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- Duration 3 days / 2 nights
- Difficulty Moderate
- Group size 6 to 12 people
- Max. altitude 200 m (656 ft)
- Travel style Guided
- Departure Madre de Dios
Our Lake Sandoval tour lasts 3 days and 2 nights and starts in Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the Amazon rainforest of Madre de Dios. Transfers from Puerto Maldonado, jungle accommodation, meals at the lodge (2 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners), a specialized guide, reserve entrance fees and a boat ride on the lake are included, from US$390 per person.
It’s an easy way to experience the Amazon without a long expedition: we travel in groups of 6 to 12 people at a moderate pace, with guided walks, wildlife watching and time with the communities that live in the area.
Where is Lake Sandoval and how do you get there?
Lake Sandoval lies inside the Tambopata National Reserve, in the Madre de Dios region of southeastern Peru, close to the city of Puerto Maldonado. It is one of the best-known lakes in the region for its biodiversity. You travel to Puerto Maldonado on your own (there are flights from Lima and Cusco), and from there we take care of the transfers to the lake and your accommodation.
Transport to Puerto Maldonado is not included. Contact us before you buy your flight so we can match the tour start date.
Lake Sandoval altitude and weather
This is lowland rainforest: the whole tour stays below 400 m (1,312 ft) above sea level, so there is no altitude sickness here, unlike Cusco at about 3,400 m (11,155 ft). The climate is hot and humid all year, with occasional rain. We recommend light long-sleeved shirts, long pants, insect repellent, sunscreen and water-resistant shoes.
The Lake Sandoval tour day by day
| Day | Activities | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Transfer from Puerto Maldonado, boat ride on Lake Sandoval (2 to 3 hours) and guided jungle walk | Jungle house or eco-lodge |
| Day 2 | Wildlife watching, forest walks and a visit to local communities | Jungle house or eco-lodge |
| Day 3 | Final morning walk and return to Puerto Maldonado in the afternoon | — |
The full detail of each day is in the itinerary tab. Walks are short and always guided, because it’s easy to lose your bearings in the rainforest.
What animals can you see at Lake Sandoval?
From the boat it’s common to see caimans, capybaras, monkeys and plenty of birds, such as macaws and toucans. If you’re lucky, the giant river otter shows up too. Our guides know the calls and tracks of each species and help you spot animals you would miss on your own. Bring binoculars and a camera. We don’t recommend swimming in the lake because of the caimans.
Is it hard, and who is this tour for?
Difficulty is moderate. You don’t need to be in top shape: walks are at a relaxed pace, although the ground can be wet and slippery. It’s a good fit for families with children, first-time visitors to the jungle and anyone who enjoys wildlife photography.
Best time to visit Lake Sandoval
The dry season, from May to October, is the most comfortable time: trails are firmer and it rains less. In the rainy months, showers may change the order of some activities, but they rarely affect the overall experience. Keep in mind that mobile signal in the reserve is limited and lodge electricity may only run for a few hours a day.
Lake Sandoval or Manu: what’s the difference?
Lake Sandoval is in the Tambopata National Reserve, near Puerto Maldonado, which is why it can be visited in just a few days. Manu is a different protected area, spanning Madre de Dios and Cusco, farther away and with much longer journeys. This tour focuses on Lake Sandoval and its surroundings. If you’re coming from Cusco, you can pair it with our 2-day Machu Picchu tour.
To plan your trip, read our guide: Tambopata National Reserve 2027: How to Get There, Lake Sandoval and Wildlife.
Book your Lake Sandoval tour with a local agency
We are a Peruvian agency based in Cusco and work with guides who specialize in the rainforest. We travel with respect for the reserve: we don’t leave trash or feed the animals. If you care about traveling responsibly, read our guide to sustainable tourism. Book through the form on this page or contact us to confirm dates.
Full itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and boat ride on Lake Sandoval
Departure from Puerto Maldonado
The tour starts with a transfer from Puerto Maldonado to Lake Sandoval, in the Tambopata National Reserve.
Boat ride on Lake Sandoval
We explore Lake Sandoval by boat, where you can spot caimans, capybaras, exotic birds and more. It is one of the best-known lakes in the region for its rich biodiversity.
Jungle walk
After the boat ride, we take a guided walk through the forest with a specialized guide, who explains the flora and fauna of the Amazon and how its ecosystems stay in balance.
Night in the jungle
You spend the night in a jungle house or eco-lodge, resting surrounded by nature.
Day 2: Jungle exploration and wildlife watching
Exploring the rainforest
We continue exploring the rainforest with wildlife watching and jungle walks. With your guide you go deeper into the forest to discover more animal and plant species.
Visit to local communities
You visit local communities in the area to learn how the people of the rainforest live and how they relate to their natural environment.
Night in the jungle
Night at the eco-lodge or jungle house, enjoying the peace of the surroundings.
Day 3: Morning walk and return to Puerto Maldonado
Final walk
In the morning we take one last walk through the jungle to see more wildlife and enjoy the sounds of the Amazon.
Return to Puerto Maldonado
In the afternoon we return to Puerto Maldonado, where the tour ends.
