Northwest, Abra Patricia, Marañon & Tumbes Endemics – 16 Days
Northern Peru is home to an extraordinary diversity of endemic and enigmatic bird species, making it a prime destination for birding enthusiasts. This expertly designed tour offers a unique opportunity for those with limited time to experience a remarkable selection of Neotropical birds, including Tumbesian and Marañón endemics. Highlights include the Marvelous Spatuletail, Long-whiskered Owlet, Pale-billed Antpitta, and Ochre-fronted Antpitta, among many others. The itinerary takes you from the Pacific coast’s Carob woodlands and dry deciduous habitats to the humid montane forests of Abra Patricia and Alto Nieva, through the breathtaking Marañón Canyon, and into the lush lowland rainforests of Peru. Designed for optimal birdwatching and photography, this tour ensures exceptional sightings and unforgettable encounters with Peru’s extraordinary avian diversity.
Northwest, Abra Patricia, Marañon & Tumbes Endemics – 16 Days
Northern Peru is home to an extraordinary diversity of endemic and enigmatic bird species, making it a prime destination for birding enthusiasts. This expertly designed tour offers a unique opportunity for those with limited time to experience a remarkable selection of Neotropical birds, including Tumbesian and Marañón endemics. Highlights include the Marvelous Spatuletail, Long-whiskered Owlet, Pale-billed Antpitta, and Ochre-fronted Antpitta, among many others. The itinerary takes you from the Pacific coast’s Carob woodlands and dry deciduous habitats to the humid montane forests of Abra Patricia and Alto Nieva, through the breathtaking Marañón Canyon, and into the lush lowland rainforests of Peru. Designed for optimal birdwatching and photography, this tour ensures exceptional sightings and unforgettable encounters with Peru’s extraordinary avian diversity.
Day 1: Arrival in Lima, Peru
Upon arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport, our dedicated transfer service will be waiting to escort you to your hotel, conveniently located in the vibrant district of Miraflores. Enjoy a relaxing evening in one of Lima’s most charming neighborhoods.
Overnight: Lima
Day 2: Carob Woodland & Deciduous Dry Forest
Early in the morning, we will take a flight to Chiclayo and drive towards Bosque Pomac, a prime birdwatching location. Here, we will search for the Peruvian Plantcutter and a variety of Tumbesian endemic species, including Rufous Flycatcher, Baird’s Flycatcher, Scarlet-backed Woodpecker, White-tailed Jay, Cinereous Finch, Coastal Miner, Short-tailed Field Tyrant, Peruvian Pygmy Owl, and Tumbes Swallow. Along the route, we will make stops to observe shorebirds, with potential sightings of Comb Duck and Masked Duck.Later, we will head to Olmos and spend the night in a tranquil yet rustic lodge in the small village of Salas. In the evening, we will search for the elusive West Peruvian Screech
Owl.Overnight: Salas (B:L:D)
Day 3: Frejolillo Forest & Quebrada Limón
Our morning will be dedicated to birdwatching in Bosque Frejolillo, with a primary focus on spotting the White-winged Guan. Other target species include White-headed Brush Finch, Henna-hooded Foliage-gleaner, Pacific Elaenia, Grey-and-white Tyrannulet, Ecuadorian Piculet, Elegant Crescentchest, and Black-capped Sparrow. As we exit the forest, we will look for Short-tailed Field Tyrant, Tumbes Sparrow, Peruvian Thick-knee, Tumbes Hummingbird, Tumbes Tyrant, and Short-tailed Woodstar. If lucky, we may also spot the Spotted Rail along the main road.
