Interoceanic Highway Manu/ Tambopata Lowland Forest - 7 days
Birding tours in Peru can be long, especially when reaching the lowland rainforest. If you’re in Cusco, this itinerary offers the perfect blend—spotting endangered Andean endemics like the Royal Cinclodes, White-browed Tit-Spinetail, and Red-and-White Antpitta while enjoying breathtaking landscapes before heading into the Amazon. A highlight is the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick, the world’s largest, where Red-and-Green, Blue-and-Yellow, and Scarlet Macaws, along with up to eight Psittacidae species, gather to feed on mineral-rich clay. This unforgettable spectacle takes place in a protected rainforest, allowing you to witness incredible biodiversity while supporting conservation efforts.
Interoceanic Highway Manu/ Tambopata Lowland Forest - 7 days
Birding tours in Peru can be long, especially when reaching the lowland rainforest. If you’re in Cusco, this itinerary offers the perfect blend—spotting endangered Andean endemics like the Royal Cinclodes, White-browed Tit-Spinetail, and Red-and-White Antpitta while enjoying breathtaking landscapes before heading into the Amazon. A highlight is the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick, the world’s largest, where Red-and-Green, Blue-and-Yellow, and Scarlet Macaws, along with up to eight Psittacidae species, gather to feed on mineral-rich clay. This unforgettable spectacle takes place in a protected rainforest, allowing you to witness incredible biodiversity while supporting conservation efforts.
Day 1: Andean Interoceanic Highway
At dawn, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and begin our journey southeast in a private vehicle. Breakfast will be provided en route. Our first stop is Huacarpay Lake, where we will search for endemic species such as the Bearded Mountaineer, Rusty-fronted Canastero, Chestnut-breasted Mountain-Finch, Creamy-crested Spinetail, and Streak-fronted Thornbird, along with high-altitude wetland birds.
Continuing along the Interoceanic Highway, we reach the high Andes, making another stop to observe Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, Giant Coot, Andean Goose, Crested Duck, and Ground Tyrants, with the majestic Ausangate Mountain (6,384m / 20,945 ft.) as our backdrop. The highest point on our route is 4,725m (15,502 ft.), where we can glimpse the vast Amazon rainforest before descending through the eastern slopes of the Andes.
As we move through cloud forest, bamboo (Chusquea), and humid montane forest, we will encounter species such as the Red-and-White Antpitta, Marcapata Spinetail, Blue-banded Toucanet, Chestnut-capped Brush-Finch, Rufous-capped Antshrike, Mountain Caracara, Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, and Dusky-green Oropendola, along with diverse mixed flocks rich in tanagers and flycatchers.
Overnight: Camanti – Quincemil (B:L:D)
Day 2: Amazon Foothills – Chuncho Lodge
We will bird along the road near Quincemil, where, despite secondary forest conditions, some species are easier to find. Targets include the Black-backed Tody-Flycatcher, Cinnamon-faced Tyrannulet, Slaty Gnateater, and various bamboo specialists.
Descending further, we explore lowland mixed flocks, featuring stunning species such as the Paradise, Blue-necked, Bay-headed, Golden, Swallow, and Orange-eared Tanagers. As we reach the Amazon basin, we will observe habitat and avian diversity shifting dramatically. Late in the day, we arrive at Chuncho Lodge on the Tambopata River, where we can explore the gardens and trail system if time permits.
Overnight: Chuncho Lodge (B:L:D)
Day 3: Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick – Tambopata
At sunrise, we embark on a 1.5-hour boat ride upstream on the Tambopata River to visit the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick, the largest in the world. Here, we will witness the spectacular sight of Red-and-Green, Blue-and-Yellow, and Scarlet Macaws, along with up to 11 Psittacidae species, feeding on the mineral-rich clay.
Along the riverbanks, we have a chance to spot the elusive Jaguar, as well as Capybaras, primates, and other Amazonian wildlife. In the afternoon, we explore the trails in search of lowland understory mixed flocks.
Overnight: Chuncho Lodge (B:L:D)
Day 4: Los Amigos Biological Station (CICRA)
After morning birding, we leave Chuncho Lodge and travel to Laberinto Village, where we board a boat upstream on the Madre de Dios River to reach the Los Amigos Biological Station (CICRA)—one of the best-researched areas in the Amazon. Located at the confluence of the Madre de Dios and Los Amigos Rivers, it provides access to diverse habitats, including terra firme, bamboo forest, and aquatic ecosystems.
Our afternoon birding focuses on bamboo specialists such as the Rufous-headed Woodpecker, Peruvian Recurvebill, Rufous-fronted Antthrush, and Long-crested Pygmy-Tyrant.
Overnight: Los Amigos Biological Station (B:L:D)
Days 5 – 6: Amazon Lowland Birding at CICRA
We dedicate two full days to exploring CICRA’s pristine terra firme forest, home to an astonishing diversity of birds. Targets include the Banded Antbird, Ash-throated Gnateater, Ochre-bellied Flycatcher, White-bellied Tody-Tyrant, Royal Flycatcher, Musician Wren, Great Jacamar, and Pavonine Quetzal.
Rare and localized species such as the Black-faced Cotinga, White-throated Jacamar, and Gray-bellied Hawk may also be spotted. Canopy flocks often include the White-winged Shrike-Tanager, Lemon-chested Greenlet, Black-capped Becard, Rufous-tailed Xenops, Striped Woodhaunter, Grey Elaenia, and Lineated Woodcreeper.
