Sandoval Lake Lodge
Sandoval Lake Lodge
Day 1: Puerto Maldonado to Sandoval Lake. Our staff will welcome you at the airport in Puerto Maldonado and drive you through the city to the boat dock on the Tambopata River. Here we board a motorized canoe and head towards the nearby confluence of the mighty Madre de Dios River, the source of the Amazon tributary. Just 30 minutes down river is landing at the port that will lead to Sandoval Lake.
We walk a trail of 3 Km (2 mi), stopping to watch birds and butterflies, up to
a narrow canal boats. From there, we navigate the flooded forest of palm trees
that leads to the open waters of this peaceful lake. Our crew will row the
boats across to the lodge (motors are prohibited on the lake). Under the
surface of the lake we may see the huge Paiche (an Amazonian fish that can
weigh up to 100Kg/220lbs). Or you may hear strange and unsettling screams and
see heads peering from the lake surface, which will mark our first encounter
with Pteronura brasiliensis, the Giant Otter of the Amazon.
After a brief rest, we start again by boat to explore the entire eastern end of
the lake, following the sound of hundreds of Blue-and-Yellow and Red-Breasted
Macaws as they return to the palm forest for the night. Our view from the boat
often allows close and extensive encounters with birds and mammals. In Sandoval
Lake the Capuchin Monkey, in particular, has nearly lost its fear of humans.
We
return to the lodge at dusk for dinner. Afterwards we take the boat again, in
search of caimans, which are now extremely rare in the Amazon, but are still
common in this protected lake. They grow up to 4m long, and dispute their share
of fishing with the otters. On clear nights we go by boat farther into the lake
for a view of the vast southern sky, unobstructed, with its magnificent views
of constellations and the Milky Way.
Day 2: Sandoval Lake. Just before dawn we will be on the lake for what is often a spectacular sunrise; and hope for an encounter with the Giant Otters that roam the lake in a close-knit family, very active at this time of day. At this time most of the birds that inhabit the lake are also very active. There will be time and tranquility to observe the birds fishing; while they stalk and capture prey. We will also have close-up views of the primitive Shansho (Ophistocumus hoazin) eating leaves.
After enjoying a late
breakfast, we’ll walk the trail through the cool understory of the impressive primary
rainforest that surrounds the lake. We will see the great Chestnut trees that
abound here.
After lunch we rest for an hour and then explore the west side of the lake where we will have chances to observe different species of monkey; including the most common Capuchin Monkey.
Before dinner there is a video presentation on the Peruvian Jungle and after dinner we will have the opportunity to spot caimans in the lake.
Day 3: Sandoval Lake to Puerto Maldonado. After breakfast we make a final paddle through palm
swamps on the west end of the lake. On the clearer mornings a glorious sunrise
and its reflection can be seen in the lake. We return to the once more to the
Madre de Dios River and head towards Puerto Maldonado and from there on to the
airport.
Please note that itineraries may vary
slightly to maximize wildlife viewing, depending on the reports of our local researchers
and experienced naturalist guides.
- Lan Peru
*LP 2075 or LP 2071
*LP 2076 or LP 2072