Tour Description
Sandoval Lake and Macaw Clay Lick
Embark on an immersive 4-day journey deep into the Amazon Rainforest, where pristine nature and extraordinary wildlife await. Glide across the mirror-like Sandoval Lake and witness the vibrant spectacle of macaws gathering at the iconic Clay Lick.
With expert naturalist guides handling every detail—from accommodations to excursions—you are free to fully embrace the experience. Explore hidden jungle trails, encounter rare species, and discover one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth, far from the crowds.
A perfect escape for travelers seeking authentic nature, exclusivity, and unforgettable moments in the heart of the Amazon.
“Explore the heart of the Amazon – A truly unique and unforgettable adventure.”
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 4 Days
Sandoval Lake & Macaw Clay Lick – 4 Days
Venture into the depths of the Amazon on a 4-day journey designed to go beyond the ordinary. Explore the tranquil beauty of Sandoval Lake and witness the extraordinary gathering of macaws at the Clay Lick—two of the region’s most remarkable natural highlights.
This immersive experience offers exceptional opportunities to encounter rare wildlife, including giant otters, colorful birdlife, and a rich diversity of species within one of the world’s most pristine ecosystems. With every detail carefully arranged—from accommodations to guided excursions—you can enjoy a seamless blend of expert-led exploration and time to connect with the rainforest at your own pace.
Ideal for travelers seeking an authentic, nature-focused adventure in the heart of the Amazon.
*Excursion schedules may vary depending on weather conditions and your guide’s recommendations to ensure the best possible experience.
Itinerary
Description
Where upon arrival we will drive to the Tambopata River Port. and travel to– Sandoval Lake Lodge. This typically forty-five-minute boat trip may take longer as we stop along the river to view wildlife. It’s approximately another forty five minute walking to get from the river port entrance to the Sandoval lake, but again may take longer as we be look for some interesting species such as Black-Faced Cotinga, leks of Band-Tailed Manakin, and also found here is a very rare species of macaw in the Mauritia palms called Red-Shouldered Macaw.If lucky we may also see Long-Billed Woodcreeper, the always amazing Point-Tailed Palmcreeper, and Agami Heron. Sandoval Lake Lodge is a great place with different forest habitats including flood plain forest and terra firme. This combination makes for an excellent area for wildlife, and along with the lake, good place to see Otters, Monkeys, Caimans and other mammals. On arrival to the lake we will paddle across it to get the Lodge. Numerous specie can be seen on the way like egrets, Capped Heron, Cocoi Heron, Large and Yellow-billed Tern, Black Skimmer, Horned Screamer, Gray-Cowled wood-Rail, Sunbittern, Wattled Jacana, Greater Ani, the spectacular Hoatzin, and Blue-throated Piping Guan, Later in a catamaran we’ll search for the resident family of Giant River Otters (seen by 90% of our lake visitors) and other lakeside wildlife such as Black Caiman, Squirrel Monkey, Red Howler Monkey, Brown Capuchin Monkey, etc.If we lucky in the evening the very interesting Bicolored-Spined Porcupine, and a Southern Tamandua may show themselves.The lakeside resident Hoatzin, and the less frequent Horned Screamer are regular sightings. Macaws, Toucans and raptors can all be seen. Overnight at Sandoval Lake Lodge.
Meals
- Lunch
- Dinner
Highlights
- Puerto Maldonado
- Sandoval Lake Lodge
Description
For the next two days we will focus on bamboo and flood plain forest specialists. We will look for Red-billed Scythebill, Rufous-headed Woodpecker, Rufous-breasted Piculet, Brown-rumped Foliage Gleaner, Large- headed Flatbill, Dusky- tailed Flatbill, Dusky-cheeked Foliage-gleaner, Flammulated Bamboo-tyrant, Dot- winged and Ornate Antwren, White-lined Antbird, Rufous capped Nunlet, Pheasant Cuckoo and Striped Cuckoo. One day in the afternoon we’ll focus on the terra firme forest for an opportunity to see the Brazil Nut tree in its natural habitat. Razor-billed Curassow, Blue-throated Piping Guan, Spix’s Guan, Great Tinamou, Lemon-Throated Barbet, Curl-Crested Aracari, Semicollared Puffbird, Collared Puffbird, Blue-Crowned Trogon, Amazonian or Blue-Crowned Motmot, Scale-Breasted Woodpecker, Ringed Woodpecker, Red-Necked Woodpecker, Plain-Brown Woodcreeper, are all strong possibilities. After dinner we will provide the opportunity to look for Tawny-Bellied Screech-Owl, spectacled Owl, and others nocturnal species.
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Highlights
- Sandoval Lake
Description
Back to Puerto Maldonado and transfer to Tambopata River and enjoy the world’s largest known Macaw Clay Lick at Chuncho (this is the best clay lick to now visit as the Colorado clay lick is almost gone although it used, to be the largest) where hundreds of parrots and macaws of up to 15 species congregate daily. We can expect to see ten to twelve of the following members of the parrot family: Red-and-green, Blue and Yellow, Scarlet, Red-bellied, Chestnut-fronted and Blue-headed Macaws; Mealy and Yellow-crowned Amazons; Blue-headed, Orange-cheeked and White-bellied Parrots; Dusky-headed, White-eyed, Cobalt-winged and Tui Parakeets and Dusky-billed Parrotlets. Here we will also explore the terra firme rainforest along a 4 mile Castana Trail, and the trail that goes to the old oxbow Lake, passing through floodplain forest with ponds and streams forming during the rainy season. The terra firme forest trails on the other hand are tall and rarely or never floods. Both of these trails represent the most specious habitats for birds. Too many possibilities to list, but this is habitat for Starred Wood Quail, Pale-winged Trumpeter, several Trogons, Foliage-gleaners, Black-tailed Leaftosser, many Woodcreepers, Antbirds, Flycatchers, Manakins, and much more. Mixed species flocks are especially diverse with understory flocks led by Dusky-throated Antshrike and Red-crowned Ant-Tanagers. They often contain 30-40 species (or more!) including: Plain winged Antshrike, Bluish Slate Antshrike, White eyed Antwren, Plain breasted Antwren, Thrush-like Antpitta, White-winged Shrike-Tanager, Amazonian Barred Woodcreeper, and Spix’s Woodcreeper. The flood plain trail to the old oxbow lake crosses some permanently flooded old ponds inhabited by Rufescent Tiger-heron, Pygmy and Green-and-rufous Kingfishers, and Sunbittern. After long hikes we can continue to bird within the confines to the lodge. Species possible in the lodge clearing include: some canopy flocks, Squirrel Cuckoo, Masked Crimson Tanager, Cinnamon-throated Woodcreeper, Speckled Chachalaca and Yellow-tufted Woodpecker. We will bird the transitional forests by the river side. These were bamboo forests until they flowered and died out a few years back. Now they are akin to riparian forests but will eventually grow into terra firme as they are not affected by yearly floods. Here we will spot Buff-throated Saltator, Grayish Saltator, Crested and Russet-backed Oropendolas, Piratic Flycatatcher, Large-Headed Flatbill, Fiery-Capped Manakin, Red-Billed Scythebill, and others. While we are birding these spots we will have extraordinary views of the Tambopata river making its way down from the highlands.
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Highlights
- Sandoval Lake
- Macaw Clay Lick
Description
Next, we head to the airport for check-in and the start of your next adventure.
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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Transport
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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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English speaking guide
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Flights
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Early check-in and late check-out
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First breakfast and last Lunch
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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.
