Lake Sandoval (Sandoval qucha in Quechua) is a lake in Perú, close to the city of Puerto Maldonado, capital of the Department of Madre de Dios, in the Amazon basin. It has clear and calm waters. There is a Sandoval Site Plan within the Tambopata Master Plan, through which the Frankfurt Zoological Society protects the area.
Location
Lake Sandoval in Perú is within the jurisdiction of the Tambopata National Reserve, 1 hour from the city of Puerto Maldonado (approximately 8 km away), on the right bank of the Madre de Dios River.
Description
Lake Sandoval in Perú is listed as one of the most beautiful and beautiful lakes in the Peruvian Amazon. It is a masterpiece of lake geography.
It is a splendid space for the observatory of birds such as herons, macaws, small parrots, kingfishers, wild ducks, hoatzin or shansho (a kind of wild hen with a feather bow on the head) and toucans; and also various species of lizards, such as the black lizard, alligators, giant otters or river wolves, small primates, tapirs, turtles, and a multiplicity of butterflies.
Sandoval Lake – Puerto Maldonado 
lago sandoval-dreamy puerto
It originates on one of the meanders of the Madre de Dios River, on its right bank. It is three kilometers (1.86 miles) long, 1 kilometer (0.62 miles) wide, and a depth ranging from 0.5 to three meters (1.64 to 9.84 feet). It is shaped like a half moon. The average water temperature is 26 ° C (78.8 ° F).
Sandoval is surrounded by wide aguajales, a swampy ecosystem where the aguaje palm tree (Mauritia flexuosa) grows, whose branches fall to the lake itself. Mahogany, hungurahui, lupuna, platanillos trees are observed.
Fauna
It is a sanctuary of fauna (giant otter or river wolf, black caiman, various species of macaws and parrots, kingfishers, turtles, monkeys, herons and cranes among other species of the fauna of the rainforest). It is a reserve of biodiversity with more than 1000 species of birds.
Flora
Among others, there are orchids, platanillos (parrot beak), ungurahuis, lupunas, mahogany and aguajes. The aguajales around the lake stand out; these palm trees can reach up to 30 m high.
Tourism in Lake Sandoval in Perú
Lake Sandoval is a non-crowded tourist destination. Being a protected area, it has regulated activities. There is an observation tower, managed by the Frankfurt Zoological Society, open free of charge to visitors to the Reserve, upon registration at the Interpretation Center located on the access road to the lake. A boat trip on the lake or being stationed on the shores can allow you to see the arrival in the afternoon of flocks of macaws that come to spend the night in the place. The visit to Lake Sandoval is included in Amazon Expedition 4 Days.
What to do in Lake Sandoval in Perú?
Lake Sandoval in Perú is the perfect place to spend a vacation of total relaxation and rest from the daily routine. But not all that awaits you in this destination is to lie down in a hammock to enjoy the landscape and not think about anything, since in the lake and its surroundings you can perform various activities. Here we tell you some of the best things to do in Lake Sandoval.
A boat ride on Lake Sandoval in Perú
One of the wonders of this lake is that you can enter it with a boat. Paddling through Lake Sandoval while enjoying the scenery that surrounds you, the sounds of nature and the company of black alligators and turtles will make you feel completely free.
Trekking around Lake Sandoval
When you visit the jungle it is always very exciting to walk its paths on your own feet. You will be able to see various animals moving freely from tree to tree and you will know the most secret corners of the enigmatic Amazon.
Night walk
Can you imagine walking through the dense jungle with only the light of the moon? That is one of the most common activities around Lake Sandoval in Perú. You will enter the night of the Amazon, with millions of sounds around you that you do not know where they come from and with the mystery of not knowing the animals that are accompanying you on this adventure.
Monkey Island
An essential stop on the way to Sandoval Lake is the Monkey Island, an entertaining place where different species of this animal coexist in total harmony with nature. The friendly monkeys will walk by your side and, without any kind of shame, will climb on your back to accompany you on this path. Go with the camera in hand because you want to immortalize that moment!
Enjoy a good paiche
The paiche is one of the fish that inhabits Lake Sandoval in Perú and a very important ingredient in the cuisine of this region. How to travel is also to know the gastronomy of each place, do not hesitate, when you visit Lake Sandoval choose some preparation with paiche at lunchtime and delight yourself with the flavor of this dish.
Panoramic views
One of the most beautiful experiences near Lake Sandoval in Perú is being able to observe the entire jungle with a panoramic view. To do this, a few years ago they built a bridge 30 meters high where you can appreciate the immensity of the lake and its surroundings.
Meet strange animals
In addition to the fish that inhabit Lake Sandoval in Perú and the monkeys that will climb on your back, this place has countless animals as neighbors. Some of them are totally unknown to tourists, for example, the hoatzines or the giant otter, so always go with your eyes wide open, because you do not know when you will find a new species around you.
How to get to Lake Sandoval in Perú?
In order to get to Lake Sandoval in Perú, you first have to get to the city of Puerto Maldonado, then you have to navigate by boat for 25 minutes following the current of the Madre de Dios River, then you have to walk along a path through the forest for approximately 40 minutes.