Overnight: Olmos (B:L:D)
Day 4: Abra Porculla
Leaving the coastal region behind, we will journey early to one of the lowest Andean passes, Abra Porculla. Our goal will be to locate Piura Chat-Tyrant, Peruvian Sheartail, Chapman’s Antshrike, Bay-crowned Brush Finch, Line-cheeked Spinetail, Black-cowled Saltator, Three-banded Warbler, Andean Tinamou, and the Ecuadorian Piculet.In the late morning, we will drive to Jaén, making a stop en route to search for the Little Inca Finch. Later, we will explore the Jaén area for Marañón Crescentchest, Chinchipe Spinetail, Marañón Slaty Antshrike, Rufous-fronted Thornbird, Red-crested Finch, and Purple-throated Euphonia.
Overnight: Jaén (B:L:D)
Day 5: Dry Marañon Forest
We will depart early for Tamborapa and Bosque Yanahuanca, key habitats for Marañón Spinetail, Buff-bellied Tanager, Marañón Crescentchest, and Chinchipe Spinetail. Other targets include Marañón Slaty Antshrike, Marañón Thrush, and Yellow-cheeked Becard. We may also encounter regional specialties such as Speckle-breasted Wren, Black-capped Sparrow, Tataupa Tinamou, and Military Macaw.Continuing along the Utcubamba River, we will search for Blue Ground Dove, Ecuadorian Ground Dove, Fasciated Tiger Heron, Pied Lapwing, Yellow-browed Sparrow, and Torrent Duck. Our journey will take us to Huembo, where we have excellent chances of spotting the magnificent Marvelous Spatuletail and Little Woodstar.
Overnight: Pomacochas (B:L:D)
Day 6: San Lorenzo & Chido Trail
Morning birdwatching in San Lorenzo will focus on the endemic Pale-billed Antpitta, Rusty-tinged Antpitta, Russet-mantled Softtail, Mountain Avocetbill, and White-capped Tanager. After midday, we will return to Huembo Reserve to observe Marvelous Spatuletail, Little Woodstar, and a variety of hummingbird species, including Andean Emerald, Violet-fronted Brilliant, and Green-tailed Trainbearer. Additional species to look for include Sickle-winged Guan, Emerald Toucanet, and Chestnut-capped Brush Finch.
Overnight: Pomacochas (B:L:D)
Days 7–9: Abra Patricia & Owlet Lodge
We will depart early for Abra Patricia, spending three nights at the renowned Owlet Lodge. This remote, high-elevation reserve is a paradise for ornithologists, offering excellent chances to see the rare Long-whiskered Owlet, White-throated Screech Owl, Rufous-banded Owl, and Cinnamon Screech Owl.While birding along the trails, we will encounter mixed-species flocks with Blue-browed Tanager, Grass-green Tanager, Hooded Mountain Tanager, Red-hooded Tanager, Flame-faced Tanager, and Saffron-crowned Tanager. Other notable species include White-faced Nunbird, Ochre-fronted Antpitta, Variable Antshrike, Royal Sunangel, and Lulu’s Tody-Flycatcher. The lodge grounds also host many hummingbirds, including Collared Inca, Long-tailed Sylph, and Speckled Hummingbird.
Overnight: Abra Patricia (B:L:D)
Day 10: Afluentes & Llantaria
Today, we will explore the lower elevations of Abra Patricia, focusing on Versicolored Barbet, Speckle-chested Piculet, Equatorial Greytail, Golden Tanager, Paradise Tanager, and Bay-headed Tanager. We may also encounter Andean Cock-of-the-Rock and Ecuadorian Piedtail. Continuing towards the lowlands, we will visit Mauritia palm forests to search for Point-tailed Palmcreeper and other specialty species.
Overnight: Moyobamba (B:L:D)
Day 11: Mishquiyacu Mountains
A full-day hike into the Mishquiyacu Mountains will allow us to seek out the elusive Mishana Tyrannulet, Buff-throated Tody-Tyrant, Fiery-capped Manakin, and Tawny-throated Leaftosser. Lower elevations may yield White-bellied Pygmy-Tyrant, Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater, and several antbird species. Night birding will provide opportunities to see Stygian Owl, Black-banded Owl, and Ferruginous Pygmy Owl.
