Spectacular Northern Peru – 22 Days
Our Northern Peru Birding Tour offers an unparalleled birding experience, showcasing an exceptional selection of local endemic birds and sought-after specialties, including the iconic Scarlet-banded Barbet. Renowned for its diversity of species and abundance of Peruvian and regional endemics, this tour is one of our most popular due to its unbeatable birding opportunities. Designed for comfort, it features mid-range accommodations with a few nights in basic hotels, eliminating the need for camping while ensuring safety from the elements. The tour includes several long but rewarding walks through bird-rich habitats, requiring a moderate level of fitness. Perfect for birders seeking a unique and immersive adventure, this trip combines expert guidance, comfortable lodgings, and unforgettable encounters with some of the world’s most enigmatic birds.
Spectacular Northern Peru – 22 Days
Birding Northern Peru tours offer an exceptional selection of local endemic birds. This is our most popular Northern Peru tour, and for good reason: the diversity of species is nearly unbeatable on a trip of this length anywhere in the world. You will encounter a wide range of Peruvian and regional endemics, including some of the most enigmatic and sought‐after specialties. Overall, this comfortable mid‐range tour features a couple of nights in basic hotels—avoiding camping to ensure a safe and pleasant search for the incomparable Scarlet-banded Barbet. With several long (but rewarding) birding walks planned throughout the excursion, a moderate level of fitness is recommended.
Day 1: Arrival in Lima, Peru
Upon arrival at Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima, you will be greeted by our transfer service and taken to your hotel in Miraflores. Rest and prepare for the exciting days ahead.
Overnight: Lima.
Day 2: Flight to Cajamarca – San Marcos – Chonta Stream
We’ll take an early morning flight to Cajamarca (or a flight the previous evening). From there, we’ll head south to San Marcos, where we’ll enjoy breakfast in the field while searching for the Great Spinetail, Buff-bridled Inca-Finch, and other species like the White-winged Black-Tyrant and Purple-collared Woodstar. Afterward, we’ll visit a small lake to spot the endemic Rufous-backed Inca-Finch and other Andean species. In the afternoon, we’ll explore Chonta Stream, targeting the Grey-bellied Comet, Rusty-crowned Tit-Spinetail, and Torrent Tyrannulet.
Overnight: Cajamarca (B:L:D)
Day 3: High Andes – Marañón Valley
We’ll spend the day birding en route to Celendin, stopping at La Encañada for breakfast and searching for the rare Rufous-eared Brush-Finch, Black-crested Tit-Tyrant, and Jelski’s Chat-Tyrant. Later, we’ll explore Cruz Conga for the White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant and Rufous Antpitta. In the afternoon, we’ll enter the Marañón Valley, targeting specialties like the Gray-winged Inca-Finch and Chestnut-backed Thornbird.
Overnight: Balzas/Celendin (B:L:D)
Day 4: Marañón Valley – Abra Barro Negro
Today, we’ll explore the Marañón Valley, searching for the Yellow-faced Parrotlet, Marañón Thrush, and Black-necked Woodpecker. In higher areas, we’ll look for the Coppery Metaltail, Russet-mantled Softtail, and Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan. Hummingbird feeders may attract species like the Purple-throated Sunangel and Sword-billed Hummingbird. Night birding may yield Koepcke’s Screech-Owl and Rufous-banded Owl.
Overnight: Leymebamba (B:L:D)
Day 5: Utcubamba Valley
We’ll explore the Utcubamba Valley, targeting the Red-hooded Tanager, Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan, and Golden-headed Quetzal. Other highlights include the Marañón Thrush, Speckle-chested Piculet, and Torrent Duck. Night birding may reveal the elusive Buff-fronted Owl.
Overnight: Cocachimba (B:L:D)
Day 6: San Lorenzo – Chido Trail
We’ll make an early start to search for the elusive Pale-billed Antpitta, followed by visits to hummingbird feeders for the Marvelous Spatuletail and Little Woodstar. Other targets include the White-bellied Hummingbird and Sickle-winged Guan.
Overnight: Pomacochas (B:L:D)
Days 7-8: Abra Patricia
We’ll spend two full days at Abra Patricia, one of Northern Peru’s premier birding sites. Targets include the Royal Sunangel, Bar-winged Wood-Wren, and Ochre-fronted Antpitta. Night birding focuses on the enigmatic Long-whiskered Owlet and Cinnamon Screech-Owl.
Overnight: Abra Patricia (B:L:D)
Day 9: Afluentes – Moyobamba
We’ll explore Afluentes, targeting species like the Equatorial Greytail, Ecuadorian Piedtail, and Vermilion Tanager. Later, we’ll visit Arena Blanca Reserve for Rufous-breasted Wood-Quail and hummingbirds like the Wire-crested Thorntail.
Overnight: Moyobamba (B:L:D)
Day 10: Mishquiyacu Reserve
We’ll spend the day at Mishquiyacu Reserve, searching for the Mishana Tyrannulet, Varzea Thrush, and Foothill Antwren. Hummingbird feeders may attract the Rufous-crested Coquette and Koepcke’s Hermit.
Overnight: Moyobamba (B:L:D)
Day 11: To Tarapoto
We’ll bird around Moyobamba before driving to Tarapoto, stopping for Oilbird and exploring dry forest for the elusive Dotted Tanager.
Overnight: Tarapoto (B:L:D)
Days 12-13: Plataforma / Flor de Café – Cordillera Azul Mountains
We’ll travel to Plataforma, a remote site for the Scarlet-banded Barbet and other foothill specialties like the Scaled Fruiteater and Andean Laniisoma. Night birding may yield Vermiculated Screech-Owl and Band-bellied Owl.
