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Discover the Peruvian Amazon in an unforgettable 4-day experience at the Tambopata National Reserve, where adventure and nature meet in an environment of extraordinary biodiversity. Sail through Lake Sandoval, witness the spectacle of the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick, and explore Amazonian rivers. At the end of each day, enjoy the tranquility of a lodge surrounded by forest and experience a close connection with one of the most fascinating ecosystems in the world.
Sandoval Lake and Chuncho Clay Lick 4-day experience overview
Four days in the Peruvian Amazon among rivers, forests and wildlife, from the spectacular Chuncho macaw and parrot clay lick to the biodiverse waters of Sandoval Lake.
Why choose this experience with us?
- Amazon immersion: From Puerto Maldonado you head into one of Peru's most biodiverse destinations, surrounded by tropical forests, rivers and an extraordinary variety of plants and wildlife.
- Wildlife encounters: Explore Amazonian landscapes and discover species in their natural habitat, from the macaws of the Chuncho clay lick to the giant otters of Sandoval Lake.
- Support throughout the journey: Our team accompanies you at every stage, coordinating transfers, accommodation and activities.
- Small groups: Travel in groups of up to 12 passengers and enjoy a more comfortable, close and personal experience.
Itinerary summary
Puerto Maldonado – Tambopata River – Tambopata Lodge
Travel into the heart of the Amazon and sail the Tambopata River to the lodge. At night, explore the forest and discover its fascinating nocturnal life.
Tambopata Lodge – Chuncho Clay Lick – Tambopata Rainforest
Watch hundreds of parrots and macaws at the spectacular Chuncho clay lick and explore the Amazon rainforest. At nightfall, sail in search of caimans.
Tambopata – Sandoval Lake – Puerto Maldonado
Explore Sandoval Lake on a paddle canoe, surrounded by rainforest and wildlife, with the chance to see monkeys, birds and giant otters.
Puerto Maldonado – Airport
Enjoy a last Amazonian breakfast before your transfer to the airport and the end of the adventure.
Tour facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Day 1 activities | Road transfer of about 64 km, boat journey on the Tambopata River and a night walk |
| Day 2 activities | Chuncho clay lick, ethnobotanical walk on the Tambopata trails and a night boat trip in search of caimans |
| Day 3 activities | Walk of about 3 km to Sandoval Lake and a paddle-canoe trip on the lake |
| Day 4 activities | Breakfast in Puerto Maldonado and transfer to the airport |
| Maximum altitude | Tambopata National Reserve: 500 m / 1,640 ft above sea level |
| Minimum altitude | Puerto Maldonado: 180 m / 590 ft above sea level |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperature | Between 18 °C and 32 °C / 64 °F and 90 °F, with high humidity |
Highlights
- Sandoval Lake: one of the main attractions of the Tambopata National Reserve, near Puerto Maldonado. An Amazonian lake surrounded by tropical forest, known for its biodiversity and for the giant otters that live there.
- Chuncho macaw clay lick: one of the largest clay licks in the Amazon, where hundreds of parrots and macaws gather to feed on the clay, in one of the most impressive wildlife spectacles anywhere.
- Tambopata National Reserve: one of the most biodiverse natural areas of the Peruvian Amazon, where wildlife is preserved at its most authentic.
- Tambopata River: sail through Amazonian landscapes and watch wildlife along its banks and beaches.
- Amazon rainforest: discover a great diversity of flowers, trees, medicinal plants and vegetation on every excursion.
Sandoval Lake and Chuncho Clay Lick 4-day experience itinerary
Explore the Peruvian Amazon over four days among rivers, forests and wildlife, from the spectacular Chuncho macaw and parrot clay lick to the biodiverse waters of Sandoval Lake.
Puerto Maldonado – Tambopata River – Tambopata Lodge
Into the rainforest along the Tambopata River, and a first night exploration.
- The experience begins in Puerto Maldonado, where we welcome you and take you to the Wasaí Maldonado Hotel for a short welcome and a briefing about the trip.
- We then set off towards the heart of the Amazon, covering about 64 km on paved and gravel roads, through rural areas, primary forests and Amazonian landscapes.
- At the port of Filadelfia we board an outboard motorboat to sail the Tambopata River to Wasaí Tambopata Lodge. During the journey we begin to discover the area's wildlife: birds, capybaras, caimans and other species typical of the region.
- After settling in and resting for a while, at nightfall we head into the forest for a night walk. With the guide's interpretation we discover the sounds and movements of the rainforest while looking for frogs, insects, bats and, with luck, a nocturnal mammal.
- Dinner and overnight at Wasaí Tambopata Lodge.
Tambopata Lodge – Chuncho Clay Lick – Tambopata Rainforest
The clay lick at dawn, an afternoon in the rainforest and caimans at night.
