Sandoval Lake

The famous Sandoval Lake (Lago Sandoval) is a beautiful meander located within the Tambopata National Reserve, in the province, Department of Madre de Dios (Puerto Maldonado). Talking about oxbow formations is like going back to geography classes in school, an oxbow lake is a U-shaped body of water that forms when a meandering river or stream takes a curved path. Over time, the river’s flow erodes the outer curve of the bend, causing the bend to become steeper.

Eventually, erosion cuts through the narrow strip of land between the bend and the main river channel, creating a new channel and isolating the circular section of the river. This circular section then becomes a meander. They are usually found in alluvial plains and are common in low-lying areas with meandering rivers, such as the Peruvian Amazon.

Peruvian Amazon Over time, oxbow lakes undergo changes. Little by little they fill with sediment and become wetlands or marshes. Vegetation often grows along the shores of these beautiful lakes, creating habitats for a wide variety of plant and animal species.

Oxbow lakes also serve important ecological functions, providing breeding grounds for aquatic organisms and serving as water sources for wildlife. Lake Sandoval is an example of an Amazonian oxbow, famous for its stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife. It is surrounded by lush vegetation, including impressive moriche palm trees (Mauritia flexuosa), orchids and giant water lilies (Victoria regia) and others.

Tambopata National Reserve It is one of the most biodiverse areas of the Amazon rainforest and offers visitors a unique opportunity to observe various species of flora and fauna in their natural habitat.

This lake is particularly famous for its resident family of giant river otters, which are an endangered species and a delight to observe at this location. Other animals regularly seen include black alligators, scarlet macaws, hoatzins, and several species of monkeys.

How to visit Lake Sandoval

visit Lake Sandoval To reach Lake Sandoval, visitors typically take a boat ride down the Madre de Dios River from Puerto Maldonado (Madre de Dios) to the trailhead, followed by a hike through the rainforest. The hike is about 3 km (1.9 miles) is relatively flat and takes about 30-40 minutes to reach Lake Sandoval.

Once on the lake, visitors can explore the area in rustic rowboats or canoe, in the company of our guide who provides information about the ecosystem and its inhabitants. To enjoy the lake at dawn and dusk, when animal activity is generally at its peak, you may want to consider staying at a lodge near the lake.

A visit to the lake can also be included in the itineraries of the following lodges:

Paradise Lodge
wasai
Chuncho
Hacienda Concepción
Amazon Reserve

Lake Sandoval is likely to eventually become a swampy area, but for now it offers a very memorable experience for nature lovers and those interested in exploring the remarkable biodiversity of the southern Peruvian Amazon.