SUMMARY
How Lake Sandoval was formed
Lake Sandoval, located in the stunning Tambopata National Reserve, is a beautiful crescent-shaped lake known for its biodiversity and natural beauty. Its formation occurred when a tributary of the majestic Amazon River changed direction, creating this unique ecosystem. With its calm waters and lush surroundings, Lake Sandoval has become one of the most attractive destinations in the Amazon rainforest.
This lake not only captivates visitors with its breathtaking scenery but also serves as a habitat for a vast variety of animal species. Among its waters dwell the giant arapaima fish, one of the region’s most emblematic species, as well as black caimans and a family of giant river otters that have established themselves in the area. The rich wildlife and pristine environment make Lake Sandoval an ideal place for wildlife observation and ecotourism.
Explore the Beauty of Lake Sandoval in Tambopata National Reserve
Lake Sandoval is one of the most breathtaking and accessible natural wonders in the Peruvian Amazon. Located in the heart of Tambopata National Reserve in Madre de Dios, this stunning lake draws more than 24,000 visitors each year, making it the most popular attraction in the region. Whether you’re an avid nature lover, wildlife enthusiast, or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, a visit to Lake Sandoval promises an experience like no other.
How to Reach Lake Sandoval
Located just 10 km (6 miles) from Puerto Maldonado, Lake Sandoval is easily accessible via a 25-minute boat ride along the Madre de Dios River. Once you arrive at the riverbank, you’ll embark on a scenic 1.5-hour hike (about 4 km or 2.5 miles) through lush jungle trails to reach the lake. The journey itself is part of the adventure, as you get the chance to see the rich biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest up close.
A Unique Ecosystem: The Wonders of Lake Sandoval
Lake Sandoval is a natural gem, covering an area of 125 hectares and forming a unique horseshoe shape. This tranquil lake is actually a former branch of the Madre de Dios River, which over time was abandoned by the main waterway. Surrounded by dense swamps and vibrant aguajales (palm groves), the lake is home to a variety of fascinating wildlife and unique plant species.
Wildlife to Discover
The wildlife in and around Lake Sandoval is truly remarkable:
Giant Otters: These charismatic “river wolves” are often spotted gliding through the water or lounging on the banks.
Caimans and Turtles: The lake is home to black caimans and taricaya turtles, which can be seen basking on the shore.
Birdwatching Paradise: The area is a haven for birdwatchers, with sightings of herons, cormorants, kingfishers, macaws, toucans, and the peculiar hoatzin (also known as “shansho”) — an early bird species with a unique, pungent odor.
Monkeys: Howler monkeys and cotomono groups (a type of squirrel monkey) are commonly seen in the surrounding forests.
You might even be lucky enough to spot tapirs, paiche (an introduced fish species that can grow up to two meters
long), or different species of crocodiles.
Flora and Vegetation Around the Lake
Lake Sandoval’s banks are surrounded by rich and diverse vegetation, including towering kapok trees, mahogany
trees, and aguaje palms, which reach heights of up to 30 meters (98 feet). The surrounding wetlands also feature
orchids, wild plantains, and milpesos palms. The unique plant life adds to the magical beauty of the area and
provides shelter for countless animal species.
Canoeing: A Peaceful Exploration of the Lake
One of the best ways to explore Lake Sandoval is by canoe. Paddling quietly along the lake’s calm waters, you’ll have
the chance to admire the rich biodiversity of the lake’s banks and spot wildlife from a new perspective. The peaceful
journey, guided by experienced local paddlers, is both serene and exciting as you glide past lush vegetation and see animals in their natural habitat.
The Ideal Destination for Nature Lovers
Lake Sandoval offers a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of the Tambopata National Reserve. Whether you’re
exploring the lake’s waters by canoe or hiking through the surrounding rainforest, you’ll be immersed in one of the
most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. Its proximity to Puerto Maldonado makes it an easily accessible
destination for travelers seeking to experience the magic of the Amazon.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Sandoval
Ready to discover the incredible wildlife and natural beauty of Lake Sandoval? Here’s what you need to know to plan your visit:
Location: 10 km (6 miles) from Puerto Maldonado, Tambopata National Reserve.
