Trip Itinerary
TRIP ITINERARY
Arrival in Puerto Maldonado, Jungle Lodge, Canopy Adventure, Monkey Island, and Caiman Safari
Your Tambopata National Reserve Tour begins with your arrival in Puerto Maldonado, where our team will meet you at the airport or bus terminal and assist you with a brief registration. Any luggage you do not need during the tour can be safely stored at our office, allowing you to travel lighter and more comfortably into the jungle.
Before heading to the lodge, you may have a short opportunity to visit the Plaza Grau viewpoint, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the confluence of the Madre de Dios and Tambopata Rivers — a perfect first glimpse of the Amazon region.
Next, you will travel to the Port of Capitanía, where you will board a motorized canoe for a scenic 40-minute boat ride along the Madre de Dios River to the Amazon Garden Lodge, your home for the next two nights. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with a refreshing tropical fruit drink and shown to your comfortable private bungalow surrounded by rainforest.
Your first activity in the jungle is a guided walk to the canopy walkway and suspension bridge, where you will discover the rich plant and animal life of the Amazon from above. After that, you will enjoy an exciting zip-line adventure, including a full safety briefing and all necessary equipment. This activity offers a thrilling first contact with the jungle landscape.
After lunch and some time to relax, the adventure continues in the afternoon with a kayak excursion on the Madre de Dios River. With a safety support boat accompanying the group, you will paddle toward the famous Monkey Island, a natural river island where several species of monkeys live freely. This is one of the best opportunities to observe monkeys up close in a beautiful natural setting.
At sunset, you return to the lodge and enjoy dinner before heading out once more for a night boat safari. During this excursion, your guide will use a spotlight to search for caimans along the riverbanks, as well as other nocturnal wildlife such as birds, capybaras, and creatures active after dark.
Day 1 Summary
- Meals included: Lunch and dinner
- Accommodation: Private bungalow at Amazon Garden Lodge
- Main activities: Canopy walkway, zip line, kayak to Monkey Island, night caiman safari
- Weather: Warm and tropical
Sandoval Lake Exploration inside the Tambopata National Reserve
After breakfast, you will dedicate the entire day to exploring one of the most beautiful and wildlife-rich areas of the Peruvian Amazon: Sandoval Lake, located inside the Tambopata National Reserve.
The day begins with a short 10-minute boat ride along the river to the entrance of the reserve, followed by a guided 3-kilometer jungle walk of about 45 minutes through primary rainforest. Along the trail, your guide will explain the flora and fauna of the region and help you spot birds, insects, reptiles, and other Amazon wildlife.
Once you arrive at Sandoval Lake, you may have the chance to swim in the lake before boarding a paddle boat to explore its calm waters. This area is one of the best places in the reserve to observe giant river otters, one of the most iconic and endangered animals of the Amazon. You may also see hoatzins, cormorants, anhingas, black caimans, and many species of tropical birds.
A traditional jungle lunch will be served during the visit, and the afternoon will continue with more wildlife observation, photography, and exploration of the lake before returning to the lodge.
Day 2 Summary
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: Amazon Garden Lodge
- Main activities: Guided hike to Sandoval Lake, paddle boat exploration, giant river otter observation, birdwatching
- Entrance fees: Included
Parrot Clay Lick at Dawn and Return to Puerto Maldonado
Your final day begins very early, with a 4:30 AM boat departure from the lodge. You will travel for approximately 1.5 hours along the Madre de Dios River to reach the famous Cachuela parrot clay lick, one of the most impressive wildlife spectacles in the Amazon.
Arriving around 6:00 AM, you will position yourselves at a safe distance to watch as hundreds of colorful parrots begin to gather on the mineral-rich clay wall. Species commonly seen here include blue-headed parrots, aurora parakeets, and sometimes even macaws. These birds feed on the clay as part of their natural diet, and the sight of them arriving in large, noisy flocks against the backdrop of the sunrise is truly unforgettable.
After spending time enjoying this extraordinary natural event, you will return to the lodge for a final breakfast. Then you will take the boat back to Puerto Maldonado, followed by your transfer to the airport or bus terminal, marking the end of your 3-day Amazon adventure.
Day 3 Summary
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Main activity: Dawn visit to the Cachuela parrot clay lick
- Return: Boat transfer to Puerto Maldonado + transfer to the airport or bus terminal
Tour Inclusions
Inclusions
Included
- Pre-tour briefing at the lodge office or hotel
Before the tour begins, you will receive a complete pre-tour briefing either at the lodge office or at your hotel. During this briefing, our team will explain the full itinerary day by day, provide practical recommendations, answer your questions, and help you prepare properly for your Amazon adventure.
- Private land and river transportation
All transportation included in the program is fully organized by our team. This covers your transfers between Puerto Maldonado airport or bus terminal and the Amazon Garden Lodge, as well as all river transportation during the tour. Travel on the Madre de Dios River is done in a private motorized boat, allowing for a comfortable and efficient journey into the jungle.