Overnight: Moyobamba (B:L:D)
Day 12: Morro de Calzada
We will begin the morning searching for Mishana Tyrannulet, Pale-breasted Thrush, and Varzea Thrush. Later, we will visit lowland marshes to look for Pale-eyed Blackbird, Black-billed Seed Finch, and Masked Duck. At a private reserve, we will observe Rufous-breasted Wood-Quail and Brown Tinamou at feeding stations, with further chances to spot Wire-crested Thorntail and Napo Sabrewing.
Overnight: Abra Patricia (B:L:D)
Day 13: Leymebamba & Utcubamba Valley
A final morning at Abra Patricia will focus on rare local species such as Rusty-tinged Antpitta and Royal Sunangel. In the afternoon, we will explore the Utcubamba Valley, searching for Koepcke’s Screech Owl, Marañón Crescentchest, Black-necked Woodpecker, and other Andean specialties.
Overnight: Leymebamba (B:L:D)
Day 14: Abra Barro Negro & Marañón Valley
Begin the day with birding around Leymebamba, searching for mixed flocks that may include the striking Red-hooded Tanager and the majestic Andean Condor. Our next destination is Abra Barro Negro, approximately an hour from town, where we will seek out high-altitude specialties such as the Coppery Metaltail, Neblina Tapaculo, Gray-breasted Mountain Toucan, Violet-throated Starfrontlet, Russet-mantled Softtail, and Moustached Flowerpiercer. Other species of interest include the White-chinned Thistletail and Many-striped Canastero.
By mid-to-late morning, we begin our descent into the Marañón Canyon, one of Peru’s most important biodiversity hotspots. Here, we will focus on finding the Chestnut-backed Thornbird and the endangered Yellow-faced Parrotlet. We will also have another opportunity to spot the Peruvian Pigeon and Marañón Thrush before heading to our accommodation in Celendín.
Overnight: Celendín (B:L:D)
Day 15: Marañón Valley & Cajamarca Road
Today’s focus is on the endemic bird species of the Marañón Valley, one of Peru’s most ecologically significant regions. Our targets include the Yellow-faced Parrotlet, Buff-bridled Inca-Finch, Gray-winged Inca-Finch, and Chestnut-backed Thornbird.
As we ascend the canyon and leave the valley, we will continue birding along the scenic Cajamarca Road, making strategic stops en route at Cruz Conga and various roadside habitats. Key species to look for include the White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant, Rufous Antpitta (Cajamarcae race), Rufous-webbed Bush-Tyrant, Rufous-eared Brush-Finch, Black-crested Warbler, Jelski’s Chat-Tyrant, Baron’s Spinetail, Golden-billed Saltator, Black-crested Tit-Tyrant, and White-browed Chat-Tyrant, along with a variety of other high-altitude Andean species.
Overnight: Cajamarca (B:L:D)
Day 16: San Marcos & Río Chonta – Departure to Lima
In the morning, we take a scenic drive to San Marcos, where we aim to observe the critically endangered Great Spinetail and the elusive White-winged Black Tyrant.
Later, we travel to Río Chonta, a prime location for high-altitude hummingbirds and Andean species. Here, we will seek the Gray-bellied Comet, Rusty-crowned Tit-Spinetail, Striated Earthcreeper, Black Metaltail, Andean Swift, Torrent Tyrannulet, and White-winged Cinclodes.
In the late afternoon, we transfer to the airport for our flight back to Lima, marking the end of this incredible birding adventure.
Flight to Lima – Tour Concludes (B:L)
- Luggage Restrictions: Please pack lightly. Domestic flights allow checked luggage up to 23 kg (50.7 lbs) and carry-on luggage up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs). Any additional baggage costs will be at your own expense.
- Clothing Recommendations: Comfortable, lightweight field attire is recommended, such as standard field pants and long-sleeved shirts. A light jacket is sufficient for cooler areas.
