4-Day Tambopata Amazon Tour from Cusco: Sandoval Lake & Wildlife

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What’s the experience like?

It all started with a late-night pick-up in Cusco. I remember the city lights fading as our bus rolled out, the hum of the engine mixing with my nerves and excitement. By dawn, we’d swapped chilly mountain air for the thick, warm breeze of Puerto Maldonado. Our guide, Luis, met us at the station—he had that easy smile you see a lot in the jungle. After a quick stop at the office (they kept our big bags safe), we hopped in a boat and headed down the Madre de Dios River. The river’s muddy water glinted gold in the morning sun, and I could smell wet earth and fruit from somewhere nearby. When we reached the Amazon Garden Lodge, they handed us cold maracuya juice—honestly, I’d never tasted anything so refreshing after a long trip.

The next day, after a breakfast of eggs and sweet plantains, we set off for Sandoval Lake. The walk through Tambopata National Reserve took about an hour and a half. It’s not just a stroll—roots twist everywhere and the air feels heavy with green. We spotted blue morpho butterflies and heard monkeys before we saw them. Out on the lake, gliding in a canoe, I watched giant river otters pop up and vanish again. There were turtles sunning themselves on logs and birds calling from every direction. Later, we kayaked over to Monkey Island—those little capuchins are quick! They’ll snatch a banana right out of your hand if you’re not careful.

On day three, we visited the Ese’Eja community downstream. The families welcomed us with stories and showed us how they fish with simple nets—no fancy gear here. I tried casting a line myself (not much luck). We learned a few words in their language and even joined in a dance. That night, back in the forest, we went out with flashlights searching for insects and snakes. The jungle at night is loud—frogs, crickets, something rustling in the leaves. I’ll admit, I jumped more than once.

Our last morning started before sunrise. We took a short boat ride to a clay lick where parrots and parakeets gather. The noise is wild—hundreds of birds squabbling over patches of red clay. It’s messy and beautiful all at once. After breakfast back at the lodge, we packed up and caught the bus to Cusco. I slept most of the way home, still hearing jungle sounds in my head.