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Resumen del Tour

Birdwatching Sandoval Lake Peru – 4-Day Amazon Rainforest Tour

Explore One of Peru’s Top Birding Hotspots in the Heart of the Amazon
Lake Sandoval in the Tambopata National Reserve is a sanctuary for rare birds, fascinating mammals, and stunning rainforest scenery. This 4-day birdwatching tour in Peru is designed for birders, photographers, and nature lovers seeking close encounters with Amazonian wildlife in a biodiverse paradise.

 Tour Itinerary: 4 Days of Birding, Wildlife & Jungle Exploration

 Day 1: Journey to the Heart of the Amazon

Your adventure begins with a morning flight from Lima to Puerto Maldonado. Upon arrival, our friendly team will welcome you and take you through the city to the Tambopata River dock.

Motorized Canoe Ride: Travel 50 minutes to the Madre de Dios River confluence

Rainforest Trek (3 km): Spot monkeys, butterflies, and bird species like:

  • Black-faced Cotinga
  • Band-tailed Manakin (Leks)
  • Red-shouldered Macaw in Mauritia palms
  • Long-billed Woodcreeper
  • Point-tailed Palmcreeper
  • Agami Heron
  • Arrive at Sandoval Lake Lodge via paddle canoe, watching for:
  • Egrets, Capped & Cocoi Herons
  • Yellow-billed and Large-billed Terns
  • Black Skimmer, Sunbittern, Horned Screamer
  • Greater Ani, Gray-cowled Wood-Rail, Wattled Jacana
  • The prehistoric-looking Hoatzin and Blue-throated Piping Guan

Evening Wildlife Viewing (by Catamaran):

Search for Giant River Otters (seen by 90% of guests), Black Caiman, Red Howler Monkeys, Brown Capuchins, and nocturnal creatures like:

  • Bicolored-spined Porcupine
  • Southern Tamandua

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Sandoval Lake Lodge

 Day 2: Exploring Bamboo & Floodplain Forests

Dive into specialized habitats rich in Amazonian birdlife:

 Target Species Include:

  • Red-billed Scythebill, Rufous-headed Woodpecker, Rufous-breasted Piculet
  • Flammulated Bamboo-Tyrant, Ornate & Dot-winged Antwrens
  • Rufous-capped Nunlet, Pheasant Cuckoo, Striped Cuckoo
  • Dusky-tailed & Large-headed Flatbills, Dusky-cheeked Foliage-Gleaner

Other Notable Sightings:

  • Razor-billed Curassow, Spix’s & Blue-throated Piping Guans
  • Great Tinamou, Lemon-throated Barbet
  • Curl-crested Aracari, Collared & Semicollared Puffbirds
  • Blue-crowned Trogon, Amazonian Motmot
  • Ringed & Red-necked Woodpeckers

Afternoon visit to terra firme forest to observe ancient Brazil Nut trees.

Night Walk: Search for Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl, Spectacled Owl, and more nocturnal birds.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Sandoval Lake Lodge

 Day 3: Amazon Wildlife & Forest Giants

Today we explore diverse ecosystems:

Floodplain & Terra Firme Forests: Admire Kapok and Brazil Nut trees

Wildlife Watching:

  • Look for Giant River Otters, Howler Monkeys, and Capuchins
  • Encounter exotic insects, reptiles, and amphibians

Evening Canoe Excursion:

Seek out the rare Black Caiman

Witness breathtaking sunset views and jungle sounds from the water

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Sandoval Lake Lodge

 Day 4: Farewell to the Amazon

After breakfast, enjoy a final canoe ride across Lake Sandoval, then hike the forest trail to meet your motorized boat. Transfer back to Puerto Maldonado and continue to the airport or your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Why Choose Our Sandoval Lake Birdwatching Tour?

  • Expert Birding Guides with Deep Local Knowledge
  •  Top Wildlife Viewing Area in Tambopata
  •  Exclusive Lake Access & Small Groups for Better Sightings
  •  High Success Rate for Rare Bird & Mammal Sightings
  •  Eco-friendly, All-Inclusive Jungle Lodge

 

  LUGARES A VISITAR:

Sightseeing


Hora de salida

Itinerario Completo

Paradise Natural Reserve: Birdwatching at Sandoval Lake, Peru

Birdwatching in the Amazon 4 Days A Birdwatcher’s and Nature Photographer’s Dream in the Heart of Tambopata

Welcome to Lake Sandoval, one of the top destinations for birdwatching in Peru. Nestled within the Tambopata National Reserve, this pristine paradise offers unparalleled opportunities to observe

rare and colorful bird species in their natural Amazonian habitat. Birdwatching in the Amazon.

