Sandoval Lake Lodge

Amazon Basin


These spacious premises crest a hilltop about 30m above Lago Sandoval and are surrounded by primary forest. The big draw is the lake itself, which provides excellent wildlife-watching opportunities. Rooms, with heated showers and ceiling fans, are of high standards. The restaurant-bar area is huge, airy and conducive to relaxing and chatting.

Another big attraction is getting there. After hiking the 3km to the lake, you board canoes to negotiate narrow canals through a flooded palm-tree forest inhabited by red-bellied macaws, then silently paddle across the beautiful lake to the lodge.

With luck, you may spot the endangered giant river otter, several pairs of which live in the lake (early morning is best). Various monkey species and a host of birds and reptiles can also be seen. Hikes into the forest are offered, and the knowledgeable guides are multilingual.

The lodge was built from salvaged driftwood; the owners pride themselves on the fact that no primary forest was cut during construction (this is also true of some other lodges, though not always mentioned). Sadly, travelers have reported a drop in the quality of service.

Book online or with InkaNatura in Lima.