Additional highlights include the Spangled Cotinga, White-throated and Channel-billed Toucans, Ivory-billed and Curl-crested Aracaris, Plumbeous Kite, Red-throated Caracara, Bat Falcon, Sungrebe, Grey-necked Wood-Rail, and four species of Trogons (Black-tailed, Blue-crowned, Amazonian, and Collared).
This region is also a haven for mammals, with frequent sightings of monkeys, Brazilian Tapirs, and a wealth of other wildlife.
Overnight: Los Amigos Biological Station (B:L:D)
Day 7: Return to Puerto Maldonado – Flight to Cusco/Lima
After breakfast, we take a boat downstream to Laberinto, followed by ground transport to Puerto Maldonado Airport for our flight to Cusco or Lima.
We recommend booking a midday flight to allow ample time for the journey.
(B)
- Luggage Restrictions: For domestic flights, the baggage allowance is 23 kg (50.7 lbs.) for checked luggage and 8 kg (17.6 lbs.) for carry-on baggage. Any excess baggage fees will be at your own expense.
- Clothing: Lightweight, breathable, and comfortable field attire is recommended, including standard field pants and long-sleeved shirts for the entire trip. A light jacket or fleece will be sufficient for cooler areas.
- Laundry Services: Available at Chuncho Lodge and Los Amigos Biological Station.
- Sun Protection: A high-SPF sunscreen, along with a wide-brimmed hat or cap, is highly recommended.
- Insect Protection: Bring a strong mosquito or insect repellent suitable for tropical environments.
- Rain Protection: A compact umbrella and a lightweight rain poncho are essential for sudden showers.
- Rubber boots (gumboots) are highly recommended for exploring the Amazonian rainforest.
- Comfortable hiking shoes for daily excursions.
- Shower thongs (rubber flip-flops) for use at lodges.
- Lighting: A small flashlight for night excursions is useful. Your guide will carry a high-powered owling light for spotting nocturnal species.
- Cold Weather Considerations: While no specialized clothing is required, temperatures may vary. If you are sensitive to cold, consider bringing:
- A warm hat and lightweight gloves
- A fleece or insulated jacket
- A heavier coat if you are particularly susceptible to cold weather
- Clothing Colors: Camouflage-style clothing is acceptable; however, please avoid military-style patterns.
Recommendation:
- Binoculars.
- Extra Batteries.
- Camera (Optional).
- Telescope (Optional).
General:
- Birding Terrain & Difficulty: Most birding will take place on forested roads and well-maintained trails, with an easy to moderate level of difficulty.
- Elevation Range: We will be traveling through elevations ranging from 3,400 meters (11,154 feet) to 250 meters (820 feet) above sea level, with most of our time spent between 400 and 250 meters.
- Weather Conditions: Expect a variety of weather conditions throughout the trip. While no specialized clothing is required, layers are recommended for comfort.
- Electricity & Power Supply:
- All destinations provide electricity, with 220V power outlets available in every room.
- In remote areas like Los Amigos Biological Station and Chuncho Lodge, electricity is generated from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- Please bring extra batteries and power banks, as power outages may occasionally occur in the Amazon rainforest.
Medical and Health Information:
- Gradual Ascent: From sea level (Lima) to a max altitude of 4,700m (15,419 ft) for one day; most birding occurs between 1,500–3,100m (4,921–10,170 ft).
- Minimal Effort: Birding will be along roads and trails, requiring little physical exertion.
- Possible Effects: Some may experience shortness of breath, nausea, headaches, or fatigue, which typically subside with acclimatization.
- Prevention: Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and caffeine, and eat light meals on arrival.
- Safety First: We will monitor everyone’s well-being, with transport available to lower altitudes if needed.
- Medication: Consult your doctor about altitude sickness medication (e.g., Diamox). Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with headaches.
Travel insurance
Our suggestion is that you use travel insurance service. The normal price of this tour not cover travel insurance.
Books:
- Birds of Peru is the best field Guide.
- If you consider you can bring some other field guide are welcome.
Prices Include:
- Private Transportation throughout the entire journey.
- Accommodations for all nights of the tour (Cusco/Puerto Maldonado).
- All Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch (picnic or box lunch depending on location), dinner, snacks, and unlimited drinking water.
- Expert Birding Guide with in-depth knowledge of the region’s avifauna.
- Personalized Bird Checklist for each participant.
- Boat Transfers for access to accommodations in the Amazonian rainforest.
- Entrance Fees to all designated birding locations.
- Airport & Hotel Transfers in Cusco and Puerto Maldonado.
- Exclusive Private Tour with full-board service.
Not included:
- Laundry services, phone calls, medical expenses, hospitalization, or any other personal health-related costs.
- Excess baggage fees beyond the airline’s standard allowance.
- Travel insurance or any other personal coverage.
- Additional personal expenses not specified in the itinerary.
What I (guide) will have with me:
- Recording stuff Roland R-05/Microphone SENNHEISER ME66/K6.
- Two iPods- speakers.
- A Swarovski ATX 80 scope 20-60 zoom
- Green laser pointer
- Owling light.
- GPS.
- Personal Swarovski Binoculars.
- I will be carrying the new field guide Birds of Peru this can be found on www.amazon.com.
