Tambopata – Machupichu – North of Perú 16 days/15 nights

Day 1. 

Flight  Lima – Puerto maldonado (Tambopata National Reserve)

Upon arrival in Puerto Maldonado, we transfer to the Tambopata River port and travel by boat along the Tambopata River, one of the major tributaries of the Madre de Dios River.

After reaching the Tambopata National Reserve checkpoint, we hike approximately 3 km through pristine rainforest to Lake Sandoval and continue by canoe to our lodge.

During the afternoon we will explore the lake looking for Giant River Otter, Red Howler Monkey, Brown Capuchin Monkey, Bolivian Squirrel Monkey, Hoatzin, Agami Heron, Ringed Kingfisher, Amazon Kingfisher, Red-bellied Macaw, and many other rainforest species.

Elevation: 180 m / 580 ft
Overnight: Sandoval Lake Lodge
Meals: B, L, D

 Day 2   

Lago Sandoval.

After breakfast, we explore Lake Sandoval by canoe in search of the resident Giant River Otter family and the rich wildlife that inhabits the reserve.

The lake and surrounding forest support several monkey species, numerous waterbirds, and excellent photographic opportunities.

During the afternoon we will position ourselves to photograph Red-bellied Macaws returning to their favorite Mauritia palm stands.

After dinner, we will enjoy a night walk looking for nocturnal wildlife including Black Caiman, frogs, insects, and other rainforest creatures.

Overnight: Sandoval Lake Lodge
Meals: B, L, D

Black Caiman

DAY 3

Sandoval lake Lodge to Puerto Maldonado to Collpas Tambopata Inn

After returning to Puerto Maldonado, we continue by road and boat toward the Tambopata Clay Lick area.

In the afternoon we will explore forest trails and canopy towers searching for species such as White-throated Toucan, Curl-crested Aracari, Scarlet Macaw, Blue-and-yellow Macaw, and many additional rainforest birds.

Overnight: Collpas Tambopata Inn
Meals: B, L, D

Red & Green Macaw

Day 4

Colpa Chuncho

Before sunrise we travel by boat to the famous Chuncho Clay Lick, one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife photography experiences.

Here we expect to photograph Scarlet Macaw, Red-and-green Macaw, Blue-and-yellow Macaw, Mealy Parrot, Yellow-crowned Parrot, Blue-headed Parrot, Orange-cheeked Parrot, White-eyed Parakeet, and many other species.

Later we will explore the riverbanks searching for Jaguars, Capybaras, and additional wildlife.

Overnight: Collpas Tambopata Inn
Meals: B, L, D

Day 5

Collpas Tambopata Inn to Puerto Maldonado –  Flight Cuzco – Ollantaytambo

After a final morning opportunity for photography, we fly to Cusco and continue by road to the Sacred Valley.

The hotel gardens provide opportunities to photograph Bearded Mountaineer, Giant Hummingbird, Black-tailed Trainbearer, Black-throated Flowerpiercer, and other Andean species.

Overnight: Pakaritampu Hotel, Ollantaytambo
Elevation: Cusco 3,300 m / 10,560 ft; Ollantaytambo 2,700 m / 8,640 ft
Meals: B, L, D

Giant Hummingbird

Day 6

Valle Sacrado – Ensifera camp

Today we visit Ensifera Camp, one of the finest hummingbird photography locations in the Cusco region.

Target species include Giant Hummingbird, Shining Sunbeam, Tyrian Metaltail, Sparkling Violetear, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Chestnut-breasted Mountain Finch, and Blue-and-yellow Tanager.

The afternoon will be spent around the hotel gardens.

Overnight: Pakaritampu Hotel
Meals: B, L, D

Bearded Mountaineer

Day 7

 Ollantaymbo – Macchu picchu + Jardin botanico (Mariposario)

This morning we take the train to Machu Picchu.

