Resumen del Tour
10-Day Amazon Birding Adventure in Southern Peru
Day 1: Arrival in Lima – Gateway to the Amazon
Begin your journey in Lima, Peru’s bustling capital. After your arrival, enjoy a comfortable transfer to a nearby hotel for a restful night. This brief stay allows you to acclimate before heading into the Amazon rainforest.
Day 2: Flight to Puerto Maldonado –
Entering the Amazon Wilderness :Catch a morning flight to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the Tambopata region. From there, embark on a scenic boat ride along the Tambopata River to reach Sandoval Lake Lodge. This journey offers opportunities to spot wildlife such as Black-Faced Cotinga and Red-Shouldered Macaw. Upon arrival, a canoe ride across the lake brings you to the lodge, where you can observe Giant River Otters and various bird species.
Day 3: Exploring Bamboo and Floodplain Forests
Venture into the diverse ecosystems surrounding the lodge. Search for species like the Red-billed Scythebill and Rufous-headed Woodpecker in the bamboo forests, and look for the Brazil Nut tree in the terra firme forest. Evening walks may reveal nocturnal species such as the Tawny-Bellied Screech-Owl.
Day 4: Journey to Posada Amazonas Lodge
Travel deeper into the Amazon by boat to Posada Amazonas Lodge. Explore nearby secondary forests for sightings of the Purus Jacamar and Scaled Pigeon. Along the river, observe species like the King Vulture and Amazon Kingfisher.
Day 5: Sunrise at the Canopy Tower
Ascend a 37-meter-tall canopy tower at dawn to witness mixed flocks of tanagers and other exotic species. Keep an eye out for macaws, toucans, and raptors, including the elusive Harpy Eagle. Afternoon hikes may lead to sightings of the Pavonine Quetzal.
Day 6: Trek to the Majestic Ceiba Tree
Embark on a morning hike to a towering Ceiba (Kapok) Tree. Along the trail, spot species like the Ash-Throated Gnateater and Elegant Woodcreeper. The area is also rich in wildlife, including herds of peccaries and various monkey species. In the afternoon, travel by boat to Refugio Amazonas Lodge.
Days 7–9: Adventure on the Tambopata River
Spend three days exploring the Tambopata River, renowned for its vibrant wildlife. Visit the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick to witness large groups of macaws and parrots. Hike the Castana Trail and the trail to the old oxbow lake to observe species like the Starred Wood Quail and Pale-winged Trumpeter. Evenings may offer sightings of the Masked Crimson Tanager and Cinnamon-throated Woodcreeper.
Quechuas Expedition
chuncholodge.com
Day 10: Return to Puerto Maldonado and Departure
Conclude your adventure with a return journey to Puerto Maldonado by boat and road, catching an afternoon flight to Lima or Cusco. Depending on airline schedules, early departures may be necessary.
Amazon Birding Tour – South Peru (10 Days)
Perfect for Birdwatchers & Wildlife Photographers
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime birdwatching expedition in the Amazon rainforest of South Peru, designed for passionate birders and wildlife photographers. This 10-day birding tour takes you from Lima to the heart of Tambopata, exploring lush forests, clay licks, canopy towers, and biodiversity-rich oxbow lakes.
Tour Highlights
- Birding in Tambopata National Reserve
- Access to iconic macaw clay licks & canopy towers
- Stay at top Amazon birding lodges: Sandoval Lake Lodge, Posada Amazonas & Refugio Amazonas
- Spot & photograph 500+ bird species: toucans, parrots, antbirds, manakins & more
- Led by expert naturalist guides in a small-group setting
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day 1: Arrival in Lima
- Days 2–3: Explore Sandoval Lake – home to giant river otters & rare birds
- Day 4–5: Stay at Posada Amazonas – canopy birding & rainforest trails
- Day 6–9: Deep jungle at Refugio Amazonas – Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick, photography trails & wildlife sightings
- Day 10: Return to Lima or optional extension to Cusco/Machu Picchu
Best Time to Visit:
May–October (dry season) – ideal for trail access and peak bird activity.
LUGARES A VISITAR:
Sightseeing
Hora de salida
Itinerario Completo
Amazon Birding Tour – South Peru (10 Days) Perfect for Birdwatchers & Wildlife Photographers
Amazon Rainforest Bird Photography 10 Days Discover the untamed beauty of the Peruvian Amazon with this 10-day birding expedition through South Peru. Designed for passionate birders and nature photographers, this journey takes you from Lima to the heart of the Amazon, exploring lush rainforests, oxbow lakes, and iconic clay licks teeming with avian life.
