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3 days
Cusco
Machu Picchu by Vistadome: Cusco, Sacred Valley & The Citadel (3 Days)
Description: del Native Amazon 4-days: Jungle Survival, Clay Lick and Lake Sandoval
Natives Tour: dive into a 4-Day Amazon adventure from Puerto Maldonado, with a focus on wildlife and responsible tourism. Day 1 begins with a scenic river transfer to the lodge, followed by an interpretive jungle walk that uncovers medicinal plants and the sustainable economies of rubber (shiringa) and Brazil nuts. The day concludes with an exciting nighttime caiman safari on the Madre de Dios River. Day 2 is dedicated to the Tambopata National Reserve, where you will hike to and silently canoe on Lake Sandoval, spotting wildlife like giant river otters, exotic birds (shansho), and monkeys, with breakfast enjoyed amidst nature.
Day 3 offers a profound cultural exchange; you will visit a Machiguenga family to learn about their ancestral way of life, language, traditional crafts, and customs. Later, you will explore a local family farm, discovering and tasting native tropical fruits and sustainable farming techniques. The afternoon features a climb to an observation tower to gain a unique canopy perspective. Day 4 culminates with an unforgettable pre-dawn spectacle: a walk to a natural Parrot Clay Lick, where numerous species gather to feed on mineral-rich clay in a breathtaking festival of sound and color, before your final visit to the Puerto Maldonado local market and airport transfer.
Encounter with the Machiguenga culture and the secrets of the Peruvian Amazon
Itinerary Native Amazon 4-days: Jungle Survival, Clay Lick and Lake Sandoval
Day 1: Welcome to the jungle – First contact with the Amazon
Arrival in Puerto Maldonado and transfer to the lodge
Upon arrival at the airport, our team will welcome you and escort you to our office in town, where you can leave any luggage you won’t be using in the jungle. We’ll then embark for the lodge, sailing for about 40 minutes along the Madre de Dios River, a first trip that exposes us to the region’s lushness.
At the Corto Maltes Amazonia lodge, you’ll be welcomed with a fresh fruit juice. Your guide will provide instructions for your stay and escort you to your private, fully-equipped wooden bungalow.
Note: Passengers arriving after 1:00 PM will receive an eco-friendly box lunch instead of lunch in the dining room.
Afternoon: Jungle walk and Shiringuero camp
3:30 PM – We’ll begin an interpretive walk along trails within a 60-hectare private reserve. Your guide will point out medicinal trees, native plants, and animal tracks.
We will visit a replica of the Shiringuero camp , where latex from the rubber tree (jebe) is collected, and also a chestnut camp, a symbol of a responsible forest economy that still supports many Amazonian families.
Relaxation and first encounter with nightlife
Upon your return, you can relax by the pool, unwind in a hammock on your terrace, enjoy a tropical cocktail, or simply soak up the sounds of the jungle.
7:00 PM – We’ll set out by riverboat for a nighttime caiman safari . Using flashlights, we’ll explore the banks of the Madre de Dios River, where we can observe caimans and other nocturnal creatures.
Day 2: Sandoval Lake – Protected nature and forest viewpoints
Exploring Lake Sandoval
6:00 AM – We embark for Lake Sandoval , located within the Tambopata National Reserve . We’ll hike about 3 km through the forest to reach this wonderful body of water.
From rowboats, we’ll observe wildlife: giant otters , monkeys, exotic birds like the shansho, kingfishers, and anhingas, as well as reptiles and other species in their natural habitat. During the tour, we’ll have breakfast surrounded by nature.
Lunch and break
1:30 PM – Return to the lodge for lunch and a rest.
Afternoon: Forest viewpoint and more chestnut culture
3:30 PM – We’ll climb one of the lodge’s observation towers (20 or 42 meters high), from where we’ll have a spectacular view of the treetops and perhaps see birds or monkeys moving through the foliage.
We conclude the afternoon with a complementary visit to a chestnut camp to better understand how this important Amazonian product is harvested and prepared.
Day 3: Living Culture – Meeting with the Machiguenga Ethnic Group
Visit to the Machiguenga family
9:00 AM – This day is dedicated to a profound and intercultural experience. We will visit a Machiguenga family , one of the indigenous communities of the Peruvian Amazon. Through respectful interaction, we will learn about their way of life, traditions, clothing, hunting tools, language, and ancestral music.
They will show us how they use forest resources to make their tools, prepare their meals, build their homes, and dress, proudly sharing their cultural identity.
Visit to a family farm
11:00 AM – We’ll cruise down the river to a local farm , a small estate where an Amazonian family grows tropical fruits and native produce such as cacao, plantains, cocona, yucca, tree bread, lime, and noni. We’ll learn about their traditional, chemical-free farming techniques and sample some seasonal produce.
