Tambopata jungle tour: Canopy, caimans, Lake Sandoval

Two days of rainforest: canopy tower at 35 meters, river caimans, and a lake ringed with giant otters

A 2-day, 1-night tour of Tambopata National Reserve from Puerto Maldonado takes you into the Amazon with a canopy walk and zipline on day one, then a half-day trek and canoe trip on Lake Sandoval on day two. Pickup and drop-off at the airport or bus station are included, along with all entrance fees, meals, lodge accommodation, and a guide in English or Spanish.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and jungle activities

• Arrive at Puerto Maldonado airport or bus station
• Transfer to office and register
• Store excess luggage safely
• Transfer to jungle lodge
• Enjoy welcome drink
• Have lunch at lodge
• Climb Canopy Tower and walk canopy
• Zip-line through the forest
• Boat trip on Madre de Dios River to spot caimans and capybaras
• Overnight at jungle lodge

Day 2: Lake Sandoval and return

• Have breakfast at lodge
• Boat to Tambopata National Reserve control
• Walk 1.5 hours through rainforest
• Explore Lake Sandoval by canoe
• Return to lodge by boat
• Boat transfer back to Puerto Maldonado
• Transfer to airport or bus station

The experience

Day one starts with pickup at Puerto Maldonado airport or bus station. After registration at the office, you head to the lodge with a welcome drink and lunch. The Canopy Tower stands 35 meters high, built into the base of a massive Lupuna Tree. You walk the platform and then zipline through the forest canopy. Later, a boat ride on the Madre de Dios River puts you on the water at dusk in search of caimans and capybaras along the banks. Dinner and overnight stay are at the jungle lodge.

Day two begins with breakfast before a boat transfer to the Tambopata National Reserve control point. A 90-minute walk through rainforest brings you to Lake Sandoval, one of the region's largest and most remote lakes. You spend several hours paddling by canoe, surrounded by ancient trees, vines, and wildlife: giant otters, macaws, colored butterflies, turtles, and fish. The boat departs the lodge at 10:30am for the return to Puerto Maldonado, followed by transfer to your airport or bus station.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off at Puerto Maldonado airport or bus station.
• canopy walk and zipline through the forest.
• boat ride on the Madre de Dios River.
• entrance fees to Tambopata National Reserve and Lake Sandoval.
• lunch and dinner on day one, breakfast on day two.
• one night at the jungle lodge.
• canoe time on Lake Sandoval.
• guided tour in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 13:00

GroupUp to 15

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.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effort

Operated by PVTravels

Is this one for you?Book this 2-day version if you have limited time but want to experience both the canopy and the lake: a longer 4-day tour adds more reserve exploration, while a 1-day trip skips the overnight and Lake Sandoval entirely. The moderate fitness requirement means the rainforest walk and canopy height are real, so come ready to move through the jungle and climb.

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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 time does my flight need to arrive for this tour to work?

Your arrival flight must land before 1pm so the pickup and registration can happen before the day's activities start. The return flight on day two must depart after 3pm to allow time for the morning Lake Sandoval trip and the boat ride back to Puerto Maldonado.

What animals might I see on the Madre de Dios River and at Lake Sandoval?

The river boat ride targets caimans and capybaras along the banks at dusk. Lake Sandoval is known for giant otters, macaws and other birds, colored butterflies, turtles, and various fish species in the water.

Is the canopy zipline difficult, and do I need to be fit?

The tour requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The canopy walk is 35 meters high, and the zipline crosses through the forest canopy. The second day includes a 90-minute rainforest walk to reach Lake Sandoval.

Do I need to arrange my own accommodation in Puerto Maldonado before or after the tour?

The tour includes one night at the jungle lodge. Any nights you spend in Puerto Maldonado before arrival or after return are your own arrangement and cost.