Puerto Maldonado - Biodiversity Capital Full Day Adventure
About this Tour
Highlights
Kayak the legendary Madre de Dios River in tandem kayaks
Walk among the treetops on suspension bridges 30 meters above the forest floor
Experience bird's-eye canopy perspective rarely seen by travelers
Explore pristine Sandoval Lake by traditional canoe through aguajales
Observe giant river otters hunting cooperatively in family groups
Spot black caimans, the Amazon's largest predator, basking on logs
Watch macaws, toucans, and hundreds of colorful bird species
Trek through primary rainforest surrounded by towering shapaja palms
Discover why Puerto Maldonado is called the Biodiversity Capital of Peru
Perfect combination of adventure activities and wildlife observation
Ideal for travelers with limited time seeking maximum Amazon experience
Professional guides with extensive knowledge of local ecology
Detailed Itinerary
Your day begins at Puerto Capitanía with a safety briefing before slipping into tandem kayaks to paddle the legendary Madre de Dios River. Experience the Amazon from water level as you navigate with the current—watch for caimans basking on beaches, capybaras grazing riverside, and herons hunting in the shallows. After an hour of kayaking, the real vertical adventure begins. Ascend to the rainforest canopy on a spectacular walkway system 30 meters above the forest floor. Walk across gently swaying suspension bridges connecting massive trees, coming eye-to-eye with toucans and macaws that rarely descend to ground level. Your guide explains the forest's vertical structure—from the dark understory where jaguars prowl to the emergent giants towering above. The view is breathtaking: the forest floor disappears in green shadows below while troops of monkeys leap acrobatically through branches at your level. Next, journey to Sandoval Lake, the tour's wildlife highlight. A scenic 45-minute forest trek (watch for leaf-cutter ant highways and medicinal plants) brings you to this pristine 3-kilometer oxbow lake. Board traditional canoes and paddle silently across mirror-smooth waters. Here's where the magic happens: giant river otters hunt cooperatively, whistling and chirping to coordinate their movements. Black caimans—up to 5 meters long—bask on logs as the Amazon's apex predator. Macaws fly overhead in pairs (they mate for life), while colorful herons stalk the shallows. The bizarre hoatzin with its clawed wings perches awkwardly on branches, and flocks of parakeets create green clouds against the sky. Your guide navigates to prime observation spots, sharing insights about each animal's role in the ecosystem. Photographers will love the mirror reflections, wildlife in action, and panoramic jungle vistas. After hours on the lake immersed in this pristine ecosystem, you'll trek back with a camera full of incredible shots and a deeper understanding of why Puerto Maldonado truly earned its title as Peru's Biodiversity Capital.
Activities
- Early morning meeting at Puerto Capitanía river port
- Safety briefing and kayaking instruction
- Tandem kayaking expedition on Madre de Dios River (1+ hour)
- Wildlife observation from water level: caimans, capybaras, river birds
- Understanding river ecology and aquatic ecosystems
- Transition to canopy walkway location
- Ascent to canopy level via spiral staircase around giant tree
- Canopy walkway experience on suspension bridges 30 meters high
- Bird's-eye perspective of rainforest vertical structure
- Close encounters with canopy-dwelling wildlife: toucans, macaws, monkeys
- Ecological education on rainforest layers and biodiversity
- Photography opportunities from unique elevated perspective
- Boat journey to Tambopata National Reserve control post
- 45-minute scenic forest trek to Sandoval Lake
- Leaf-cutter ant colony observation
- Medicinal plant identification
- Forest wildlife spotting and tracking
- Arrival at pristine Sandoval Lake
- Traditional canoe expedition across the lake
- Giant river otter observation and photography
- Black caiman and spectacled caiman spotting
- Extensive bird watching: macaws, herons, hoatzins, parakeets
- Primate observation: squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys
- Understanding aguajal ecosystems and their importance
- Multiple wildlife photography opportunities with mirror reflections
- Regional snack break by the lakeshore
- Return trek through primary forest
- Boat journey back to Puerto Maldonado
- Return to Puerto Capitanía or hotel
- End of biodiversity adventure with lifetime memories
Included
- Tambopata National Reserve entrance fees and permits
- Expert bilingual naturalist guide
- River transportation from Puerto Capitanía
- Tandem kayak rental and safety equipment (life jackets, paddles)
- Canopy walkway access with suspension bridge system
- Traditional canoe expedition on Sandoval Lake
- Forest trekking with wildlife observation
- Regional snacks and refreshments
- Rubber boots for forest trails
- First aid kit and emergency communication
- All activities as described in itinerary
Not Included
- Lunch (can be arranged for additional cost)
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages beyond snacks
- Gratuities for guide (optional but appreciated)
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Travel insurance
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (available for additional cost)
- Professional photography services
Services not included can be added during booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time to visit Tambopata is during the dry season, from May to October. However, the jungle is beautiful year-round and each season offers unique experiences.
We recommend booking at least 2 weeks in advance, especially during high season (June-August). For large groups, we suggest booking 1 month ahead.
Cancellations more than 15 days in advance: full refund. Between 7-15 days: 50% refund. Less than 7 days: no refund. We offer free rescheduling with 48 hours notice.
We recommend bringing:
- Light and comfortable clothing
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Rubber boots (provided)
- Camera
- Flashlight
We require a 30% deposit to confirm the booking. The remaining balance can be paid up to 7 days before the tour or upon arrival.