Tour Highlights. Amazon Rainforest Bird Photography.
Birding hotspots across Tambopata National Reserve Exclusive access to canopy towers and clay licks Accommodations in top rainforest eco-lodges Opportunities to photograph over 500 bird species Small group setting with expert naturalist guides
Itinerary: 10-Day Amazon Birding Adventure – South Peru. Amazon Rainforest Bird Photography.
Day 1: Arrival in Lima –
Gateway to the Amazon Arrive in Lima, Peru’s cultural and culinary capital. Private transfer to a comfortable hotel near the airport. Rest and prepare for your Amazon adventure. Overnight: Lima
Day 2: Fly to Puerto Maldonado. Amazon Rainforest Bird Photography.
Sandoval Lake Lodge Morning flight to Puerto Maldonado. Scenic boat ride on the Tambopata River to Sandoval Lake. Sunset wildlife tour in search of Giant River Otters and tropical birds. Overnight: Sandoval Lake Lodge
Day 3: Bamboo Forests & Floodplains – Amazon Rainforest Bird Photography.
Deep Amazon Birding Guided hikes through bamboo thickets and seasonally flooded forests. Spotting opportunities for manakins, antbirds, woodcreepers, and more. Evening night walk for nocturnal birds and mammals. Overnight: Sandoval Lake Lodge.
Day 4: Travel to Posada Amazonas Lodge –
Return boat trip to Puerto Maldonado. Transfer to Posada Amazonas, set in community-managed forest. Afternoon birdwatching on nearby rainforest trails.
Day 5: Amazon Canopy Tower Experience –
Early climb up a 37-meter canopy tower for sweeping views. Observe toucans, parrots, and tanagers in the treetops. Afternoon forest walk targeting mixed flocks and specialty species. Overnight:
Day 6: Ceiba Tree Trek & Transfer to Refugio Amazona
Morning visit to a giant Ceiba (Kapok) Tree—a sacred rainforest icon. Boat journey deeper into the Amazon to Refugio Amazonas. Introduction to lodge trails and optional wildlife night walk. Overnight:
Days 7–9: Prime Birding Along the Tambopata River –
Visit to Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick to witness hundreds of parrots and macaws. Explore the Castana Trail and an oxbow lake for kingfishers, jacamars, hoatzins, and more. Optional wildlife photography sessions with chances to see monkeys, sloths, and tapirs. Overnight:
Day 10: Return to Lima or Continue to Cusco
Morning transfer to Puerto Maldonado. Flight to Lima (or optional extension to Cusco/Machu Picchu). End of birding tour
Important Travel Information All river travel is by motorized canoe (roofed, 20 ft, 75 hp engines). Activities are led by bilingual naturalist guides. Itinerary may adjust based on weather and flight schedules.
Best Time to Visit for Birdwatching in the Amazo Dry season (May–October) offers better trail access and clearer skies. Peak bird activity occurs during early mornings and late afternoons.
- Amazon Birding South Peru
- Birdwatching in Tambopata
- Peru bird photography tour
- Macaw clay lick tour Peru
- Best Amazon birding lodges
- Wildlife tours Puerto Maldonado
Qué Incluye
The tour includes:
- Professional guide
River transportation by boat with an outboard motor
Meals: 9 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners, and drinking water (Note: Vegetarian options are available upon request at no additional cost).
Accommodations: 9 nights in a jungle lodge with a private room and shower.
First aid kit with venom extractor, mosquito bite treatment, and antidote for snake bites.
Radio communication during the tour.
Water.
Rubber boots for jungle trekking.
Qué No Incluye
The tour does not include:
- Flights and airport departure taxes.
Travel insurance.
Vaccinations.
Drinks.
Tips for local staff.
Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day.
Booking Information
What to bring on the tour:
Mosquito repellent (DEET 35 or higher recommended).
Original passport for the jungle trip.
Small backpack.
Long-sleeved cotton shirts (preferably green) for the jungle.
Long cotton pants.
Long cotton socks (tucked into pants).
Comfortable walking shoes for the tour.
Sandals or lightweight shoes for the tour.
Waterproof clothing (e.g., a rain poncho) for the tour.
Swimsuit.
Binoculars (we also rent them) for jungle treks.
Camera and charger.
Plastic bags for clothing and a camera.
A hat for sun or rain protection during the jungle tour.
Toiletries.
Small towel.
Toilet paper.
Hand sanitizer.
Sunscreen.
Sunglasses.
Flashlight (with bulb and extra batteries).
A bottle of water (minimum 1 liter). Cash (soles) for drinks and souvenirs, as well as tips.
