Tambopata: Jungle Tour, Lake Sandoval & Macaw Clay Lick

Early mornings on the river, wild monkeys, and quiet sunsets in tambopata

You’ll kayak across Lake Sandoval’s calm water, spot monkeys on Monkey Island, share stories with locals over home-cooked meals, and watch macaws gather at dawn during your Tambopata Peru tour. Expect early mornings and honest moments (sometimes muddy, always real) that stick with you long after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Jungle Activities

• Transfer to Paradise Amazon Lodge
• Register and rest briefly
• Canopy walk at 35 meters
• Zip lining adventure
• Lunch at the resort
• Kayak excursion with support boat
• Refresh in Madre de Dios River
• Visit Monkey Island and feed monkeys
• Return to resort for sunset
• Night expedition to spot caimans
• Dinner and rest at resort

Day 2: Lake Sandoval Exploration and Night Walk

• Amazonian breakfast at lodge
• Hike 3 km to Lake Sandoval
• Observe flora and fauna en route
• Lunch by Lake Sandoval
• Rowboat wildlife observation on lake
• Evening night walk for nocturnal animals
• Return to lodge for dinner

Day 3: Native Visit and Fishing

• Amazonian breakfast at lodge
• Hike to native family visit
• View and purchase local paintings
• Lakeside sport fishing activity
• Chef prepares catch for lunch
• Afternoon rest and hammock time
• Dinner at the lodge

Day 4: Parrot Clay Lick and Departure

• Early trip to Collpa de Loros clay lick
• Watch birds and sunrise over rainforest
• Return to lodge for breakfast
• Transfer to Puerto Maldonado office
• Transport to airport or bus terminal

The experience

Ever wondered what it’s like to wake up with the Amazon? I didn’t expect the first thing I’d hear in Tambopata would be that wild chorus of birds: somewhere between music and total chaos. Our guide, Renzo, grinned as we stumbled out for breakfast (seriously good coffee, by the way), already naming half the calls before I’d even found my shoes. The air felt thick but fresh, kind of earthy-sweet. We set off early from Puerto Maldonado (pickup was smooth), and by the time we reached Paradise Amazon Lodge, it felt like we’d crossed into a different world entirely.

The canopy walk is only a short stroll from the lodge but climbing that tower? My legs were shaking more than I’d admit. Renzo pointed out a pair of scarlet macaws gliding past. He called them “the real locals.” There was this moment at the top where you could just see endless green in every direction. Later, after zip lining (I screamed, no shame), lunch was this plate of fried plantains and fish that tasted almost smoky. It’s funny how food hits different when you’re sticky with sweat and river air.

Kajaking on Lake Sandoval was quieter than I thought it’d be. Just us and that glassy water reflecting clouds. At one point a capuchin monkey watched us from the trees. He looked bored or maybe just unimpressed by tourists. Renzo told stories about his grandmother fishing here as a kid. We tried our luck too: caught nothing but mosquito bites until someone pulled up a tiny catfish. Later, visiting a local family who paints with natural dyes, I bought a little jaguar painting I probably overpaid for but don’t regret.

I still think about sunrise at the parrot clay lick: the way dozens of bright birds gathered slowly as light crept through misty trees. It wasn’t silent but everyone whispered anyway. By then I’d stopped caring about muddy shoes or frizzy hair. There’s something grounding about watching nature do its thing without you mattering much at all.

What’s included

• Your days include private transportation from Puerto Maldonado with smooth pickup and drop-off.
• all entry fees to Tambopata National Reserve.
• guided activities like canopy walks, kayaking on Lake Sandoval, zip lining, visits to Monkey Island and a native family home.
• plus three nights’ accommodation at Paradise Amazon Lodge with all meals prepared by local cooks before returning comfortably to town or airport at journey’s end.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (7 and older) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

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

Paid on siteUS$ 20

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Paradise Yakari Amazon Tours

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

How long is the Tambopata jungle tour?

The Tambopata Peru tour lasts 4 days and includes guided activities each day.

Is pickup included from Puerto Maldonado?

Yes, private transportation from Puerto Maldonado is included in the tour package.

What wildlife can I see on this trip?

You may see macaws at the clay lick, monkeys on Monkey Island, river otters at Lake Sandoval, caimans at night, and many bird species.

Are meals provided during the Tambopata tour?

Yes, all meals are included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day featuring local Amazonian dishes.

Do I need to be fit for this jungle trip?

You should have moderate physical fitness. Some hikes are around 3 km and activities include kayaking and canopy walks.

Is accommodation included in the price?

Yes, accommodation at Paradise Amazon Lodge is included for all nights of the tour.

Can I swim in the river during the trip?

You’ll have an opportunity to swim in the Madre de Dios River after kayaking if you wish.

Are entrance fees to Tambopata National Reserve included?

Yes, all entry fees to reserves and attractions are covered in your booking.