How to Get There
A daily commercial flights from Lima (2 hours) and Cusco (30 minutes) brings you to Puerto Maldonado, a bustling frontier town and the gateway to the Tambopata National Reserve. Here one of our resident naturalist guides will meet you as you leave the airport arrivals area, and will remain with you until you return to the airport to board your flight back to Cusco or Lima.

They have a 15-minute bus transfer from the airport to the Tambopata River port, and then take a motorized canoe for 30 minutes down the Madre de Dios River to the trail access to Sandoval Lake Lodge. Our boats are equipped with a 65 HP engine, a roof to protect from the sun and the rain, cushioned seats, and carry a spare motor in the unlikely event that the principal engine breaks down.

From the Madre de Dios River we walk for 45 to 50 minutes along two miles (3,2 km) of flat, rain forest trail. Once we reach a channel, we board canoes and are paddled 220 yards (201 meters) through a flooded forest of 100-foot (30-meters) tall Mauritia palms. As the canal opens onto the shimmering surface of the lake, we transfer to a catamaran and are leisurely paddled across the lake to the lodge.

Weather
Rainfall in the Tambopata National Reserve is around 2500 – 3500 millimeters per year, with most rainfall occurring in the rainy season months from November to April. The average temperature in the National Reserve is 28° C (82° F), with daily highs of 34° C (94° F) and nightly lows of 22° C (72° F). During the dry season cold fronts from the South Atlantic (friajes) occur every month or so, with daily temperatures dropping as low as 16° C (59° F) and nightly temperatures to 13° C (55° F).

Health
Though we have not heard of anyone contracting yellow fever anywhere in Peru in many years, the Peruvian government nevertheless recommends a yellow fever vaccination for trips to the rainforest. This vaccination is required or recommended for most rainforest areas around the world. The vaccination, which is valid for 10 years, is only effective starting10 days after it is administered – if you choose to be vaccinated please keep this in mind and bring your certificate. Sandoval Lake Lodge has a first aid kit that also includes anti-venom.

What to bring
Good binoculars
Camera gear (ASA 50, 100 and 200 recommended)
Two or three pairs of long pants
Four pairs of absorbent cotton socks
Rain suit or long poncho (100% waterproof - test before you leave home)
Three or four long-sleeved cotton shirts
Two or three T-shirts
A bottle or canteen to carry water on outings
Sunscreen lotion (high factor)
A hat that will not come off in windy boat-rides
One pair of shorts
Sunglasses
A pair of sneakers or hiking boats (with good gripping soles) and sandals
Insect repellent (Skin-so-soft for river, and 20% or more deep for forest)
A photocopy of your passport
A large, bright flashlight
Personal toiletries and medications
Rubber Boots for the rainy season from November to April.
Cash for souvenirs at the lodge´s PeruVerde stand, alcoholic beverages, etc

Please note: Guests should arrive in clothes which they do not mind getting slightly dirty or wet, and should wear footwear that is suitable to walk on a rain forest trail. Sun cream, insect repellent, hat and waterproof clothing should be carried in hand luggage and kept accessible for the journey to the lodge.

It`s not necessary to bring all of your luggage with you to Sandoval Lake Lodge. You will enjoy your trip more if only the essentials are brought. WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU PREPARE YOUR DAY PACK A DAY BEFORE YOUR TRIP. YOUR MAIN BAGGAGE CAN BE LEFT IN OUR STORE ROOM AT OUR OFFICE IN PUERTO MALDONADO

Communication:
The lodge is equipped with a short-wave radio and is in contact with their Cusco office. Cusco can also be contacted through a telephone patch during daylight hours.

Departures
Trips depart daily for the lodge.