Trip Itinerary
TRIP ITINERARY
Puerto Maldonado Office → Puerto El Capitán → Sandoval Lake → Canoe Exploration → Lunch → Return to Puerto Maldonado
9:00–9:30 AM Meeting at Our Puerto Maldonado Office
Your Sandoval Lake Full Day Tour Puerto Maldonado begins at our authorized local office between 9:00 and 9:30 AM. Your professional bilingual guide will welcome you, explain the day’s itinerary, provide important safety recommendations, and accompany you to Puerto El Capitán on the Madre de Dios River.
Motorized Boat Ride Along the Madre de Dios River
From the port, you will board a motorized boat for an approximately 45-minute journey along the Madre de Dios River to the entrance of the Sandoval Lake protected area.
During the ride, you can enjoy views of the Amazon rainforest, riverside vegetation, local communities, and tropical birds such as herons, kingfishers, and other species commonly observed near the riverbanks.
Upon arrival, your guide will assist with the registration and entrance procedures.
Guided Rainforest Walk to Sandoval Lake
After entering the reserve, you will begin an approximately 3-kilometer guided walk through the Amazon rainforest. The journey to Sandoval Lake usually takes around 45 minutes, depending on trail conditions and the pace of the group.
Along the route, your guide will explain the local ecosystem and help identify tropical plants, palm trees, insects, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and signs of wildlife activity. Depending on natural conditions, you may also encounter monkeys, turtles, or other rainforest species.
The trail may be wet, muddy, or uneven, particularly during the rainy season.
Morning Canoe Exploration on Sandoval Lake
Upon reaching the lake, you will board a traditional paddle canoe and begin exploring the calm waters of Sandoval Lake.
The canoe moves quietly without a motor, reducing disturbance and improving the opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural environment. Your guide will help search for species such as:
- Giant river otters
- Black caimans
- River turtles
- Hoatzins
- Kingfishers
- Herons
- Cormorants
- Anhingas
- Monkeys
- Tropical waterbirds
The first canoe session lasts approximately one hour, although the exact duration may vary depending on weather, wildlife activity, and lake conditions. Specific animal sightings cannot be guaranteed because all wildlife moves freely in its natural habitat.
Box Lunch Surrounded by the Rainforest
After the morning exploration, you will stop at an authorized resting area near the lake to enjoy a freshly prepared box lunch. You will have approximately 30 to 40 minutes to eat, relax, and appreciate the peaceful atmosphere of the rainforest before continuing the excursion. Vegetarian, vegan, and other special dietary options are available when requested in advance.
Afternoon Wildlife Observation
After lunch, you will return to the canoe for another period of exploration and wildlife observation. Your guide will continue explaining the ecology of Sandoval Lake while searching for animals around the shoreline, trees, floating vegetation, and open water. Depending on the season and natural activity, you may observe additional birds, monkeys, reptiles, turtles, or giant river otters. As the afternoon progresses, parrots and macaws may also be seen flying across the lake or gathering in the surrounding trees. Wildlife encounters vary from day to day and cannot be guaranteed.
Return Walk and Boat Journey to Puerto Maldonado
After completing the lake excursion, you will leave the canoe and begin the approximately 45-minute return walk through the rainforest to the reserve entrance. You will then board the motorized boat for the journey back along the Madre de Dios River to Puerto El Capitán. From the port, our team will accompany you to the final drop-off point in Puerto Maldonado.
Approximately 4:00 PM – End of the Tour
Arrival in Puerto Maldonado is expected at approximately 4:00 PM. The exact return time may vary depending on weather, river conditions, trail conditions, wildlife-observation stops, and the pace of the group.
Trip Summary
- Meeting time: Between 9:00 and 9:30 AM
- Meeting point: Authorized tour office in Puerto Maldonado
- Tour duration: Approximately 7 to 8 hours
- Boat travel: Approximately 45 minutes each way
- Walking distance: Approximately 6 kilometers round trip
- Estimated walking time: Approximately 45 minutes each way
- Main activity: Guided paddle-canoe exploration of Sandoval Lake
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
- Terrain: Flat rainforest trail that may be muddy, wet, or uneven
- Weather: Warm, humid, and tropical, with possible rain
- Main attractions: Madre de Dios River, Amazon rainforest, Sandoval Lake, canoe navigation, and wildlife observation
- Meals included: Box lunch
- Estimated return: Approximately 4:00 PM in Puerto Maldonado
- Good to know: Wildlife sightings depend on the weather, season, time of day, and natural animal behavior.
