Tambopata Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick 5 Days
The Tambopata National Reserve in Madre de Dios, Peru, is the most accessible tropical rainforest in southern Peru, offering an incredible opportunity to experience the Amazon’s biodiversity. With direct flights available, you can easily reach this stunning destination from Lima or Cusco to Puerto Maldonado, where the warm, tropical climate welcomes you upon arrival. This tour is specially designed for travelers with limited time who want an authentic Amazon jungle experience. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure—book your flight, and we’ll be waiting to welcome you!
Day 1: Arrival in Puerto Maldonado – Canopy Walkway
Upon your arrival in Puerto Maldonado around noon, our private transport will be waiting to transfer you to the port on the Madre de Dios River, where we board a motorized canoe. As we journey downriver, we’ll soon reach the confluence with the Tambopata River, one of its major tributaries. In the coming days, we’ll explore this river and observe the striking differences between them.
After a 20-minute boat ride, we arrive at our Amazonian lodge for a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, we embark on an exciting visit to the Canopy Walkway, offering breathtaking panoramic views from the treetops. This is a fantastic opportunity to observe macaws, eagles, vultures, and, if we’re lucky, groups of monkeys, including large-headed capuchins, squirrel monkeys, and saddle-backed tamarins.
From the canopy tower, we enjoy an unmatched birdwatching experience, spotting various species at eye level. As night falls, we set out on a nocturnal walk, searching for night-active wildlife, such as night monkeys, snakes, frogs, insects, and more.
Overnight at Amazonian Lodge (L:D)
Day 2: Sandoval Lake Exploration
We start the day early with a full-day excursion to Sandoval Lake, one of the most beautiful oxbow lakes in the Amazon. After a 3-km (2-mi) hike, we reach the dock, where we switch to a rowing boat—as motorized boats are prohibited to protect this pristine ecosystem.
This lake is home to an array of fascinating wildlife, including the iconic giant river otters. As we quietly scan the water’s surface, we may spot their small round heads appearing as they actively fish and teach their young. Beneath the water, we find diverse species, including catfish, piranhas, and the massive Paiche—the largest freshwater fish in South America, reaching up to 3 meters (10 feet) and 250 kg (551 lbs.).
The lake is also a habitat for caimans, with both white (2–3 m) and black caimans (up to 6 m) often spotted. On the riverbanks, we’ll observe numerous bird species, including macaws flying toward the clay licks, while monkeys swing through the branches in search of food.
On our return, we take time for birdwatching along the trail, where we might encounter colorful butterflies, exotic frogs, and fascinating insects. After dinner, we enjoy another night walk, marveling at the starry Amazonian sky and the Milky Way—with the help of a green laser pointer, we’ll identify the constellations above.
Overnight at Amazonian Lodge (B:L:D)
Day 3: Journey to Tambopata National Reserve
This morning, we explore the lodge’s trail system, searching for more Amazonian wildlife. The rainforest is rich with towering trees, including the majestic Ceiba tree, and various medicinal plants used by indigenous communities.
By mid-morning, we return to Puerto Maldonado. If your journey is short, we’ll transfer you to the airport. For those continuing, we take a scenic drive along the Interoceanic Highway, heading toward Tambopata National Reserve. The route transitions from paved roads to rugged jungle trails, leading us to the Tambopata River, where another boat transfer awaits. A short downstream ride brings us to our lodge, nestled in the heart of the rainforest.
This afternoon, we take a relaxing walk to the highest canopy tower in the region, offering aerial views of the vast jungle and river below. As dusk approaches, we might spot scarlet macaws, blue-and-yellow macaws, red-and-green macaws, and hear the distinctive calls of the white-throated toucan.
