4-Day Puerto Maldonado Amazon Tours

Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick, Lake Sandoval & Yacumama Lake Expedition

Location: Tambopata Buffer Zone & Tambopata National Reserve – Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios – Peru
Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Tour Type: Fully Guided Amazon Jungle Expedition with Lodge Stays

Overview – Tambopata Rainforest Tours

This 4-day Amazon program is one of the most complete and rewarding Puerto Maldonado Amazon tours, ideal for travelers looking to combine diverse ecosystems, expert-guided wildlife observation, and unique lodge experiences in the jungle.

The expedition begins in the buffer zone of the Tambopata National Reserve with a stay at Hacienda Tambopata Lodge, where you’ll explore trails and observe nocturnal life. On Day 2, you’ll travel at dawn to the spectacular Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick, one of the largest and most active macaw sites in the Amazon, before crossing into the National Reserve to discover Lake Sandoval, one of the most beautiful oxbow lakes in Peru, known for its giant river otters, black caimans, and palm forest.

The journey concludes with a sunset experience at Yacumama Lake, where you can fish for piranhas and enjoy the peaceful jungle ambiance before returning to Puerto Maldonado.

You will stay at three different jungle lodges, each chosen for its location, comfort, and proximity to key nature sites:

• Hacienda Tambopata Lodge (Tambopata buffer zone)

• Amasisa Sandoval Lodge (inside the Tambopata National Reserve)

• El Tronco Tambopata Adventure (near Yacumama Lake)

This program includes expert bilingual guides, all meals, all transportation, and all entrance fees.

Highlights

• Visit the world-renowned Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick, where hundreds of macaws, parrots, and parakeets gather daily

• Paddle across Lake Sandoval, a pristine rainforest lake within the Tambopata National Reserve

• Go piranha fishing at Yacumama Lake and enjoy an evening boat ride in search of caimans

• Walk through rainforest trails to learn about Amazonian flora, medicinal plants, and animal behavior

• Enjoy night walks to spot frogs, tarantulas, owls, and other nocturnal species

• Watch parrots and parakeets feeding at a clay lick at sunrise

• Stay at 3 different jungle lodges for a rich and varied rainforest experience

• All activities are conducted by trained local naturalist guides, with small-group or private departures available

Itinerary – Day by Day

Day 1 – Welcome to the Tambopata Buffer Zone

• 9:30 AM: Pick-up from your hotel or airport in Puerto Maldonado

• 1-hour drive along the Interoceanic Highway, followed by a 30-minute forest road to the town of Filadelfia

• Short boat crossing to Hacienda Tambopata Lodge, located on the banks of the Tambopata River

• Welcome drink and orientation by your naturalist guide

• Lunch at the lodge, featuring regional cuisine

• Afternoon jungle walk (2 hours) through the lodge’s private trails

  • Learn about native plants, tree species, medicinal herbs, animal tracks, and local ecology

  • Possible sightings: monkeys, toucans, morpho butterflies, and various insects

• Sunset boat ride along the Tambopata River

  • Opportunity to observe caimans, capybaras, herons, and other wildlife at dusk

• Return to the lodge for dinner

• Night walk (1 hour) to explore nocturnal creatures

  • Common sightings: tree frogs, owl monkeys, tarantulas, leaf frogs, and owls

Overnight at Hacienda Tambopata Lodge

Day 2 – Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick & Lake Sandoval Transfer

• 4:30 AM: Early departure by boat (approx. 1 hour) upstream along the Tambopata River to the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick

  • Observe scarlet, red-and-green, and blue-and-yellow macaws in a dazzling display

  • Binoculars and telescope provided for birdwatching

  • Field breakfast served at the observation point

  • Your guide will explain clay lick behavior, nesting seasons, and conservation efforts

• Return to the lodge mid-morning for a brief rest

• Check-out and lunch at Hacienda Tambopata

• Ground transfer to the Madre de Dios River port

• 30-minute boat ride, followed by a 3 km guided jungle walk to access Lake Sandoval

• Paddle across the lake in a traditional canoe to reach Amasisa Sandoval Lodge, inside the protected area

• After dinner, join your guide for a night caiman searching tour on the lake

  • Flashlight spotting of black caimans, night herons, and reflections of glowing eyes

Overnight at Amasisa Sandoval Lodge

Day 3 – Lake Sandoval Exploration & Yacumama Sunset

• Early sunrise canoe ride on Lake Sandoval

  • Listen to howler monkeys, watch macaws fly over the lake, and look for giant river otters and hoatzins

• Breakfast at the lodge

• 3 km guided walk back to the Madre de Dios River port

• Boat transfer to El Tronco Tambopata Adventure Lodge, located near Yacumama Lake

• Lunch at the lodge and short rest

• Late afternoon excursion to Yacumama Lake

  • Catch-and-release piranha fishing, peaceful canoeing, and sunset wildlife observation

  • Watch herons, hoatzins, and perhaps river turtles basking on logs

• After dark, return by boat, with the possibility of spotting caimans and other nocturnal animals

Overnight at El Tronco Tambopata Adventure Lodge

Day 4 – Parrot Clay Lick & Departure

• Early morning visit to a parrot and parakeet clay lick near the lodge

  • Best seen at sunrise when birds gather in large flocks

• Breakfast at the lodge

• Check-out and transfer by boat and vehicle to Puerto Maldonado Airport

  • Arrive approximately 10:30–11:00 AM

  • Schedule return flights after 12:00 PM to allow sufficient travel time

What’s Included

• Pick-up and drop-off at the Puerto Maldonado airport or hotel

• All land and river transportation during the tour

• 3 nights accommodation in jungle lodges (private rooms with mosquito nets)

• All meals from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 4

• Naturalist guide (Spanish/English) throughout the tour

• All guided excursions, entrance tickets, and boat fees

• Rubber boots during jungle hikes

• Use of fishing equipment, canoes, and lifejackets

Not Included

• Flights to/from Puerto Maldonado

• Travel insurance

• Tips for guides and lodge staff

• Alcoholic drinks or soft drinks

• Optional activities or personal expenses

What to Bring

• Long-sleeved shirts and long pants (lightweight and breathable)

• Hiking shoes or trekking boots

• Rain jacket or poncho

• Insect repellent (with DEET)

• Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat

• Flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)

• Binoculars and camera

• Water bottle

• Passport and a small backpack for day trips

Tour Price

• Total Price per Person: $380 USD
  Includes accommodation, transportation, meals, guide, and all activities

• No hidden fees or additional charges

How to Book

1. Contact us via email or WhatsApp to confirm availability

2. Send us the following information:

   • Full names and passport numbers

   • Nationality and age

   • Arrival and departure flight details

   • Dietary preferences or medical conditions

3. We will send you the payment link and deposit instructions

4. Pay 50% deposit to secure your booking

5. Receive your final booking confirmation with complete travel details

Terms and Conditions

• All bookings require a 50% deposit to confirm

• The deposit is non-refundable within 30 days of the tour

• Final payment must be made on arrival at the lodge (cash or card)

• Any changes to the itinerary due to weather, river conditions, or lodge availability will be communicated in advance and alternatives will be offered

Payment Policy

• We accept:

  • PayPal (info@tambopatawild.com)

  • Credit/Debit Cards (payment link provided upon request)

  • Bank transfers (international and Peruvian accounts)

• The deposit must be received net of any bank or transfer fees

• Final balance can be paid in USD or Peruvian Soles

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellations more than 60 days before arrival: Full refund (minus transfer fees)

• Cancellations between 30–60 days: 50% refund

• Cancellations within 30 days: No refund, but rescheduling is allowed with at least 15 days' notice

Travel Conditions

• This tour operates year-round, but wildlife activity is highest during the dry season (May–October)

• During the rainy season (December–March), activities may be modified for safety

• We recommend travel insurance that covers weather delays, illness, and cancellations

Health & Safety

• All lodges provide mosquito nets and have emergency first aid kits

• Guides are trained in basic first aid and emergency procedures

• Travelers with pre-existing medical conditions should inform us in advance

• COVID-19 precautions may be implemented if necessary

Contact Tambopata Wild

For bookings or questions, please reach out:

• Email: info@tambopatawild.com

• WhatsApp: +51 935 485 301

• Website: www.tambopatawild.com