Tour Inclusions
- Professional bilingual guide
- Transportation between the office and Puerto El Capitán
- Round-trip motorized boat transportation
- Entrance to the Sandoval Lake protected area
- Guided rainforest walk
- Traditional paddle-canoe excursion
- Morning and afternoon wildlife-observation activities
- Box lunch
- Life jacket for river transportation
- Basic first-aid assistance
- Return to Puerto Maldonado at the end of the tour
Tour Inclusions
Inclusions
Included
Professional Bilingual Guide
The tour is led by a professional guide who speaks English and Spanish and has knowledge of Amazonian wildlife, plants, ecosystems, and local culture. Throughout the experience, your guide will explain the importance of Sandoval Lake, help identify animals and tropical vegetation, provide safety instructions, and assist the group during the boat journey, rainforest walk, and canoe exploration.
Transportation to Puerto El Capitán
Transportation between our meeting point in Puerto Maldonado and Puerto El Capitán is included. Our team will coordinate the transfer to the port at the beginning of the excursion and the return at the end of the day, allowing you to begin the experience without arranging separate transportation.
Round-Trip Motorized Boat Transportation
The tour includes motorized boat transportation along the Madre de Dios River from Puerto El Capitán to the entrance of the Sandoval Lake protected area and back. During the journey, you can enjoy views of the rainforest, riverbanks, local communities, and tropical birds that may appear along the route.
Entrance to the Sandoval Lake Protected Area
Your entrance fee to the protected area is included in the tour price. Our guide will assist with the registration and access procedures upon arrival, allowing you to enter the reserve and continue toward Sandoval Lake without making a separate payment.
Guided Rainforest Walk
A guided walk through the Amazon rainforest is included between the reserve entrance and Sandoval Lake. The route covers approximately three kilometers each way and passes through tropical vegetation, palm forests, and wildlife habitats. Your guide will explain the plants and ecosystems found along the trail while helping search for monkeys, birds, insects, reptiles, and other species.
Traditional Paddle-Canoe Excursion
Once at Sandoval Lake, you will explore its calm waters aboard a traditional paddle canoe. Because the canoe moves quietly without a motor, it creates less disturbance and offers better opportunities to observe animals behaving naturally around the lake, shoreline, and surrounding trees.
Wildlife Observation Activities
The experience includes guided wildlife observation during the rainforest walk and canoe excursion. Depending on weather conditions and natural animal activity, you may see giant river otters, black caimans, river turtles, Hoatzins, monkeys, kingfishers, herons, cormorants, parrots, macaws, and other Amazonian species. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed because all animals live freely in their natural environment.
Box LunchLife Jacket for River Transportation
A box lunch is included during the excursion and will be served at an authorized resting area near Sandoval Lake. It provides a convenient meal during the full-day experience and allows you to rest before continuing the afternoon activities. Vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary alternatives are available when requested in advance.
Life Jacket for River Transportation
A life jacket is provided for the motorized boat journeys along the Madre de Dios River. Passengers must wear it whenever instructed by the guide or boat operator and follow all safety directions while boarding, traveling, and leaving the boat.
Basic First-Aid Assistance
The guide carries a basic first-aid kit to assist with minor injuries, insect bites, headaches, or other common discomforts during the tour. Please inform your guide immediately if you feel unwell or require assistance at any stage of the experience.
Return to Puerto Maldonado
At the end of the excursion, the tour includes the return boat journey to Puerto El Capitán and transportation back to the designated drop-off point in Puerto Maldonado. Arrival is expected at approximately 4:00 PM, although the exact time may vary depending on weather, river conditions, trail conditions, and the pace of the group.
Not Included
Sandoval Lake Entrance Fee
The entrance ticket to the Sandoval Lake protected area is not included and must be paid directly at the entrance:
- Foreign visitors: S/ 30 per person
- Peruvian visitors: S/ 15 per person
Please bring the exact amount or small bills in Peruvian soles. US dollars, foreign currencies, debit or credit cards, bank transfers, and digital wallet payments are not accepted at the entrance.
Travel Insurance
Travel and medical insurance are not included. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance before your trip, preferably covering medical assistance, accidents, trip cancellation, lost belongings, and emergency evacuation.