Overnight at Amazon Foothill Lodge (B:L:D)
Day 4: Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick – A Spectacle of Nature
At dawn, we embark on a 1.5-hour boat ride upstream to witness one of the world’s largest macaw clay licks—a breathtaking wildlife phenomenon. Here, we observe the three largest macaw species—red-and-green, blue-and-yellow, and scarlet macaws—gathering in spectacular flocks to feed on the mineral-rich clay, essential for their digestion.
Along the Tambopata River, we may encounter the elusive jaguar, as well as other wildlife, including the capybara (the world’s largest rodent) and various monkey species.
Later, we explore more forest trails, searching for additional species we may have missed earlier in the trip.
Overnight at Amazon Foothill Lodge (B:L:D)
Day 5: Farewell – Flight Back Home
After breakfast, we leave the lodge and return to Puerto Maldonado. Depending on your flight schedule, we can enjoy some final birdwatching along the trails or canopy tower, which may reveal rare species before departure.
We recommend midday flights to make the most of your final morning in the Amazon. Our journey concludes with a flight back to Lima or Cusco, where you may connect with another nature, cultural, or birdwatching tour—check our available extensions for further exploration.
Overnight in Lima / Cusco (B)
- To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, we recommend bringing only the necessary items. Please note that for domestic flights, the luggage allowance is:
- Checked baggage: 23 kg (50.7 lbs.)
- Hand luggage: 8 kg (17.6 lbs.) Any excess baggage costs will be your responsibility.
Clothing & Gear
- Lightweight, comfortable clothing – Ideal for warm and humid conditions, including breathable field pants and long-sleeved shirts.
- Jacket & gloves – Recommended for cooler temperatures, especially in the Cusco area and early mornings.
- Daypack – Essential for carrying daily-use items during walks and excursions.
- Rain gear – Bring a light rain poncho or umbrella, as weather conditions can change unexpectedly.
- Camouflage clothing (optional) – Helps blend into the naturalsurroundings; however, avoid military-style attire.
- Comfortable footwear – Hiking shoes for trails and rubber flip-flops or shower thongs for lodge use.
- Sun protection – Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat or cap.
- Insect repellent – Essential for protection against mosquitoes and other insects.
General:
Tour Overview
During this tour, we will explore a protected national park, primarily traveling along forested roads and easy-level trails. The terrain is flat and accessible, making it a comfortable experience for all visitors.
- Elevation range: 300 – 200 meters above sea level (984 – 656 feet)
- Climate: Tropical rainforest (no special clothing required)
Electricity & Connectivity
- Power supply: Available at all destinations (220V sockets)
- Generator hours in lodges: 6:00 – 9:00 PM
- Wi-Fi: Limited availability, accessible in only one lodge
- Photography gear: Bring extra batteries and memory cards, as a single battery may not last an entire day. Don’t forget to download your photos daily to free up space.
Medical and Health Information:
- Altitude Considerations: Puerto Maldonado is at 300m (984 ft), so altitude sickness is not a concern, especially if you have already been in higher-elevation areas like Cusco.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water while avoiding alcohol and caffeine, as dehydration can worsen fatigue in tropical conditions.
- Physical Activity: The tour is relaxing, with minimal physical exertion. Activities primarily include walking on trails and riding in a motorized canoe.
- Protection from Mosquitoes: Although temperatures are warm, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants is highly recommended to minimize insect bites. This is a natural alternative to excessive insect repellent use.
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 tour.
- Accommodation for the duration of the tour (Puerto Maldonado – Puerto Maldonado).
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), including picnic or box lunch when needed, plus snacks and unlimited drinking water.
- Expert naturalist guide specializing in the region’s wildlife and ecosystems.
- River transport for excursions.
- Entrance fees to all protected areas, national reserves, and birdwatching sites.
- Transfers in Puerto Maldonado (airport/hotel/lodge).
- Full-board private tour experience.
Not included:
- Laundry services.
- Phone calls and communication costs.
- Medical expenses, hospitalization, or travel insurance.
- Excess baggage fees.
- Personal expenses and additional services not mentioned above.
