Lake surrounded by Amazon rainforest
★ MOST POPULAR LAKE SANDOVAL + CANOPY

Tambopata 3-Day / 2-Night Tour: Lake Sandoval & Canopy Walkway

  • 3 Days / 2 Nights
  • Puerto Maldonado · Tambopata National Reserve, Peru
  • From $240 USD ≈ S/ 828
Lake Sandoval with aguaje palms, Tambopata National Reserve
Trail through the Amazon rainforest
Amazon river surrounded by rainforest

Three days in the Amazon: Lake Sandoval by canoe, Monkey Island, a night walk and sunrise on the canopy walkway, 30 meters above the rainforest.

DURATION 3 Days / 2 Nights
MAX ALTITUDE 200 m (Puerto Maldonado)
DIFFICULTY Easy
GROUP SIZE Shared group
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Experience Overview

The 3-day / 2-night Tambopata tour is our travelers’ top pick for experiencing the Madre de Dios rainforest without rushing. On top of the short program’s activities (Monkey Island, caimans and Lake Sandoval), you’ll enjoy a night walk and a sunrise visit to the canopy walkway, a network of hanging bridges about 30 meters high that lets you observe life in the forest canopy.

About the Tambopata National Reserve

The reserve protects more than 270,000 hectares of Amazon rainforest in Madre de Dios. Its oxbow lakes, such as Sandoval, are home to the giant otter, the hoatzin (a prehistoric-looking bird), the black caiman and hundreds of species of fish, birds and butterflies.

Tour Highlights

  • Monkey Island and caiman spotting.
  • Lake Sandoval by paddle canoe.
  • Night walk: insects, frogs, tarantulas and reptiles.
  • Canopy walkway at sunrise above the Madre de Dios River.
  • Lodge with wooden bungalows, regional cuisine and Amazon fruit juices.

What to Pack for Tambopata

  • Original passport and cash for the reserve entrance fee.
  • Insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
  • Long-sleeved shirts and lightweight long pants, a rain poncho (especially from January to March) and a light jacket for cool evenings.
  • Hiking shoes, sandals and a swimsuit.
  • Flashlight, binoculars, camera with charger and a water bottle of at least 1 liter.

Signature Highlights

Canoe ride on Lake Sandoval.
Sunrise on a canopy walkway 30 m above the forest.
Night walk to discover nocturnal wildlife.
Monkey Island and caiman spotting.
Jungle lodge with full board.
STEP BY STEP

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Each day has been carefully planned to optimize acclimatization and avoid peak tourist hours.

DAY 01

Puerto Maldonado – Lodge – Monkey Island – Caimans

⛰ 200 m a.s.l. ⏱ Half day ⛺ Jungle lodge

Pickup in Puerto Maldonado and a boat ride of approx. 1 hour along the Madre de Dios River to the lodge. Lunch, an introductory jungle walk and a visit to Monkey Island. In the evening, caiman spotting from the boat. Dinner and overnight.

DAY 02

Lake Sandoval – Night Walk

⛰ 200 m a.s.l. 🚶 3 km on foot ⏱ Full day ⛺ Jungle lodge

Early in the morning we boat to the Lake Sandoval trailhead, hike 3 km and explore the lake by canoe in search of giant otters, hoatzins, macaws and monkeys. Back at the lodge, enjoy lunch and some downtime in the hammocks. In the evening we set out on a night walk to spot insects, frogs and reptiles.

DAY 03

Canopy Walkway – Puerto Maldonado

⛰ 200 m a.s.l. ⏱ Half day ⛺ Return to Puerto Maldonado

At 5:30 we climb the canopy walkway, about 30 meters above the Madre de Dios River, to watch the sunrise and the bird activity in the treetops. We return for breakfast and then cruise back to Puerto Maldonado for your transfer to the airport or bus terminal.

FULL TRANSPARENCY

What's Included in the Expedition

✓

Included Luxury Services

  • Pickup at the Puerto Maldonado airport or bus terminal.
  • Ground and river transfers to the lodge and back.
  • Jungle lodge accommodation (bungalows with private bathroom and mosquito nets).
  • Full board as listed in the itinerary (vegetarian option available) and fresh local fruit juices.
  • Bilingual naturalist guide (Spanish / English).
  • All excursions described in the itinerary.
✕

Not Included

  • Tambopata National Reserve entrance fee (SERNANP), approx. US$ 20 – 30.
  • Flights or bus to Puerto Maldonado.
  • Bar drinks and alcoholic beverages.
  • Travel insurance and tips.
WE ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions about Tambopata 3-Day / 2-Night Tour: Lake Sandoval & Canopy Walkway

How do I get to Puerto Maldonado?

By plane from Cusco (approx. 55 minutes) or Lima (approx. 1 h 40 min), or by bus from Cusco (approx. 10 hours). We’ll pick you up at the airport or bus terminal.

Does the lodge have electricity and internet?

Jungle lodges have electricity during set hours (usually from 17:00 to 21:00) and limited connectivity. Unplugging is part of the experience.

Can I see giant otters at Lake Sandoval?

Lake Sandoval is one of the best places to see them, especially early in the morning. As they are wild animals, however, sightings can’t be guaranteed.

What is the best season for Tambopata?

Tambopata can be visited year-round. May to October is drier; January to March is the rainy season, so bring rain gear.

Do I need any vaccines?

The yellow fever vaccine is recommended at least 10 days before your trip. Please check with your doctor.