- The day starts before dawn, sailing the Tambopata River to the impressive Chuncho macaw clay lick, inside the Tambopata National Reserve, through magnificent scenery and with chances to see wildlife along the riverbanks.
- If the weather is favourable we witness one of the most astonishing spectacles of the Amazon: hundreds of parrots and macaws gathering to feed on the clay. While we wait for them, we have breakfast facing this extraordinary natural setting.
- At midday we head back to the lodge, where there is time to relax by the pool, rest, swim in the Tambopata River or try some recreational fishing.
- After lunch we explore the forest on an ethnobotanical walk along the Tambopata trails, learning about trees and plants important to the Amazon, including medicinal species, palms and emblematic forest trees.
- At nightfall we return to the river for a night boat trip in search of caimans, spotted with a torch by the reflection of their eyes. Dinner and overnight at Wasaí Tambopata Lodge.
Tambopata – Sandoval Lake – Puerto Maldonado
Sandoval Lake by paddle canoe, at sunset.
- After breakfast we begin the return to the Wasaí Maldonado Hotel, combining river and road transport. There we leave our luggage, have lunch and rest for a while before continuing the adventure.
- We sail to the entrance of Sandoval Lake, inside the Tambopata National Reserve, and walk about 3 km through the forest to the shores of the lake.
- We board a paddle canoe to travel quietly across its waters and enjoy one of the most representative landscapes of the Amazon. Along the way we may see kingfishers, herons, monkeys and various bird species and, with a little luck, the giant otters that live in the lake.
- As we go we experience the rainforest's transformation at dusk: the sounds of daytime birds gradually give way to the night-time atmosphere of the forest.
- We return to the Madre de Dios River and Puerto Maldonado. After dinner you have the evening free to rest or take a walk around the town. Overnight at the Wasaí Maldonado Hotel.
Puerto Maldonado – Airport
A last Amazonian breakfast before your return flight.
- Enjoy a last breakfast in Puerto Maldonado before your transfer to the airport, according to your flight time.
- This brings to an end an unforgettable adventure among rivers, forests and the extraordinary wildlife of the Peruvian Amazon.
What the Sandoval Lake and Chuncho Clay Lick experience includes
Transfers and transport
- Airport – hotel – airport transfers, with a welcome on arrival and a departure transfer in Puerto Maldonado.
- Road and river transport: vehicle transfers and boat journeys throughout the different stages of the programme.
- Paddle-canoe trip for the exploration of Sandoval Lake.
Accommodation and comfort
- 2 nights at Wasaí Tambopata Lodge, surrounded by Amazonian nature.
- 1 night at the Wasaí Maldonado Hotel, in Puerto Maldonado.
- Internet in the common areas of the accommodation.
- Rubber boots for excursions in wet areas of the rainforest.
Meals
- Breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners, according to the itinerary.
- Box lunch during the transfer to Wasaí Tambopata Lodge.
- Vegetarian options at no extra cost, requested in advance when booking.
Experiences and support
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English), specialising in Amazonian nature and biodiversity, throughout the programme.
- Activities in the itinerary: visit to the Chuncho clay lick, exploration of Sandoval Lake, ethnobotanical walk, night walk and night boat trip in search of caimans.
Not included
- Entrance to the Tambopata National Reserve: USD 40 per passenger, not included in the programme price.
- Domestic flights and taxes to and from Puerto Maldonado.
- Drinks and personal services.
- Travel insurance (recommended): cover for cancellations, flight delays, lost or delayed luggage, illness, accidents, trip interruptions and medical assistance.
- Tips (optional).
- Expenses arising from causes beyond the agency's control: adverse weather, itinerary changes for safety reasons, illness, strikes, political instability or changes in government policy.
Sandoval Lake and Chuncho Clay Lick experience price
Rates
| Rate | 2026 price | 2027 price | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| General rate | 570 USD | To be confirmed | From 1 traveller, on a shared service. |
The entrance to the Tambopata National Reserve (USD 40 per passenger, covering the Chuncho clay lick and Sandoval Lake) is not included in the rate and is paid separately.
Booking guarantee
To secure your place and the services of the programme we require a guarantee deposit per person. Your sales representative will send you the payment instructions and the cancellation conditions that apply to your booking.
Upgrade your experience
| Add-on | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Kayaking and zip line | 20 USD | Adventure activities in the rainforest, subject to availability and service conditions. |
| Private experience | On request | More flexibility, more time to explore and an adventure at your own pace, with more personalised attention. |
Plan your trip
Tambopata can be visited all year round: the Amazon has a warm, humid climate, with rain possible in any season, which can affect some activities and journeys. For the first day we recommend a flight arriving in Puerto Maldonado before 1:00 p.m., so the journey into the rainforest can continue the same day; on the last day the transfer to the airport is arranged from the hotel, according to your flight time. Times can vary depending on the lodge's operations, the state of the river and the travel date, so we recommend confirming them with our team before buying your tickets.