Whether you’re a passionate birder, a nature lover, or a wildlife photographer, this 4-day expedition brings you face-to-face with the extraordinary biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest from

vibrant macaws and toucans to elusive owls and otters.

 Experience the Magic of Sandoval Lake. Birdwatching in the Amazon.

Immerse yourself in a world of lush landscapes, golden sunsets, and rich biodiversity. Every trail and canoe ride reveals new surprises from monkeys leaping through the canopy to caimans lurking beneath lily pads.

Capture unforgettable moments with your camera or simply soak in the awe of the wild.

  Detailed Itinerary 4-Day Birding & Nature Tour at Lake Sandoval – Trip Overview. Birdwatching in the Amazon.

Day 1: Journey into the Heart of the Amazon. Birdwatching in the Amazon.

Arrive in Puerto Maldonado after a flight from Lima  Enjoy a 50-minute scenic boat ride along the Madre de Dios River  Hike 3 km through untouched primary rainforest  Paddle across Lake Sandoval, watching for Giant Otters, Howler Monkeys, butterflies, and countless birds

  •  Check in at Sandoval Lake Lodge

  •  Evening relaxation or optional wildlife spotting

Included: Lunch & Dinner

Birds to Watch: Hoatzin, Amazon Kingfisher, Cocoi Heron, Pale-vented Pigeon

Day 2: Birdwatching in Bamboo & Floodplain Forests.

Explore bamboo groves and floodplain ecosystems

  •  Target rare bird species like the:
  • Red-billed Scythebill
  • Rufous-headed Woodpecker
  • Flammulated Bamboo-Tyrant
  •  Discover ancient Brazil Nut trees

After dark: guided night walk to see the Tawny-bellied Screech Owl and Spectacled Owl

Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Pro Tip: Bring your long lens—this is a prime photography day

Day 3: Amazon Rainforest Adventures.

  •  Early morning canoe ride to catch wildlife at its most active
  •  Trek through terra firme and flooded forests
  •  Watch for Giant River Otters, squirrel monkeys, and vivid Amazonian butterflies
  •  See the towering Kapok tree, a rainforest icon
  •  Sunset paddle to spot the Black Caiman, the Amazon’s top nocturnal predator

Included: All Meals

Highlight: Diverse habitats mean high chances for birding big wins—like the Plumbeous Kite or Black-collared Hawk.

Day 4: Farewell to the Amazon

Early morning paddle across Lake Sandoval  Return hike through the forest trail  Boat ride back to Puerto Maldonado  Transfer to airport or hotel

Included: Breakfast

Final Sighting Opportunities: Blue-crowned Motmot, Amazonian Streaked Antwren, White-necked Heron

 Why Choose Our Sandoval Lake Birding Tour?

  •  Expert Naturalist Guides
  •  Eco-friendly Canoe Tours & Quiet Birding Zones
  •  Access to High-Biodiversity Habitats
  •  Perfect for Wildlife Photography & Observation
  •  Sustainable Ecotourism Supporting Conservation

 

Qué Incluye

Included in the Trips

  • A professional naturalist tour guide;
    Outboard boat transportation
    Meals: 3x breakfast, 3x lunch, 3x dinner, and drinking water (please note: vegetarian options available upon request at no additional cost!);
    3 nights in a lodge;
    First aid kit, including a venom extractor, mosquito bite treatment, and antidote for snake bites;
    Radio communications;
    Rubber boots.
Qué No Incluye

Not included in the trip

  • Does not include all entrance fees and extra charges to Lake Sandoval.
    Any flight or airport departure taxes;
    Travel insurance;
    Vaccinations;
    Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day;
    Drinks;
    Tips for local staff.

What to bring with you on your trip

  • Mosquito repellent (DEET 35 is recommended as a minimum!)
    Original passport
    Small backpack
    Long-sleeved cotton shirts (preferably green)
    Long cotton pants
    Long cotton socks (to tuck into pants)
    Comfortable walking shoes
    Sandals or lightweight shoes

 

Recomendaciones que llevar

Sandoval Lake: A Pristine Jewel of Biodiversity in Tambopata, Peru

Sandoval Lake is a stunning oxbow lake located within the Tambopata National Reserve, in the heart of Madre de Dios, southeastern Peru. Famed for its unspoiled natural beauty and extraordinary biodiversity, this serene body of water is one of the top eco-tourism destinations in the Amazon Rainforest.

