Sandoval Lake Tour Day Trip
Duration
1 Day
Type of Tour
Adventure
Difficulty
Easy
Gruop size
2 min. - 12 max.
Highlights
Lake Sandoval, The Heart of Tambopata: Explore one of the most beautiful oxbow lakes in the Amazon, surrounded by palm forests and teeming with wildlife unique to the Tambopata National Reserve.
Wildlife Encounters: Spot giant river otters, black caimans, howler monkeys, macaws, and a wide variety of tropical birds and butterflies during the hike and canoe ride.
Rainforest Hike: Walk through dense jungle trails, learning about medicinal plants, giant trees, and the delicate balance of the rainforest ecosystem with your naturalist guide.
Canoe Exploration: Glide silently across the calm waters of Lake Sandoval in a wooden canoe, offering perfect opportunities for photography and wildlife observation.
Amazon Experience in a Day: Ideal for travelers with limited time, this full-day adventure provides an authentic immersion into Peru’s Amazon rainforest.
Overview
Experience the wild heart of the Peruvian Amazon on a full-day adventure to Lake Sandoval. Located deep within the lush Tambopata National Reserve near Puerto Maldonado. Set out on a peaceful boat ride along the river, followed by a guided hike through rainforest trails to the lake’s edge, where giant river otters, black caimans, macaws, and monkeys thrive. Surrounded by towering kapok trees and aguaje palms, the lake offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in one of Earth’s most biodiverse ecosystems.
Quiet, accessible and rich in wildlife, this day trip captures the essence of Amazon ecotourism and is the perfect way to experience Peru’s rainforest magic in a single unforgettable day.
Who is this tour for?
This tour is perfect for nature lovers, birdwatchers, photographers, and curious travelers eager to experience the biodiversity of the Amazon in a single day. It’s suited for visitors of all ages who enjoy light hiking, canoeing, and wildlife observation in a peaceful natural setting. Whether you’re short on time or want an introduction to the rainforest before a longer jungle stay, the Lake Sandoval day trip offers an accessible and glimpse into one of the most vibrant ecosystems on Earth.
Itinerary
We’ll begin our adventure early in the morning, around 8:00 a.m. Departing from Puerto Maldonado for a 30-minute boat ride along the Madre de Dios River. As we navigate this scenic waterway, the vibrant Amazon rainforest begins to reveal its beauty. Enjoy towering trees, bird calls, and the first glimpses of wildlife along the riverbanks.
Upon reaching the Tambopata National Reserve checkpoint, we’ll register and start a 3-kilometer (1.8-mile) hike through the rainforest. The 1.5-hour walk offers opportunities to learn about local flora, such as kapok trees, walking palms, and medicinal plants. While spotting monkeys, macaws, and butterflies along the trail.
We’ll then arrive at the breathtaking Lake Sandoval, one of the Amazon’s most picturesque oxbow lakes. Here, we’ll board a wooden canoe to paddle across the calm waters for approximately 2 hours. As we explore, keep your eyes open for giant river otters, black caimans, herons, and hoatzins and many other fascinating species that call this ecosystem home.
Around 12:30 p.m., we’ll stop for a packed lunch near the lakeshore, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere and listening to the symphony of the jungle. Afterward, we’ll take time to continue exploring the area surrounded by the sounds of nature.
By mid-afternoon, we’ll return following the forest trail and board the boat back to Puerto Maldonado, arriving at approximately 4:30 p.m. This marks the end of a full day immersed in the biodiversity and serenity of the Amazon rainforest, an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Lake Sandoval and Tambopata.
5
Reasons Travelers Choose Us in 2026
Authentic & Expertly Curated Adventures – We design unique experiences across Peru, carefully planed to match your interests, pace, and travel style.
Seasoned Local Guides – Our experienced guides are trained professionals. They are locals who are proudly knowledgeable on culture, history, and hidden gems.
Small Groups, Big Connections – Traveling in small groups means a more personal, safe, and enriching experience, fostering genuine connections along the way.
Dedicated Care from Start to Finish – Our experienced team handles every single detail to assure a top experience with 69 Explorer.
Unmatched Value for Quality – Our exceptional service & comfort, during authentic experiences promise unforgettable moments. Best price guaranteed — no hidden costs, just real value.