Tips for the Guide
Tips for the guide are not included in the tour price and are entirely optional. If you are satisfied with the service, you may leave a gratuity as a personal gesture of appreciation. There is no fixed or mandatory amount.
What to Pack
What to Pack
WHAT TO PACK FOR THE SANDOVAL LAKE FULL DAY TOUR
What to Wear
- Lightweight long-sleeved shirt
- Breathable long pants
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes with good grip
- Hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- Lightweight rain jacket or poncho
- Neutral-colored clothing such as green, brown, or beige
What to Carry in Your Backpack
- Original passport or valid identification
- Insect repellent
- High-SPF sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle
- Camera or smartphone
- Binoculars
- Power bank or spare batteries
- Personal medication
- Small towel
- Waterproof bag for documents and electronics
- Cash in Peruvian soles for the entrance fee, drinks, souvenirs, or optional tips
Prices
Pricing
SANDOVAL LAKE FULL DAY TOUR FROM PUERTO MALDONADO GROUP PRICES | 2026–2027 SEASONS
We offer two rates for the Sandoval Lake Full Day Tour from Puerto Maldonado: a standard price for first-time customers and a special promotional rate for travelers who have previously booked another experience with Machu Picchu Team. Returning customers may access the promotional rate after their previous reservation has been verified. Please contact our team before booking and provide the name or email address used for your earlier tour.
STANDARD PRICE: $40 USD per person
PROMOTIONAL PRICE: $35 USD per person
Group Size
The Sandoval Lake Full Day Tour usually operates with approximately 8 to 10 travelers, with a maximum of 12 participants. Groups are formed by travelers from different countries who reserve the same departure date. Each group is accompanied by a professional bilingual guide who speaks English and Spanish and has knowledge of Amazonian wildlife, tropical plants, and rainforest ecosystems. Keeping the group size limited allows for better coordination, quieter wildlife observation, closer assistance from the guide, and a more comfortable experience during the river journey, jungle walk, and paddle-canoe exploration.
Daily Departures
We operate the Sandoval Lake Full Day Tour from Puerto Maldonado every day of the year, subject to guide, boat, entrance, weather, and operational availability. You may reserve any available departure date, including at short notice. As a direct tour operator, Machu Picchu Team coordinates the guide, river transportation, jungle activities, canoe excursion, lunch, and daily logistics. This allows us to provide a reliable and well-organized Amazon experience from Puerto Maldonado throughout the year.
Addons & Upgrades
How to Book
How to Book with Machu Picchu Team
HOW TO BOOK THE SANDOVAL LAKE FULL DAY TOUR FROM PUERTO MALDONADO
Booking the Sandoval Lake Full Day Tour from Puerto Maldonado is quick, simple, and secure. You may reserve online from anywhere or directly through our local team. Daily departures are available throughout the year, subject to guide, boat, entrance, weather, and operational availability.
Online Booking: To reserve your Amazon rainforest adventure online:
- Click the BOOK NOW button.
- Select your preferred departure date.
- Enter the requested traveler information, including full name, nationality, hotel in Puerto Maldonado, email address, and WhatsApp number with country code.
- Complete the payment securely using a debit or credit card. A 3.99% online processing fee applies.
- After payment, you will receive an automatic email with your receipt and booking confirmation.
- Our team will then send you the final meeting instructions, packing recommendations, entrance-fee information, and other important details for the tour.
Online reservations may be accepted until 7:00 PM on the day before departure, subject to availability. For last-minute bookings, we recommend contacting our team before completing the payment.
Booking Directly with Our Team
You may also arrange your reservation directly with our staff by WhatsApp or email. Our team will explain the itinerary, river journey, rainforest walk, canoe excursion, lunch, entrance fee, inclusions, and preparation requirements.
Available payment methods may include:
- Cash in Peruvian soles or US dollars
- Debit or credit card, subject to a 3.99% processing fee
- Bank transfer, when coordinated in advance
Information Required to Book
Please provide the following details for each traveler:
- Full name
- Nationality
- Passport or identification number
- Hotel or accommodation in Puerto Maldonado
- Email address
- WhatsApp number with country code
- Dietary restrictions or food allergies
- Relevant medical conditions
- Emergency contact information
Your contact and accommodation details are important for coordinating the meeting point, final instructions, and any required assistance before the tour.
