Tour Description
Chuncho Lodge – An Exclusive Rainforest Escape
Embark on a five-day journey into the heart of the Tambopata National Reserve. Explore the pristine Sandoval Lake, witness the spectacular Chuncho Clay Lick, and immerse yourself in the lush Amazon rainforest.
Guided day and night walks, boat excursions, and encounters with giant otters, colorful macaws, and six species of monkeys make this adventure truly unforgettable.
“Dive into the Heart of the Amazon – An Adventure Like No Other.”
Meet Your Travel Advisor
Diego
Senior Travel Advisor
- diego@sierratours.io
- +5199141312
- Travel Division - South America
- Spanish
Diego creates exclusive, tailor-made journeys across Latin America, ensuring unforgettable, authentic experiences with utmost comfort and personalized service.
Explore Perú in 5 Days
Chuncho Lodge & Sandoval Lake – 5 Days in the Heart of the Amazon
Venture into the untouched Tambopata National Reserve on a 5-day adventure filled with wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Explore the serene waters of Sandoval Lake, home to giant otters, and stroll through lush forest trails by day and night.
Witness the extraordinary Chuncho Clay Lick, where hundreds of macaws and parrots gather daily, creating one of the most spectacular natural displays on the planet. Encounter monkeys, exotic birds, and vibrant wildlife in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.
Immerse yourself in the pure beauty of the rainforest – a perfect blend of adventure, nature, and tranquility.
*The order and schedules of the excursions can be modified according to your guide, and as seen fit through coordination with the management by considering the physical condition of the passengers, and the climate of the moment.
Itinerary
Description
Your journey begins in Puerto Maldonado, where you are welcomed at the airport, bus terminal or city hotel and transferred to the Chuncho Lodge office. After a short introduction and final arrangements, you set off along the Interoceanic Highway, crossing 48 kilometers of paved road before turning onto an 18-kilometer forest track that leads to the banks of the Tambopata River and the Filadelfia community. From here you will take a short boat ride downstream to the lodge.Upon arrival at Chuncho Lodge, your home for the next couple of days in the heart of the Amazon, you will get welcomed and be shown your rooms. After lunch, your first exploration awaits: a short introductory walk through the forest leading to the canopy tower where you will be able to enjoy the forest from another perspective. Step by step, you rise above the trees until the rainforest stretches endlessly in every direction. From here, the forest canopy is alive with activity — macaws, toucans, and monkeys pass by at eye level.On your way back, discover life at night during a night walk. The forest reveals a different rhythm after dark, with insects humming, frogs calling, and nocturnal creatures beginning their activities. It is a gentle but captivating introduction to life in the rainforest.
Meals
- Lunch
- Dinner
Highlights
- Puerto Maldonado
- Chuncho Lodge
- Tambopata National Reserve
- Lake Sandoval
Description
With the forest waking up around you, enjoy breakfast before boarding a boat further downstream the Tambopata River toward the El Gato Creek Parrot Clay Lick. As you arrive, watch the trees come alive with color and sound: parrots and parakeets gather in large flocks to feed on the mineral-rich clay. The walk to the site may also reveal monkeys and fascinating plants or insects.Before returning to the lodge, the river invites you to pause. You may choose to swim along the riverbank or try your hand at catch-and-release piranha fishing, before enjoying lunch.In the afternoon, take a guided walk on one of our trails deeper into the forest. This path leads you to our own mammal clay lick, a quiet area where animals are known to visit. It is a chance to experience the forest in greater depth and discover one of its hidden natural features. As night falls during your walk, get ready to see frogs flash their colours, spiders hide among the roots, and perhaps a snake glide silently across your path. Under the beam of a flashlight, the forest shows you its hidden side while going back to the lodge to have dinner.
