From Puerto Maldonado we'll float 64km/40mi down the Madre de Dios River to the oxbow lakes of "Sandoval" and "Valencia" which are both known as wildlife hot spots. We'll alternate between rafting the river which leads to the trails and biking the trails which lead to the lakes. From Lake Valencia we'll pack our rafts on our bikes for a 45km/28mi return bike ride on a locals-only single/double track through jungle which takes us back to Puerto Maldonado.
Duration
Difficulty
Raft Dist
Rapids Class
Rafting Duration
River Speed
Biking Distance
Bike/Raft Chgs
River Water
Lake Water
Bugs?
5-6D
2-3 of 5
80km/50mi+
1-2+
6-7hrs+
6-13kph/4-8mph
58km/36mi+
5-6
Murky
Clear
Yes
Day 1 Puerto Maldonado - Lake Sandoval - Monkey Island - Riverside Camp
From Puerto Maldonado we'll find either the Madre de Dios or Tambopata River and strap our bikes on our packrafts and raft 7mi (1hr) down to a trail entrance. We'll deflate our boats, pack our bikes and pedal 2mi into the canopy to Lake Sandoval. We can explore this lake either by trails, packrafts or kayaks before returning 3mi to the river on another trail to the north. There we can cross the river to an island known as "Monkey Island" in the afternoon. From the island we can float further downriver another 10-16mi to either set up camp above a river bank or on another island. Night hammock camping.
Day 2-3 Lake Valencia - Lakeside Camp
This morning we'll raft the remaining 1-3 hrs to Lake Valencia entering either by a hiking/biking trail or through Valencia's canal entrance further downriver. In the afternoon we can paddle the lake and set up camp next to the lake. The following day we can spend either exploring the lake by raft or by biking one or two of the available trails. Night hammock camping. * The extra day on the lake is optional. Compared to Lake Sandoval this lake is much less touristic and much bigger. Lake Valencia is known for piranhas, caimans, araipamas and tree species not found at other lakes.
Day 3-6 Lake Valencia - 28mi Bike Route - Hidden Lake - Sudadero - Puerto Maldonado
From Valencia we'll set off on a 2-3 day biking journey on a locals-only trail which will take us back towards Puerto Maldonado and through the small town of Sudadero which is next to the Trans-Amazonian Highway. Along the way we can hammock camp anywhere we'd like in addition to an optional hike/bike to a hidden nontouristic lake which sits about midway between Valencia and Sudadero. This trail will take at least 2 days and up to 3 depending on the trail conditions and additional time at the hidden lake. Expect mud and collected water on a dirt path which stretches over a relatively flat surface overall. Rain is very likely. Wider tires will work well here.
Locals trail to Lake Valencia
Cost Estimates
A flight from Lima to Puerto Maldonado is $100 USD and up. From Cusco it begins at about $65. Taking the bus from Cusco with your bike and gear is only S/40 - 65 Soles. Hostals in Puerto Maldonado should cost from S/20-40 soles per night. Food purchased at Peruvian supermarkets can be about $10 per day. Any additional transportation costs, for example a transfer from Sudadero to Puerto Maldonado will be shared by the group. There are no entrance fees for this trip. There are no fees for our agency for any of these expeditionary trips, no guide fees and also no guarantees on return times, points of interest or the assurance of any planned activities.
Gear
You will need to provide your own gear for this trip including bike, bags, packraft, PFD, paddles, bug hammock, tarp, sleeping bag, cook kit and food. In the case that you cannot provide your own equipment contact us for options.
Risks
The Madre de Dios River from Puerto Maldonado down is very wide and at a class 1-2+ during the dry season. This trip should not be attempted during rainy season (Dec - March) when rain and water levels can become unpredictable. The ideal time for this route is from June 15th - Nov 15th when the river is tame and the bike route is drier and less cumbersome. The caimans and piranhas of Lake Valencia do not pose a threat to people. A refreshing swim at twilight is perfectly fine. The real potential dangers are people hurting themselves with their own machetes, falling on uneven ground, ant bites, mosquito bites, allergic reactions etc. In most cases it may take days to reach the nearest clinic or "Centro de Salud" for any needed medical attention. We offer no guarantees for any of these expeditions for planned activites, definite costs or for your absolute safety.
Options
Lake Sandoval and Monkey Island are on the way to Valencia and both require 1 extra day. Lake Valencia is large with navigable channels for packrafts and options for bikable trails so exploring this lake requires at least a full day. The hidden lake on the return bike ride may also take an extra day to reach. A Private return transfer from Sudadero to Puerto Maldonado is possible (20mi of highway). Private car transportation including gear/bikes from Cusco is possible. Lodge stays at both Sandoval and Valencia are also possible. A boat return from Lake Valencia upriver to Puerto Maldonado is possible. If you'd prefer more biking and little to no rafting then a roundtrip bike route to Valencia (28mi X 2) is possible excluding Lake Sandoval and the Madre de Dios.