CHANGES, CANCELLATIONS, AND REFUNDS
Date Changes and Rescheduling
You may request a change of departure date at no additional cost when the request is submitted before 7:00 PM on the day before the tour, subject to guide, boat, entrance, and operational availability. You may also request a change to another available activity in Puerto Maldonado. Any difference in price between the original tour and the replacement activity must be paid by the traveler or refunded when applicable. To request a change, contact us at info@machupicchuteam.com or by WhatsApp at +51 974 217 700.
Customer Cancellation Policy
- 100% refund: Cancellations submitted at least 24 hours before departure.
- 50% refund: Cancellations submitted within 24 hours of departure but before 7:00 PM on the previous day.
- No refund: Cancellations submitted after 7:00 PM on the day before departure, late arrivals, or no-shows.
Card-processing fees, bank charges, currency-conversion costs, and any non-refundable services already reserved are not included in the refundable amount.
Changes or Cancellation by Machu Picchu Team
The itinerary may be modified, postponed, or cancelled due to heavy rainfall, unsafe river conditions, flooding, trail closures, government restrictions, strikes, or other circumstances beyond our control.
Whenever possible, Machu Picchu Team will offer:
- A new departure date
- A modified itinerary
- A comparable Amazon activity
- A refund for services that were not provided and remain recoverable
Refunds cannot be guaranteed for entrance fees, boat services, guides, meals, or other services that have already been confirmed and paid to local providers.
Faqs and Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions SANDOVAL LAKE FULL DAY TOUR: Monkeys, Caimans and Birdlife in a Single Day
1. How Long Does the Sandoval Lake Full Day Tour Last?
The tour lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours. It begins with a meeting in Puerto Maldonado between 9:00 and 9:30 AM and finishes at approximately 4:00 PM. The exact return time may vary depending on weather, river conditions, trail conditions, and the pace of the group.
2. What Animals Can I See at Sandoval Lake?
Sandoval Lake is home to an impressive variety of Amazonian wildlife. Depending on the season and natural animal activity, you may observe giant river otters, black caimans, monkeys, river turtles, Hoatzins, kingfishers, herons, parrots, macaws, and other tropical species. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed because all animals live freely in their natural habitat.
3. Is the Sandoval Lake Tour Physically Difficult?
The tour has an easy to moderate difficulty level. It includes an approximately three-kilometer jungle walk each way, followed by a paddle-canoe excursion on the lake. The trail is mostly flat but may be muddy, wet, slippery, or uneven, particularly during the rainy season. Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes are recommended.
4. Is the Sandoval Lake Entrance Ticket Included?
No. The entrance ticket to the Sandoval Lake protected area must be paid separately at the entrance. The current rates are S/30 for foreign visitors and S/15 for Peruvian visitors. Bring cash in Peruvian soles because foreign currencies, cards, bank transfers, and digital wallets are not accepted at the checkpoint.
5. What Should I Bring for the Tour?
Bring your original passport or valid identification, insect repellent, high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, a lightweight rain jacket, personal medication, and cash in Peruvian soles. We also recommend carrying binoculars, a camera, a power bank, and a waterproof bag to protect your documents and electronic devices.
Travel Guide
Gallery
Photo Gallery
WHY BOOK THE SANDOVAL LAKE FULL DAY TOUR WITH MACHU PICCHU TEAM?
Professional Bilingual Jungle Guide
Explore Sandoval Lake with an experienced guide who speaks English and Spanish and understands the wildlife, plants, and ecosystems of the Amazon rainforest. Your guide will help identify animals, explain the natural environment, and assist you throughout the river journey, jungle walk, and canoe excursion.
Complete and Well-Organized Service
Machu Picchu Team coordinates the transportation to the port, motorized boat transfers, reserve access assistance, guided rainforest walk, paddle-canoe exploration, box lunch, safety equipment, and return to Puerto Maldonado. You can enjoy the experience without arranging separate services on your own.
Small Groups for Better Wildlife Observation
We operate with limited group sizes to provide closer attention, better organization, and a quieter experience in the rainforest. Smaller groups reduce noise during the jungle walk and canoe navigation, helping create better conditions for observing wildlife in its natural habitat.
Local Support and Competitive Prices
By booking directly with Machu Picchu Team, you receive clear information, personalized assistance, and competitive rates without unnecessary intermediaries. Our local operations team supports you before and during the tour to ensure a safe, comfortable, and memorable Amazon experience.
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