Recomendaciones que llevar
How many birds are there in the Tambopata clay lick?
The Tambopata National Reserve, in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, is one of the most impressive birdwatching destinations. Approximately 648 bird species, belonging to 388 genera and 60 families, have been recorded in this protected area alone. This wealth makes Tambopata a true ornithological paradise.
One of the most amazing spectacles occurs at the macaw clay licks, especially at the famous Colorado Clay Lick, where hundreds of birds congregate every morning to consume the mineral-rich clay. There you can observe an explosion of color with species such as:
Red-and-green macaw (Ara chloropterus)
Scarlet macaw (Ara macao)
Harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja)
Crested eagle (Morphnus guianensis)
Curassow (Mitu tuberosa)
These multicolored encounters are not only a visual delight but also a unique ecological phenomenon that attracts photographers, scientists, and travelers from around the world.
Visiting a clay lick in Tambopata is an unforgettable experience, ideal for nature and birdwatching lovers.
Mapa del Tour
GALERIA DE FOTOS
FAQs PREGUNTAS FRECUENTES
1. What birds can be observed during the Amazon Birding Tour in southern Peru?
During this 10-day tour of the Peruvian Amazon, birdwatchers can observe more than 500 species of tropical birds. In the Tambopata National Reserve, it is common to spot scarlet and blue-and-yellow macaws, toucans, hoatzins, jacamars, tiger herons, and dancing manakins. Visits to the Clay Lick Macaw Chuncho and canopy towers offer unique opportunities for photographing birds in their natural habitat, making this tour one of the best for birdwatching in Tambopata and southern Peru.
2. Is this tour suitable for wildlife photographers?
Absolutely! This is one of the best bird photography tours in Peru. Participants will have exclusive access to observation towers, oxbow lakes, and clay licks, where hundreds of birds congregate. Naturalist guides also help locate and approach rare species without disturbing their environment, providing ideal conditions for capturing photographs of exotic birds, giant otters, monkeys, and Amazonian reptiles.
3. What locations are included in the Amazon Birding Tour itinerary?
This birdwatching tour in southern Peru visits three of the best birdwatching destinations in the Amazon:
Lake Sandoval, home to the hoatzin, kingfishers, and giant otters.
Posada Amazonas Lodge, with access to a 37-meter canopy to observe colorful fruit-eating birds.
Refugio Amazonas Lodge, where you can visit the famous Macaw Clay Lick and explore Brazil nut forests and secluded lakes.
This tour is designed to maximize observed biodiversity and cover different habitat types.
4. What is the best time to go birdwatching in Tambopata and the Peruvian Amazon?
The best season for birdwatching in the Peruvian Amazon is during the dry season, between May and October. During these months, trails are more accessible and the skies are clearer, making hiking easier and improving lighting conditions for photography. Birds are also most active during the mornings and at dusk, key times included in the itinerary.
5. Which lodges do tour participants stay at?
The tour includes accommodations at three of the best birdwatching lodges in the Peruvian Amazon:
Sandoval Lake Lodge, next to the most biodiverse lake in Tambopata.
Posada Amazonas Lodge, owned by an indigenous community and with an observation tower.
Refugio Amazonas Lodge, with access to the Clay Lick Chuncho Macaw and specialized birdwatching trails.
All accommodations offer comfort, electricity, local food, and expert bilingual guides, ensuring a safe and enriching experience.
6. How are transfers within the jungle carried out?
All transfers in the Amazon rainforest are carried out in motorized, covered canoes, ideal for traveling the Tambopata and Madre de Dios Rivers. These river trips offer the opportunity to observe riverine birds, monkeys, caimans, and even river dolphins in their natural habitat. Additionally, guided walks are tailored to the group’s pace to maximize observation without disturbing the wildlife.
7. What makes this birdwatching tour in southern Peru unique?
This tour combines quality ecotourism, exclusive access to birdwatching hotspots, and the chance to capture spectacular images of tropical birds. Unlike other trips, this is designed for small groups guided by experts, ensuring memorable sightings and an environmentally friendly approach. If you’re looking for a birding tour in Peru that’s ideal for ornithologists, photographers, and nature lovers, this 10-day itinerary is a perfect choice.
Tours que también te pueden interesar
Peru birdwatching tours Sandoval 3 days
Birdwatching in the Amazon 4 Days
Best Birding in Peru – 5 days
NUESTRA INFORMACION
CONTACTENOS
Calle Plateroes, Cusco - Peru
(+51) 964 023 811
info@lagosandoval.com
www.lagosandoval.com