Manu Amazon Tour: Lake Sandoval & Canopy Walk (3 Days)

Day 1: Arrival in the jungle – First contact with Amazonian life

Welcome in Puerto Maldonado and transfer to the lodge

Your adventure begins in Puerto Maldonado, the «Biodiversity Capital of Peru.» Our team will welcome you with the warm hospitality that characterizes Terres des Incas. At our office, you can leave any luggage you won’t need during your stay in the jungle, keeping only the essentials for this immersive experience.

The 40-minute cruise along the majestic Madre de Dios River will serve as the perfect introduction to the world you’re about to explore. Along the way, your naturalist guide will reveal the first secrets of the Amazonian ecosystem, as you observe the landscape’s transition from human-modified shorelines to the lush, primal rainforest.

Upon arrival at the Corto Maltes Amazonia Lodge, you’ll be greeted with a refreshing seasonal tropical fruit juice, prepared with local ingredients that reflect the bounty of the rainforest. Your guide will provide a vital briefing on the lodge’s safety and conservation regulations, and hand you the keys to your comfortable private bungalow, designed to blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings.

The bungalows, built with sustainable materials and traditional techniques, offer the perfect balance of Amazonian authenticity and modern comfort. Each one features a private terrace equipped with hammocks, where you can immerse yourself in a book about the local wildlife or simply be mesmerized by the sounds of the jungle.

Afternoon: Interpretive walk and shiringuera culture

Your first walk along the forest trails within our private reserve marks the beginning of your transformation from tourist to jungle explorer. As you delve deeper into this verdant world, your local guide, a bearer of ancient and scientific knowledge, will begin to decipher the hidden language of the forest.

Every medicinal tree you encounter has a story to tell: the cinchona tree, whose use as an antimalarial was learned by Europeans from indigenous people; cat’s claw, with its anti-inflammatory properties; or Sangre de Grado, whose reddish latex has been used for generations to heal wounds and fight infections.

Chestnut and Shiringuero Camp

A visit to the Brazil nut camp will reveal the delicate balance between sustainable harvesting and conservation. Here you’ll learn about the annual cycle of the Amazonian Brazil nut, how local communities have developed harvesting techniques that allow for forest regeneration, and the crucial role this product plays in the regional economy.

The Shiringuero Camp represents a fascinating chapter in Amazonian history. During the rubber boom at the end of the 19th century, thousands of men ventured into the forest to collect latex from the rubber tree. The replica you’ll visit will transport you back to that time, showcasing the tools, techniques, and harsh living conditions of the «Seringueiros.»

Free afternoon to relax

The return to the lodge offers a moment of transition between the intensity of exploration and the peace of this jungle retreat. Your free time options are designed to deepen your connection with your surroundings:

• Hammocks on your private terrace : Gently swaying between two trees, you can watch the birds as the sun begins to set.

• Ecological pool: Refresh your body while listening to the sound of water mixing with the songs of the jungle

• Essential oil massages (optional): Local therapists offer treatments based on Amazonian medicinal plants.

• Embarcadero: The perfect place to watch the river reflect the changing colors of the Amazonian sky.

• Night: Alligator Safari by Boat

7:00 PM – The Night River

When darkness covers the jungle, a completely different world awakens. Aboard our boat, equipped with special lanterns that don’t damage the animals’ eyesight, you’ll delve into this nocturnal universe.

The alligator hunt becomes a total sensory experience. Your guide will teach you how to differentiate between the red eyes of black caimans and the green eyes of white caimans, sharing insights into their behavior and ecological importance.

8:00 PM – Flavors of the Amazon

The first dinner in the jungle is a celebration of indigenous flavors. Our chef has created a menu that combines Amazonian ingredients with contemporary presentations:

• Starter: Paiche ceviche with chonta and black chili

• Main course: Sajino loin with cassava puree and camu camu sauce

• Dessert: Aguaje mousse with chestnut crumble

• Starfruit soda with lemon verbena

Day 2: Sandoval Lake – Tambopata National Reserve

Tomorrow: Adventure at Lake Sandoval

Sunrise over the jungle is a spectacle worth witnessing. At 5:30 a.m., we invite you to enjoy a hot infusion of organic coffee or Amazonian herbal tea. The packed breakfast includes sandwiches, fresh tropical fruits, and energy bars made with chestnuts.

6:00 – Sailing to the natural paradise

The boat will take you 20 minutes down the mighty Madre de Dios River. Upon arriving at the entrance to Lake Sandoval, the 3-kilometer walk through the lush tropical rainforest will allow you to observe details that often go unnoticed.

Diving in Lake Sandoval

The moment the dense foliage opens to reveal the shimmering waters of Lake Sandoval is magical. This oxbow lake, formed by the shifting course of the Madre de Dios River centuries ago, is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the Amazon.

Breakfast in nature

At a strategic point on the lake, your guide will invite you to disembark for breakfast. Sitting on fallen logs, surrounded by the symphony of the jungle, each bite takes on a special flavor.