Before visiting the Inca citadel, we will spend time at the botanical gardens and butterfly center, where excellent bird photography opportunities include Saffron-crowned Tanager, Golden Tanager, Silver-beaked Tanager, Thick-billed Euphonia, Dusky-green Oropendola, Torrent Duck, and Andean Motmot.

During the afternoon we enjoy a guided visit to Machu Picchu.

Overnight: Casa Andina Machu Picchu
Elevation: Machu Picchu Town 2,000 m / 6,400 ft; Citadel 2,400 m / 7,680 ft
Meals: B, L, D

Machupicchu Inca City

Day 8

Machupicchu to Cuzco / Lima

After a final morning photography session, we return by train to Ollantaytambo and continue to Cusco for our afternoon flight to Lima.

Overnight: Casa Andina Select Miraflores
Meals: B, L, D

Day 9

Flight Lima to  Tarapoto then Aconabith (Centro de Picalfores)

Early morning flight to Tarapoto.

Upon arrival we visit hummingbird gardens around the city, photographing Gould’s Jewelfront, Golden-tailed Sapphire, Gray-breasted Sabrewing, Fork-tailed Woodnymph, White-necked Jacobin, and many others.

Overnight: DM Tarapoto Hotel
Elevation: 356 m / 1,140 ft
Meals: B, L, D

Goulds Jewelfront

Day 10

Tarapoto to Waqanki Lodge

Morning birding at Ricuricocha searching for Comb Duck, Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Hoatzin, and Wattled Jacana.

We then continue to Waqanki Lodge where we photograph Rufous-crested Coquette, White-necked Jacobin, Black-throated Mango, Black-throated Hermit, Paradise Tanager, Black-bellied Tanager, and Gartered Trogon.

Overnight: Waqanki Lodge
Elevation: 860 m / 2,752 ft
Meals: B, L, D

Rufous-crested Coquette

Day 11

Waqanki Lodge, full day birding

Full day devoted to hummingbird and bird photography around the lodge gardens and nearby trails.

Overnight: Waqanki Lodge
Meals: B, L, D

Day 12

 Waqanki to Owlet Lodge, full day Birding and photography

Morning visit to Aguas Verdes and Llantería.

Species include Wire-crested Thorntail, Rufous-crested Coquette, Blue-fronted Lancebill, Paradise Tanager, Booted Racket-tail, Many-spotted Hummingbird, Ecuadorian Piedtail, Green Hermit, and Violet-fronted Brilliant.

Afternoon photography at Owlet Lodge feeders.

Overnight: Owlet Lodge
Elevation: 2,300 m / 7,360 ft
Meals: B, L, D

Wire-crested Thorntail

Day 13

Owlet lodge, full day birding and photography

Visit to Alto Nieva Observatory.

Target species include Royal Sunangel, Greenish Puffleg, Long-tailed Sylph, Bronzy Inca, Booted Racket-tail, Ochre-fronted Antpitta, and Rusty-tinged Antpitta.

Overnight: Owlet Lodge
Meals: B, L, D

Long-tailed Sylph

 Day 14

Owlet lodge to Huembo

Morning photography around Owlet Lodge before departing for Huembo.

At Huembo Interpretation Center we focus on the world-famous Marvelous Spatuletail and other hummingbirds.

Overnight: Huembo Lodge
Elevation: 2,060 m / 6,590 ft
Meals: B, L, D

 Day 15

Owlet lodge to Huembo, full day photography

Full day dedicated to hummingbird photography.

Species include Marvelous Spatuletail, Purple-throated Sunangel, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Brown Violetear, Lesser Violetear, Little Woodstar, White-bellied Woodstar, and Andean Emerald.

Overnight: Huembo Lodge
Meals: B, L, D

Marvelous Spatuletail

 Day 16

 Huembo to Jaen city, flight to Lima

Morning drive to Jaén through dry forest habitats with opportunities for bird photography along the route.

Afternoon flight to Lima.

End of Tour