SUMMARY
Amazon Tour: Heath River & Sandoval Lake with Macaw Clay Lick – 6 Days
Discover the Pristine Peruvian Amazon Tours Pampas del Heath on a 6-Day Journey to the Pampas del Heath Wildlife Center
Experience the wild beauty of the Upper Amazon Basin with our 6-day tour to the Heath River Wildlife Center and Sandoval Lake Lodge. This unforgettable adventure takes you deep into the most biodiverse region of South America, where Peru and Bolivia share a natural wonder: a vast expanse of protected rainforest teeming with wildlife.
Pampas del Heath Wildlife Center: Macaws, Monkeys & More
Located on the border between the Tambopata National Reserve (Peru) and Madidi National Park (Bolivia), the Heath River Wildlife Center offers a unique glimpse into vibrant rainforest ecosystems. One of the most spectacular highlights of the tour is the visit to the macaw clay lick, where flocks of scarlet, blue-and-yellow, and red-and-green macaws gather at dawn in a breathtaking display of color and sound.
You’ll also explore untouched jungle trails, with chances to spot tapirs, monkeys, and hundreds of bird species. The nearby Pampas del Heath provide a rare transition between rainforest and savanna, offering even more biodiversity to discover during guided walks.
Sandoval Lake Lodge: Calm Waters & Giant Otters
After your adventure along the Heath River, the journey continues to the serene Sandoval Lake, located within the Tambopata Reserve near Puerto Maldonado. Accessible via a peaceful forest trail and a canoe ride, Sandoval Lake is home to a resident family of giant otters, black caimans, and numerous howler and squirrel monkeys.
Enjoy birdwatching, relaxing boat rides, and nature walks in this tranquil and scenic environment. Sandoval Lake offers the perfect contrast to the untamed energy of the Heath River, providing a peaceful immersion in nature with the comfort of an eco-lodge.
Amazon Tour Itinerary: Pampas del Heath Wildlife Center – 6 Days
Day 1: Arrival in Puerto Maldonado → Heath River Wildlife Center
Arrival & Transfer:استPuerto Maldonado airport; transfer by road to the river port.
Boat Journey: Motorized canoe along the Tambopata → Madre de Dios → Heath River (Peru–Bolivia border).
Scenery & Wildlife: Red cliffs, cecropia trees, riverside birds (herons, hawks, cormorants), capybaras.
Border Procedures: River crossing into Bolivia.
Afternoon: Arrival at the Heath River Wildlife Center. Dinner and rest.
Meals: Box lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Peruvian Amazon Tours Pampas del Heath River
Early Morning: Visit to the parrot and macaw clay lick; breakfast on a floating platform. Observe hundreds of birds.
Midday: Jungle hike; giant trees (ceiba, Brazil nut, fig), medicinal plants, monkeys, and wild pigs.
Afternoon: Walk to Pampas del Heath (savanna ecosystem); viewpoint from an elevated platform.
Wildlife: Fork-tailed hummingbirds, maned wolves, red-bellied and blue-and-yellow macaws.
Night: Flashlight walk – listen to frogs, insects, and spot nocturnal wildlife (tarantulas, night monkeys, etc.).
Optional: Visit to a mammal clay lick to observe tapirs.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Peruvian Amazon Tours Pampas del Heath River
Morning: Free activity to choose:
Return to the macaw clay lick
More time on forest trails
Afternoon: Canoe ride on Cocha Guacamayo (oxbow lake)
Search for giant otters
Night: Boat excursion after sunset to observe black caimans (glowing orange eyes).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Heath River wildlife Center → Sandoval Lake Lodge
Early Morning: Downriver boat ride (peak wildlife activity) – possible sightings of capybaras, jaguar, or tapir.
Midday: Arrival at Sandoval port; 3 km walk through the Tambopata National Reserve.
Afternoon: Canoe through flooded forest → Sandoval Lake (motorboats not allowed).
Wildlife: Paiche fish (up to 100 kg), giant otters.
Night: Short walk to observe nocturnal wildlife.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Sandoval Lake Lodge – Peruvian Amazon Tours Pampas del Heath
Early Morning: Sunrise canoe ride – giant otters, birds, hoatzin.
