4 Day Upper Tambopata Tour from Puerto Maldonado | Sandoval Lake & Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick

Upon arrival at the airport or bus terminal in Puerto Maldonado, you will be warmly welcomed by our team and transferred to the Amazon Garden Lodge office for registration. For your convenience, any luggage not required during your jungle stay can be safely stored at the office.

Before heading into the rainforest, you will have the opportunity to briefly explore the city, visiting the Plaza de Armas and the Plaza Grau viewpoint, where you can admire the spectacular confluence of the Madre de Dios and Tambopata Rivers—an ideal spot for memorable photos.

Your Amazon adventure begins with a scenic 45-minute motorized boat journey from Triunfo Port along the Madre de Dios River to Amazon Garden Lodge, surrounded by lush rainforest landscapes. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with a refreshing local fruit drink, followed by a short orientation before settling comfortably into your private room.

Kayaking Adventure & Visit to Monkey Island

Later in the afternoon, you will gear up with life jackets and begin an exciting guided kayaking experience on the Madre de Dios River, always accompanied by a safety boat for your security. This relaxing activity offers the chance to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the Amazon and even enjoy a refreshing swim in the river.

Across from the lodge lies Monkey Island, home to several species of monkeys accustomed to visitors. Here, you will have the opportunity to observe these fascinating animals up close, watch their playful interactions, and capture unforgettable photographs—an engaging and heartwarming wildlife experience.

After returning to the lodge, you will have time to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Unwind in comfortable hammocks by the river, sip a refreshing drink from the bar, and admire a breathtaking Amazon sunset over the waters facing Monkey Island.

Evening Caiman & Wildlife Search

As night falls, your adventure continues with a guided boat excursion along the riverbanks in search of caimans, whose glowing eyes can often be spotted reflecting in the darkness. During this nocturnal exploration, you may also encounter other wildlife such as night birds and capybaras, the largest rodents in the world. This unique nighttime activity offers an exciting glimpse into the mysterious life of the Amazon after sunset.

After breakfast, at approximately 8:00 am, we will begin our journey by boat along the Madre de Dios River toward the entrance of the beautiful Sandoval Lake, located within the Tambopata National Reserve. This scenic boat ride takes about 20 minutes, offering views of the lush Amazon rainforest along the riverbanks.

Upon arrival, we will disembark and walk to the Sandoval Lake control station, where we will register and present our entrance permits to access the protected reserve. From there, we will continue with a 3 km (1.9 miles) guided walk, lasting approximately 45 minutes, through dense tropical forest.

Along the trail, your expert guide will help you discover the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon. You may observe a rich variety of flora and, with a bit of luck, wildlife such as monkeys, colorful birds, rodents, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and other fascinating rainforest species.

Once we reach the shores of Sandoval Lake, you will have time to relax and, if you wish, enjoy a refreshing swim in the calm and pristine waters. Following this, we will savor a delicious picnic-style lunch, featuring authentic regional flavors surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the rainforest.

In the afternoon, we will board a traditional rowing canoe to explore the tranquil waters of the lake. This silent navigation allows for excellent wildlife observation, including species such as hoatzins, cormorants, anhingas, and—if fortune favors us—the highlight of Sandoval Lake, the giant river otters, one of the most fascinating and endangered species in the Amazon.

Later in the afternoon, at a time coordinated with your guide, we will hike back to the riverbank, where our motorized boat will be waiting to take us comfortably back to Amazon Garden Lodge.

For guests seeking an extra adventure, an optional night walk is available, offering the chance to observe nocturnal insects, amphibians, and other wildlife rarely seen during the day. Dinner will be served at the lodge, followed by a relaxing overnight stay surrounded by the sounds of the Amazon rainforest.

On the third day, activities will begin at approximately 8:30 am at the remarkable Amazon Garden Lodge, as we prepare for an exciting journey deeper into the pristine Tambopata rainforest.

The day begins with a scenic transfer combining river and land transportation. First, we will travel by boat for about one hour to Puerto Maldonado, followed by a comfortable drive along the Interoceanic Highway and a quieter secondary road with minimal traffic, leading us to the banks of the majestic Tambopata River.

At the river’s edge, our motorized boat and experienced navigator will be ready to continue the adventure. From there, we will journey upstream for approximately 30 minutes, enjoying the untouched beauty of the rainforest. Along the way, you may spot riverside wildlife such as colorful birds, capybaras, and white caimans resting along the banks.

Upon arrival at the lodge, you will be welcomed with a refreshing tropical drink, followed by a short orientation about the facilities and services available during your stay. After check-in and settling into your rooms, you will have time to explore the surroundings and connect with the peaceful atmosphere of the Amazon.

Following a delicious lunch, we will take a short rest before heading out on a guided walk through primary rainforest, surrounded by towering ancient trees and rich vegetation. During this walk, your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating insights into the region’s traditional and modern economic activities, including agriculture, Brazil nut harvesting, logging, mining, and sustainable ecotourism practices.

This excursion also offers excellent opportunities to observe monkeys and other mammals in their natural habitat, making it a rewarding experience for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

As the sun sets and the jungle transforms, we will return to the lodge to prepare for an evening wildlife exploration. Equipped with flashlights, we will venture out along the riverbanks in search of caimans, capybaras, and possibly even elusive predators moving quietly through the darkness.

After enjoying a satisfying dinner, guests who wish to continue the adventure can join an optional nocturnal jungle walk. This unique experience allows you to discover the hidden life of the rainforest at night, including insects, arachnids, tarantulas, and—if luck is on our side—species such as snakes, armadillos, night monkeys, or even tapirs roaming near the lodge.

The day begins very early in the morning, as we prepare for one of the most remarkable wildlife experiences in the Amazon. After enjoying a freshly brewed coffee, we will depart at approximately 4:30 am, navigating upstream along the Tambopata River for about one hour. As the sun rises over the rainforest, you will witness breathtaking scenery illuminated by the first light of day—an unforgettable moment surrounded by the sounds of the jungle awakening.

This early morning journey also offers a unique opportunity to spot wildlife along the riverbanks. With some luck, there is even a chance of encountering iconic Amazon species, such as jaguars or anacondas, resting near the shores of the Tambopata National Reserve.

Upon arrival at the renowned Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick, you will witness an extraordinary natural spectacle as dozens of parrots and macaws gather on the clay wall. Your guide will explain the fascinating reasons why these birds—and many other animals—consume mineral-rich clay as an essential part of their diet throughout the year.

This vibrant wildlife display typically lasts from 6:00 am to around 11:00 am, providing ample time to observe and photograph the colorful activity. During this unforgettable experience, you will enjoy a delicious breakfast served with views of the clay lick, making it a truly memorable highlight of your Amazon adventure.

After completing the visit, we will make a short stop at the control checkpoint, where you can explore a small interpretive center and learn more about the biodiversity and conservation efforts within the Tambopata region.

We will then return to the lodge to enjoy a well-deserved lunch and take a short rest. Later in the afternoon, we will visit the scenic Quebrada El Gato waterfall, where you will have the opportunity to take a refreshing swim in its cool, natural waters. During this excursion, you will also learn about some of the traditional crops and natural products cultivated in this fertile region of Madre de Dios.

As the afternoon progresses, we will begin our return journey. A 20-minute boat ride downstream will take us to the road access point, followed by a comfortable two-hour drive back to Puerto Maldonado, concluding this unforgettable rainforest experience filled with wildlife, adventure, and natural beauty.