Experience the Madre de Dios floodplain, boat across Lake Sandoval, walk canopy bridges and arrive at the parrot collpa at first light. This three-day adventure blends close wildlife encounters with practical jungle travel.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A warm pre-dawn hush sits on the Madre de Dios River as the boat slips away from Puerto Maldonado and into braided channels of black water and reflected canopy. The guide’s silhouette and the engine’s low thrum are the only human sounds before a thunder of wings — macaws and parakeets wheel and quarrel above a clay bank, a living flare against the green.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 days (total ~72 hours; active periods ~2–6 hours per day)
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness for short hikes (up to ~3 km) and multiple boat transfers; able to step on and off small boats and walk uneven jungle trails.
Wildlife
History
The Tambopata corridor has been inhabited by indigenous groups for millennia; during the 19th–20th centuries, rubber and later gold exploration altered settlement and access, prompting conservation responses in recent decades.
Conservation
Responsible tours support local lodges and park fees that fund patrols and research; visitors should avoid leaving waste, feeding wildlife, or straying off designated paths to limit impact.
Reserve your spot on the 3-Day Tour of Sandoval and Collpa de Parrots today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Early start for the collpa
The parrot clay lick is active at first light; plan to be on the boat well before sunrise to secure good viewing positions.
Insect protection
Use long sleeves, DEET or picaridin repellent, and treat clothing — mosquitoes and biting flies are active, especially at dusk.
Waterproof your kit
Bring a waterproof daypack or dry bags — river spray and tropical rain showers are common during transfers and excursions.
Respect wildlife viewing protocols
Keep noise low, follow guide distances, and avoid flash photography to improve chances of natural behavior and avoid stressing animals.
Lightweight rain jacket
Keeps you dry during tropical downpours and from boat spray.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Good tread and quick-dry material handle muddy trails and riverbank approaches.
Insect repellent + long-sleeve shirt
Reduces bites during dawn, dusk and night hikes when insects are most active.
Binoculars
Improves viewing of macaws, parrots and canopy birds at the collpa and on lake cruises.