Lake Sandoval with aguaje palms, Tambopata National Reserve
SHORT GETAWAY LAKE SANDOVAL

Tambopata 2-Day / 1-Night Tour: Lake Sandoval & Monkey Island

  • 2 Days / 1 Night
  • Puerto Maldonado · Tambopata National Reserve, Peru
  • From $160 USD ≈ S/ 552
Amazon river surrounded by rainforest
Trail through the Amazon rainforest
Lake surrounded by Amazon rainforest

A short Amazon getaway: a lodge on the banks of the Madre de Dios River, Monkey Island, caimans after dark and a canoe ride on Lake Sandoval.

DURATION 2 Days / 1 Night
MAX ALTITUDE 200 m (Puerto Maldonado)
DIFFICULTY Easy
GROUP SIZE Shared group
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Experience Overview

Tambopata, in the Madre de Dios region, is one of the most accessible gateways to the Peruvian Amazon, less than an hour’s flight from Cusco. The Tambopata National Reserve protects oxbow lakes (cochas), flooded forests and aguaje palm swamps that are home to giant otters, monkeys, caimans and hundreds of bird species.

This 2-day / 1-night Tambopata tour is perfect if you’re short on time. You’ll stay at a lodge on the banks of the Madre de Dios River, about 1 hour by boat from Puerto Maldonado, and visit the famous Lake Sandoval, one of the most beautiful lakes in the reserve, framed by aguaje palms.

Tour Highlights

  • A boat ride on the Madre de Dios River to the lodge.
  • An introductory jungle walk and a visit to Monkey Island.
  • Caiman spotting from the boat at night.
  • A 3 km hike and canoe ride on Lake Sandoval: birds, monkeys and, with luck, giant otters.

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

Jungle lodge on the banks of the Madre de Dios River.
Canoe ride on Lake Sandoval.
Visit to Monkey Island.
Nighttime caiman spotting.
Ideal for travelers short on time.
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 – Madre de Dios River – Lodge – Monkey Island – Caimans

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

We meet you at the Puerto Maldonado airport or bus terminal and, after a short briefing at our office, cruise approx. 1 hour along the Madre de Dios River to the lodge. Welcome drink and lunch. In the afternoon we take a 2-hour introductory jungle walk and cross by boat to Monkey Island. After dark we go caiman spotting by flashlight. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

DAY 02

Lake Sandoval – Lodge – Puerto Maldonado

⛰ 200 m a.s.l. 🚶 3 km on foot ⏱ Half day ⛺ Return to Puerto Maldonado

Early in the morning, after breakfast, we boat to the Lake Sandoval trailhead and hike 3 km through the forest to the lake. We paddle across it by canoe, watching for macaws, hoatzins, monkeys, caimans and, with luck, giant otters. We return to the lodge for lunch and head back to Puerto Maldonado in the afternoon.

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 2-Day / 1-Night Tour: Lake Sandoval & Monkey Island

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.