DAY 10: PUERTO MALDONADO - SANDOVAL LAKE

The sunlight squeezes through the dense trees as jungle inhabitants awake from their slumber. Optionally join them in the early hours, with buffet breakfast served from 05:30. Visit Lake Sandoval this morning, a glassy, ox-bow lake located inside the protected Tambopata National Reserve, reached via a sun-dappled rainforest trail. Board a dug-out wooden canoe to quietly paddle through a stream and glide onto Lake Sandoval, ­anked by picture-perfect palms. This serene lake is home to many species of birds, the endangered giant river otter, red howler monkeys, red-bellied macaws, anacondas, side-neck turtles, black caimans amongst others. Return to Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica in time for lunch. In the afternoon, we recommend climbing the exhilarating Inkaterra Canopy Walkway. The Canopy Walkway is a sophisticated and safe 344 metre (1,135 feet) network of seven ecologically constructed hanging suspension bridges, strung between eight treetop observation platforms above the forest ­oor. This is an unforgettable opportunity to observe the rainforest from the rooftop and gain a sense of its size. Ascend the ‑rst vertiginous tower 38 metres (124 feet) above ground, keeping an eye out for bright toucans, woodpeckers, trogons, monkeys and the three-toed sloth. It’s possible to extend your elevated stay with sunset drinks from atop a tower, – or spend a once-in-a-lifetime night in a specially designed treehouse cabin with surprising comforts (additional cost applies). After descending, enjoy a 30-minute Anaconda Walk that follows a 200-meter (656 feet) raised wooden platform over a ­ooded aguajales swamp. In this lush ecosystem you may observe various species of amphibians, birds, mammals, abundant ­ora and interesting trees. Back at the lodge, you can opt to enjoy a daily nature presentation in the Eco Centre or book yourself an indulgent spa treatment. À-la-carte dinner is served from 19:00.