What to bring to Tambopata
These are the most important items for your four days in the Amazon.
Required documents
- Original, valid passport or ID card.
- A digital copy of your document, recommended as a backup.
Luggage
- A small or medium 20 to 30 litre backpack for your personal items during excursions.
- Main luggage of moderate size, avoiding unnecessary items.
- Waterproof or zip-lock bags to protect clothes, documents and electronics from rain and humidity.
- Reusable water bottle.
Clothing and footwear
- Comfortable waterproof footwear with good grip for the walks and around the lodge.
- Light, comfortable, quick-drying clothing for the warm, humid Amazonian climate.
- Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts for protection during the walks.
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- A light warm layer for the early-morning and night boat trips, when it cools down on the river.
- Hat or cap for the sun and sunglasses with UV protection.
- A change of clothes and extra underwear.
- Swimwear for the lodge pool and the Tambopata River.
Personal items
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Personal medication and a basic first-aid kit.
- Toilet paper, wet wipes and hand sanitiser.
- Personal toiletries.
- Extra snacks (optional).
- Cash in Peruvian soles, in small notes, for personal purchases, handicrafts, tips and the reserve entrance fee.
Equipment and extras
- Camera or mobile phone, with a waterproof cover for both.
- Binoculars, highly recommended for birdwatching and wildlife.
- Power bank.
- Head torch or hand torch for the night activities.
- Zip-lock bags to protect electronics from humidity.
Important considerations
- Bring light, waterproof, quick-drying clothing, because of the humid and changeable climate.
- Protect your belongings from rain and humidity with waterproof bags.
- Mobile phone signal is limited or non-existent along much of the route; the accommodation has internet in its common areas.
- Always respect nature and follow the guide's instructions when watching wildlife.
Frequently asked questions about Sandoval Lake and the Chuncho clay lick
Is this 4-day programme right for me?
Yes. It is ideal for families, couples, groups of friends and travellers who want to discover the Amazon without demanding trekking. The programme combines boat travel, wildlife watching, exploration walks and night activities.
How difficult is the programme?
It is easy. It includes short exploration walks in the forest and a walk of about 3 km to Sandoval Lake. No previous trekking experience is required.
When is the best time to visit Tambopata?
Tambopata can be visited all year round. The Amazon has a warm, humid climate, with rain possible in any season, which can affect some activities and journeys.
What temperatures will I find during the trip?
The climate is tropical, warm and humid, with temperatures between 18 °C and 32 °C / 64 °F and 90 °F. Conditions can vary with the season and the area.
Which animals can I see in Tambopata?
Parrots and macaws, monkeys, capybaras, caimans, turtles, otters, frogs, bats and a wide variety of birds and insects. Sightings depend on natural conditions and on the behaviour of each species.
Am I guaranteed to see parrots and macaws at the Chuncho clay lick?
No, although it is very likely. Their presence depends on natural factors such as the weather and their behaviour. If conditions are favourable, you will see them gathering at the clay lick to feed on the clay.
What is the visit to the Chuncho clay lick like?
The activity starts before dawn, with a boat journey of about 1 hour and 30 minutes on the Tambopata River. On arrival we wait for the right conditions to watch the parrots and macaws gathering at the clay lick, and we have breakfast facing this natural setting.
What is the visit to Sandoval Lake like?
On the third day we sail to the entrance of Sandoval Lake and walk about 3 km through the forest. We then travel across the lake on a paddle canoe, enjoying the scenery and looking for birds, monkeys, caimans and, with luck, giant otters.
Can I see giant otters at Sandoval Lake?
There is a chance to see them during the canoe trip. They are wild animals and sightings are not guaranteed, as they depend on natural conditions and on their behaviour.
Is the night walk included?
Yes. On the first day we take a night walk in the forest, subject to weather and safety conditions. Along the way you may see or hear frogs, insects, bats and other nocturnal species.
Is there a night boat trip?
Yes. On the second day there is a night boat trip on the Tambopata River in search of caimans. With the help of a torch we can spot the characteristic reflection of their eyes in the water.
What is the ethnobotanical walk?
It is an exploration walk along the Amazon forest trails, on which we learn about trees, palms and plants that are important to the ecosystem and traditionally used by local people, including some medicinal species.
Is the entrance to the Tambopata National Reserve included?
No. The entrance costs an extra USD 40 per passenger, covering the areas visited during the programme: the Chuncho clay lick and Sandoval Lake.
Are the kayaking and zip line activities included?
No. Kayaking and the zip line are optional activities with an extra cost of USD 20 per passenger, subject to availability and service conditions.