What’s included?
Professional Guide
- Experienced, English-speaking guides who are knowledgeable about the tour, local culture, geography and history.
Transportation
- Round-trip transportation from Puerto Maldonado.
First Aid and Emergency Equipment
- Guides carry a first-aid kit for basic medical situations and emergency equipment, if needed.
Excludes
- Travel Insurance: Highly recommended but, not included.
- Airfare: Flights are not included.
- Meals not listed.
- Personal Clothing and Gear: Hiking boots, clothing, backpacks, and other personal gear are the responsibility of the trekker.
- Tips for Guides and Support Staff: Gratuity for the guides and drivers.
- Extra Snacks and Drinks: While main meals are included, extra snacks, alcoholic beverages, and bottled drinks are not.
- Personal Expenses: Any additional expenses such as souvenirs, laundry services, or additional tours are not included.
- Emergency Transportation: If you need to leave the trek early due to illness or other reasons, the cost of emergency transport is not covered.
- Entrance Fees for Optional Sites: Some side trips or additional archaeological sites do have entrance fees not included in the tour package.
Recommend to carry
Clothing
- Light jacket.
- Hoodie or sweater for the evening.
- Comfortable outfit, depending on the season you can even wear beach clothing.
- Sun hat.
Footwear
- Comfortable shoes.
- Light socks.
Backpack and Daypack
- Lightweight daypack for personal items.
Hydration and Snacks
- Water bottles or hydration bladder (minimum 2 liters).
- Energy bars, snacks (nuts, dried fruit, chocolate).
Health and Personal Items
- Personal medication.
- First aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, blister plasters).
- High SPF sunscreen.
- Lip balm with SPF.
- Insect repellent.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Toilet paper and small shovel (if needed for nature calls).
Documents
- Passport photocopy or photo.
- Travel insurance information.
- Emergency contact information.
Miscellaneous
- Plastic bags (for wet clothes and trash).
- Earplugs and eye mask.
- Small notebook and pen.
- Maps and guidebooks (optional).
- Extra cash for lunch or any other purchase.
FAQS
This is a full day trip in the Lake Sandoval area. Immerse in the local culture and discover the abundant Amazon wildlife.
Full day.
Lunch.
All year long is possible; the best weather is during dry season: May to September.
All permits and entrances are handled by us and included in the price.
A maximum of 12 passengers.
Client Cancellation:
To cancel, send a written notice to “69 Explorer.” The initial deposit is not refundable. Check your insurance for potential coverage for cancellation reasons.
Cancellations more than 15 days before departure result in a 50% deposit forfeiture. For cancellations between 7 and 15 days before departure, if full payment has been made, 50% of the total cost will be refunded. No refunds are given for cancellations less than 48 hours before departure or for partial tour cancellations.
Alterations/Cancellations by Us:
In the event of unforeseen circumstances such as technical issues, adverse weather, strikes, government actions, or civil disturbances, “69 Explorer” will try to provide alternative arrangements or equivalent trips, without offering refunds. Itinerary adjustments may be necessary, but we will aim to maintain the agreed services.
Significant changes will be communicated before your trip, with comparable alternative plans offered. Any additional costs from these changes are the client’s responsibility. We cannot compensate for expenses like international flights, visas, vaccinations, etc.
If “69 Explorer” cancels a tour, a full refund will be provided.
All 69 Explorer trips are guided by Local Experienced, English-speaking guides familiar with the area and relevant facts.
For our Group Experiences we recommend 12 – 65 years old.
Families with kids or seniors can opt for a Private Trip Experience.
Yes, we can arrange customized trips in Peru.
We offer an extensive range of experiences in Cusco, like hikes or treks, Salkantay & Humantay, Machu Picchu, Inca Trail & Alternative Inca Trail, South Valley & Sacred Valley, Ausangate & Vilcanota Range experiences and recently we added E-biking to our brochure.
Contact us for tailored experiences, we can arrange the perfect plan for your Peru Vacation.
Yes, we count with all the legal permits and the experience to make your dream trip to Peru a reality.
Plus, all of our local guides have degrees in tourism and a minimum of 2 years’ experience. They all speak English and Spanish and many also speak Quechua, the native language of Peru.