Midday: Walk through primary rainforest; giant Brazil nut trees.
Afternoon: Exploration of the western side of the lake; chance to see capuchin monkeys.
Night: Educational video presentation + optional night caiman search.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Return to Puerto Maldonado → Flight to Cusco
Dawn: Crossing the lake – possible sightings of macaws or awakening monkeys.
Morning: Walk back to the river → motorized canoe to Puerto Maldonado → transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast
ITINERARY
Pampas del Heath Wildlife Center – 6 Days
Day 1 – Arrival: Puerto Maldonado → Heath River Wildlife Center
First views of the Tambopata and Madre de Dios rivers
Morning: Our guide welcomes you at Puerto Maldonado airport and accompanies you to the river dock on the Tambopata. A scenic ride in a motorized canoe reveals red cliffs and lush riverbank jungle.
Afternoon: At the Peru–Bolivia border, we navigate the Heath River. Observe herons, hawks, cormorants, geese, Orinoco ducks, and even capybara families—some weighing up to 55 kg (121 lbs)!
Evening: Arrival at the cozy Heath River Wildlife Center. Dinner is served outdoors under the jungle canopy.
Traveler tip: Use key phrases like “Amazon canoe ride,” “wildlife lodge in Puerto Maldonado,” and “river cruise on the Peru-Bolivia border.”
Day 2 – Macaw & Parrot Clay Lick + Jungle Trails & Pampas View
Clay lick spectacle + jungle exploration + sunset over the savanna
Sunrise: Head to the riverbank to witness the morning ritual at the parrot and macaw clay lick—a 2–3 hour spectacle with hundreds of colorful birds, including parakeets, chestnut-fronted macaws, and red-and-green macaws feeding on mineral-rich clay.
Breakfast: Served on our hidden floating platform—perfect for unique photos.
Mid-morning: Jungle hike among giant trees like Brazil nut, ceiba, and fig trees. Guides explain medicinal plants; you might spot up to eight monkey species or detect the scent marks of wild pigs.
Afternoon: Walk to the edge of the Pampas del Heath, the largest tropical savanna in South America. From the observation tower, enjoy open views among palm trees—if lucky, you may see swallow-tailed hummingbirds or a shy maned wolf.
Sunset: Return through the savanna observing birds, especially red-bellied and blue-and-yellow macaws.
Night hike: After dinner, explore with flashlights to experience the jungle’s nocturnal orchestra—frogs, tarantulas, nocturnal monkeys, and if lucky, a shy lowland tapir at the mammal clay lick.
Keywords: “macaw clay lick in the Amazon,” “night jungle hike,” “wildlife spotting on the Heath River.”
Day 3 – Flexible Day: Clay Lick or Cocha + Caiman Search
Customize your day with wildlife-packed options
Option A: Return to the clay lick to relive the parade of parrots and macaws.
Option B: Canoe ride to Cocha Guacamayo, a horseshoe-shaped lake in Bahuaja-Sonene National Park. With luck, you may see a family of giant otters and, at dusk, spot black caimans with their eyes glowing in the dark.
Keywords: “canoe tour with giant otters,” “Amazon caiman spotting,” “wildlife in Bahuaja-Sonene Park.”
Day 4 – Heath River → Puerto Sandoval → Lago Sandoval Lodge
River wildlife en route + the famous Lake Sandoval
Sunrise: Canoe descent—excellent time to see capybaras, and if extremely lucky, a swimming jaguar or tapir crossing the river.
Mid-morning: Arrival and hike from Puerto Sandoval to Lake Sandoval, navigating flooded forest channels in a rowboat (motor-free zone). Look for the giant paiche fish surfacing or listen for the characteristic call of the giant otter.
Evening: Dinner at the lodge and optional night walk around the area to spot frogs, spiders, and insects.
Keywords: “canoe ride on Lake Sandoval,” “rowboat experience in the Amazon,” “motor-free sanctuary lake.”
Day 5 – Sunrise & Jungle Trails at Lake Sandoval
Otters at dawn + canopy birds + primate spotting
Before dawn: Canoe ride at sunrise—ideal for observing giant otters in family groups and birds like the hoatzin fishing.
Breakfast: Back at the lodge, enjoy a nutritious breakfast before exploring primary forest trails lined with centuries-old Brazil nut trees.