1:30 PM – Regeneration at the lodge

Lunch back at the lodge is a celebration of the flavors discovered during the morning:

• Starter: Heart of palm salad with cape gooseberry vinaigrette

• Main course : Grilled paiche with roasted plantain and cocona sauce

• Dessert: Soursop ice cream with camu camu sauce

Afternoon: High-altitude birdwatching and chestnut culture

The lodge’s observation towers offer unique experiences at different heights:

• 20-meter tower: Ideal for observing the middle layer of the forest

• 42-meter tower: Exciting experience for the most adventurous

From these heights, the complexity of the ecosystem becomes evident. Your guide will explain how each level of the forest is home to different species.

Immersion in chestnut culture

A visit to the chestnut processing area offers an in-depth look at one of the most important and sustainable economic activities in the Amazon.

Free time before dinner is yours to enjoy as you wish:

• Ecological pool: Refresh your body while you gaze at the stars

• Lodge Bar: Try an Amazonian pisco sour with local fruits

• Lodge Boutique: Find unique crafts made by local communities

Dinner on the second day is a celebration of the flavors discovered and the experiences lived.

Day 3: Parrot Clay Lick and Farewell to the Jungle

Tomorrow: Colour spectacle at the parrot clay lick

The last day begins before dawn. A freshly brewed coffee with jungle beans or a medicinal herbal tea will help you wake up fully for the short 20-minute hike to the clay lick.

The clay lick phenomenon

Arriving at the clay lick before dawn is essential to witness the full spectacle. The lick is an exposed clay area on the riverbank, rich in minerals essential to Amazon parrots.

The natural spectacle

Among the three to five species of parrots that visit this clay lick, you can observe scarlet macaws, yellow-headed parrots, military macaws, and red-winged parrots. The spectacle begins cautiously, but quickly turns into a feast of colors and sounds.

Breakfast and return to civilization

Breakfast at the lodge is a time of reflection and gratitude. While you enjoy the last flavors of the Amazon, you’ll have the opportunity to share your experiences with other travelers.

Return navigation

The return trip to Puerto Maldonado is significantly different from the one you arrived on. Now, with eyes trained by experience, you’ll see the landscape from a new perspective.

Immersion in Amazonian daily life

A guided tour of Puerto Maldonado’s local market is the perfect end to your adventure. Here, the connection between the jungle and the daily lives of the communities becomes evident.

Transfer to the airport

The final transfer to the airport is a moment of farewell. As the plane takes off and the jungle transforms into an endless green blanket below, you’ll have time to reflect on your transformation.

Get ready for an unforgettable experience in the Peruvian Amazon!

Commitment to Sustainability:

This tour operates under responsible tourism principles, directly supporting local communities and contributing to the conservation of the Tambopata National Reserve. A portion of the proceeds goes toward research and wildlife protection projects.

• Airport – lodge – airport transfers

• 2 nights in an Amazonian lodge (private bungalow)

• Complete feeding

• Guided tours:

  • Interpretive walk in the jungle

  • Visit to the shiringuero and chestnut harvester camp

  • Night boat ride to see alligators

  • Excursion to Lake Sandoval

  • Sighting from a lookout tower

  • Observation at the parrot clay lick

  • Visit to the local market

• Bilingual naturalist guide

• Entrance to the Tambopata National Reserve and private concession

• Domestic flights to/from Puerto Maldonado

• Alcoholic beverages or personal extras

• Massages and personal shopping

• Voluntary tips

• Travel insurance

What to bring:

• Light and breathable clothing (cotton or linen preferably)

• Long-sleeved shirts for insect protection

• Long pants (light jeans or trekking pants)

• Light raincoat or poncho (unpredictable tropical rains)

• Cap or hat with a wide brim

• Comfortable walking shoes (closed and with good grip)

• Sandals for the lodge

• Extra clothing (humidity is high and clothes get wet easily)

• Natural insect repellent (with DEET or essential oils)

• Biodegradable sunscreen (SPF 30+ minimum)

• Sunglasses with UV protection

• After-sun or moisturizer

• Microfiber towel (dries quickly)

• Camera with extra battery or power bank

• Binoculars (optional but highly recommended)

• Headlamp or flashlight

• Reusable water bottle

• Small backpack for excursions

• Plastic bags to protect electronics from moisture

• Personal medications and basic first aid kit

Health and Prevention:

• Consult your doctor about recommended vaccinations (yellow fever, hepatitis)

• Start with antimalarials if recommended (consult with a doctor)

• Take out travel insurance that covers medical evacuation

• Stay hydrated (drink water constantly)

• Avoid drinking tap water (use only bottled or boiled water)

• Eat only cooked foods or fruits that you can peel

• Use repellent especially at dawn and dusk

• Sleeping with mosquito net (provided at the lodge)

• Recommended medications:

• Antihistamines for allergic reactions

• Antidiarrheals (Loperamide)

• Electrolytes or rehydration salts

• Paracetamol or ibuprofen

• Broad-spectrum antibiotic (prescribed by a doctor)

Cultural and Environmental Respect:

• When interacting with communities

• Ask permission before photographing people

• Avoid giving money directly to children

• Buy crafts directly from producers

• Respect local customs and traditions

• Behavior in the jungle:

• Keep silent during sightings

• Do not feed the animals

• Do not touch plants or animals without consulting

• Stay with the group and follow the guide’s instructions

• Do not remove plants, stones or animals from the forest.