Lake Sandoval (Lago Sandoval) is a beautiful oxbow lake located within the Tambopata National Reserve, in the province of Madre de Dios.
As you may remember from Geography classes at school, an oxbow lake is a U-shaped body of water that forms when a meandering river or stream takes a curved path. Over time, the river's flow erodes the outer bend of the curve, causing the bend to become more pronounced.
Eventually, the erosion cuts through the narrow neck of land between the bend and the main river channel, creating a new channel and isolating the looped section of the river. This looped section then becomes an oxbow lake.
Oxbow Lake Formation in Amazonia.
They are usually found in floodplains and are common in lowland areas with meandering rivers, such as the Peruvian Amazon.
Over time, oxbow lakes undergo changes. They gradually fill with sediment and become wetlands or marshes.
Vegetation often grows along the banks of these lakes, creating habitats for a huge variety of plant and animal species.
Oxbow lakes also serve important ecological functions, providing breeding grounds for aquatic organisms and serving as water sources for wildlife.
Lake Sandoval is a particularly good example of an Amazonian oxbow lake, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife. It is surrounded by lush vegetation, including impressive Moriche Palm (Mauritia flexuosa) trees, orchids, and giant water lilies (Victoria regia).
It is one of the most biodiverse areas in the Amazon rainforest and offers visitors a unique opportunity to observe various species of flora and fauna in their natural habitat.
Giant River Otters in Lake Sandoval.
The lake is particularly famous for its resident family of Giant River Otters, which are an endangered species and a delight to observe.
Among the other animals that are regularly to be seen are Black Caimans, Scarlet Macaws, Hoatzins, and various species of monkeys.
Scarlet macaws on banks of Lake Sandoval.
How to visit Lake Sandoval
To reach Lake Sandoval, visitors typically take a boat ride downstream on the Madre de Dios River from Puerto Maldonado to the trailhead, followed by a hike through the rainforest. The 3 km (1.9 mile) trail is relatively flat and it takes about 30 minutes to reach the lake.
Exploring Sandoval Lake by Catamaran Canoe.
Once at the lake, visitors can explore the area by paddleboat or canoe, in the company of a local guide who provides information about the ecosystem and its inhabitants.
To enjoy the lake at dawn and dusk, when animal activity is generally at its peak, you may consider staying at Sandoval Lake Lodge, which is located overlooking the lake.
A visit to the lake can also be included in the itineraries of the following lodges:
It is likely that Lake Sandoval will eventually turn to marshland, but for the moment it offers a highly memorable experience for nature lovers and those interested in exploring the remarkable biodiversity of the southern Peruvian Amazon.