1:00 PM – Return to the lodge for lunch.
Free afternoon to relax, enjoy the pool, visit the boutique, or get a massage.
Day 4: Colorful sunrise and farewell
Parrot clay lick at dawn
5:30 – We walk about 20 minutes to a natural clay lick , where at dawn, various species of parrots descend to feed on the mineral-rich clay. This natural behavior is vital to their health and constitutes one of the most beautiful spectacles in the jungle: a festival of color and sound.
Breakfast and return to Puerto Maldonado
8:00 AM – Breakfast at the lodge. Then we sail back to Puerto Maldonado.
Visit to the local market and transfer to the airport
Before your flight, we’ll take a short guided tour of the local market , where you’ll learn about the products consumed by Amazonian families and gain a close-up look at daily life in this region. Then, transfer to the airport for check-in.
Includes Native Amazon 4-days: Jungle Survival, Clay Lick and Lake Sandoval
Transfers to and from Puerto Maldonado Airport.
Boat trip along the Madre de Dios River (round trip to the lodge).
3-night accommodation in an Amazonian lodge (private bungalow with bathroom).
All meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners (includes box lunch if applicable by arrival time).
Professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English) throughout the tour.
All excursions mentioned in the itinerary:
Interpretive walk in the jungle.
Visit to the rubber and chestnut harvesting camps.
Night walk for alligator watching.
Excursion to Lake Sandoval (Tambopata National Reserve).
Observation from a lookout tower.
Cultural meeting with a Machiguenga family.
Visit to a traditional Amazonian farm.
Observing parrots at the natural clay lick.
Visit to the local market in Puerto Maldonado.
Entrance to the Tambopata National Reserve and private areas of the lodge.
Personalized assistance during your stay.
Not Included Native Amazon 4-days: Jungle Survival, Clay Lick and Lake Sandoval
Domestic flights to/from Puerto Maldonado.
Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks or additional products not mentioned.
Optional services: massages, shopping in the boutique, cocktails at the bar.
Tips for the guide or lodge staff (volunteers).
Personal travel insurance (highly recommended to have your own).
Recommendations Native Amazon 4-days: Jungle Survival, Clay Lick and Lake Sandoval
Recommended luggage:
Carry a small backpack or light bag for your personal belongings during hikes.
The rest of your luggage can be safely stored at the office in Puerto Maldonado.
Appropriate clothing and footwear:
Comfortable, lightweight, quick-drying clothing (long sleeves and long pants for protection).
Trekking shoes or hiking boots (no sandals for hiking).
Swimsuit, sandals, cap or hat, sunglasses.
Raincoat or rain poncho.
Important personal items:
Insect repellent (eco-friendly if possible).
Biodegradable sunscreen.
Headlamp or portable flashlight (for night activities).
Reusable water bottle.
Personal hygiene items and basic medications.
Health and Safety:
No mandatory vaccinations are required, but vaccination against yellow fever is recommended.
Consult your doctor if you are taking medication or if you wish to carry repellents or antimalarial pills.
Avoid strong perfumes that can attract insects.
Always follow your guide’s instructions during hikes.
Culture and respect:
When visiting the Machiguenga family, let us be respectful of their space, traditions, and customs.
Always ask before taking pictures.
Listen and appreciate their way of life; it’s a unique moment of cultural exchange.
Extras and tips:
Tips are not mandatory, but are a kind way to thank the local staff for their work.
Bring some cash in case you want to buy crafts, drinks, or souvenirs.
Weather conditions:
The Amazon has a warm and humid climate year-round, with unexpected rainfall.
All activities are subject to weather conditions and guide evaluation.
Photo Gallery Native Amazon 4-days: Jungle Survival, Clay Lick and Lake Sandoval
Frequently Asked Questions Native Amazon 4-days: Jungle Survival, Clay Lick and Lake Sandoval
How is this 4-day tour different from shorter Amazon trips?
While shorter trips focus mainly on quick wildlife spotting, this immersive 4-day itinerary goes much deeper into the heart of the Amazon. In addition to exploring Lake Sandoval and witnessing the famous parrot clay licks, you will experience a profound cultural exchange with a local Machiguenga family. You will also have time to visit an authentic Amazonian family farm to taste native fruits, and scale an observation tower (up to 42 meters high) for incredible canopy views. It is the perfect blend of wildlife, nature, and living culture.
What cultural experiences are included in this tour?