- Professional certified bilingual naturalist guide (English and Spanish)
A professional bilingual naturalist guide will accompany you throughout the entire 3-day tour. Your guide will lead all excursions, explain the flora and fauna of the Amazon, help identify wildlife, and ensure the group’s safety and comfort at all times. This expert guidance makes the experience much richer, more educational, and more enjoyable.
- Professional chef
A dedicated professional chef is in charge of preparing your meals during the tour. All food is cooked fresh using quality local ingredients, with the goal of providing nutritious, tasty, and well-balanced meals during your stay in the jungle.
- All meals from Day 1 lunch to Day 3 breakfast
The tour includes all meals starting with lunch on Day 1 and ending with breakfast on Day 3. This includes:
- Lunch and dinner on Day 1
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Day 2
- Breakfast on Day 3
Vegetarian meal options are available at no extra cost. If you have any dietary preference or food restriction, please let us know at the time of booking.
- Two nights accommodation at Amazon Garden Lodge
You will stay for 2 nights at Amazon Garden Lodge, surrounded by the rainforest. Accommodation is provided in private wooden tropical bungalows with traditional thatched roofs, designed to give you comfort while staying close to nature. Each bungalow includes a private bathroom and private shower, offering a comfortable and authentic jungle lodge experience.
- All activity inclusions
The following activities are included in the tour and are fully organized as part of the program:
- Canopy walkway and zip line (190 m + 160 m)
Experience the Amazon from above as you walk through the canopy and enjoy an exciting zip-line adventure over the jungle. - Kayak expedition on the Madre de Dios River
Paddle along the river and enjoy a unique perspective of the rainforest and its wildlife. - Monkey Island visit
Visit the famous Monkey Island, where you may observe different monkey species in a natural environment. - Nocturnal caiman safari by boat
Explore the river after dark and look for caimans and other nocturnal wildlife with your guide. - Sandoval Lake guided hike and paddle boat
Discover one of the most beautiful lakes in the Peruvian Amazon, with excellent opportunities for wildlife observation. - Dawn parrot clay lick at Cachuela
Witness one of the most colorful natural spectacles in the Amazon as parrots gather at the clay lick early in the morning.
- Canopy walkway and zip line (190 m + 160 m)
- All entrance fees
All entrance fees required for the tour are included in the price. This covers entry to the Tambopata National Reserve, Sandoval Lake, and all other sites visited during the itinerary.
- Purified mineral water
Purified mineral water is provided throughout the tour to help you stay hydrated during your jungle activities and excursions.
- First aid kit
A first aid kit is available at all times during the tour for basic assistance in case of minor health issues or emergencies.
Not Included
- International and domestic airfares and airport taxes
Flights and airport taxes are not included in the tour price. Travel between Cusco and Puerto Maldonado, or from any other city, must be arranged separately by the traveler.
- Additional nights due to flight cancellations or delays
If you need extra hotel nights before or after the tour due to delayed or canceled flights, these additional expenses are not included in the package.
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Alcoholic drinks, sodas, and other soft drinks are not included. These may be available for purchase at the lodge if needed. Purified drinking water is included throughout the tour.
- Personal expenses
Any personal purchases, such as souvenirs, handicrafts, snacks, or other extra items, are not included in the price of the tour.
- Gratuities
Tips for your guide, chef, and boat crew are not included. Tipping is completely optional, but it is always appreciated if you are happy with the service.
- Personal travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive personal travel insurance before your trip, especially for medical emergencies, delays, or unexpected changes in travel plans.
- Personal medication
You should bring your own personal medication, prescriptions, and any personal first aid items you may need during the tour.
What to Pack
What to Pack
We strongly recommend bringing the following essential items for your Sandoval Lake Lodge adventure:
- High SPF Sunscreen: Protect your skin from intense tropical sunlight by using broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Regular application prevents sunburn and maintains healthy skin during outdoor activities.
- Effective Insect Repellent: The Amazon rainforest hosts various insects, including mosquitoes. Bring DEET-based or other proven insect repellents to prevent bites and ensure comfortable exploration. Apply generously to exposed skin and clothing.
- Wide-Brimmed Hat: Shield yourself from direct sunlight with a comfortable hat or cap. This provides essential face protection and helps maintain comfortable body temperature during excursions.
- Lightweight Rain Poncho: Sudden rainforest showers are common, making a waterproof rain poncho essential. Stay dry and comfortable while exploring the lush jungle environment during unexpected weather changes.
- Long-Sleeve Clothing: Pack lightweight, breathable long pants and long-sleeve shirts for protection against insects, sun exposure, and vegetation. Choose quick-dry fabrics for maximum comfort in humid conditions.
