This intensive three-day program is designed to maximize the rainforest experience, combining essential wildlife observation at Lake Sandoval with an in-depth look at our conservation and rescue efforts.
Day 1: Arrival and Introduction to the Forest Upon arrival in Puerto Maldonado, you will be transferred by boat to the lodge. The afternoon includes a guided walk through our trails to observe the local flora and fauna. In the evening, a river boat trip is scheduled to observe caimans and nocturnal wildlife under the stars.
Day 2: Lake Sandoval, Canopy, and Conservation The morning begins with an excursion to Lake Sandoval in the Tambopata National Reserve to spot giant river otters and diverse birdlife, followed by a sunset cruise. In the afternoon, you will visit the Canopy Walkway and the Taricaya Rescue Center, concluding with a talk on our Amazonian conservation projects.
Day 3: Breakfast and Departure After breakfast at the lodge, we provide a boat transfer back to Puerto Maldonado. Our staff will coordinate your transfer to the airport or bus station in time for your departure, marking the conclusion of our services.
Arrival to Puerto Maldonado. Pick up from Padre Aldamiz Airport, the bus station, or your hotel in the city. Transfer to our office to repack only the necessary items for your jungle stay. Please ensure you have all essentials; you can check our travel guide for a recommended packing list to prepare beforehand.
Travel down the Madre de Dios River through the heart of the jungle, surrounded by the flora, fauna, and breathtaking scenery of the Amazon, before arriving at Amazon Planet Lodge (Approx. 1 hour).
14:00 h – River Transfer IN: Arrival at Amazon Planet at 15:00 h for a quick registration at the main house while enjoying a refreshing fruit water. Our staff will take you to your cabin for a quick settling-in to prepare for your first activity.
15:45 h – Jungle Walk & Taricaya Canopy Walkway: Begin your first activity with a deep excursion into the Taricaya Eco-reserve through primary protected forest, surrounded by 300-year-old trees. Your guide will explain the history and biology of the flora and fauna by sight and sound. Arrive at our first platform, located 15 meters high, to access the Canopy Walkway—a 90-meter long suspension bridge that takes you to the Canopy Platform, the highest tree platform in South America. Located 45 meters high in the crown of an ancient Kapok tree, it is a great challenge for adventure seekers. Catch a glimpse of flying macaws, parrots, or toucans as we gaze at the forest from above for a truly unforgettable sunset experience!
18:00 h – Jungle Night Walk: Descend from the platform and walk back to the lodge as the forest changes from day to night, making way for nocturnal animals specially adapted for the dark (1 hour). Back at the lodge, join your guide at the main house for a talk about our conservation work and watch videos of the projects saving the Amazon (before or after dinner).
19:30 h – Dinner: Enjoy a delicious dinner and Amazonian cocktails at the bar. Rest and end of day.
Energy is powered by solar panels. Please help us save energy: turn off lights and fans when not in the room and before going to sleep. Please do not leave the fan on all night, as this ensures that you and other guests have power available the next day.
04:30 h – Lake Sandoval: A very early wake-up call before sunrise. Enjoy a cup of coffee and a to-go breakfast before heading upriver for a 1-hour boat ride to the entrance of the Tambopata National Reserve.
Why so early? Two main reasons: first, the earlier we go, the better our chances of spotting wildlife. Second, because the lake is an open area, the heat during the paddle becomes very strong and overwhelming from 10:00 h onwards.
06:00 h – Trek to the Lake: Start your 3 km trek to Lake Sandoval. Along the way, enjoy the diverse ecosystem, spotting wildlife such as squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys, and blue-and-yellow macaws. Upon reaching the mouth of the lake, hop on a rowboat. Your guide will paddle the group across the pristine, mirror-like lake to search for the impressive Black Caiman and the resident family of endangered Giant River Otters. Enjoy a snack by the water’s edge (Approx. 5 hours).
11:00 h – Return Journey: After enjoying the amazing nature of the lake, we return via the 3 km hike back to our motorboat and travel downriver to the lodge.
12:00 h – Return to Lodge: Arrive back at the lodge for a well-deserved rest.
13:00 h – Lunch: Lunch is served. Afterward, enjoy a rest in the common areas or your private cabin.
15:00 h – Wildlife Rescue Center: Meet your guide for an excursion to one of the leading conservation projects in the reserve: the Taricaya Wildlife Rescue Center. Encounter macaws, toucans, spider monkeys, howler monkeys, jaguarundis, river turtles, and Andean Spectacled bears (rescued from a circus). The animals are in enclosures as a necessary first step in their rehabilitation process for future release into the wild.
PLEASE BE AWARE: This is a rescue center, NOT a zoo. We cannot stress this enough. These animals are being rehabilitated; we do not support keeping animals in captivity for tourist attractions. Taricaya has successfully repopulated this area with species like the Black Spider Monkey, previously extinct here (Approx. 2 hours).
17:00 h – Sunset Cruise: We travel upriver by motorboat to the middle of the river, turn off the engine, and let the current take us on a relaxing ride during the sunset. For the adventurous, you can take a refreshing dive in the river (Approx. 1 hour).
18:30 h – Night Cruise: Search for spectacled caimans, nightjars, and capybaras (the world's largest rodent) along the riverbanks. On a clear night, enjoy the star-filled sky and constellations as we float downriver.
19:30 h – Dinner & Conservation Talk: Enjoy dinner and Amazonian cocktails. Afterward, join your guide at the main house for a talk and videos about the conservation projects saving the Amazon.
Remember: Save energy and use it wisely.
07:00 h – Check-out: Time to check out from your bungalow. Please leave your bags packed and ready for our housekeeping staff to carry them to the boat. Important: Please double-check your room to ensure you haven't forgotten any personal belongings. Breakfast will be served at the main house.
08:00 h – Departure: The boat is ready to leave. We travel upriver back to the city of Puerto Maldonado.
09:30 h – Transfer Out: Arrival at the Amazon Planet office. From here, we will provide your transfer to the airport, marking the end of our services.
Late Flights: If you have a later flight, you are more than welcome to stay at our office. We can recommend places to visit for a self-guided city tour and will arrange your later transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.
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