The Wildlife of Lake Sandoval in the Peruvian Amazon

The most popular daytrip from Puerto Maldonado is Lake Sandoval, which one can reach by traveling along the Madre de Dios River by motorboat. After disembarking at a rustic dock, there’s a two-hour hike to the lake along one of the trails of the rainforest. There’s an observation tower and a ranger station where one registers before reaching the lake, where one can explore along the shores or enter by canoe.

Ungurahui palms and giant lupunas (which grow hundreds of feet tall) surround the lake, and among grow diverse and colorful orchids as well as platanillos which grow over 10m but can be felled with a single machete blow.

Sandoval Lake’s biggest draw is the rare Giant River Otters, who are now found only in the Peruvian Amazon and the Guianas. These noisy and avid hunters are some of the most endangered mammals in the neotropics. The large variety of monkeys, from red howlers and spider monkeys to titi to capuchins, also add noise and activity to the panorama.

Birdwatchers visit often, as this area of Tambopata Reserve shelters more than a 1000 bird species. Among these are martin kingfishers, heron, colorful parrots, and the strange hoatzin, which are locally known as shansho or anhginga (duck-snake). At dusk, flocks of macaws return to the lake to spend the night, and visitors delight in the glowing eyes of the Black Caimans in the low light.

The large lake also boasts a scenic waterfall which is a popular spot to bathe in the water. including a stunning waterfall. Although tours arrive early in the morning, at the time of peak animal activity, this wanes nearing midday. This afternoon lull is a good chance to take to the shore for a picnic of tropical local dishes.