Access: 25-minute boat ride, followed by a 1.5-hour hike (4 km/2.5 miles).
Lake Dimensions: Approximately 3 km (2 miles) long, 1 km (0.6 miles) wide, and up to 3 meters (10 feet) deep.
Temperature: The lake maintains an average temperature of 26ºC (79.8ºF).
Lake Sandoval is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and fascinating natural spots in the Peruvian Amazon. Don’t
miss the chance to experience its diverse wildlife, pristine waters, and lush landscapes.
ITINERARY
Native Communities in Lake Sandoval – Tambopata:
There are 04 native communities adjacent to the project area: Palma Real, Sonene, Inferno (belonging to these three
Ese’eja ethnic, linguistic family Takana) and Kotsimba (Pukirieri belonging to ethnic, linguistic family Harakmbut). Since 1974, national law gives indigenous peoples the name “Native Communities”. A striking feature of this concept
is that it considers its territory as inalienable, indefeasible and imprescriptible. However, it is not considered “ethnic territoriality” that determines in practice areas full use of indigenous people.
Amazonian indigenous peoples to maintain their economy and “good life” (indigenous concept of welfare) need be dispersed in wide areas. The local settlements are scattered for many reasons, including tap into sources of
crystalline water, mud wallows, soils and other wild resources, considered essential for every tribe and especially
scarce for them, by definition, within a general usage pattern territorial and extensive resources (CTAR-MDD / IIAP 2000, quoted by García Altamirano, 2001).
The 04 native communities adjacent to the project area,
for different reasons, are undergoing processes of change and reconstruction of their ethnic identity. In them the indigenous population is mixed with Andean settlers. The population of Palma Real and Sonene is almost entirely
Ese’eja, while in Hell, at the time of recognition, indigenous voluntarily accepted a large group of Andean migrants, whose descendants, mestizos today, kept together with the Ese’eja status commoners. The Ese’eja ethnicity retains a
greater extent than the Pukirieri their traditional economic activities, which distributed proportionally between agriculture, fishing and hunting, and entering lately in extracting chestnuts, crafts and tourism (INRENA, 2003a) .
Currently practice called swidden agriculture. Plant maize, rice, cassava and plantain, as well as some fruit like avocado, pineapple, papaya, peanuts, dale dale and watermelon, all mostly for home consumption, being worked
extension approximately 2-3 acres per family. Fishing takes place in streams, lakes, rivers or lakes. NPPs Sonene and Palma Real are as natural capital Lake Valencia, which provides them with various fish species.
Producing families Lake Sandoval:
In zoning RNTAMB was considered Special Use Zone to the lake Sandoval sector; This zone covers an area of 1206 ha, not including the water body of Lake Sandoval (165 ha). In this sector there are two settlements of families who
have gotten title rights and ownership of agricultural land, established before the creation of the RNTAMB, since living there for more than six decades, giving inheritance relationship where adult children also have acquired titles.
Within the RNTAMB is the Association of producers of Lake Sandoval, as well as about 08 families who do not belong to it. Are included in the Site Plan del Lago Sandoval to develop a participatory and respectful care
management of the lake.
They grow banana, cassava, vegetables, pineapple, pumpkin and corn; fruit trees such as mango, lemon, orange, avocado and papaya; most of its production is destined to self consumption and to a lesser extent for sale. Only two
people gather chestnuts in the months of January to April. Also palmiche roofing sheets and construction camp families engage in chestnut harvest is collected. They also collect palm (Mauritia flexuosa) in the months of
November to February.
The activities of hunting, fishing, gathering chestnuts,
aguaje and logging must be authorized by the head of the RNTAMB, which sets collection time, number of species and management standards. Must be also carried out only for subsistence. With regard to fishing on Lake realization
intensively are not allowed; activities have been coordinated to control fish stocks and huasaco and catfish. Hunting and fishing are made optionally per family.
Almost all families raise free-range pigs, chickens, ducks and turkeys, both for consumption and for sale. In the area
there are also two shelters, “Sandoval Lake Lodge” and lodging house Mejia family. Both provide accommodation
and food services.