Tambopata: 2 days and 1 night – Aventura and Sandoval Lake

Experience the Amazon in Two Days: Sandoval Lake, Canopy, and Wildlife

If you’re looking to experience the Amazon’s vibrant wildlife and lush scenery without committing to a long, expensive trip, the Tambopata: 2 Days and 1 Night – Aventura and Sandoval Lake tour offers a practical and engaging option. For $224 per person, you’ll visit the Tambopata National Reserve, explore Sandoval Lake, and enjoy a variety of jungle activities, all based out of a comfortable lodge.

What we particularly appreciate about this tour is its combination of adventure and wildlife observation—from climbing a canopy tower to spotting monkeys on Monkey Island. Plus, the included guided activities and meals make the experience feel well-organized and value-packed.

One possible drawback is the basic condition of the lodge facilities, with some travelers mentioning the lack of hot water and less-than-pristine bathrooms. This is typical of budget jungle tours, so if you’re expecting luxury, you might be disappointed.

This tour suits travelers who want an authentic rainforest experience without a hefty price tag, especially those eager to see wildlife and enjoy outdoor activities like zip-lining and kayaking. It’s also ideal for those with limited time but wanting a comprehensive Amazon adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Wildlife Focus: Spot monkeys, caimans, and a variety of birds in their natural habitat.
• Adventure Activities: Enjoy canopy walks, zip-lining, kayaking, and boat rides.
• Guided Experience: Knowledgeable guides lead activities and share insights into flora and fauna.
• Basic Accommodation: Expect simple jungle lodges with limited amenities.
• Full-Day Exploration: The itinerary covers river trips, lake visits, and forest walks.
• All-Inclusive Value: Meals, transfers, and national reserve entries are included.

A Deep Dive into the Amazon Tour Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect Day by Day

This two-day adventure is carefully structured to maximize your time in the Tambopata rainforest, blending wildlife encounters, physical activities, and cultural insights.

Day 1 begins with your transfer from Cusco—either from the airport or bus terminal—to the tour office. Here, you’ll check in, possibly store extra luggage, and get a briefing on your adventure. We liked that the tour starts with a little sightseeing in Puerto Maldonado, where you can admire the confluence of the Madre de Dios and Tambopata rivers from the Plaza de Armas. It’s a nice way to set the scene before heading into the jungle.

At around 8:30 a.m., you’ll board a boat at Puerto Acosta for a 30-minute ride down the Madre de Dios River, heading toward your jungle lodge. This boat trip alone offers a great chance to get your first glimpses of river wildlife and expansive green views.

Once at the lodge, you’ll meet your guide, settle into your basic but functional accommodation, and prepare for the day’s activities. The canopy walk is a highlight—climbing the 35-meter tall tower built at the base of a Lupuna tree. From this vantage point, you’ll see a swirl of birdlife and get a feel for the rainforest’s vertical diversity. The guide, often quite knowledgeable, will help identify species and point out interesting flora.

After the canopy, you’ll zip across the treetops on a 190-meter long zip-line, crossing a 100-meter bridge, which is a real adrenaline rush and offers stunning views of the forest canopy. The safety instructions are straightforward, making this accessible even for first-timers.

Post-adventure, a hearty lunch fuels you up for a relaxing kayak trip. Paddling on the Madre de Dios River, with a safety boat nearby, offers a chance to cool off, enjoy the tranquility, and perhaps take a quick swim in the river.

In the late afternoon, you’ll visit Monkey Island, a small stretch of land 15 minutes downstream from the lodge. Here, feeding and observing capuchins, black howler, and white-faced monkeys is about as close to a rainforest zoo as you’ll get—and it’s a favorite among travelers for its lively monkeys and relaxed environment.

As evening approaches, you’ll join a caiman spotting tour using a spotlight-equipped boat. Spotting these reptiles along riverbanks is part of the adventure, with chances to see dwarf caimans and perhaps larger adults. The guides know where to look, and with luck, you’ll see these elusive creatures in their natural habitat.

