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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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