Satipo Road "Mantaro's Valley Heart" - 9 days
Birdwatching in Central Peru is a truly exceptional experience, as it is home to some of the most localized and critically endangered bird species in the world. Our specialized tour takes you to remote and little-explored areas, such as the surroundings of Satipo, where you can spot unique and scientifically undescribed birds, making this adventure even more thrilling. Highlights include iconic species like the Sira Tanager and Sira Barbet, making this region a must-visit destination for bird enthusiasts looking to add rare gems to their life lists. Join this one-of-a-kind expedition and discover the astounding biodiversity of one of Peru’s most fascinating regions.
Satipo Road "Mantaro's Valley Heart" - 9 days
Birdwatching in Central Peru is a truly exceptional experience, as it is home to some of the most localized and critically endangered bird species in the world. Our specialized tour takes you to remote and little-explored areas, such as the surroundings of Satipo, where you can spot unique and scientifically undescribed birds, making this adventure even more thrilling. Highlights include iconic species like the Sira Tanager and Sira Barbet, making this region a must-visit destination for bird enthusiasts looking to add rare gems to their life lists. Join this one-of-a-kind expedition and discover the astounding biodiversity of one of Peru’s most fascinating regions.
Day 1: Pelagic Tour – Santa Eulalia
Your adventure begins with a transfer from your hotel to the boat for an exhilarating pelagic birding trip. We’ll spend most of the day on the Pacific Ocean, focusing on seabird sightings. Using a technique called chumming—a mixture of rotten fish entrails, old fish leftovers, and oil mixed with popcorn—we attract seabirds with their acute sense of smell. The boat will soon be surrounded by a variety of species, including Storm Petrels, albatrosses, Peruvian Diving-Petrel, Sooty Shearwater, Cape Petrel, and several Storm-Petrel species like Markham’s, White-vented, Wilson’s, and Wedge-rumped. You may also spot Chilean and South Polar Skuas, Waved, Gray-headed, and Salvin’s Albatross, and even whales, depending on the season. In the mid-afternoon, we’ll head to the mountains for relaxed birding around the lodge.
Overnight: Santa Eulalia Valley (L:D)
Day 2: Dry West Pacific Slope
Today is dedicated to exploring the dry slopes of the West Pacific, home to a variety of enigmatic and endemic birds. Key targets include the highly localized Rufous-breasted Warbling-Finch and Great Inca-Finch, as well as Bronze-tailed Comet, Black Metaltail, Rusty-crowned Tit-Spinetail, Black-necked Woodpecker, and Rusty-bellied Brush-Finch. We’ll ascend to the Polylepis forest, where we’ll search for White-cheeked Cotinga, Striated Earthcreeper, Giant Conebill, and Stripe-headed Antpitta. At higher elevations, we’ll look for White-bellied Cinclodes and the stunning Diademed Sandpiper-Plover. After a thrilling day, we’ll return to the paved road en route to La Oroya.
Overnight: La Oroya (B:L:D)
Day 3: Mantaro’s Valley Heart
We’ll depart early for Comas, a village near the Mantaro Valley. Here, we’ll search for Eye-ringed Thistletail, Fire-throated Metaltail, Creamy-crested Spinetail, Tschudi’s Tapaculo, and Millpo Tapaculo. In the afternoon, we’ll have our first chance to spot the Mantaro Thornbird and Mantaro Spinetail (a distinct race of Azara’s Spinetail). As night falls, we’ll embark on a night birding excursion to look for the undescribed Accobamba Screech-Owl.
Overnight: Accobamba (B:L:D)
Day 4: To Apalla Calabaza – Mantaro Valley
We’ll spend the morning in the heart of Mantaro Valley, focusing on the recently discovered Black-goggled Brush-Finch (Black-spectacled Brush-Finch). The shrubby slopes are also home to the endemic Thryothorus wren (Mantaro Wren), which may represent a new species or subspecies. We’ll also search for Mantaro Thornbird and Mantaro Spinetail. Later, we’ll drive toward Satipo Road, where targets include Junín Tapaculo (a potential new species), Large-footed Tapaculo, and the weskei subspecies of Marcapata Spinetail. The day concludes with a chance to spot the Lyre-tailed Nightjar.