- Laundry Facilities: Laundry services are available at Abra Patricia and Moyobamba.
Essential Items:
- Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen, a hat, or a cap.
- Insect Repellent: Mosquito and insect repellent is essential.
- Rain Gear: A small umbrella and a rain poncho are advisable.
- Footwear: Rubber boots/gumboots are required, especially for the Plataforma area.
- Lighting: A small flashlight is necessary for owling, though the guide will carry a powerful owling light.
- Cold Weather Gear: A fleece or lightweight jacket is recommended for high elevations. No heavy winter coats are needed, but if you are sensitive to cold, consider bringing a warm hat and lightweight gloves.
- Clothing Color: Camouflage clothing is acceptable; however, please avoid military-style attire.
- Footwear for Indoors: Shower thongs or rubber flip-flops will be useful.
By following these guidelines, you will be well-prepared for a comfortable and enjoyable birding experience across various terrains and climates.
Recommendation:
- Binoculars.
- Extra Batteries.
- Camera (Optional).
- Telescope (Optional)
Books / Field guides:
- Birds of Peru is the best field Guide.
- If you consider you can bring some other field guide are welcome.
General:
- Birding will primarily take place along forested roads and select trails, with an easy to moderate difficulty level.
- The tour covers elevations ranging from sea level to 3,200 meters (10,498 feet), with most birding occurring between 800 and 2,500 meters.
- Expect a variety of weather conditions; however, no special clothing is required.
- Electricity will be available at all destinations, with 220V power outlets in all rooms.
- It is recommended to bring extra batteries, as power outages may occasionally occur in remote locations such as Abra Patricia and Fundo Alto Nieva.
Medical and Health Information:
- Altitude Considerations: Upon arrival in Chiclayo, you will be at sea level, and we will gradually ascend into the Andes. The highest point during the tour is 3,200 meters, which is generally not high enough to cause severe altitude sickness. However, individual responses to altitude vary.
- Possible Effects: Some participants may feel no effects, while others might experience mild symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, headaches, or fatigue during the first few days. These symptoms typically improve as the body acclimatizes by producing more red blood cells.
- Hydration and Precautions: Staying well-hydrated is essential, as increased red blood cell production thickens the blood. Drink plenty of water while avoiding alcohol and caffeine, which can exacerbate dehydration. Additionally, it is advisable to eat lightly on the first day to aid acclimatization.
- Acclimatization Plan: Our birding itinerary is designed to gradually increase altitude, allowing for natural acclimatization. By the time we reach the highest elevations, your body should be well-adjusted. We will take a slow-paced, enjoyable approach to birding to ensure comfort and well-being.
- Safety Measures: Your health and safety are our top priorities. Regular check-ins will be conducted to monitor how everyone is feeling. If any participant experiences significant discomfort, our driver will be on standby to quickly transport them to a lower altitude if necessary.
- Altitude Sickness Medication: If you are concerned about altitude sickness, consult your doctor regarding preventive medications. For mild headaches, over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve) can help alleviate symptoms.
By taking these precautions, we aim to ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable birding experience for all participants.
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 transport in all the way.
- All accommodations in all the tour (Lima /Cajamarca).
- Three meals per day (breakfast, lunch/ picnic or box lunch depending where we are, dinner, snacks, water available all the time).
- Bird guide specialist.
- Bird checklist per person.
- Entrances to all Birding spots.
- Transfers in Lima, Chiclayo and Cajamarca.
- Basically full board in a private tour.
- Domestic flights: Lima to Chiclayo and Cajamarca to Lima.
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.
Should this itinerary not fully align with your preferences
Dates don’t work for you?
Prefer a shorter or longer trip?
Looking for a specific destination or species?
inclusion of places you’d rather not visit again, or if it doesn’t feature a destination or species you’re particularly interested in,
No worries! We want your experience to be perfect for you. Let us know what adjustments you need, and we’ll design a 100% tailor-made itinerary just for you.
