Birdwatching Amazon Peru

Discover the Heart of the Amazon: Sandoval Lake Lodge Adventure (3-Day Itinerary)

Day 1: Journey Into the Wild – Lima to Sandoval Lake Lodge.

Keyword focus: Amazon rainforest tour Peru, Sandoval Lake wildlife, Tambopata rainforest experience Begin your unforgettable Amazon jungle tour with a morning flight from Lima to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to Peru’s pristine Amazon. Your journey continues with a scenic drive to the Tambopata River Port, followed by a captivating boat ride through the Tambopata River, teeming with wildlife and jungle ambiance. At the river port, a 45-minute jungle hike takes you through rich rainforest pathways leading to Sandoval Lake, nestled deep within the Tambopata National Reserve. This biodiverse corridor offers your first glimpses of iconic Amazonian species, including: Black-Faced Cotinga Red-Shouldered Macaw (rare in Mauritia palms) Long-Billed Woodcreeper Point-Tailed Palmcreeper Agami Heron Arriving at the lake, a tranquil paddle brings you across its mirror-like surface to Sandoval Lake Lodge. En route, spot elegant birds like Hoatzins, Horned Screamers, Capped Herons, and Wattled Jacanas.

Wildlife encounter highlight: A sunset catamaran ride offers high chances (90% success rate) to observe the elusive Giant River Otters, along with Black Caiman, Monkeys, and perhaps even the rare Southern Tamandua.  Overnight stay at Sandoval Lake Lodge – an eco-luxury retreat surrounded by one of the richest ecosystems on Earth.

Day 2: Wildlife Expedition – Bamboo & Floodplain Forest Exploration.

Amazon wildlife tour, Tambopata birdwatching, Sandoval Lake trekking After a serene Amazonian sunrise, delve deeper into the bamboo forests and floodplain ecosystems. With your expert naturalist guide, embark on wildlife-rich treks where rare species thrive: Red-billed Scythebill Rufous-headed Woodpecker Rufous-breasted Piculet Flammulated Bamboo-Tyrant Ornate Antwren Rufous-capped Nunlet In the afternoon, venture into the terra firme forest to witness the towering Brazil Nut tree, an Amazonian icon and essential part of the local economy and ecology. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting: Razor-billed Curassow Spix’s Guan Lemon-throated Barbet Curl-Crested Aracari Red-necked Woodpecker  As night falls, the Amazon reveals a different world. Join a guided night walk to search for Tawny-Bellied Screech-Owl, Spectacled Owl, and other nocturnal wonders. Overnight at Sandoval Lake Lodge – experience the sounds of the jungle as you fall asleep under a canopy of stars.

Day 3: Farewell to the Forest – Return to Puerto Maldonado.

Amazon tour Peru 3 days, Sandoval Lake Lodge departure, rainforest eco-tour After breakfast, savor your last moments at Sandoval Lake, soaking in the lush sights and melodic sounds of the rainforest. Paddle back across the lake, retrace your jungle trail, and cruise the river toward Puerto Maldonado. We’ll transfer you to your hotel or the airport, closing a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the Amazon Rainforest of Peru. Don’t forget to tag your Amazon memories with #SandovalLakeLodge and #AmazonAdventurePeru Why Choose This Amazon Tour?
Expert-guided wildlife encounters Rich birdwatching opportunities Authentic rainforest trekking experience  Eco-conscious lodging at Sandoval Lake Lodge Perfect for photographers, nature lovers, and adventure seekers

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

Day 1: Arrival and Introduction to Peru Birding Tours – Tambopata
Join us at Peru Birding Tours, where our expert guides, with unmatched skills in identifying hundreds of bird species by sight and sound, will lead you on unforgettable expeditions. Our programs are carefully crafted to provide the best birding experience possible.

Seamless Transfers and Start of the Expedition

Upon your arrival in Puerto Maldonado from Lima or Cusco, we’ll meet you at the airport and take you on a short 10-minute ride to our office. After packing your essential adventure gear, we’ll begin a scenic drive toward the Tambopata River. Along the way, we’ll make several stops to observe savanna species in open landscapes, offering you your first glimpse of the incredible wildlife that awaits.

