It’s hard to pick just one place as the most beautiful in the Peruvian jungle, but if we had to rank the top spots in the Amazon, Sandoval Lake would definitely be in the top ten. Taking a boat ride on its waters, completely surrounded by nature, will give you the peace you always seek on a vacation. To help you plan your next trip to this region of Peru, today we’ll reveal all the secrets of Sandoval Lake.

Where is Sandoval Lake Located?

Sandoval Lake is situated in the Tambopata National Reserve, an area of nearly 3,000 square kilometers where flora and fauna are the true stars. This area is located in the Madre de Dios department, south of the city of Puerto Maldonado.

In the northern part of Tambopata, very close to this city and the Madre de Dios River, you can visit Sandoval Lake, a body of water three kilometers long and one kilometer wide, which is one of the great jewels of the National Reserve.

Sandoval Lake is a wonder for the eyes and senses: its waters, surrounded by aguaje palms (a typical jungle fruit you must try), are home to an unimaginable number of fish—over 6,500 species live here!

What to Do at Sandoval Lake?

Sandoval Lake is the perfect place to spend a relaxing vacation and escape from daily routines. However, it’s not all about lounging in a hammock and enjoying the view; there are various activities you can do around the lake and its surroundings. Here are some of the best things to do at Sandoval Lake.

• Boat Ride on Sandoval Lake: One of the wonders of this lake is that you can venture into it by boat. Paddling through Sandoval Lake while enjoying the surrounding landscape, the sounds of nature, and the company of black caimans and turtles will make you feel completely free.
• Trekking Around Sandoval Lake: Exploring the jungle on foot is always thrilling. You’ll see various animals moving freely from tree to tree and discover the most secret corners of the mysterious Amazon. However, whenever you venture into the jungle, it’s essential to be accompanied by a guide, as they know all the paths and can lead you safely.
• Night Walk: Imagine exploring the dense jungle by moonlight. This is one of the most common activities around Sandoval Lake. You’ll dive into the Amazon night with millions of unknown sounds around you and the mystery of not knowing which animals are accompanying you on this adventure. Are you up for it? It’s definitely an excursion for the most intrepid travelers.
• Monkey Island: A must-stop on the way to Sandoval Lake is Monkey Island, a fascinating place where different monkey species live in total harmony with nature. The friendly monkeys will walk beside you and, without any shyness, climb onto your back to accompany you on your journey. Keep your camera ready because you’ll want to capture these moments!
• Enjoying Paiche: Paiche is one of the fish that inhabit Sandoval Lake and an important ingredient in the local cuisine. Since traveling is also about experiencing the local gastronomy, don’t hesitate to try a dish made with paiche when you visit Sandoval Lake and enjoy this delicious meal.
• Panoramic Views: One of the most beautiful experiences near Sandoval Lake is observing the entire jungle from a panoramic view. A few years ago, a 30-meter-high bridge was built, where you can appreciate the vastness of the lake and its surroundings. At Denomades, we include a visit to the hanging bridge in our 3-day tour to Sandoval Lake.
• Encountering Strange Animals: Besides the fish that inhabit Sandoval Lake and the monkeys that will climb onto your back, this place is home to countless animals. Some of them are completely unfamiliar to tourists, such as hoatzins or giant otters, so keep your eyes wide open because you never know when you might spot a new species.

How to Get to Sandoval Lake?

As always recommended by Denomades, the best way to visit the jungle is with a specialized guide. Given the unfamiliarity of the area, the paths can be confusing, and it’s challenging to know which way to go.

Regardless, the journey to Sandoval Lake is an adventure combining breathtaking landscapes and a variety of transportation methods you’ll need to take to reach this destination.

First, you’ll need to fly to Puerto Maldonado (if you’re in Cusco, you can also take a bus). Once there, you’ll need to go to the port to take a boat and travel east along the Madre de Dios River for 30 minutes. Finally, you’ll arrive at the starting point of a walk of about an hour that will lead you to the shores of the lake.

To make your visit a great experience, Denomades offers a Full Day tour to Sandoval Lake, a 2-day tour, and even 3 and 4-day tours. For more information, we recommend checking out all our activities and excursions in Puerto Maldonado.

For those who have never visited the jungle, or for those who already know it and want to delve deeper… Sandoval Lake is a destination for all tastes. Add it to your list of places to visit in Peru and start planning your next trip!