Lake Sandoval National Reserve: Hiking and wildlife tour

Forest walk, canoe search for wildlife, lunch by the water

Lake Sandoval National Reserve tour near Puerto Maldonado combines a 50-minute rainforest hike with canoe paddling to spot monkeys, birds and other wildlife. The day includes private transportation, canoe rental, lunch and life jackets. Your guide speaks English or Spanish and knows the reserve intimately from thousands of visits.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hiking and wildlife search at Lake Sandoval

• Walk 50 minutes in the forest
• Take canoe ride searching animals
• Observe monkeys and birds

The experience

The tour starts with a 50-minute walk through the forest canopy, where your guide points out the animals and birds that live in the understory. After the hike, you board a canoe to paddle across the lake itself. This is where the wildlife search intensifies. Monkeys move through the trees above the waterline, and the birds are most active from the water. Your guide reads the forest constantly, knowing where to position the canoe for sightings without disturbing the animals.

Lunch happens at the lake, included with the tour. You'll wear a life jacket during the canoe portion, and the operator provides one. Private transportation picks you up from your hotel in Puerto Maldonado and returns you at the end of the day, so you don't arrange a separate ride. The guides have visited this reserve more than 3,000 times collectively, which means they move through it with the confidence of people who know exactly where to look and when.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your hotel in Puerto Maldonado.
• canoe rental on the lake.
• life jackets.
• lunch during the day.
• a guide fluent in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

Book up to6h before

GroupUp to 19

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 20 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availableNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Green House Tambopata

Is this one for you?This is a private tour, so you travel with your guide and no other tourists: ideal if you want the guide's full attention and the flexibility to linger when wildlife appears. The morning departure gives you the best light and animal activity, which matters if you're serious about photography or wildlife watching.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kind of animals will I actually see on the Lake Sandoval tour?

Monkeys and birds are the primary wildlife you'll encounter, with sightings most likely during the canoe portion when animals come to the water. Your guide's extensive experience with the reserve shapes where and when you paddle to maximize chances, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

How long does the full Lake Sandoval tour take from my hotel?

The tour runs approximately 6.8 hours total, including the 50-minute forest walk, canoe time on the lake, lunch, and private transportation to and from your Puerto Maldonado hotel.

Is the Lake Sandoval hike difficult, and do I need to be in good shape?

The forest walk is moderate in intensity. The operator recommends at least moderate physical fitness. The hike itself is 50 minutes, but the full day includes walking to the canoe, paddling, and time on the water, so stamina matters more than speed.

What's included in the Lake Sandoval tour price?

Private transportation from your hotel, canoe rental, life jackets, lunch at the lake, and your guide's services are all included. You bring sun protection, insect repellent, and a camera if you want one.

Can I do the Lake Sandoval tour if I'm not a strong swimmer?

Yes, you wear a life jacket during the canoe portion, and the guide controls the boat. The canoe stays on calm lake water, not whitewater, so swimming ability is not required.