Target species: Southern Crested Caracara, White-tailed Kite, Black-faced Tanager, Red-breasted Blackbird, White-browed Blackbird, Scaled Pigeon, Point-tailed Palmcreeper, Sulphury Flycatcher, Gray-lined Hawk, White-tailed Hawk, and the rare South American Snipe. On an 18 km dirt road section, we’ll look for Purus Jacamar, White-browed Blackbird, Pearl Kite, and Scaled Pigeon. Over the next 18 km, expect sightings of Bat Falcon, Sunbittern, White-throated and Yellow-ridged Toucans, Red-bellied Macaw, Crimson-crested Woodpecker, Black-fronted Nunbird, and many more.

Transfer to the lodge takes no more than 15 minutes. Upon arrival, our staff will welcome you, provide a short orientation about the lodge, and escort you to your room.

Day 2: Early Morning Amazon Birding Experience
After an early breakfast, we embark on a long walk through the Amazon rainforest. This journey provides a unique perspective, with the forest canopy offering countless opportunities to spot mixed bird flocks, adding a whole new dimension to your birding adventure.

Mixed flocks: Mostly tanagers such as Paradise Tanager, Green-and-gold Tanager, Flame-crested Tanager, Turquoise Tanager, Opal-rumped Tanager, and others. The route also includes upland forest, where we can find species like the Cream-colored Woodpecker, Gilded Barbet, Plum-throated Cotinga, and Striolated Puffbird. Macaws and toucans may be seen flying across the horizon, including Chestnut-eared, Lettered, Emerald, Curl-crested, and Brown-mandibled Aracaris. Solitary raptors may ride the thermals—this is a great opportunity to spot Hawk-Eagles, and with some luck, the majestic Harpy Eagle.

Return to the lodge for lunch and species checklist update.

Afternoon river outing by boat to search for Pied Lapwing, Collared Plover, King Vulture, Bat Falcon, Olive and Russet-backed Oropendolas, Ringed and Amazon Kingfishers.

Evening nocturnal birding to observe owls such as Screech Owls, Crested Owl, and spotlight species like Pauraque, Tawny-bellied Screech Owl, Great Potoo, Long-tailed Potoo, Ocellated Poorwill, and possibly Mottled or Crested Owl. There will also be a chance to take macro photos of creatures like American Bullfrogs, Horned Frogs, tree frogs, and other night dwellers.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 3: Spectacular Macaw and Parrot Clay Lick Experience
Wake up early to visit one of the most awe-inspiring natural events on Earth, where macaws, parrots, and parakeets gather to eat clay. On clear mornings, dozens of these brightly colored birds descend to the riverbanks—an unforgettable sight.

Observed species: Mealy and Yellow-headed Amazons, Blue-headed Parrot, Dusky-headed Parakeet, Orange-cheeked Parrot, White-eyed Parakeet, Cobalt-winged Parakeet. Afterward, the macaws take the stage with species such as Blue-and-yellow, Red-and-green, and Scarlet Macaws, sometimes in groups of over one hundred. Breakfast will be served on-site, ensuring you enjoy this avian paradise without time limits.

Lunch.

Afternoon: Toucan Trail, where we’ll search for Band-tailed and Round-tailed Manakins, Pale-winged Trumpeter, Pavonine Quetzal, Crested Oropendola, and White-fronted Nunbird.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 4: Bamboo Trail and Sandoval Lake
Another early start to explore the Bamboo Trail, focusing on bamboo habitat specialists.

Target species: Endemic White-cheeked Tody-Tyrant, Peruvian Recurvebill, Red-billed Scythebill, Rufous-headed Woodpecker, Rufous-breasted Piculet, Brown-rumped Foliage-gleaner, Large-headed Flatbill, Dusky-tailed Flatbill, Dusky-cheeked Foliage-gleaner, Flammulated Bamboo-Tyrant, Dot-winged and Ornate Antwrens, White-lined Antbird, Rufous-capped Nunlet, Pheasant Cuckoo, Striped Cuckoo, and the rare Yellow-billed Nunbird.

Breakfast.