Overnight: Plataforma/Flor de Café (B:L:D)
Day 14: Plataforma to Tarapoto
We’ll spend the morning birding at Plataforma before driving to Tarapoto, with stops for the Mishana Tyrannulet and other species.
Overnight: Tarapoto (B:L:D)
Day 15: Cordillera Escalera / Tunnels
We’ll explore sites near Tarapoto, targeting the Plumbeous Euphonia, Yellow-shouldered Grosbeak, and Dotted Tanager. Hummingbird feeders may attract the Koepcke’s Hermit and Black-throated Brilliant.
Overnight: Moyobamba (B:L:D)
Day 16: Rioja – Back to the Mountains – Abra Patricia
We’ll visit Rioja for marshland species like the Pale-eyed Blackbird and Point-tailed Palmcreeper, then return to Abra Patricia for another chance at the Long-whiskered Owlet.
Overnight: Abra Patricia (B:L:D)
Day 17: Abra Patricia Revisited
We’ll spend another day at Abra Patricia, targeting species like the Royal Sunangel, Rusty-tinged Antpitta, and Hooded Tinamou.
Overnight: Abra Patricia (B:L:D)
Day 18: Pampas del Burro – Middle Marañón Valley
We’ll explore Pampas del Burro for the Royal Sunangel and Ochre-fronted Antpitta, then head to Jaén for the Little Inca-Finch and Marañón Crescentchest.
Overnight: Jaén (B:L:D)
Day 19: Middle Marañón Valley – Abra Porculla
We’ll search for Marañón specialties before driving to Olmos, stopping at Abra Porculla for the Piura Chat-Tyrant and Elegant Crescentchest.
Overnight: Olmos (B:L:D)
Day 20: Bosque Frejolillo / Quebrada Limón
We’ll explore Bosque Frejolillo for the endangered White-winged Guan and other Tumbesian specialties like the Tumbes Hummingbird and Red-masked Parakeet.
Overnight: Chiclayo (B:L:D)
Day 21: Bosque Pomac to Trujillo
We’ll visit Bosque Pomac for the endemic Peruvian Plantcutter and other Tumbesian species before driving to Trujillo.
Overnight: Trujillo (B:L:D)
Day 22: Sinsicap – Flight to Lima
We’ll search for the Russet-bellied Spinetail and Piura Chat-Tyrant near Sinsicap before driving to Trujillo for your flight to Lima.
(B:L)
- Please do not bring too much luggage. For domestic flights you can hold 23 kg. ( 50.7063 lbs.) and 8 kg. (17.637 lbs.) in hand luggage. Extra costs run by yourselves.
- Lightweight comfortable clothing is recommended, i.e. standard field pants and shirts for the entire trip, some jacket for cold places is enough.
- At Abra Patricia and Moyobamba laundry can be done.
- Sunblock and hat or cap.
- Mosquito or insect repellent.
- An umbrella and rain poncho.
- Rubber boots / gumboots specially for Plataforma area.
- Small flashlight for owling – I will have a strong owling light (guide).
- You will need a fleece or other light jacket – NOT a heavy winter type coat/jacket. This is noted for the high elevations. We will be in all kinds of weather, but no special clothing is necessary. If you are a person that gets cold easily – perhaps a little more clothing, like a warm hat or light-weight gloves would be in order.
- Please using camouflaged clothing would be ok not really any military clothing avoid the second.
- Shower thongs / rubber flip flops will be useful.
General:
Please avoid bringing excessive luggage. For domestic flights, the allowance is 23 kg (50.7 lbs) for checked baggage and 8 kg (17.6 lbs) for hand luggage. Any additional baggage fees will be your responsibility.
Lightweight and Comfortable Clothing: Pack standard field pants and shirts suitable for outdoor activities.
Warm Layers: Bring a fleece or light jacket for cooler areas, especially at higher elevations. If you tend to feel cold easily, consider packing a warm hat or lightweight gloves. Heavy winter coats are unnecessary.
Rain Gear: An umbrella and a lightweight rain poncho are essential for unexpected showers.
Rubber boots or gumboots are highly recommended for the Plataforma area.
Shower thongs or rubber flip-flops are useful for convenience and comfort.
Sun Protection: Don’t forget sunblock (SPF 30 or higher) and a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun.
Insect Repellent: Bring mosquito or insect repellent for protection in tropical areas.
Flashlight: A small flashlight or headlamp is recommended for owling activities. (Your guide will provide a strong owling light, but having your own is helpful.)
Laundry Services: Laundry facilities are available at Abra Patricia and Moyobamba.
Camouflaged clothing is acceptable, but please avoid military-style patterns to prevent any misunderstandings.
Recommendation:
- Binoculars.
- Extra Batteries.
- Camera (Optional).
- Telescope (Optional).
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 Transportation throughout the entire journey, ensuring comfort and flexibility.
- All Accommodations included for the duration of the tour (Lima and Trujillo).
- Daily Meals: Three full meals per day, including:
- Breakfast, lunch (picnic or box lunch, depending on location), and dinner
- Snacks and unlimited water available at all times.
- Expert Birding Guide with specialized knowledge of local avifauna.
- Personalized Bird Checklist provided for each participant.
- 4×4 Vehicle Access for off-road excursions to Plataforma.
- Entrance Fees to all designated birding locations.
- Seamless Transfers in Lima, Cajamarca, and Trujillo.
- Fully Hosted Private Tour, offering a comprehensive and worry-free experience.
- Domestic Flights included:
- Lima to Cajamarca
- Trujillo 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.