Afternoon: Free time to observe capuchin monkeys and other primates in the forest.
Before dinner: Educational video presentation on Amazon ecology, followed by an optional night outing to spot caimans in the lake.
Keywords: “sunrise tour on Lake Sandoval,” “hoatzin bird spotting in the Amazon,” “primate hike in the Amazon jungle.”
Day 6 – Return to Puerto Maldonado & Flight to Cusco
Final morning paddle + return to the modern world
Early morning: Last lake crossing—you may see macaws returning to roosts or troops of monkeys waking up.
Mid-morning: Motorized canoe back to the Puerto Maldonado dock and transfer to the airport.
End of tour: Arrive with enough time to catch your flight to Cusco or continue to other destinations.
Keywords: “Puerto Maldonado to Cusco flight,” “Amazon departure logistics.”
SERVICES
Services Included in Your Macaw Clay Lick Trip:
All meals and accommodations (including camping equipment) from lunch on Day 1 through breakfast on the last day (inclusive).
All transportation from your arrival in Puerto Maldonado until your return to the airport (inclusive).
All guided excursions described in the itinerary (including additional days if you choose).
One night excursion on the river for caiman spotting.
Services Not Included:
Flights to and from Puerto Maldonado.
Entrance to Tambopata National Reserve (TNR): USD $40 per person.
Airport taxes.
Additional drinks purchased at the bar.
Tips (optional).
GALLERY LODGE
FAQs - FREE INFO
Explore the Heath Pampas: Peru’s Hidden Natural Treasure
Bahuaja Sonene National Park (PNBS) is an extraordinary destination for travelers, nature lovers, and wildlife photographers. Located in the heart of Peru, it spans over 1,091,416 hectares, covering parts of the Sandia, Carabaya, and Tambopata provinces in the Puno and Madre de Dios regions.
This national park is one of the most biodiverse areas in South America, with over 680 bird species, countless mammals, and endemic flora. Whether you’re traversing savannas, exploring wetlands, or learning from local cultures, PNBS offers an unforgettable experience.
Unique Wildlife in PNBS
PNBS is home to some of Peru’s rarest and most fascinating animals. Visitors have the opportunity to observe:
Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) – This elusive long-legged canid roams the palm savannas.
Marsh Deer (Blastocerus dichotomus) – An endangered species thriving in the park’s wetlands.
Birdwatcher’s Paradise – With over 680 bird species, including macaws, toucans, and migratory birds, PNBS is an ideal destination for ornithologists and bird enthusiasts.
The park’s ecosystems are as diverse as its wildlife. From palm savannas and wetlands to the cloud forests of the Bolivian Yungas, every corner of PNBS offers a new habitat to explore.
Cultural Experiences
PNBS is not just about nature—it’s also about people. The Ese’eja and Harakmbut ethnic groups live in harmony with the land, giving travelers the chance to learn about traditional lifestyles, local crafts, and sustainable practices. Interacting with these communities provides a unique perspective on Peru’s cultural richness and its connection to nature.
Spectacular Landscapes
Visitors to PNBS are rewarded with stunning landscapes:
Palm Savannas – Vast grasslands dotted with native palms.
Wetlands – Home to aquatic wildlife and migratory birds.
Andean Foothills and Yungas – Lush cloud forests teeming with incredible biodiversity.
These diverse landscapes make PNBS a paradise for photography, hiking, and ecotourism.
Practical Information
Location: Sandia, Carabaya, and Tambopata provinces, Puno and Madre de Dios regions, Peru.
Size: 1,091,416 hectares.
Accessibility: Though remote, guided tours and eco-lodges provide safe access to the park.
Why Visit PNBS?
Visitors to Bahuaja Sonene National Park can expect:
Wildlife Encounters – See rare species in their natural habitats.
Cultural Immersion – Learn from indigenous communities preserving centuries-old traditions.
Adventure and Ecotourism – Explore savannas, wetlands, and cloud forests.
Birdwatching Paradise – Observe hundreds of species across diverse ecosystems.
Whether you’re an adventurous traveler, a wildlife enthusiast, or someone seeking cultural experiences, PNBS is a must-visit destination in Peru.