Day 3 is entirely dedicated to cultural immersion! You will spend the morning with a native Machiguenga family, learning firsthand about their ancestral traditions, language, hunting tools, and how they use the forest to build their homes and weave their clothing. Later, you will visit a traditional Amazonian family farm to learn about chemical-free farming and taste fresh, seasonal crops like cacao, cocona, and tree bread.
What kind of wildlife will I see at Lake Sandoval?
Located deep within the highly protected Tambopata National Reserve, Lake Sandoval is an ecological hotspot. After a 3km hike through the dense forest, we will silently navigate the lake's pristine waters in rowboats. This is one of the best places in the Amazon to spot giant river otters, black caimans, various monkey species, and exotic birds like the prehistoric-looking hoatzin (shansho), kingfishers, and anhingas.
What is the accommodation like for the 3 nights?
You will be staying at the beautiful Corto Maltes Amazonia Lodge. Far from "roughing it," you will sleep in a fully equipped, private wooden bungalow that includes an en-suite bathroom and a private terrace with hammocks. The eco-lodge also features fantastic amenities for your downtime, including a swimming pool, a bar serving tropical cocktails, and a boutique.
What do I need to pack for a 4-day Amazon jungle tour?
Because of the heat, humidity, and active excursions, smart packing is essential: Clothing: Bring lightweight, quick-drying clothing. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants are mandatory for hikes to protect against mosquitoes and brush. Footwear: Sturdy trekking shoes or hiking boots are required for the jungle trails (sandals are strictly for the lodge). Gear: A headlamp or portable flashlight is vital for your night caiman safari. Protection: You must pack eco-friendly insect repellent, biodegradable sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and a reusable water bottle.
Do I need to carry all my luggage into the jungle?
No, you do not! Navigating riverboats with large, heavy suitcases is difficult. When you arrive in Puerto Maldonado, you will stop at our main office, where you can securely store any large luggage you won't need. You should only bring a light duffel bag or a small backpack with your essentials for the 4-day, 3-night stay at the lodge.
Comments:
"Jimmy est un guide passionné qui aime transmettre et partager sa culture et ses connaissances ! On a adoré le temps passé avec lui ! On peut lui poser plein de question et il nous répond toujours avec le sourire ! Une vraie encyclopédie (qui s’adapte à son public) ! ???????? Visiter la Vallée Sacrée avec lui c’est comprendre énormément de choses sur l’histoire de cette région ! C’est passionnant ! On recommande ses tours sans hésitation ! Merci beaucoup pour tout !!! Ne changez rien !!!!"
"Gracias a Jimmy y su equipo por esta maravillosa semana visitando Cusco, el Valle Sagrado de los Incas, y por conocer a una familia peruana tan encantadora. Todo estuvo increíblemente bien organizado. Hicimos mucho más de lo que lo hubiéramos organizado nosotros mismos. ¡Muchas gracias de nuevo! Los recomiendo ampliamente."
""
"Mis amigos y yo tuvimos una excelente experiencia con la agencia. El trato fue muy amable y personalizado, siempre atentos a cada detalle de nuestro viaje. Sin duda, los recomendamos."
"An excellent experience! Terres des Incas is truly an outstanding agency. Their itineraries are perfectly designed, the guides are highly knowledgeable and attentive, and the entire team is incredibly professional. The office staff was always available, listening to us, and quickly solving any small issues along the way. We felt supported throughout the entire trip. I am really happy with Terres des Incas and I recommend this agency 100% for anyone looking for a well-organized, authentic, and unforgettable journey in Peru."
"Voyage magnifique avec Jimmy un guide formidable. Interessant, attentif. À recommander"
"Buena experiencia, la atención es muy buena, como turista nacional me encantó el compromiso que tiene la empresa para con sus pasajeros."
"Excelente atención desde el primer momento. El equipo de TERRESDESINCAS se encargó de cada detalle y mi viaje fue perfecto. Muy recomendados por su profesionalismo, amabilidad y capacidad de resolver cualquier duda. ¡Sin duda volveré a viajar con ustedes!"
"J'ai fait appel à cette agence pour la vallée sacrée et palcoyo et je recommande à 100%. Tout s'est très bien passé, ils sont très réactifs et les guides très gentils et à l'écoute"
"Un lugar muy bonito para visitar"
"Una excelente experiencia! Terres des Incas es realmente una agencia excepcional. Sus itinerarios están perfectamente diseñados, los guías son altamente conocedores y atentos, y todo el equipo es increíblemente profesional. El personal de la oficina siempre estaba disponible, escuchándonos y resolviendo rápidamente cualquier pequeño problema en el camino. Nos sentimos apoyados durante todo el viaje. Estoy muy contento con Terres des Incas y recomiendo esta agencia 100% para cualquiera que busque un viaje bien organizado, auténtico e inolvidable en Perú."