Shaped like a long crescent, Sandoval Lake stretches approximately 3 kilometers in length and 1 kilometer in width, with a maximum depth of 3 meters. The lake is surrounded by lush tropical forest and accessible by a short jungle hike and a peaceful canoe ride, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

What truly sets Sandoval Lake apart are its crystal-clear waters and the abundance of wildlife it harbors. The ecosystem supports more than 6,500 species of fish, as well as a remarkable variety of migratory birds, colorful butterflies, and iconic Amazonian mammals such as giant river otters, capybaras, monkeys, and even black caimans.

Whether you’re a birdwatcher, wildlife photographer, or simply seeking an authentic Amazon experience, Sandoval Lake offers an unforgettable glimpse into the wild heart of the Peruvian rainforest.

Mapa del Tour

GALERIA DE FOTOS

FAQs PREGUNTAS FRECUENTES

Best Time for Birdwatching at Lake Sandoval: Complete Guide for Nature Lovers

1. When is the Best Time of Year for Birdwatching at Lake Sandoval?
The best time for birdwatching at Lake Sandoval is during the dry season, from May to October. During these months, trails are more accessible, the weather is more predictable, and birds are highly active—especially at sunrise. This season also overlaps with the macaw nesting period, offering spectacular opportunities to witness these vibrant birds in action.

2. What Bird Species Can I See During a Tour in Tambopata National Reserve?

On a 4-day tour of Lake Sandoval, you can spot over 150 bird species, including:  Red-and-Green Macaw (Ara chloropterus) Channel-billed Toucan Spectacled Owl (Pulsatrix perspicillata)

Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin) – a unique and prehistoric species Amazon Kingfisher  Black-collared HawkThese species inhabit a variety of ecosystems throughout the route: bamboo forests, floodplains, oxbow lakes, and pristine rainforest—each offering distinct birdwatching experiences.

3. Do I Need Previous Birdwatching Experience to Join the Tour?

Not at all! This tour is ideal for both seasoned birders and curious beginners. Expert naturalist guides provide: High-quality binoculars  Complete bird checklists  Birdwatching tips and techniques Help with identifying birds by call, plumage, or behavior  It’s an educational and inspiring adventure designed for all levels of experience.

4. What Photography Gear Is Recommended for Capturing Birds at Lake Sandoval?
For wildlife photographers looking to capture birds in their natural Amazonian habitat, we recommend: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with fast shutter speed A telephoto lens of at least 300mm to photograph birds from a distance without disturbing them A lightweight tripod or monopod (optional but useful for stability) A rain cover or waterproof case to protect your gear from jungle humidity The golden light at sunrise over the lake provides ideal conditions for stunning shots of birds in flight or perched on branches.

5. How Difficult Is It to Reach Lake Sandoval for Birdwatching?

Reaching Lake Sandoval is part of the adventure: A 50-minute boat ride along the Madre de Dios River A 3 km hike through lush primary rainforest trails A canoe ride through tranquil channels leading to the lake  While the trail can be muddy or damp in places, the pace is relaxed and suited to nature lovers of all fitness levels. Along the way, you’ll enjoy rich biodiversity and serene jungle landscapes.

6. Where Will I Sleep During the Birdwatching Tour at Lake Sandoval?
Guests stay at the Sandoval Lake Lodge, a sustainable eco-lodge nestled on the edge of the lake. It features: Comfortable rooms with private bathrooms Direct views of the rainforest and lake All meals included (breakfast, lunch, dinner)  Guided day and night excursions to maximize wildlife sightings  It’s the perfect base for immersing yourself in Amazonian nature.

7. Why Choose Lake Sandoval for Birdwatching Over Other Places in Peru?

Lake Sandoval, located in the Tambopata National Reserve, offers a unique combination of:High bird density in an easily accessible area A mosaic of ecosystems: virgin rainforest, oxbow lakes, bamboo groves, floodplainsRare and endemic species not found elsewhere Expert guides and accommodations specialized in birdwatching and ecotourism

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