This is the classic trip to the North of Peru but we will spend a few nights in the new Arena Blanca hostel and we add an extension towards the search for the scarlet bande barbet, an endemic bird located in a place sometimes not so accessible, it is an option to be able to photograph this and other birds
Day 1, Lima- Tarapoto – Waqanki lodge
Day 2 Waqanki Lodge full day
Day 3 Wakanky – Arena Blanca lodge
Day 4 Arena Blanca full day
Day 5 . Arena Blanca Lodge to Owlet Lodge
Day 6, Owlet Lodge Full day
Day 7 .Owlet to Tarapoto.
Day 8 Tarapa to Bella Vista toward Flor de CAFÉ – Scarlet Banded Barbet.
DAY 9 Flor de Café Full Day.
DAY 10 Flor de Café to Tarapoto city- Lima.
Lima – Tarapoto – Waqanki Lodge
Upon arrival in Tarapoto, we will transfer directly to Waqanki Lodge. Depending on our arrival time, we will spend part of the afternoon photographing hummingbirds and other birds around the lodge gardens.
Overnight: Waqanki Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
Waqanki Lodge is one of the best-known bird photography locations in northern Peru, situated at approximately 860 m (2,820 ft). The gardens attract an impressive diversity of hummingbirds, including the highly sought-after Rufous-crested Coquette.
Other species regularly photographed here include White-necked Jacobin, Brown Violetear, Gray-breasted Sabrewing, Many-spotted Hummingbird, Golden-tailed Sapphire, Sapphire-spangled Emerald, Black-throated Hermit, Great-billed Hermit, Black-throated Mango, Long-billed Starthroat, Blue-tailed Emerald, Violet-headed Hummingbird, Fork-tailed Woodnymph, White-chinned Sapphire, Amethyst Woodstar, Buff-tailed Sicklebill, and Black-eared Fairy.
During the day we will also explore nearby areas around Moyobamba for additional bird photography opportunities.
Overnight: Waqanki Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
After breakfast we will travel to Arena Blanca Lodge, located in the foothills of the Alto Mayo Valley.
The feeders attract species such as Wire-crested Thorntail, Blue-fronted Lancebill, Gray-breasted Sabrewing, Golden-tailed Sapphire, Sapphire-spangled Emerald, Brown Violetear, Blue-tailed Emerald, Rufous-crested Coquette, Fork-tailed Woodnymph, Green-fronted Lancebill, Long-billed Starthroat, and Violet-headed Hummingbird. Black-throated Brilliant and Rufous-throated Sapphire are possible during certain seasons.
The lodge also features a hide for Rufous-breasted Wood Quail, Cinereous Tinamou, Little Tinamou, and Orange-billed Sparrow. Additional hides are being developed for species such as Black-bellied Tanager and other foothill specialties.
Overnight: Arena Blanca Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
We will spend the morning photographing birds around the lodge gardens and feeders before visiting Llantería, where specialties such as Ecuadorian Piedtail and, occasionally, Napo Sabrewing may be found.
Later we will visit the Alto Nieva Reserve, an excellent cloud forest site where we will search for Greenish Puffleg, Royal Sunangel, and several additional hummingbird species.
Overnight: Arena Blanca Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
Owlet Lodge 2300mts/ 7360ft
Royal Sunangel
After an early breakfast, we will visit Aguas Verdes (approximately one hour from the lodge). This area, also known as the Arena Blanca Reserve, offers excellent hummingbird photography opportunities. Species regularly seen include Wire-crested Thorntail, Gray-breasted Sabrewing, Golden-tailed Sapphire, Sapphire-spangled Emerald, Brown Violetear, Blue-tailed Emerald, Rufous-crested Coquette, Fork-tailed Woodnymph, Blue-fronted Lancebill, Green-fronted Lancebill, Long-billed Starthroat, Reddish Hermit, Violet-headed Hummingbird, and Green Hermit. Black-throated Brilliant and Rufous-throated Sapphire are possible during certain seasons.
Afterward, we will begin our ascent through the Alto Mayo Valley. Along the way, we will stop at several elevations to photograph hummingbirds and other cloud forest specialties before arriving at Owlet Lodge.
Overnight: Owlet Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
Elevation: 2,300 m / 7,360 ft
Owlet Lodge is one of the premier birding and hummingbird photography destinations in northern Peru. The feeders near the dining room provide outstanding photographic opportunities throughout the day.
At this elevation, in the upper cloud forest, we may encounter species such as Lesser Violetear, Speckled Hummingbird, Emerald-bellied Puffleg, Bronzy Inca, Collared Inca, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, White-bellied Woodstar, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Amethyst-throated Sunangel, Violet-fronted Brilliant, Brown Violetear, and Long-tailed Sylph.
We may also visit Huembo Reserve, located about one hour away, to photograph the spectacular endemic Marvelous Spatuletail, one of Peru’s most iconic hummingbirds, along with several other regional specialties.
Overnight: Owlet Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
Elevation: 2,000–2,300 m / 6,400–7,360 ft
Marvellous spatuletail (Loddigesia mirabilis)
Owlet Lodge to Tarapoto
This morning we will spend additional time birding between Owlet Lodge and Huembo if needed, targeting species that may have been missed previously. We will then descend toward Tarapoto, making several birding stops along the way.
Overnight: Tarapoto Hotel
Elevation: 360 m / 1,150 ft
After breakfast, we will drive approximately two hours on a paved road to Bella Vista, an agricultural region surrounded by rice fields. From there, we continue along a rough mountain road through coffee and corn plantations managed by local farmers.
Several birding stops will be made en route before arriving at the family-run lodge in Flor de Café, home of the famous Scarlet-banded Barbet.
After lunch, we will begin searching for our main target species, as well as Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater, Cerulean-capped Manakin, and many other cloud forest birds. The area combines pristine cloud forest with traditional coffee plantations, creating excellent habitat for a wide variety of species.
After dinner, there is an optional opportunity to search for nocturnal birds, including Vermiculated Screech-Owl.
Overnight: Flor de Café Family Hostel
Meals: B, L, D
Elevation: 1,600 m / 5,120 ft
Today we will spend a full day exploring the trails around Flor de Café and the Cordillera Azul Antbird area.
Our primary targets include Scarlet-banded Barbet, Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater, Fiery-throated Fruiteater, Foothill Schiffornis, Short-tailed Antthrush, Jet Manakin, and Blue-rumped Manakin. The area is also known for its impressive diversity of colorful tanagers and mixed-species flocks.
In the afternoon, we will focus on finding the recently described Cordillera Azul Antbird. Our local guide will take us to known territories where this highly localized species can often be observed.
Dinner at the family hostel.
Overnight: Flor de Café Family Hostel
Meals: B, L, D
Elevation: 1,600 m / 5,120 ft
Scarlet-banded Barbet
This morning we will have a final opportunity to search for Scarlet-banded Barbet and other specialties around Flor de Café. Afterward, we will begin our return journey to Tarapoto, making birding stops at different habitats along the way before connecting with our flight to Lima.
Meals: B, L
Included in your trip :
Air tickets for domestic flights.
All the accommodations (hotels,lodges)
Accommodation
Water available all the time
Private Van transportation
All meals are included.
English speaking guide.
Entrances fee for blinds to see hummingibirds or other birds.
Not Included:
Excess baggage charges.
Laundry service, room service, tips or gratuity, medical expenses
Personal expenses and tips.
Passengers should bring some cash.
USD.00