""¡Una experiencia inmejorable! Viajé desde Francia y honestamente puedo decir que Terres des Incas es la mejor agencia de viajes del Perú. Sus itinerarios están cuidadosamente diseñados, combinando cultura, aventura y momentos únicos que nunca olvidaremos. Los guías son extraordinarios: atentos, apasionados, y siempre deseosos de compartir sus conocimientos sobre historia y vida andina. El equipo de oficina era impecable, siempre disponible, servicial y resolver rápidamente cualquier detalle para asegurarse de que todo fuera perfecto. Nos sentimos acompañados y cuidados en cada paso, lo que hizo que nuestro viaje fuera aún más especial. Estoy muy contento con Terres des Incas y recomiendo esta agencia al 1000% a cualquiera que quiera descubrir el Perú de una manera auténtica, bien organizada y excepcionalmente personal "."
"Jimmy est un guide passionné qui aime transmettre et partager sa culture et ses connaissances ! On a adoré le temps passé avec lui ! On peut lui poser plein de question et il nous répond toujours avec le sourire ! Une vraie encyclopédie (qui s’adapte à son public) ! ???????? Visiter la Vallée Sacrée avec lui c’est comprendre énormément de choses sur l’histoire de cette région ! C’est passionnant ! On recommande ses tours sans hésitation ! Merci beaucoup pour tout !!! Ne changez rien !!!!"
"Gracias a Jimmy y su equipo por esta maravillosa semana visitando Cusco, el Valle Sagrado de los Incas, y por conocer a una familia peruana tan encantadora. Todo estuvo increíblemente bien organizado. Hicimos mucho más de lo que lo hubiéramos organizado nosotros mismos. ¡Muchas gracias de nuevo! Los recomiendo ampliamente."
""
"Mis amigos y yo tuvimos una excelente experiencia con la agencia. El trato fue muy amable y personalizado, siempre atentos a cada detalle de nuestro viaje. Sin duda, los recomendamos."
"An excellent experience! Terres des Incas is truly an outstanding agency. Their itineraries are perfectly designed, the guides are highly knowledgeable and attentive, and the entire team is incredibly professional. The office staff was always available, listening to us, and quickly solving any small issues along the way. We felt supported throughout the entire trip. I am really happy with Terres des Incas and I recommend this agency 100% for anyone looking for a well-organized, authentic, and unforgettable journey in Peru."
"Voyage magnifique avec Jimmy un guide formidable. Interessant, attentif. À recommander"
"Buena experiencia, la atención es muy buena, como turista nacional me encantó el compromiso que tiene la empresa para con sus pasajeros."
"Excelente atención desde el primer momento. El equipo de TERRESDESINCAS se encargó de cada detalle y mi viaje fue perfecto. Muy recomendados por su profesionalismo, amabilidad y capacidad de resolver cualquier duda. ¡Sin duda volveré a viajar con ustedes!"
"J'ai fait appel à cette agence pour la vallée sacrée et palcoyo et je recommande à 100%. Tout s'est très bien passé, ils sont très réactifs et les guides très gentils et à l'écoute"
"Un lugar muy bonito para visitar"
"Una excelente experiencia! Terres des Incas es realmente una agencia excepcional. Sus itinerarios están perfectamente diseñados, los guías son altamente conocedores y atentos, y todo el equipo es increíblemente profesional. El personal de la oficina siempre estaba disponible, escuchándonos y resolviendo rápidamente cualquier pequeño problema en el camino. Nos sentimos apoyados durante todo el viaje. Estoy muy contento con Terres des Incas y recomiendo esta agencia 100% para cualquiera que busque un viaje bien organizado, auténtico e inolvidable en Perú."
""¡Una experiencia inmejorable! Viajé desde Francia y honestamente puedo decir que Terres des Incas es la mejor agencia de viajes del Perú. Sus itinerarios están cuidadosamente diseñados, combinando cultura, aventura y momentos únicos que nunca olvidaremos. Los guías son extraordinarios: atentos, apasionados, y siempre deseosos de compartir sus conocimientos sobre historia y vida andina. El equipo de oficina era impecable, siempre disponible, servicial y resolver rápidamente cualquier detalle para asegurarse de que todo fuera perfecto. Nos sentimos acompañados y cuidados en cada paso, lo que hizo que nuestro viaje fuera aún más especial. Estoy muy contento con Terres des Incas y recomiendo esta agencia al 1000% a cualquiera que quiera descubrir el Perú de una manera auténtica, bien organizada y excepcionalmente personal "."
For responsible and sustainable tourism
The payment for each experience is distributed responsibly and transparently with the aim of generating a real and positive impact in Peru
