Madre de Dios River
The Heart of Amazonian Biodiversity
Welcome to the Peruvian Amazon, home to one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth. This immersive 3-day Lake Sandoval expedition into the protected Tambopata National Reserve offers a profound connection with untamed nature, balancing high-canopy exploration with tranquil dugout canoe rides across mirror-like oxbow lakes.
Your adventure begins the moment you navigate the Madre de Dios River from Puerto Maldonado, entering a rainforest sanctuary where over 540 bird species and a world-record 362 ant species thrive. Hike shaded jungle trails between giant kapok roots, venture out on nocturnal river and forest safaris, walk 30 meters above the forest floor on a suspended Canopy Walkway, and paddle across palm-fringed Lake Sandoval in search of red howler monkeys, black caimans, and endangered giant river otters. Want an extra day or a 4 to 5-star lodge upgrade? Explore our 4-Day Extended Lake Sandoval Discovery, Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción, 5-Star Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica, or our 10-Day Amazon to Machu Picchu Package.
Expedition Highlights
Lake Sandoval Canoeing
Glide through Mauritia palm swamps onto a pristine oxbow lake to observe endangered giant river otters, macaws, hoatzins, and side-neck turtles.
Canopy Walkway
Ascend to the rooftop of the rainforest. Walk across a network of seven suspension bridges strung 30 meters (100 ft) above the forest floor.
River Night Watch
Cruise the Madre de Dios River under the cover of darkness, scanning the riverbanks with spotlights for nightjars, capybaras, and white caimans.
Nocturnal Rainforest Trek
Venture into the deep jungle on foot after dark. Heighten your senses to discover the fascinating amphibians and insects that emerge at night.
Detailed 3-Day Lake Sandoval Itinerary
The Tambopata Reserve
Amazon Elevation: 183 m / 600 ft (Puerto Maldonado / Madre de Dios)
DAY 1: Arrival, Rainforest Trails & River Night Watch
Arrival & The Rainforest Trail System
Upon your arrival at Puerto Maldonado Airport, our staff will greet you and transfer you to the river port for a scenic motorized boat ride down the Madre de Dios River to the lodge. After lunch and settling into your cabaña or room, join your resident naturalist guide to explore jungle trails that wind between ancient Brazil-nut and strangler fig trees—an immersive introduction to an ecosystem housing over 100 mammal species.
River Night Watch
At dusk, board a motorized boat to cruise the Madre de Dios River as nocturnal life awakens. Scan the riverbanks for nightjars, owls, capybaras, and the glowing eyes of white caimans while your guide explains the adaptations of Amazonian nocturnal wildlife under the southern stars.
Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2: Canopy Walkway, Lake Sandoval & Night Walk
The Exhilarating Canopy Walkway
Begin your morning by ascending to the rooftop of the rainforest. Originally designed for scientific research, walk across a network of seven hanging suspension bridges strung between eight treetop observation platforms over 30 meters (100 feet) above the forest floor—enjoying a bird's-eye view of toucans, woodpeckers, and monkeys.
Lake Sandoval Expedition
Next, hike a 3 km rainforest trail into the protected Tambopata National Reserve. Boarding a traditional wooden dugout canoe, paddle silently through a flooded palm forest and glide out onto Lake Sandoval. This glassy oxbow lake is home to red-bellied macaws, hoatzins, black caimans, squirrel monkeys, red howler monkeys, and endangered giant river otters.
Rainforest by Night
After dinner, venture out on foot with flashlights to discover the nocturnal species of the primary forest. Listen to the chorus of tree frogs, cicadas, and night birds while spotting nocturnal insects and amphibians along the trail.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3: Return Transfer to Puerto Maldonado
Farewell to the Jungle
After enjoying a final rainforest breakfast, check out at 10:00 AM and board your motorized boat for the scenic return navigation upriver to Puerto Maldonado, followed by direct transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Cusco or Lima.
Included Meals: Breakfast.
Amazon Rainforest Basecamp
Experience an authentic and educational immersion deep within the Tambopata jungle.
Inclusions & Prices
Select Your Room Category
Per Person, Double Occupancy
Standard Room
$189 USD
Superior Room
$269 USD
What's Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Puerto Maldonado (PEM).
- Round-trip motorized boat transfers along the Madre de Dios River.
- 2 Nights eco-lodge accommodation in your selected room category.
- All guided excursions (Canopy Walkway, Night Safaris & Jungle Trails).
- Dugout canoe expedition on Lake Sandoval.
- Professional English-speaking resident naturalist guide.
- Full-Board Meals: 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, and 2 Dinners.
- All Tambopata National Reserve entrance tickets.
Not Included
- Domestic flights to and from Puerto Maldonado.
- Lunch on Day 3 (Departure day).
- Alcoholic beverages and bar purchases at the lodge.
- Gratuities for your naturalist guide and lodge staff (optional).
Essential Recommendations
- Packing Essentials: Bring lightweight, breathable, long-sleeved shirts and trousers to protect against mosquitoes. A flashlight/headlamp and strong insect repellent are mandatory.
- Footwear: The lodge provides rubber boots for muddy jungle trails, and you should bring comfortable walking shoes or sandals for wearing around the lodge.
- Luggage Allowance: Bring a small duffel bag or backpack (max 10kg) for the riverboat transfer; large suitcases are safely stored in Puerto Maldonado during your stay.