Macaw Collpa & Sandoval Lake 4 Days / 3 Nights

Set out on a captivating journey through the lush Tambopata National Reserve with the "Macaw Collpa & Sandoval Lake" 4-day/3-night adventure. This small group tour, limited to 10 travelers, promises an immersive wildlife experience. Witness the vibrant colors of macaws feeding at the stunning Macaw Collpa, and explore the serene Sandoval Lake, where capybaras and caimans roam freely. With expert guidance, comfortable accommodations, and delectable meals, this tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to connect with the incredible biodiversity of the Peruvian Amazon. Prepare to be captivated by the sights, sounds, and wonders that await.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best 4 Day Tours In Puerto Maldonado.

Key Points

• 4-day/3-night adventure in Tambopata National Reserve with opportunities to witness macaws, capybaras, and caimans.
• Includes meals, entrance fees, and transportation, priced from $435 per person.
• Small group experience with a maximum of 10 travelers for personalized attention.
• Guided visits to Macaw Collpa and Sandoval Lake to observe wildlife in their natural habitats.
• Cash payments required at lodges due to high ATM fees in the remote area.

Overview of the Tour Package

Offering a comprehensive 4-day/3-night adventure, the Macaw Collpa & Sandoval Lake tour package provides travelers with an immersive exploration of Peru’s stunning Tambopata National Reserve.

Rated 4.2 out of 5 based on 5 reviews, the tour is priced from $435 and includes meals, entrance fees, and transportation.

Visitors will have the opportunity to witness the vibrant colors of macaws at the Macaw Collpa and discover the serene beauty of Sandoval Lake.

Led by professional guides, the small group experience, capped at 10 travelers, ensures personalized attention and ample wildlife-viewing opportunities, including sightings of capybaras, caimans, and diverse bird species.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package’s inclusions cover a range of essential services and experiences.

Travelers will enjoy:

• 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners, ensuring they’re well-fed throughout the adventure.
• Entrance to the Tambopata National Reserve, allowing access to the protected ecosystem.
• Pickup from the airport, land terminal, and hotels, providing convenient transportation.

Plus, the package includes guided tours with professional guides, offering expert insights and the opportunity to spot wildlife such as macaws, capybaras, caimans, and various bird species.

The maximum group size is 10 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Detailed Itinerary

What does the detailed itinerary of the Macaw Collpa & Sandoval Lake tour entail?

The 4-day, 3-night tour begins with pickup from the airport, land terminal, or hotel in Puerto Maldonado.

Travelers then embark on guided visits to the iconic Macaw Collpa and the serene Sandoval Lake.

At the Macaw Collpa, they witness the spectacular gathering of macaws at the clay lick.

The Sandoval Lake exploration allows them to spot an abundance of wildlife, including capybaras, caimans, and diverse bird species.

Throughout the journey, guests enjoy 3 meals per day and have the opportunity to learn from professional guides.

The tour is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience in the Tambopata National Reserve.

Wildlife Spotting Opportunities

While exploring the Macaw Collpa and Sandoval Lake, travelers can expect to witness an abundance of fascinating wildlife.

The region is home to a diverse array of species, including:

• Majestic macaws, which congregate at the Macaw Collpa to feed on the mineral-rich clay
• Capybaras, the world’s largest rodents, which can often be spotted grazing near the lake
• Caimans, the Amazonian cousins of alligators, which bask on the lake’s shoreline

With the guidance of professional naturalist guides, participants have ample opportunities to observe and learn about the unique flora and fauna of the Tambopata National Reserve during this captivating four-day journey.

Accommodation and Lodges

Accommodation during the Macaw Collpa & Sandoval Lake tour takes place at two distinctive lodges, offering visitors a comfortable and immersive experience in the Amazonian wilderness.

Hacienda Tambopata, situated on the banks of the Tambopata River, provides spacious rooms with private bathrooms and panoramic views. Meals at this lodge are generally well-received, though some guests have found certain dishes to be insufficient.

The tour also includes a stay at Monte Amazónico lodge, which has been described by some travelers as a potential tourist trap. Guests should be prepared to pay in cash at the lodges due to high ATM fees in the area.

Traveler Information and Requirements

Confirmed at booking, the Macaw Collpa & Sandoval Lake tour caters to a wide range of travelers.

While not wheelchair accessible, the tour welcomes infants, who must sit on laps. However, it’s not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions. Most travelers can participate, though, as the tour’s activities are generally accessible.

The tour has a maximum group size of 10 travelers, ensuring personalized attention from the professional guides.

Guests should also be prepared to pay for the Tambopata National Reserve entrance fee, as well as bring sufficient cash due to the high ATM fees in the area.

Review Highlights and Critiques

Travelers overwhelmingly praised the guided tours and the extraordinary visit to the macaw clay lick, with reviewers highlighting the professionalism of the guides and the good meals provided at Hacienda Tambopata. However, some critiques were noted, with a few travelers finding certain meals at Monte Amazónico lodge insufficient, and one lodge perceived as a tourist trap. Cash payments are essential, as no credit card payments are accepted at the lodges due to high ATM fees in the area.

Highlights	Critiques
Extraordinary visit to macaw clay lick	Some meals at Monte Amazónico lodge insufficient
Professional guides	One lodge perceived as a tourist trap
Good meals at Hacienda Tambopata	Cash payments required due to high ATM fees

Payment and Cash Considerations

As mentioned in the reviews, travelers should be aware that no credit card payments are accepted at the lodges in the area due to the high ATM fees. This means that visitors will need to bring sufficient cash to cover expenses during the tour.

Some key considerations regarding payment and cash:

• Plan to bring enough cash in Peruvian soles to cover the tour cost, entrance fees, and any additional expenses, as ATM access and fees can be challenging in the remote areas visited.

• Ensure to have small bills and coins, as change may be limited.

• Coordinate with the tour operator regarding the exact cash requirements prior to the trip to avoid any surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Macaw Collpa?

The best time to visit the macaw collpa is typically during the dry season, from May to October. This is when the macaws congregate in large numbers to feed on the mineral-rich clay, making for optimal wildlife viewing.

Can I Book Additional Activities During the Tour?

Yes, travelers can likely book additional activities during the tour. The package includes a range of included activities, but there may be opportunities to customize the experience with optional add-ons, subject to availability and additional fees.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a stated minimum age requirement. However, it’s not recommended for infants, as they must sit on laps. The tour may also not be suitable for young children due to the nature of the activities and environments involved.

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Menu?

Yes, the tour operator can accommodate vegetarian and gluten-free dietary requests. Travelers should notify the company of any special dietary needs when booking the tour to ensure the appropriate meals are provided during the experience.

Is Travel Insurance Required for This Tour?

Travel insurance is not required for this tour, but it’s highly recommended to protect against unforeseen circumstances. The tour operator advises travelers to secure appropriate travel insurance coverage before the experience.

Recap

The "Macaw Collpa & Sandoval Lake" 4-day/3-night adventure offers an exceptional opportunity to take in the stunning Tambopata National Reserve. With guided visits to the Macaw Collpa and Sandoval Lake, travelers can witness incredible wildlife like vibrant macaws and capybaras. Comfortable accommodation, delicious meals, and expert insights from professional guides make this tour an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts.