Situated just a few kilometers from Puerto Maldonado, Sandoval Lake stands as one of the most beautiful natural attractions in the Peruvian Amazonia. Characterized by its serene waters and lush surroundings, this oxbow lake was formed over time by the shifting course of the Madre de Dios River, a tributary of the Amazon. Home for numerous endangered species, embarking on a one-day trekking tour to explore this stunning destination offers an unforgettable adventure within the heart of Tambopata National Reserve.
Tips&Tricks: Sandoval Lake is home to Peru’s largest population of giant otters, a species considered the most vulnerable on the continent. They typically live in family groups of 3-10 individuals and spend a good part of their day grooming, catching fish, or playing in the water. Additionally, here can also be found one of the most important predators in the Amazon, the black caiman. Known for its size and aggression, the caiman preys on large animals such as capybaras or deers.
Where to stay in Tambopata National Reserve (our favorite choices)
Exploring Sandoval Lake
The journey begins with a picturesque 4 km trek through the dense Amazonian Rainforest. Accompanied by your local guide, you’ll navigate through winding trails and wooden bridges as you venture deeper into the Tambopata National Reserve. Along the way you might hear the unique roar of howler monkeys that echo across the jungle, learn about the native plants, or even catch a glimpse of a colorful macaw perched high above. From giant trees to huge butterflies or exotic birds, with every step you’ll discover a new wonder of the Amazon.
Tips&Tricks: The Howler Monkey is one of the biggest monkeys on the planet. Their roars can be heard up to 5km away, being among the easiest sounds to recognize in the Amazon.
As you approach the lake, the landscape is truly captivating. Its tranquil waters reflect the lush green canopy above, as stealthy black caimans and anacondas are lurking beneath. Here, you’ll board a traditional wooden row boat and start gliding across the mirror-like water, surrounded only by the sights and sounds of the rainforest.
Tips&Tricks: Surrounding the lake, the vegetation consists of native palms known as “aguaje,” whose roots serve as favored resting spots for the giant anaconda snakes.
Tips&Tricks: Visiting Sandoval Lake is an excellent opportunity to explore Tambopata National Reserve, many lodges offering guided day or night walks as part of their activities. The difficulty of the trek depends on the season. We visited the Amazon in May, at the end of the rainy season, and embraced the experience of trekking through water and mud, as it’s an unique aspect of visiting the tropical rainforest.
Wildlife Encounters
One of the highlights of the tour is the chance to spot the black caiman, the Amazon’s largest predator. Depending on how lucky you are, you may also encounter a wide variety of mammals, reptiles, and birds that are particularly active during the early hours of the day. During our visit, we observed several black caimans prowling from the shore alongside herons and hoatzin birds, giant otters, water turtles, bats, and numerous exotic bird species, including several pairs of macaws. At one point, we even found ourselves surrounded by dozens of purple butterflies fluttering around us, attracted by our bright colored boat.
Tips&Tricks: Sandoval Lake is populated by the largest freshwater fish in the world. “Paiche” or “Arapaima” is native to the Amazon and grows up to 4,5m, the record of its weight being 200kg. Fishing here is prohibited, except for the Ese`Eja tribe.