Are domestic flights included?
No. Flights to and from Puerto Maldonado are not included in the programme.
What time should my flight arrive in Puerto Maldonado?
We recommend booking a flight that arrives in Puerto Maldonado before 1:00 p.m. This allows us to properly coordinate the transfer and continue into the rainforest the same day.
What time should I book my departure flight?
On the last day the transfer to the airport is made from the hotel in Puerto Maldonado, according to your flight time. Transfer times can vary depending on the lodge's operations, the state of the river and the travel date, so we recommend confirming them with our team before buying your tickets.
What is the accommodation like?
The programme includes 2 nights at Wasaí Tambopata Lodge, surrounded by Amazonian nature, and 1 night at the Wasaí Maldonado Hotel, in Puerto Maldonado.
Are meals included? Are there vegetarian options?
Yes. The programme includes breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners according to the itinerary, plus a box lunch during the transfer to Wasaí Tambopata Lodge. Vegetarian options can be requested in advance at no extra cost, so we can coordinate them with the lodge.
Is there internet and mobile phone signal during the programme?
The accommodation has internet in its common areas, although connectivity can be limited because of its location in the Amazon. Mobile phone signal may be limited or non-existent in some areas, so we recommend letting your family or contacts know before the trip starts.
What kind of footwear do I need?
For walks on the trails and around the lodge we recommend comfortable shoes with good grip. For excursions in wet areas of the rainforest, the lodge provides rubber boots, included in the programme.
Do I need to bring binoculars?
They are not compulsory, but they are highly recommended for watching birds, monkeys and other species at a distance during the nature and wildlife activities.
What should I bring on the programme?
Light, quick-drying clothing, long trousers and long-sleeved shirts, repellent, sunscreen, a hat, a rain poncho, a reusable bottle, personal medication, a torch, a camera and binoculars. You will find the full list in the What to bring tab.
What happens if it rains or conditions change?
Activities and boat trips are subject to the weather and the state of the river. For safety reasons the itinerary may be adapted when necessary, following the guide's instructions and local conditions.
Can I do the programme as a private or shared service?
The programme runs as a shared service, in groups of up to 12 passengers. You can also request a private experience, with more flexibility, personalised attention and a pace adapted to your group's needs.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking in advance, especially in the busiest periods, to secure the accommodation, transport, boat services and everything else needed for your experience in Tambopata.
What is the booking process?
Step 1. Availability enquiry. Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com to check the date you would like to travel. Our team will guide you through the programme and the services included.
Step 2. Passenger details. To process the booking we need, exactly as they appear on your travel document, your full name, passport or ID number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy), nationality and gender.
Step 3. Payment and confirmation. Once availability is confirmed, we will send you the payment instructions. When the required payment is received, we will arrange and confirm the services of the programme.
Step 4. Final confirmation. Once the services are confirmed, you will receive the official booking confirmation with the details of your trip. At that point your booking will be 100 % guaranteed.
Can I cancel my booking and get a refund?
Cancellation and refund conditions depend on the services booked and the policies that apply to each reservation. We recommend checking the specific conditions with our team before paying and before requesting any change or cancellation.
Can I leave my luggage during the trip?
Yes. You can leave your main luggage at our accommodation or office during the excursions, at no extra cost where this service is available.
Should I tip?
Tips are not included and are entirely voluntary. If you feel the service from our guides, drivers or the lodge staff was good, any gratuity is welcome, but it is never compulsory.
Any further questions?
You can contact our sales team on WhatsApp at +51 993 150 947 or +51 941 411 418, or by email at info@sakuraexpedition.com.
Why choose Sakura Expedition for your trip?
Sakura Expedition is a 100 % Peruvian local operator specialising in adventure and cultural tourism in Cusco and Peru. We have a team of certified guides and operations staff committed to delivering unique, safe and high-quality experiences. We stand out for responsible and sustainable tourism, respect for local communities and personalised attention in every service.
This is what sets us apart:
- Small groups: a more comfortable, personal experience with closer attention from our guides.
- Our own operation and local team: we run our programmes directly, which lets us maintain high standards of quality, punctuality and organisation.
- Certified professional guides: a team that passionately shares the history, culture and traditions of Peru.
- Personalised attention: we support you before, during and after your trip, with ongoing assistance and prompt answers.
- Responsible and sustainable tourism: we work with partner communities, respecting their traditions and contributing to the development of local families.
- Commitment to safety: safety protocols, suitable equipment and trained staff.
- Certified local company: we are a 100 % Peruvian company based in Cusco, and this year we received the CALTUR Gold Certification, the highest recognition of tourism quality in Peru.
At Sakura Expedition we don't just organise trips: we create authentic experiences that connect our travellers with the history, culture, nature and essence of Peru.
