Lake Sandoval Full Day – Tambopata

9:30 AM – Meeting at Puerto Capitanía

The program begins at approximately 9:30 AM at Puerto Capitanía in Puerto Maldonado.

Your bilingual naturalist guide meets you at the coordinated point and provides a short introduction to the day’s route.

Hotel pickup is not included, so travelers should arrive at the meeting point independently unless a separate transfer has been arranged.

Lightweight clothing, insect repellent, sun protection and comfortable walking shoes are recommended from the beginning of the day.

10:00 AM – Madre de Dios River

We board a motorized boat and begin traveling along the Madre de Dios River toward the Lake Sandoval sector.

The river journey provides the first opportunity to look at the forest from the water.

Your guide watches:

• Riverbanks
• Exposed branches
• River beaches
• Fallen trees
• Vegetation near the water

Possible wildlife sightings depend entirely on animal activity.

Birds are often easier to detect than mammals, while monkeys or reptiles may occasionally be seen along the surrounding vegetation.

11:00 AM – Sandoval Control Post and Forest Walk

We arrive at the Sandoval control area and leave the motorized boat.

From here, the journey continues on foot.

The walk takes approximately one hour, although the actual time depends on:

• Walking pace
• Trail conditions
• Rainfall
• Wildlife stops
• Group size

The environment changes considerably once we enter the forest.

The air becomes more humid, vegetation closes around the trail and sounds from birds and insects become easier to notice.

Your guide may stop when movement or animal calls are detected.

The trail can include:

• Packed soil
• Mud
• Roots
• Fallen leaves
• Wet sections

During rainy periods, footwear with good grip becomes particularly important.

Morning highlight: Leaving the motorized river behind and walking deeper into the forest toward Lake Sandoval.

12:00 PM – Paddle Boat on Lake Sandoval

After reaching the lake sector, we board a paddle boat.

This is one of the main changes in the day’s rhythm.

Without a motor running beside you, movement becomes slower and quieter.

The guide scans:

• Lake margins
• Overhanging branches
• Reeds
• Tree crowns
• Open water
• Fallen trunks

for signs of wildlife.

Possible sightings may include:

• Monkeys
• Hoatzins
• Herons
• Kingfishers
• Parrots
• Caimans
• Turtles
• Other water birds
• Other forest mammals

Wild animals move freely, so no species can be guaranteed.

Passengers should keep voices low, especially when wildlife is nearby.

1:00 PM – Traditional Lunch

We reach the scheduled lunch area at approximately 1:00 PM.

The program includes a traditional juane, a well-known Amazonian preparation.

A vegetarian option can be coordinated before the tour.

Travelers with allergies, vegan diets or medical dietary requirements should inform WildForest Peru in advance.

Lunch also provides time to rest after the forest walk and morning navigation.

Afternoon – Lake Sandoval Wildlife Observation

After lunch, there is additional time around the Lake Sandoval sector.

The afternoon provides another opportunity to watch the lake and surrounding vegetation.

Wildlife activity can change throughout the day.

An area that seemed quiet during the first crossing may have birds or monkeys active later.

The guide continues scanning for movement and listening for calls from the surrounding forest.

3:00 PM – Return Across Lake Sandoval

At approximately 3:00 PM, we begin the return journey.

We board the paddle boat again and cross the lake toward the trail access.

Travelers should continue watching the shoreline, as the return crossing remains part of the wildlife activity.

Forest Walk Back

After leaving the boat, we walk back toward the control and river area.

The same trail can feel different later in the afternoon as light and animal activity change.

Walk carefully over roots and wet sections.

Return by Madre de Dios River

At the river, we board the motorized boat and begin the journey back toward Puerto Maldonado.

This final river section provides another chance to watch the surrounding forest before returning to the city.

4:30 PM – Arrival at Puerto Capitanía

Arrival at Puerto Capitanía is expected at approximately 4:30 PM.

The exact time can vary depending on:

• River conditions
• Trail conditions
• Walking pace
• Wildlife stops
• Weather

The scheduled tour ends at the port.

Hotel transfer is not included unless arranged separately.

Day highlight: Moving quietly across Lake Sandoval by paddle boat while watching the forest and lake margins for wildlife.

Technical Details

• Meeting: Approximately 9:30 AM
• River departure: Approximately 10:00 AM
• Sandoval sector arrival: Approximately 11:00 AM
• Forest walking: Approximately 1 hour
• Lake navigation: Paddle boat
• Lunch: Approximately 1:00 PM
• Return navigation: Begins around 3:00 PM
• Arrival in Puerto Maldonado: Approximately 4:30 PM
• Transport: Motorized boat and paddle boat
• Walking: Approximately 2 hours total, depending on route conditions
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Terrain: Forest trail, roots, leaves and possible mud
• Climate: Warm and humid
• Meal: Lunch
• Accommodation: Not required