- Reliable Flashlight/Headlamp: Essential for night walks and low-light situations. Ensure your light source has adequate battery life and pack spare batteries for extended adventures in the forest.
- Sturdy Hiking Footwear: Comfortable hiking boots or shoes with excellent traction and ankle support are crucial for navigating varied terrain safely and preventing injuries on forest trails.
- Quality Binoculars: Enhance wildlife viewing experiences by bringing binoculars for observing birds, primates, and other animals from appropriate distances while appreciating their natural behaviors up close.
- Waterproof Storage Bags: Protect electronics, cameras, and sensitive items from potential water damage by storing them in waterproof bags or cases, ensuring functionality throughout your rainforest journey.
By packing these essential items, you’ll be thoroughly prepared to maximize your rainforest experience while staying comfortable, protected, and ready to embrace the incredible wonders of nature.
Prices
Pricing
PRICING: TAMBOPATA NATIONAL RESERVE 2 DAYS ADVENTURE (GROUP SERVICE) – 2023 SEASON:
Student Rate: $150 USD
Adult Rate: $170 USD
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
STUDENT DISCOUNT ELIGIBILITY:
- HOW TO QUALIFY FOR STUDENT PRICING:
- The student discount is available for international students worldwide, provided they meet all requirements established by the Peruvian government. This discount applies when purchasing government-issued entrance tickets.
- TO QUALIFY FOR STUDENT PRICING, YOU MUST MEET THESE REQUIREMENTS:
- Valid Student ID must be an original university-issued identification card made of PVC material.
- Required ID Information must include the following printed details:
- Official university name and information.
- Complete student name.
- Current student photograph.
- Current Expiration Date must be printed on the ID and valid for one year maximum. For example, if visiting in 2023, the expiration date must show 2023 or 2024. The maximum allowable expiration date is one year beyond your visit date.
- Age Limitation: Student discounts are exclusively available for students under 25 years of age.
- ISIC Card Exclusion: International Student Identification Cards (ISIC) are not accepted for this discount, regardless of meeting other requirements.
- Acceptable Documentation: Only original university-issued student IDs meeting government requirements are accepted. Certifications, digital cards, or other alternative documents are not valid for student pricing.
- Application Process: To apply for student pricing, email clear photos of both sides of your student ID to info@machupicchuteam.com when booking your tour. Late submissions will not qualify for the discount.
Addons & Upgrades
How to Book
Why Choose Machupicchu Team
Why Choose Machupicchu Team
Expertise and Experience: Our team of knowledgeable and experienced professionals ensures that you receive accurate information, well-organized itineraries, and top-notch guidance throughout your trip.
Personalized Service: We tailor our tours to cater to each traveler’s unique preferences and requirements, ensuring a customized and memorable experience.
Quality and Safety: Our commitment to quality and safety guarantees an enjoyable and worry-free adventure. We collaborate with professional guides, reliable transportation services, and carefully selected accommodations to deliver the best possible experience.
Sustainable and Responsible Travel: Machu Picchu Team is dedicated to minimizing our environmental impact and supporting local communities. We promote eco-friendly practices and contribute to the well-being of the regions we explore.
Competitive Pricing: We offer a range of affordable packages and options, allowing you to experience the magic of Machu Picchu without breaking the bank.
Excellent Customer Support: Our friendly and responsive customer support team is available to assist you at every stage of your journey, from pre-trip planning to post-trip inquiries.
Choose Machu Picchu Team for a remarkable and hassle-free adventure, as we strive to make your dream trip to Machu Picchu an unforgettable reality.
Talk to an Specialist
One of our specialists will attend your travel request as soon as possible.
Highly Recommended on TripAdvisor
Optional Trips
We offer additional tour options that maintain the same high quality you've come to expect. Explore new possibilities with us without compromising on excellence!"
This 17-day schedule spans various regions in Peru, combining northern coastal areas with southern highland paths. It starts in Trujillo at 112 feet or 34 meter
There are some journeys that feel less like a trip and more like a pilgrimage, and for me, the 7 Lagunas tour at the foot of the sacred Ausangate mountain is fi
This 7-day plan explores sections of Peru, emphasizing spots around Cusco at 11,152 feet or 3,399 meters. It combines urban stays with natural outings. The arra
INCA JUNGLE TRAIL 3 DAYS TO MACHU PICCHU – AN ULTIMATE ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE The Inca Jungle Trail (3 Days) is an exhilarating adventure package that seamlessl
This 9-day plan moves through different parts of Peru, starting from the coast and reaching high mountain zones. It includes time in Lima at 505 feet or 154 met
SALKANTAY TREK 5 DAYS – THE MOST COMPLETE ADVENTURE TO MACHU PICCHU WITH 2 NIGHTS IN SKY STAR CRYSTAL DOMES Experience the perfect blend of adventure, nature,