Overnight: Apalla Calabaza (B:L:D)
Day 5: Satipo Road
This area, reminiscent of the famous Manu Road but with a distinct set of species, offers incredible birding opportunities. Above Apalla Calabaza, we’ll search for Bay Antpitta, Eyering Thistletail, Marcapata Spinetail, and Junín Tapaculo. Mixed flocks in the humid montane forest may include Inca Flycatcher, Lacrimose Mountain-Tanager, Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan, and Grass-green Tanager. At lower elevations, we’ll look for Paradise, Golden, Blue-necked, and Bay-headed Tanagers, as well as Ocellated Piculet and the rare Lanceolated Monklet. We’ll spend the night in Satipo.
Overnight: Satipo (B:L:D)
Day 6: Villa Rica – Coffee Plantation
We’ll depart early for Villa Rica, where we’ll bird in coffee plantations. Our main target is the Creamy-bellied Antwren, with possibilities of Foothill Elaenia, Peruvian Tyrannulet, and Chestnut-backed Antshrike. Midday, we’ll visit a lake to spot Masked Duck, Plumbeous Rail, Blackish Rail, and other shorebirds. Later, we’ll drive to Oxapampa, passing through Bosque Shollet – Gran Pajonal, where we may encounter Chestnut-crested Cotinga, Peruvian Wren, and Bay Antpitta. Night birding may yield sightings of Cloud-forest Screech-Owl.
Overnight: Oxapampa (B:L:D)
Day 7: Birding in Oxapampa
Oxapampa’s forests are a treasure trove of endemic species. We’ll explore a protected area, targeting Peruvian endemics such as Masked Fruiteater, Unstreaked Tit-Tyrant, Peruvian Wren, Yellow-scarfed Tanager, and Chestnut Antpitta. The ‘Huanuco Fruiteater,’ a distinctive race of Green-and-Black Fruiteater, may also be elevated to species status. With luck, we may spot the rare Andean Tyrant or the elusive Masked Saltator. Night birding offers another chance for Cloud-forest Screech-Owl.
Overnight: Oxapampa (B:L:D)
Day 8: Return to the High Andes
We’ll spend the morning searching for any missing species before driving back to the high Andes. Birding around Junín Lake will target Dark-winged Canastero, Junín Canastero, Black-breasted Hillstar, White-tufted Grebe, Puna Ibis, Andean Goose, Andean Avocet, and other wetland species. Late in the day, we’ll search for the recently described Junín Rail.
Overnight: La Oroya (B:L:D)
Day 9: Junín Lake
Our final day focuses on the critically endangered Junín Grebe. We’ll take a small motorboat into the deeper parts of Lake Junín for optimal viewing. Another key target is the Junín Rail, a recently described species found in the lake’s marshlands. Other highlights include Puna Plover, Andean Avocet, Plumbeous Rail, Silvery Grebe, and Chilean Flamingos. In the afternoon, we’ll drive back to Lima, with optional stops for Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe or Black Metaltail. You’ll be dropped off at the airport for your international flight or at a hotel in Lima.
Overnight: Lima (B:L)
- No Domestic Flights: This tour does not include domestic flights. However, for your reference, domestic airline baggage allowances typically include 23 kg (50.7 lbs.) for checked luggage and 8 kg (17.6 lbs.) for carry-on baggage. Any excess baggage fees will be the traveler’s responsibility. We recommend packing light for convenience.
- Clothing Recommendations: Wear lightweight, comfortable field attire, such as standard field pants and breathable shirts. For colder locations like Marcapomacocha and Andamarca, bring a jacket and gloves to stay warm.