What is included
- Transfers from Puerto Maldonado to Lake Sandoval (Tambopata National Reserve) and back
- Accommodation in the jungle (jungle house or eco-lodge), 2 nights
- Meals at the lodge: 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners
- Specialized guide for walks and activities
- Entrance fee to the Tambopata National Reserve
- Boat ride on Lake Sandoval, jungle walks, wildlife watching and visit to local communities
Not included
- Flights or transport to Puerto Maldonado
- Additional meals and drinks
- Tips
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
Frequently asked questions
1. What’s the best time to visit Lake Sandoval?
As with other destinations such as Machu Picchu, the best time to visit is the dry season (May to October), when walks and activities are more comfortable and the trails are easier to access.
2. What are the most common health risks in the jungle?
Insects, dehydration and sudden weather changes can affect visitors. That’s why it’s important to follow your guide’s advice to enjoy your time at Lake Sandoval.
3. Is hiking in the jungle safe?
Yes, hiking is safe as long as you go with a specialized guide who knows the jungle and its risks and leads you safely around Lake Sandoval. If you’d like other hiking options, take a look at Machu Picchu.
4. Will I see wild animals during the tour?
Yes. Lake Sandoval and the Tambopata National Reserve are famous for their biodiversity: you can spot caimans, capybaras, exotic birds and more.
5. Do I need to be in good shape for this excursion?
No, you don’t need to be in top physical condition to enjoy the Lake Sandoval tour. The pace is moderate and suitable for most participants. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, we recommend a cultural tour around Cusco.
6. How long is the boat ride on Lake Sandoval?
The boat ride on Lake Sandoval lasts about 2 to 3 hours. If hiking is more your style, Machu Picchu is an incredible option.
7. Is there internet or phone signal in the reserve?
Mobile signal around Lake Sandoval is limited and most accommodations don’t offer Wi-Fi.
8. Are there any clothing or footwear requirements for the tour?
We recommend water-resistant shoes and long-sleeved clothing to protect yourself from insect bites.
9. Is there electricity in the jungle lodges?
Most eco-lodges have limited electricity, usually from solar panels or generators during certain hours. It’s part of the experience of being immersed in nature.
10. Can you swim in Lake Sandoval?
Swimming in Lake Sandoval is not recommended because of its aquatic wildlife, such as caimans.
11. Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the Lake Sandoval tour is suitable for children. Just bring proper clothing and insect protection, and always follow your guide’s instructions.
12. What’s the weather like at Lake Sandoval?
The weather is hot and humid, with occasional rain, so bring lightweight, waterproof clothing. If this climate isn’t for you, you might enjoy exploring Choquequirao instead.
13. What rules should I follow inside the reserve?
Inside the Tambopata National Reserve it is strictly forbidden to litter, feed wild animals or damage the flora and fauna of the protected area.
14. Can I bring cameras or binoculars?
Yes, we highly recommend bringing a camera and binoculars to observe the flora and fauna without disturbing them. Just respect any restricted areas your guide points out.
15. What activities does the tour include?
Guided jungle walks, a boat ride on Lake Sandoval, wildlife watching and photography, and a visit to local communities.
16. What animals can I see at Lake Sandoval?
Lake Sandoval is home to a wide variety of birds, such as ducks, toucans and macaws. There is also rich wildlife in and around the water, including otters, black caimans and many more creatures.
17. Do I need a permit to visit Lake Sandoval?
Lake Sandoval is in the Tambopata National Reserve, a protected area that charges an entrance fee. The fee is included in this tour, and you visit the lake with our specialized guide.
18. What other animals live in the Tambopata National Reserve?
The reserve is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife: several species of monkeys, macaws and many other birds, reptiles and even jaguars, although jaguars are rarely seen.
19. How does rain affect jungle tours in the Amazon?
Rain usually doesn’t interfere much with the Lake Sandoval tour. It may change the order of some activities, but it rarely affects the overall experience.
20. Where exactly is Lake Sandoval?
Lake Sandoval is in the Tambopata National Reserve, in the Madre de Dios region of southeastern Peru, close to the city of Puerto Maldonado. It is not part of Manu, which is a different protected area.
21. How do I get to Puerto Maldonado to start the tour?
You travel to Puerto Maldonado on your own; there are flights from Lima and Cusco. Transport to Puerto Maldonado is not included, but all transfers from there are.
22. Will I get altitude sickness on this tour?
No. Lake Sandoval is in the lowland Amazon, at about 200 m (656 ft) above sea level, far lower than Cusco at about 3,400 m (11,155 ft).
Recommendations and what to bring
What to bring
- Light, comfortable clothing: the jungle is hot and humid. Wear light clothes that also protect you from insects, such as long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent: don’t forget them, especially for long walks in the jungle.
- Rain jacket or poncho: rain can come at any time, even in the dry season.
- Hydration: carry enough water to stay hydrated during walks and activities.
- Proper footwear: bring sturdy, waterproof boots or shoes, as the jungle terrain can be wet and slippery.
- Flashlight or headlamp: lodge electricity is limited to certain hours.
- Documents and cash: carry your passport or ID, and some cash, because some local communities don’t accept credit cards.
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