Lake Sandoval

Lago Sandoval

A stunning oxbow lake near Puerto Maldonado surrounded by pristine rainforest and home to giant river otters, caimans, and abundant bird species. A day trip from Puerto Maldonado offers excellent wildlife photography and peaceful canoe exploration.

Things to do

• Giant River Otter Spotting — Paddle early morning canoes through the lake to observe family groups of giant otters hunting and playing in their natural habitat.
• Bird Watching — Identify over 100 bird species including macaws, herons, and hoatzins from the water and along the shoreline with binoculars and camera.
• Caiman Night Spotting — Join an evening canoe tour to spot black caimans and spectacled caimans with a flashlight as they emerge along the lake edges.
• Rainforest Canopy Walk — Explore elevated wooden platforms and walkways through the forest canopy on the lake's perimeter to observe monkeys and arboreal wildlife.
• Photography Excursion — Hire a local guide for a dedicated wildlife photography tour capturing giant otters, pink river dolphins, and rare bird species in optimal light.
• Peaceful Canoe Paddle — Rent a solo canoe to drift silently across the glassy oxbow waters and experience the tranquility of primary rainforest surroundings.

Food to try

• Grilled Paiche (Arapaima) — Fresh local river fish grilled whole or filleted, a prized Amazonian delicacy with delicate white meat often served with lime and cassava.
• Ceviche de Selva — A regional variation of ceviche using freshwater fish caught from the Madre de Dios River, marinated in lime juice with local chilies and cilantro.
• Tacacho con Cecina — Mashed plantains mixed with pork fat and served alongside dried or smoked beef, a hearty Amazonian breakfast staple found at local lodges.
• Amazon Fruit Juice — Fresh squeezed juices from native fruits like camu camu, açai, and aguaje sold at local stands, packed with vitamins and local flavor.
• Chonta Salad — Hearts of palm (chonta) harvested sustainably and served fresh with lime dressing, a delicate local vegetable preparation unique to the region.

Local customs & good to know

• Hire Local Indigenous Guides — Support the Ese'eja community by booking guides who offer authentic knowledge of wildlife behavior, rainforest ecology, and sustainable tourism practices.
• Respect Wildlife Distance — Maintain quiet observation distances from giant otters and caimans as required by local regulations; loud noises and sudden movements stress animals and disrupt their natural behavior.
• Early Morning Departures — Plan canoe trips to depart before dawn when wildlife is most active and visible; locals know this rhythm and trips organized accordingly respect animal patterns.
• Practice Leave-No-Trace Ethics — Pack out all waste and avoid touching vegetation or animals; the lake's pristine condition depends on visitors respecting the delicate rainforest ecosystem that sustains the community.