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Description
The day begins early, with a 04:30 a.m. departure upriver. As your boat cuts through the mist at dawn, watch the riverbanks carefully: capybaras often graze here, tapirs leave their tracks, and sometimes even a jaguar appears.At last, you arrive at the world’s largest Macaw Clay Lick. Chairs are set up along the riverbank as you wait in silence for the sky to erupt with wings: parrots and macaws circle above before descending to the clay lick. Scarlet, red-and-green, and blue-and-yellow macaws join smaller species such as blue-headed, orange-cheeked, and dusky-headed parrots. It is one of the most powerful wildlife spectacles in South America. You will be invited to enjoy a picnic breakfast while enjoying this show.During the return to the lodge, the river again offers surprises, caimans resting on sandbanks, turtles basking on logs, or troops of monkeys crossing the canopy. Lunch is followed by time to rest in the hammocks or swim in our swimming pool.In the afternoon your guide will take you on an ethnobotanical walk around the lodge. You will be introduced to the world of medicinal plants, hardwoods, and the mammals that rely on them. You will have the opportunity to learn how locals use these plants in their daily life and how it influences their life in the jungle.To conclude your jungle stay in this part of the forest, embark on a boat trip to watch the sun set over the river and discover the jungle from yet another point of view. As night falls, lift your gaze to the sky: far from city lights, the Amazon night sky opens in all its brilliance. Spend time tracing constellations across the vast canopy of stars, a peaceful and unforgettable way to end the days activities before heading back to the lodge.
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Highlights
- Macaw Clay Lick
Description
After breakfast, bid farewell to Chuncho Lodge. You will travel by boat and vehicle back to Puerto Maldonado, where you will embark on a trip on the Madre de Dios River and get deeper into the Tambopata National Reserve toward Sandoval Lake.A 40-minute river journey and a 3 km forest walk bring you to the lake’s shore. Here, calm waters reflect the sky as you paddle across the lake in search of wildlife. Monkeys move through the canopy, while birds sweep across the lake. With luck, you may encounter the endangered giant otters, fishing and playing in family groups.After settling into a partner lodge, return to the lake for a striking Amazon sunset. As daylight fades, remain on the water to search for black caimans, the largest crocodile species in the rainforest. Over 4 meters in length, their red eyes gleam in the dark under your flashlight beam.
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Highlights
- Puerto Maldonado
- Sandoval Lake
- Tambopata National Reserve
Description
Your final morning begins with a sunrise paddle on . Enjoy the sight, sounds and smell of the forest awaken with calls of howler monkeys and the flight of macaws overhead. This is the most active time for wildlife, and once again, the giant otters may appear, gliding across the mirrored surface.Crossing the western side of the lake, towering aguaje palms — some over 30 meters high — reflect in the still waters, creating a serene farewell to the Amazon.After breakfast, transfer by boat and vehicle back to our office in Puerto Maldonado, arriving in time for your return flight or bus journey.For your safety and comfort, kindly be aware that the itinerary may vary due to weather or capacity related factors.
Meals
- Breakfast
Highlights
- Puerto Maldonado
Travel package information
This information outlines the itinerary, highlighting what's included and what's not, along with key details such as a travel essentials list, departure date, travel duration, best time to travel, price, payment terms, group size, and other important facts, helping travelers fully understand the package and know what to expect during their trip.
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Accommodation/Lodge
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Meals and beverages as specified in the program
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Taxes, tourist fees, and entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
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Transport
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English speaking guide
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Flights
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Early check-in and late check-out
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Breakfast on the first day
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Tips
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Alcoholic beverages
Frequently Asked Questions - Tours
The FAQ section addresses common queries about the travel package, including key details such as the itinerary, what's included and excluded, payment terms, group size, departure dates, and other important information, ensuring travelers have all the necessary details to prepare for their trip.
International flights are not included unless specified. Domestic flights may be included depending on the destination and itinerary.
Hotels are pre-selected for quality and location, but if you have a preference or request, let us know—we'll do our best to accommodate.
Yes, the package includes guided group tours with experienced, English-speaking (and sometimes bilingual) guides.
This is a set package, but minor adjustments may be possible for an extra cost. For full flexibility, consider a tailor-made trip.
Breakfast is not included on international travel or arrival days. During the tour, breakfast is included only when explicitly stated in the itinerary. Any additional meals, including lunch or dinner, are provided only if clearly specified in the tour program.
Groups usually include 10–16 travelers. Some transportation services (like buses or boats) may accommodate more.
Yes, we strongly recommend travel insurance to cover medical needs, trip cancellations, and other unexpected situations.
We'll provide a packing list tailored to your trip, but basics include comfortable clothing, walking shoes, sun protection, and a reusable water bottle.
Yes, airport transfers are typically included, but please confirm with your booking to ensure coverage for both arrival and departure.
The package includes 4-star hotel accommodations with breakfast, guided group tours, transfers, entrance fees as per the itinerary, and some meals (as specified).
About your Trip
Need help
Together with you, we plan a customized trip according to your preferences, with the content and standard you desire. The travel advisor will discuss the trip layout with you and provide new suggestions based on your wishes.