Sandoval Lake Guide

Do you want to spend your vacation in one of the most beautiful places in the world? Then, we suggest you take a tour to Lake Sandoval. This stunning area is located in our Peruvian jungle and is home to hundreds of exotic species that you can appreciate and learn about.

With binoculars in hand, a short boat ride on calm waters takes travelers to the enchanting Lake Sandoval, hoping to spot a variety of endangered species, from howler monkeys and giant river otters to black caimans. Would you like to know more about this lake? Keep reading!

Tours Sandoval Lake

How was Lake Sandoval formed?

Lake Sandoval in Tambopata is a pristine horseshoe-shaped lake inhabited by various animal species. It was formed when a tributary of the Amazon changed its course and is possibly the most attractive lake in the Tambopata National Reserve of the Amazon.

This lake is not only an attraction for visitors to the Amazon rainforest but also attracts a great diversity of animals. It is also one of the largest lakes in Peru and is home to giant Amazonian fish called arapaima, black caimans, and a resident family of giant river otters.

Where is Lake Sandoval located?

The majestic Lake Sandoval lives up to its reputation. Despite being close to Puerto Maldonado, it is within the Tambopata National Reserve and adjacent to the Bahuaja Sonene Park.

If you travel to Puerto Maldonado, you must visit it as the lake is one of the main tourist attractions, offering an excellent Amazon experience, natural jungle sounds, and wildlife. It is home to over a thousand bird species, as well as river otters, macaws, turtles, and cranes, many of which are endangered.

In fact, this is one of the favorite tours for those who engage in adventure tourism in the jungle. It’s worth noting that during the tour, you can frequently observe 90% of the variety of flora and fauna in our Amazon. Guides paddle near the lake shores in search of caimans, exotic birds, and other hidden species.

What can you see at Lake Sandoval?

In addition to lake life, the surrounding tropical jungle is home to different types of monkeys, sloths, and a breeding area for colorful macaws. These animals, especially monkeys, regularly visit the lake’s shore. Therefore, you are sure to see a wide variety of exotic animals on your excursion to Lake Sandoval.

The Sandoval environment, and the reason it is such an attractive area, is partly due to the abundance of Mauritia palm trees, forming swampy areas called “aguajales.” These trees create a fantastic backdrop for the lake and serve as a habitat for a large number of animals and plants.

The variety of marine fauna is another characteristic of the place, with 6500 fish species, including the famous paiche, a select ingredient in regional cuisine due to its delicate and tender meat.

Regarding flora, you will be amazed by the immense trees thousands of years old, such as the lupuna with its huge leaves, the chestnut, cedars, and many forest species. These provide shelter for many animal species, forming a balance between the flora and fauna of the Peruvian jungle.

What to do at Lake Sandoval?

If you book a tour, the excursion will start from the eco-lodge, where a guide specialized in this area will take you on a boat ride along the Madre de Dios and Tambopata rivers towards the National Reserve. You will reach a point where you will begin a walk through the tropical jungle to reach Lake Sandoval.

During this journey, you can appreciate a wide variety of species, such as squirrels, macaws, monkeys, and more. Since the lake is one of the largest in the reserve, upon arrival, you can take a canoe ride to get a better view of the animals that inhabit the surroundings.

Some of the birds you can observe include the cormorant, jacana, and tiger heron, as well as the howler monkey, brown mantle tamarin, and sloth. After this experience, taking photographs and a short rest, you can have lunch in the national reserve, where you will enjoy a typical jungle dish.

Now you know what activities you can do on a full day at Lake Sandoval! This impressive place is home to various endangered species and multiple types of fauna that you probably don’t know. Don’t wait any longer and get a tour that suits your requirements!

At Sotupa Eco Lodge, you can find the best all-inclusive tour packages, restaurant, bar, common areas, and much more. For more information, contact us through our website.