expands into flooded forest areas. Wildlife disperses due to abundant water sources, making sightings less predictable but equally rewarding. The landscape reaches peak photogenic beauty with intense greenery and dramatic skies. Afternoon thunderstorms are common but brief, and fewer tourists mean a more intimate experience. February and March see the heaviest rainfall.
This full-day adventure combines jungle trekking, canoe paddling, and wildlife observation in one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. You’ll navigate through mirror-like waters reflecting towering aguaje palms, encounter exotic birds like hoatzins and macaws, spot black caimans sunbathing along the shores, and if you’re lucky, observe the endangered giant river otters.
Sandoval Lake Tour Full Day
Planning your Amazon adventure? We know you have questions. From what to pack and how fit you need to be, to whether you’ll actually see those famous giant otters, we’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions about the Tambopata Sandoval Lake Full Day Tour.
Is located inside the Tambopata National Reserve, in the Madre de Dios region of southern Peru, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Puerto Maldonado. This stunning oxbow lake lies deep in the Amazon rainforest, surrounded by lush vegetation and incredible wildlife. It’s easily accessible by boat and a short jungle hike, making it one of the most popular natural attractions near Puerto Maldonado.
The best time to visit Sandoval Lake is from March to November, when the weather is drier and perfect for exploring. During these months, trails are easier to walk, and animals like monkeys, birds, and giant river otters are more active. From December to February, rain is more frequent, but the forest looks greener and full of life.
The climate is warm and humid year-round, typical of the Peruvian Amazon. Average daytime temperatures range between 26°C and 32°C (79°F–90°F), while nights are cooler and pleasant.
Yes, most of the animals you’ll encounter are harmless if you respect their space. Visitors often see monkeys, turtles, capybaras, and many species of birds up close without any danger. The giant river otters are curious but friendly when observed quietly from a distance.
No, piloting drones is not permitted in our ecolodges because the wildlife and the forest is dense. Furthermore, we must respect the flora and fauna that may be affected by the drone and may also destroy your drone.
it’s recommended to consult your doctor at least 4 to 6 weeks before traveling. While no vaccines are mandatory to enter Peru, several are strongly advised for your safety:
We provide natural water for 24 hours of the day, but we do not recommend drink water from the river, lake or any tree. We have water for drink in many areas of the hotel. We Purify the water with treatment based on ozone. Drinking water is available in the hotel, and in the world, so we must use it wisely.
We have phone available in our hotel! In case of emergency, we can obtain signal on our cellular phone
Is allowed to smoke in the lobby and bar, except during lunch hours. Please do not smoke in your room, at restaurants, on boats or during activities.
It is advisable to protect your photography equipment with a water-protected package. For constant humidity in the tropical forest, we recommend storing any losses in plastic bags and taking precautions when using them.
Yes, we have options for night tours to observe the night life. These excursions are guided tours and offer opportunities for worm species such as luminous insects, frogs, caimans and other animals.
Need help with your reservation or tour? Our team is ready to listen. Please contact us.
We invite you to explore the Sandoval Lake tour by canoe, an experience that takes you deep into the Amazon to discover its rich biodiversity, unique landscapes, and incredible wildlife. Below are some of the most remarkable spots around Sandoval Lake and its surroundings.