Day 2 starts with breakfast, after which you’ll head out to Sandoval Lake—a pristine part of the Tambopata National Reserve. A boat crosses the river, followed by a one-hour walk to the lake, where the landscape opens into stunning jungle scenery.

At Sandoval, you’ll enjoy a typical jungle lunch at the control post—likely simple but satisfying—before hopping into a boat for more wildlife spotting. The lake is famous for its birdlife, including hoatzins, cormorants, and kingfishers, as well as river wolves (giant otters), if you’re lucky. The scenery is tranquil, and the chance to see animals in their natural setting is high.

Finally, the return journey takes you back to Puerto Maldonado, with transportation arranged to fit your schedule for departure.

The Real-World Experience: Pros and Cons

While the activities are engaging and well-guided, some reviewers point out the basic living conditions at the lodge. You might find the bathrooms somewhat dirty, and hot water isn’t guaranteed, which can be uncomfortable after a day of physical activity. One traveler noted, “No warm/hot water in the lodge, dirty bathroom and towels,” which is typical for budget accommodations in remote jungle areas.

However, the guides seem to be a major bright spot. Multiple reviews praise their knowledge and friendliness, making the experience more enriching and authentic. “The guides are very knowledgeable,” one traveler wrote, which is crucial when trying to identify elusive wildlife and understand rainforest ecology.

Pricing-wise, at $224 per person, this tour offers a lot of activities packed into just two days. Considering that meals, park entries, transfers, and guided excursions are included, it provides good value for those short on time but eager to see the Amazon’s highlights.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience appeals most to adventurous travelers who don’t mind modest accommodations and are eager to see wildlife and enjoy outdoor activities. It’s perfect for those with limited time who want a comprehensive Amazon experience—covering river trips, lake exploration, canopy walks, and wildlife observation—without the logistical hassle of longer trips.

It’s also a good fit for families or groups looking for a balanced mix of adventure and nature, but possibly less suitable for travelers with mobility issues or those expecting luxury amenities.

Practical Tips for Preparing

Bring clothes that can get dirty, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, and sturdy shoes. The weather can be hot, humid, and rainy—so a rain poncho and waterproof gear are wise. Also, pack a flashlight and extra batteries for night activities, like caiman spotting.

Summary & Final Thoughts

This tour offers a solid introduction to the Amazon rainforest, packed with wildlife encounters, adventure activities, and cultural highlights, all at an accessible price point. While the lodge facilities are basic, the guided excursions and the chance to see monkeys, caimans, and birds make it worthwhile.

It’s best suited for travelers looking for an active, authentic rainforest experience that balances adventure, wildlife, and relaxation without the need for luxury. If you’re okay with modest accommodations and eager to learn from knowledgeable guides, this trip will surely leave you with memorable stories and a greater appreciation for the Amazon’s vibrant life.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, but it’s best suited for those who are comfortable with outdoor activities and basic accommodations. It’s not recommended for travelers with back problems, wheelchair users, or those with vertigo or visual impairments.

Do I need to bring my own gear?
Most equipment is provided, but you should bring insect repellent, biodegradable sunscreen, comfortable clothes, a hat, sunglasses, and waterproof gear. It’s also helpful to carry a flashlight and extra batteries.

Are hot showers available at the lodge?
No, the lodge has limited amenities, and some travelers mention the absence of hot water.

Can I store extra luggage?
Yes, you can store luggage at the tour office if you don’t want to carry it into the jungle.

How physically demanding are the activities?
Activities like walking to the lake, boat rides, and canopy walks are manageable for most, but the walk to Sandoval Lake takes about an hour and requires moderate effort.

Are meals included?
Yes, all meals from lunch on the first day through lunch on the second day are included. Expect regional dishes and simple, satisfying fare.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

Exploring the Amazon in just two days is ambitious, but with this tour, you get a taste of the rainforest’s magic—wildlife, adventure, and nature in a compact, lively package.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby