Casting off on a two-day Lake Sandoval jungle tour with Tambopata Manu, located in the verdant depths of Puerto Maldonado, Peru, was an experience brimming with the thrills of wildlife and the beauty of nature’s unscripted encounters.
Day One: Awakening with the Wildlife Our journey began at the crack of dawn, with a serene boat ride through the mists of the Madre de Dios river, to witness the vibrant spectacle of parrots. We also spotted the less active sloths, which were still a sight to be hold. After that, our guide led us on a jungle walk through the Tambopata reserve. The forest came alive with the sounds of wildlife as we marvelled at majestic trees rooted deeply into the earth, their colossal roots sprawling like nature’s own artwork. The highlight of the walk was encountering the ingenuity of leafcutter ants, forming bizzy highways, and the architectural marvels of hanging termite mounds. Our path eventually led us to Lake Sandoval. Here, we pedalled our way across the shimmering waters to a charming cluster of wooden houses nestled among lush gardens—a vibrant tapestry of flora that even housed a tarantula. Lunch was an authentic jungle dish: chicken and rice infused with turmeric and steamed delicately in a leaf, offering a taste as interesting as the surroundings.
Nightfall: The Caiman Encounter As dusk fell, the jungle transformed under the cloak of darkness. Armed with a flashlight, our guide illuminated the banks of the lake, revealing the glowing orange eyes of caymans lurking in the shadows. This night-time adventure was both thrilling and an incredible opportunity to witness these ancient creatures up close.
Day Two: The Dance of Predators and Playful Monkeys The next morning was another early boat tour on Lake Sandoval, were we saw more caymans in daylight. We watched in awe as giant Amazonian river otters skillfully hunted and defended their catch from opportunistic herons. The forest canopy above was a breakfast as well as playground for capuchin, squirrel, and howler monkeys.
Our jungle expedition continued by foot to a castaña tree, were we spend 5 minutes of hitting a castaña shell until it revealed the delicious brasil nuts inside. After lunch at our accommodation, it was time to padel, walk, and boat back to Puerto Maldonado. This adventure travel adventure was a wildlife tour that reignited all our passion for nature and animals. At DS Adventure Travels, we know that getting this appreciation for nature and animals is crucial for passing regulations that protect their beautiful but delicate ecosystem.