Journey to the Stunning Sandoval Lake
After a scenic transfer by boat and vehicle back to Puerto Maldonado, we head toward the beautiful oxbow lake Sandoval. Enjoy lunch on board during a 45-minute boat ride on the Madre de Dios River. Then, take a 3-kilometer jungle walk to the canal where a canoe will carry you to this breathtaking lake.

During the walk, look for more species such as motmots, nunbirds, trogons, pigeons, guans, and possibly the Horned Screamer.

At Sandoval Lake, which features palm swamps and grassland vegetation, we will try to spot: Pale-vented Pigeon, Purple Gallinule, Snail and Slender-billed Kites, Rufescent Tiger-Herons, Sungrebe, Green Ibis, Ringed, Amazon, Rufous-chested, and Pygmy Kingfishers, Red-capped Cardinal, Barred Antshrike, Short-tailed Pygmy Tyrant, Streaked Flycatcher, Boat-billed Flycatcher, Gray-fronted Dove, Ruddy Ground Dove—and of course, the Hoatzin.

Dinner and overnight at Sandoval Lake lodge.

Day 5: Departure from Sandoval Lake
After breakfast, we’ll canoe across the lake and walk the 3 kilometers back to our motorized boat. From there, we’ll return to Puerto Maldonado, stopping briefly at our office before heading to the airport. Depending on your flight schedule, an early departure may be necessary.

10-Day Amazon Birding Adventure in Southern Peru

 Day 1: Arrival in Lima – Gateway to the Amazon
Begin your journey in Lima, Peru’s bustling capital. After your arrival, enjoy a comfortable transfer to a nearby hotel for a restful night. This brief stay allows you to acclimate before heading into the Amazon rainforest.
 Day 2: Flight to Puerto Maldonado – Entering the Amazon Wilderness
Catch a morning flight to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the Tambopata region. From there, embark on a scenic boat ride along the Tambopata River to reach Sandoval Lake Lodge. This journey offers opportunities to spot wildlife such as Black-Faced Cotinga and Red-Shouldered Macaw. Upon arrival, a canoe ride across the lake brings you to the lodge, where you can observe Giant River Otters and various bird species.
Quechuas Expeditions

 Day 3: Exploring Bamboo and Floodplain Forests
Venture into the diverse ecosystems surrounding the lodge. Search for species like the Red-billed Scythebill and Rufous-headed Woodpecker in the bamboo forests, and look for the Brazil Nut tree in the terra firme forest. Evening walks may reveal nocturnal species such as the Tawny-Bellied Screech-Owl.

 Day 4: Journey to Posada Amazonas Lodge
Travel deeper into the Amazon by boat to Posada Amazonas Lodge. Explore nearby secondary forests for sightings of the Purus Jacamar and Scaled Pigeon. Along the river, observe species like the King Vulture and Amazon Kingfisher.

 Day 5: Sunrise at the Canopy Tower
Ascend a 37-meter-tall canopy tower at dawn to witness mixed flocks of tanagers and other exotic species. Keep an eye out for macaws, toucans, and raptors, including the elusive Harpy Eagle. Afternoon hikes may lead to sightings of the Pavonine Quetzal.

 Day 6: Trek to the Majestic Ceiba Tree
Embark on a morning hike to a towering Ceiba (Kapok) Tree. Along the trail, spot species like the Ash-Throated Gnateater and Elegant Woodcreeper. The area is also rich in wildlife, including herds of peccaries and various monkey species. In the afternoon, travel by boat to Refugio Amazonas Lodge.

 Days 7–9: Adventure on the Tambopata River
Spend three days exploring the Tambopata River, renowned for its vibrant wildlife. Visit the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick to witness large groups of macaws and parrots. Hike the Castana Trail and the trail to the old oxbow lake to observe species like the Starred Wood Quail and Pale-winged Trumpeter. Evenings may offer sightings of the Masked Crimson Tanager and Cinnamon-throated Woodcreeper.
Quechuas Expedition
chuncholodge.com
 Day 10: Return to Puerto Maldonado and Departure
Conclude your adventure with a return journey to Puerto Maldonado by boat and road, catching an afternoon flight to Lima or Cusco. Depending on airline schedules, early departures may be necessary.