A two-day escape into the heart of the Peruvian Amazon — a balance of wildlife encounters, lush forest walks, and tranquil river views. For just $157 per person, this tour offers a taste of Tambopata’s incredible biodiversity, including close-up monkey sightings, a walk through ancient medicinal trees, and a boat trip to Lake Sandoval. Led by friendly guides in both Spanish and English, it’s designed to give you an authentic jungle experience without needing a full week of travel.

What we love about this trip is the chance to interact directly with the monkeys — sharing space with four freely roaming species — and the evening walk that reveals a host of nocturnal creatures, from tarantulas to owls. The peaceful boat ride at sunset offers a spectacular view of the Madre de Dios River, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. The only potential drawback? The schedule moves quickly, so it’s best suited for those happy to pack in a lot in a short time. If you’re eager for a manageable, immersive Amazon adventure, this tour is a great fit.

This tour is especially ideal for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts who want a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and discovery in a short timeframe. It’s also perfect if you prefer a guided experience that includes all meals and transfers, making your trip smooth and hassle-free.

Wildlife Encounters: Feed and observe four different monkey species in their natural habitat.
Authentic Jungle Experience: Walk among giant trees, learn about medicinal plants, and explore nocturnal life.
Lake Sandoval: Spot tropical birds, caimans, and possibly the elusive giant river wolf from a canoe.
Comfort & Convenience: Accommodation in private cabins, full-board meals, and transfers included.
Professional Guides: Bilingual guides (Spanish and English) enhance the experience with local knowledge.
Value for Money: At $157, it combines highlights of the Amazon with comfortable amenities.

Exploring the Itinerary: What Makes This Tour Special

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Day 1: Into the Jungle and Monkey Encounters

Your journey begins with a pick-up from Puerto Maldonado followed by a scenic 35-minute boat ride to the lodge. Sitting comfortably aboard, you’ll get a preview of the lush scenery that awaits. The lodge, conveniently located near the Madre de Dios River, introduces you to your private room — complete with a private bathroom — and a welcoming atmosphere.

Once settled, you’ll enjoy a typical lunch that can be tailored to vegetarian or vegan preferences, which is a thoughtful touch. After refueling, the first major activity is a visit to the monkey house. Here, you’ll have the chance to feed and observe four species of monkeys that roam freely — a real highlight for animal lovers. Several reviews noted how engaging this experience is, with one stating, “We loved the way we could get close to the monkeys and observe their natural behavior.”

Next, you’ll walk through the jungle, home to towering trees and medicinal plants that have been used for centuries. Your guide will point out trees that are up to 400 years old, providing insights into their traditional uses. This part of the tour isn’t just about seeing plants — it’s about understanding their role in indigenous medicine and local life.

As evening approaches, the night walk begins. Armed with a flashlight, you’ll search for creatures like tarantulas, frogs, owls, bamboo rats, and snakes. Many describe it as an exciting and slightly spooky experience, with some reviewers mentioning how close they got to nocturnal animals. It’s a chance to see a different side of the jungle — quiet, mysterious, and full of surprises.

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Day 2: Lake Sandoval and Wildlife in Action

The next morning starts with American breakfast, fueling you up for the day’s adventures. You’ll then take a boat ride for about an hour to reach the Tambopata National Reserve, a protected area teeming with wildlife.

Once on land, you’ll walk roughly 3 kilometers (about 1 hour) along a well-maintained trail, crossing a bridge that leads to Lake Sandoval. This lake is a real highlight, and many travelers find it a peaceful and scenic spot for wildlife spotting.

At Lake Sandoval, expect to see a variety of monkeys (up to four species), colorful tropical birds, and perhaps even caimans or the elusive giant river wolf. The lake’s quiet waters invite a canoe trip along its right bank, offering a different perspective on the Amazon’s fauna. From your canoe, you might spot herons, crocodiles, and a host of tropical birds — the perfect opportunity for photographs and quiet observation.

Reviews reflect how well the lake experience is managed: “The canoe ride was peaceful, and we saw many birds and even a crocodile.” The lake’s pristine environment makes it a prime location to understand the richness of the Amazon’s ecosystem.

Practical Details: What’s Included and What Not

This tour’s price covers all meals (full board), transfers, accommodation, and park entrances, making it a good value for those who want everything organized. The lodge offers comfortable, private rooms, and the guides are bilingual, which adds clarity and depth to the experience.

What isn’t included are breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day, giving you some flexibility to explore local options if you prefer. Beverages, especially alcoholic ones, aren’t included, so you might want to bring some extra cash or supplies.

Transportation and Timing

The entire experience is concentrated over two days, with the boat rides and walks scheduled to maximize wildlife spotting and relaxation. The tour generally starts in the morning, but check with the provider for available departure times. The group size tends to be small, allowing for a more intimate experience, and the guides’ local knowledge shines through, making each stop educational and enjoyable.

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Real Traveler Insights

Multiple reviewers mentioned how delicious the food was, especially the local dishes served during lunch and dinner. One traveler said, “The food was surprisingly good, and the vegetarian options were tasty.” The combination of good meals and well-organized logistics helps justify the price and enhances the overall experience.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re craving a quick, authentic Amazon adventure with plenty of wildlife interaction, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see monkeys up close, enjoy peaceful lake scenery, and learn about medicinal plants without committing to a longer trip. It’s also suited for those who appreciate guided tours with all logistics handled, giving you more time to focus on enjoying your surroundings.

Conversely, if you’re after a luxurious or very leisurely experience, you might find the pace a bit brisk. It’s more about active exploration and wildlife sightings than luxury lounging.

Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Trip for You?

This two-day, one-night Amazon adventure offers a solid immersion into Tambopata’s natural beauty. It packs in wildlife encounters, jungle walks, and serene lake views at a reasonable price point, with good value for money considering the included accommodations and meals.

For those who appreciate close animal encounters, like feeding monkeys and watching nocturnal creatures, this tour provides many memorable moments. It’s a wonderful choice for nature enthusiasts, curious travelers, and first-timers seeking a meaningful Amazon experience without over-extending their schedule.

The combination of guided expertise, comfortable lodging, and diverse activities makes it a compelling option for anyone wanting a taste of Peru’s incredible rainforest.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, transfers from Puerto Maldonado to the lodge, as well as boat rides, are included in the price.

How long are the boat rides?
The first boat ride to the lodge lasts approximately 35 minutes, and the boat to Lake Sandoval takes about an hour.

Are meals provided?
Yes, full board is included, covering all meals except breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day.

Can I request vegetarian or vegan food?
Absolutely, vegetarian and vegan options are available, and they’re included in the meal plan.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the activities such as jungle walks and wildlife viewing are generally suitable for older children who enjoy nature.

What language are guides available in?
Guides speak both Spanish and English, making the experience accessible to a wide range of travelers.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Bring insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, and a good flashlight for the night walk. Also, pack some cash for extras or beverages not included.

This tour offers a well-rounded, authentic glimpse into the Amazon’s wildlife and scenery. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a curious first-timer, you’ll find plenty to marvel at, photograph, and remember.