Sandoval Lake tour from Puerto Maldonado: Otters & monkeys

Paddle Sandoval Lake and spot giant otters in the rainforest

A full-day tour from Puerto Maldonado combines a 40-minute boat ride up the Madre de Dios River, a one-hour rainforest hike, and paddling on Sandoval Lake in Tambopata National Reserve, where you watch birds, monkeys, giant otters and caimans. The tour includes lunch, a live guide in English or Spanish, and hotel pickup. You return to the city by 5:30 pm.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Sandoval Lake and rainforest

• Depart at 9:40 am by boat
• Boat tour on Madre de Dios river
• Hike 1 hour through rainforest
• Paddle boat on Sandoval Lake
• Observe birds, monkeys, otters, alligators
• Lunch with typical regional dish
• Return to Puerto Maldonado city
• Arrive in city around 5:30 pm

The experience

The day starts at 9:40 am with a boat ride up the Madre de Dios River, a 40-minute passage through the Amazon that sets up everything that follows. Once you reach the trailhead, a one-hour hike through dense rainforest brings you to Sandoval Lake, one of the largest in Tambopata National Reserve. The lake itself is where the wildlife appears: birds in the canopy, monkeys in the trees, and if you're there at the right moment, a giant otter family, nearly two meters long, or caimans over four meters. You paddle on the water rather than walk the shore, which changes what you see and how close you get to it.

Lunch is a regional dish like Juane, eaten in the reserve itself, before the afternoon return journey. The full outing takes about eight hours from pickup to drop-off in Puerto Maldonado. A live guide in English or Spanish travels with you and knows where the animals move through the day. Children from age three are welcome, though the hike and the boat time mean the day suits families with kids old enough to sit still for stretches.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Puerto Maldonado.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• lunch (a regional dish like Juane, eaten in the reserve).
• boat rides on the Madre de Dios River and Sandoval Lake.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 49 years) · Senior (50 to 60 years) · Youth (5 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 4 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Monte Amazonico Lodge

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to paddle on the water and spot wildlife up close rather than view it from the shore. The eight-hour day and the rainforest hike suit travelers comfortable with a full morning and afternoon of activity. The lake itself is where the otters, monkeys and caimans appear, and paddling puts you among them.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (5 to 17 years); Child (3 to 4 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

How long is the rainforest hike to Sandoval Lake?

The hike through the rainforest takes one hour and covers the distance from the river to the lake. It is the passage between the boat ride and the paddling, and the terrain is dense jungle floor.

What animals might I see on Sandoval Lake?

Sandoval Lake holds birds, monkeys of different species, giant otters (nearly two meters long), and caimans over four meters. Sightings depend on the time of day and season, but the lake is known for all four.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Yes, lunch is included. It consists of a typical regional dish like Juane and is eaten in the reserve during the afternoon break.

What time does the tour end and how do I get back to my hotel?

The tour returns to Puerto Maldonado by 5 or 5:30 pm. Hotel pickup is included, so your guide will arrange your return to your accommodation.