A concentrated two-day rainforest loop from Puerto Maldonado: a jungle walk and canoe day at Laguna Sandoval followed by a pre-dawn visit to Chuncho clay lick to photograph macaws up close. Expect long wildlife windows, boat transfers, and a rustic lodge stay.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Before dawn the forest feels like a breathing thing — humid air, the metallic click of insects and the distant, rising calls of macaws. Guests on this two-day circuit from Puerto Maldonado push through a roughly one-hour jungle trail to Laguna Sandoval, then glide in a dugout canoe beneath cathedral trees searching for black caimans, giant otters and hoatzin. Night arrives at a rustic lodge on the lake; the following pre-dawn wake-up delivers the main event at Chuncho, the world-famous clay lick where scarlet, blue-and-yellow and other large macaws gather at close range.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days (overnight)
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness for 1-hour jungle walks, short boat transfers, and early-morning stand-and-wait wildlife viewing
Wildlife
History
The Tambopata basin has long been used by indigenous communities and became a protected conservation landscape as the Tambopata National Reserve to safeguard riverine forests and wildlife.
Conservation
Operators emphasize low-impact visits, staying on designated trails and avoiding feeding or approaching wildlife; this helps protect nesting macaws and fragile river ecosystems.
Reserve your spot on the 2 days 1 night - Chuncho Clay lick and Sandoval lake today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Rise very early for Chuncho
Pickups often occur around 3:00 AM to reach the clay lick before macaws arrive; set alarms and confirm pickup details the night before.
Bring insect protection
DEET or picaridin repellent plus a head net or long sleeves reduce bites during dawn/dusk wildlife periods.
Protect camera gear
A telephoto (200–400mm) and a waterproof cover help capture macaws and river wildlife from observation platforms and boats.
Hydrate and pace yourself
High humidity and long waits at viewing points require steady hydration and light snacks; pack a reusable water bottle.
Lightweight rain jacket
Rain showers are common; a packable shell keeps you dry during river transfers and jungle walks.
summer
Binoculars (8x–10x)
Essential for identifying macaws, otters and caimans from observation platforms and canoes.
Telephoto lens or camera with zoom
Allows close-up wildlife photos from the viewing blind without disturbing birds.
Insect repellent and long-sleeve shirt
Helps prevent mosquito bites during dawn/dusk periods when wildlife is most active.