- Laundry Services: Available in Villa Rica and Oxapampa.
Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen and a hat or cap for sun exposure. - Insect Protection: Mosquito or insect repellent is highly recommended.
- Rain Gear: A compact umbrella and rain poncho will be useful.
- Footwear: Rubber boots/gumboots are essential, especially for Bosque Unchog.
- Flashlight for Owling: A small flashlight is required for night birding. The guide will carry a high-powered owling light.
- Cold Weather Gear: A fleece or light jacket is necessary, as temperatures can drop significantly at higher elevations. If you tend to get cold easily, consider bringing a warm hat and lightweight gloves.
- Camouflaged Clothing: Subtle camouflage is acceptable, but military-style clothing should be avoided.
- Shower Footwear: Rubber flip-flops or shower thongs will be useful.
Recommendation:
- Binoculars.
- Extra Batteries.
- Camera (Optional).
- Telescope (Optional).
General:
- Terrain & Difficulty: Birding will primarily take place along forested roads and select trails, with an easy to moderate difficulty level.
- Altitude Range: We will be traveling between 0 and 4,700 meters above sea level (15,419 feet)—with this maximum altitude reached on just one day. Most of our activities will occur between 1,500 and 3,100 meters.
- Weather Conditions: Expect a variety of weather conditions throughout the tour. However, no specialized clothing is required.
Electricity & Power Supply:
- Electricity will be available at all destinations, with 220V power outlets in every room.
- Exception: If we choose to camp in Apalla Calabaza, there will be no electricity at the campsite. However, this option can be avoided—please contact us for more details.
- Backup Power Considerations: In remote areas like Satipo and Oxapampa, occasional power outages may occur. We strongly recommend bringing extra batteries for your devices.
Medical and Health Information:
- Altitude Considerations: Upon arrival in Lima, you will be at sea level, and we will gradually ascend into the Andes. The highest point during the tour is 4,700 meters (15,419 feet), but this is only for one day. Most of our birding activities will take place between 1,500 and 3,100 meters. Birding will primarily be along roads and trails, requiring minimal physical effort.
- Possible Effects: Individual responses to altitude vary. 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 acclimates 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 contribute to dehydration.
It is advisable to eat lightly on the first day to aid acclimatization.
Acclimatization Plan:
- Our itinerary is designed to gradually increase altitude, allowing for natural adaptation.
By the time we reach the highest elevations, your body should be well-adjusted.
We will maintain a slow and enjoyable pace to ensure comfort and well-being throughout the tour.
Safety Measures:
- Your health and safety are our top priorities.
Regular check-ins will be conducted to monitor everyone’s condition.
If any participant experiences significant discomfort, our driver will be on standby to quickly transport them to a lower altitude if necessary.
Oxygen will be available if needed.
Altitude Sickness Medication:
- If you are concerned about altitude sickness, please consult your doctor regarding preventive medications.
- For mild headaches, over-the-counter pain relievers such as the following may help:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Naproxen (Aleve)
Ensuring a Pleasant
Experience: By taking these precautions, we aim to provide a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable birding tour 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 Transportation: Comfortable and exclusive transport throughout the entire tour.
- Accommodation: All lodging included for the duration of the tour (Lima to Lima).
- Meals & Refreshments: Three meals per day, including breakfast, lunch (picnic or box lunch depending on the location), and dinner. Snacks and water will be available at all times.
- Expert Birding Guide: A highly experienced birding specialist will accompany the group.
- Personalized Bird Checklist: Each participant will receive a bird checklist to track sightings.
- Entrance Fees: Access to all birding locations is included.
- Airport & Local Transfers: Seamless transfers upon arrival and departure in Lima.
- Private & Full-Board Tour: A fully personalized, private birding experience with all essential services included.
- Emergency Oxygen: Oxygen bottle available for high-altitude areas, ensuring safety and comfort.
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.
