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Located in the Tambopata National Reserve, Sandoval Lake Lodge is perched above what many rain forest specialists feel is the most attractive lake in Peru, and provides access to one of the most biologically diverse areas on the planet. The Tambopata National Reserve and the adjacent Bahuaja-Sonene National Park, is home to over 20,000 plant species, over 900 species of birds (more than all the species in the continental USA), 91 mammals, 1230 butterflies, 127 amphibians and reptiles, and much more! It is also a haven for the Amazon's largest, most spectacular and most endangered predators - the Jaguar, the Giant Otter, the Harpy Eagle and the Black Caiman. Try a visit to the excellent lowland rain forest of the Tambopata National Reserve to see some of the world's best rain forest wildlife that is available in a short, economical stay. Six species of monkeys inhabit the surrounding forest, the lake's resident family of Giant Otters are regularly seen fishing in the lake, a large flooded palm grove harbors hundreds of Red-Bellied macaws, and at nightfall Black Caimans, the rarest of the crocodilians, head out into the lake to fish.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
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).
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 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.
Sandoval Lake Lodge has 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.
ABOUT THE LODGE
Sandoval Lake Lodge is constructed almost entirely of ecologically-harvested "driftwood" mahogany trees collected from the floods that naturally carry logs downriver out of Manu National Park. The Lodge is one extended structure consisting of a large screened main dining room/lounge with 25 fully-screened double-occupancy rooms (50 beds) with private bathrooms with hot shower and toilets, arranged in two wings. One wing features 16 rooms (32 beds) while the other includes 9 rooms (18 beds).
All rooms and communal areas have electricity, supplemented by kerosene lamps and candles. Camcorders can be recharged from our generator, but please note that guests may need to bring a special adaptor to plug into the generator.
Recently Conde Nast Traveller has chosen Sandoval Lake Lodge as one of the top 8 rainforest lodges in South America.
WHAT TO BRING
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Good binoculars
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Camera gear (ASA 50, 100 and 200 recommended)
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Two or three pairs of long pants
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Four pairs of absorbent cotton socks
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Rain suit or long poncho (100% waterproof - test before you leave home)
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Three or four long-sleeved cotton shirts
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Two or three T-shirts
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A bottle or canteen to carry water on outings
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Sunscreen lotion (high factor)
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A hat that will not come off in windy boat-rides
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One pair of shorts
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Sunglasses
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A pair of sneakers or hiking boats (with good gripping soles) and sandals
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Insect repellent (Skin-so-soft for river, and 20% or more deep for forest)
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A photocopy of your passport
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A large, bright flashlight
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Personal toiletries and medications
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Rubber Boots for the rainy season from November to April.
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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 STORE ROOM AT SANDOVAL LAKE LODGE OFFICE IN PUERTO MALDONADO.
Important: Though Sandoval Lake Lodge has 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 recommends the yellow fever vaccination for those who will visit any of lodges in the rainforest, and that they consult their physician.
Sandoval Lake Lodge has a first aid kit that also includes anti-venom. The lodge is equipped with a short-wave radio and is in contact with its Cusco office every morning and evening. Cusco can also be contacted through a telephone patch during daylight hours.
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