This tour follows one of the most famous routes in Peru, beginning in Tarapoto and ending in the Amazonas region of northern Peru. Throughout the journey, we visit a variety of habitats and elevations, ranging from lowland tropical forests to cloud forests above 2,300 meters (7,360 ft).
The lodges and reserves along this route offer excellent opportunities for bird photography, particularly hummingbirds, tanagers, antpittas, and several Peruvian endemic species. By traveling through different elevations, participants will experience a remarkable diversity of birdlife and ecosystems.
Tour highlights include the spectacular Gould’s Jewelfront, Rufous-crested Coquette, Wire-crested Thorntail, Royal Sunangel, Emerald-bellied Puffleg, Chestnut Antpitta, and the world-famous Marvelous Spatuletail, one of the most sought-after hummingbirds in South America.
Day 1 Lima – Tarapoto
Overnight: Tarapoto
Day 2 Tarapoto – Salto de la Bruja- Waqanki lodge
Overnight: Waqanki lodge
Meals: B, L, D.
Day 3 Waqanki Lodge full day Birding
Overnight: Waqanki Lodge
Meals: B, L, D.
Moyobamba 860mts/ 2750ft
Day 4 Waqanki to Owlet Lodge
Overnight: Owlet Lodge
Meals: B, L, D.
Owlet Lodge 2300mts/ 7360ft
Day 5 Owlet Lodge full day
Overnight: Owlet Lodge
Meals: B, L, D.
Owlet Lodge 2300mts/ 7360ft
Day 6 Owlet Lodge full day activities
Overnight: Owlet Lodge
Day 7 Owlet Lodge to Huembo Lodge
Overnight: Huembo Lodge
Meals: B, L, D.
Huembo 2000mts / 6400ft
Day 8 Huembo Full day activities
Overnight: Huembo Lodge
Meals: B, L, D.
Huembo 2000mts/ 6400ft
Day 9 Huembo Town to Jaen ( or Tarapoto airport) and Lima
End of the trip
Outstanding birds:
This morning we fly from Lima to Tarapoto, located at the foothills of the northern Peruvian Andes. Upon arrival, we will visit the Ricuricocha wetlands, an excellent location for waterbirds, including the distinctive Comb Duck.
Later, we will drive approximately 45 minutes to a hummingbird photography site where we will spend the afternoon photographing some of the region’s most attractive species.
Possible species include:
Overnight: Tarapoto
Meals: B, L, D
Gouls jewelfront
After breakfast, we drive to Salto de la Bruja, an exciting new hummingbird photography location approximately 45 minutes from Tarapoto. The feeders provide excellent opportunities to photograph a variety of hummingbird species at close range.
We will spend most of the day birding and photographing at the feeders before continuing our journey to Waqanki Lodge near Moyobamba (approximately 3 hours).
Overnight: Waqanki Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
An early start allows us to take advantage of the best light conditions around the lodge gardens and hummingbird feeders.
Waqanki Lodge is one of the premier birding destinations in northern Peru, offering excellent opportunities to photograph hummingbirds and colorful foothill species.
Possible species include:
Overnight: Waqanki Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
Elevation: 860 m / 2,750 ft
Rufous crested coquette
We depart early and head toward Aguas Verdes, one of the best hummingbird locations in northern Peru. Feeders here attract a remarkable variety of species and offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Afterward, we ascend through the Alto Mayo Valley, stopping at several elevations along the route to photograph birds characteristic of different habitats.
Upon arrival at Owlet Lodge, we will spend the afternoon enjoying the gardens and feeders.
Possible species include:
Overnight: Owlet Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
Elevation: 2,300 m / 7,360 ft
Booted racket tailed
Today we visit several nearby locations targeting some of the region’s most sought-after endemic and cloud forest birds.
Our main targets include:
The remainder of the day will be dedicated to hummingbird photography around the lodge feeders.
Possible hummingbirds include:
Late in the afternoon, we will make our first attempt to locate the endemic Long-whiskered Owlet.
Overnight: Owlet Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
Elevation: 2,300 m / 7,360 ft
Chestnut antpitta
Today we visit the Alto Nieva Reserve, one of the finest hummingbird locations in northern Peru.
This area is particularly well known for its endemic and range-restricted species.
Possible species include:
Additional opportunities may arise for cloud forest specialties and another chance for Long-whiskered Owlet.
Overnight: Owlet Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
Elevation: 2,300 m / 7,360 ft
Long whiskered owlet
After breakfast, we travel toward Pomacochas Lake before continuing to Huembo, home of one of Peru’s most spectacular endemic hummingbirds.
The Huembo Interpretation Center offers outstanding opportunities to photograph the world-famous Marvelous Spatuletail.
Other species frequently visiting the feeders include:
Overnight: Huembo Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
Elevation: 2,000 m / 6,400 ft
A full day dedicated to photographing the remarkable hummingbirds of Huembo.
The primary target is the endemic:
Marvelous Spatuletail (Loddigesia mirabilis)
Additional species may include:
Overnight: Huembo Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
Elevation: 2,000 m / 6,400 ft
Marvellous spatuletail (Loddigesia mirabilis)
After breakfast, we descend into the Marañón Valley (or heading to tarapoto airport) one of Peru’s most important centers of endemism.
Meals: B, L
Included in your trip :
Not Included
USD.00