Book your Inca Trail 2026 with Go Treks Perú, local experts in small-group adventures. Don’t miss out!
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Embark on an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon with our comprehensive 2-day, 1-night tour to Lake Sandoval in Puerto Maldonado. Sail along the majestic Madre de Dios River, surrounded by lush rainforest, to the serene Lake Sandoval, a natural paradise teeming with life.
During this Amazonian adventure, you’ll witness a breathtaking sunset over the tranquil waters of the lake while observing macaws, parrots, and parakeets. You’ll also have the opportunity to encounter playful monkeys and other mammals in their natural habitat.
As night falls, enjoy an exciting night hike through the jungle, discovering the mysterious creatures that inhabit the rainforest after dark. On the second day, visit the palm clay lick, a meeting point for impressive macaws and other birds, and explore ancient giant trees that have stood for centuries. Don’t miss the chance to see river otters and other aquatic animals frolicking in the lake’s crystal-clear waters. With GoTreks Peru, you’ll have a team by your side throughout the trip, including local guides and a cook.
Your guide will meet you at the bus station or airport, and you will travel to Puerto Capitania. From there, you will board a boat with your local guide and the boatman for a 45-minute journey downriver to Puerto Sandoval. We will venture into the heart of the Tambopata National Reserve, specifically to the captivating Lake Sandoval.
To reach the lodge, we will hike 3 kilometers, which will take approximately 1 hour. Then, we will continue our journey by canoe for 30 minutes to the lodge. Once there, we will settle in and have lunch. In the evening, we will take a tour where you can observe various nocturnal insects and the famous night monkey. After the tour, you will return to the lodge for dinner and prepare for the next day.
Today, we will wake up very early to see endangered animals such as the giant otter, which live in groups and typically eat 4 kilos of fish per otter and are very territorial. After this activity, we return to the lodge for breakfast. After breakfast, we will depart from the Tambopata National Reserve to the Sandoval Lodge port, located on the banks of the Madre de Dios River, where our boat will be waiting to take us to Puerto Maldonado. Once there, you will need to catch your flight, and that concludes our service.
The tour is available all year round. Tour prices are based on the number of people in a group. Prices are valid from March 2026 through January 2027. All prices quoted are in $USD.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tambopata National Reserve?
It forms a protected rainforest zone of more than 1 million hectares in southeastern Peru and holds thousands of connected species of plants, animals, and insects.
Where is the Tambopata National Reserve located?
The area sits in the Madre de Dios region, roughly 1-2 hours by boat from Puerto Maldonado. Daily flights reach the city from Lima or Cusco.
How do I travel to Tambopata National Reserve?
Fly into Puerto Maldonado. GO TREKS PERU arranges the private transfer to the dock and then the motorized boat to the lodge. The full trip from the airport to the bungalow takes about 3 hours.
What is the optimal time to visit Tambopata?
May through September brings less rain and easier walking. December through March offer quieter days and different light for photos, even if showers increase.
What wildlife can I expect to see in Tambopata?
Monkeys, caimans, giant river otters, many birds, and butterflies appear often. Guides increase the chances by choosing the right times and places.
Is a guide required for activities in the reserve?
Yes. Trained guides keep everyone safe and turn simple sightings into clear lessons.
What is Sandoval Lake? It is an oxbow lake inside the reserve with clear water that supports many animals, especially otters and birds.
What activities occur at Sandoval Lake?
A 3-kilometer walk, swimming, and paddle boat time give different ways to watch the area.
What is Monkey Island?
A small island on the river where monkeys have become used to visitors and show playful actions.
Are nighttime activities offered?
Yes, the schedule includes a caiman safari on day 1 and other evening walks when the forest changes.
What should I pack for this tour?
Quick-dry clothes, long sleeves and pants, boots, rain jacket, sunscreen, repellent, hat, binoculars, camera, and personal medicines. The full list appears above.
Is this tour physically demanding?
Moderate effort covers the walks and boat time. Most healthy adults complete it comfortably.
Are boat rides safe?
Experienced operators run well-maintained boats and provide life vests for every water activity.
Can I swim in Sandoval Lake or the river areas? Swimming is allowed only in marked safe sections of the lake. Rivers need caution because of animals.
Is internet or cell phone service available?
Service stays very limited at the lodge. The break from screens lets you focus on the forest.
What accommodations are provided?
Wooden bungalows include private bathrooms with hot showers, beds with clean linens, and fans.
What type of food is provided?
Amazonian and Peruvian dishes use local organic ingredients. Special diets receive the same attention.
Are there age restrictions for the tour?
Ages 6 and above can join. Families should consider boat comfort for younger children.
What makes this tour distinctive compared to other Amazon tours? GO TREKS PERU works only in Tambopata with guides who know the exact sites. The combination of giant river otters, the parrot gathering, clear lake waters, and our own private transportation creates experiences that stand out while supporting careful tourism.
100% Locally Owned by a Tour Guide
Go Treks Peru was founded by Elisban Condori, a local tour guide with years of experience leading treks to Machu Picchu. His goal is simple: to offer top-quality, authentic experiences led by passionate professionals who truly know the Andes.
Fair Work Conditions
We believe in ethical tourism. That means no exploitative working hours and fair pay for all our staff. We work with trained, freelance professionals who have the flexibility and respect they deserve.
Personalized Service
At Go Treks Peru, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. We tailor each tour to your preferences, always focusing on small groups to ensure a flexible, high-quality experience. For us, personal means unforgettable.
Sustainable Travel
All of our treks are 100% eco-friendly. We follow a strict “leave no trace” policy and encourage our travelers to protect nature and respect local communities at every step of the journey.
Excellent Customer Satisfaction
We’re proud to have consistent 5-star ratings on TripAdvisor and other platforms. Our travelers love the personal attention, seamless logistics, and genuine local connections we provide.
Discover why adventurers love traveling with Go Treks Peru. Read client reviews and explore top adventure destinations in Peru. Check our reviews on Tripadvisor or Google.
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US$250
