Tambopata Tour Macaw Clay Lick Chuncho – 3 days
Group
2 or more people
3 Days
Journey to the Peruvian Amazon with Birdwatching and Wildlife Observation
The Tambopata Tour Macaw Clay Lick Chuncho is an incredible experience to explore the Tambopata National Reserve, one of the most biodiverse destinations on the planet and one of the best-preserved ecosystems in the Peruvian Amazon. The Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick is considered one of the most important clay licks in the world, where every sunrise hundreds of macaws, parrots, and parakeets put on a unique spectacle while consuming essential minerals for their diet. This destination is ideal for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and photographers.
In addition to birdwatching, the Tambopata National Reserve is home to a great variety of wildlife species, including monkeys, capybaras, caimans, tapirs, and, with a little luck, the majestic jaguar. Travel through landscapes surrounded by centuries-old trees and enjoy observing Peruvian wildlife.
The tour is designed to explore the main attractions of the Tambopata National Reserve through guided jungle hikes, navigation along the Tambopata River, nighttime excursions to observe Amazonian wildlife, macaw watching at the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick, a visit to the canopy tower, and the excursion to the Mammal Clay Lick. These activities allow visitors to appreciate the extraordinary biodiversity of the Peruvian Amazon.
Tambopata Tour Macaw Clay Lick Chuncho Summary
Day 1 – Puerto Maldonado | Puerto Filadelfia – Tambopata Lodge – Jungle Hike – Night Excursion
The tour begins with pickup at the Puerto Maldonado airport or bus terminal and transfer to Puerto Filadelfia, where you will navigate along the Tambopata and Malinowski Rivers to the lodge. After lunch, you will enjoy a guided jungle hike to observe the biodiversity of the Tambopata National Reserve, followed by a night excursion to discover Amazonian species that become active after dark. Finally, you will return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2 – Tambopata National Reserve | Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick – Canopy Tower – Sunset on the Tambopata River
In the morning, you will navigate along the Tambopata River to the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick to witness the natural spectacle of macaws, parrots, and other birds while enjoying breakfast. During the journey, you will have the opportunity to spot wildlife, including caimans, capybaras, and monkeys. Afterwards, you will return to the lodge for lunch, visit the Canopy Tower, and navigate along the Tambopata River before dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 3 – Tambopata Lodge | Mammal Clay Lick – Puerto Maldonado
After breakfast, you will hike along the trails of the Tambopata National Reserve to the Mammal Clay Lick, where you will observe species such as tapirs, peccaries, deer, and monkeys in their natural habitat. Finally, you will return to the lodge to collect your luggage and begin the return trip to Puerto Maldonado, where you will be transferred to the airport or bus terminal for your departure.
Highlights of the 2-Day Manu National Park Tour
- Navigate along the Tambopata and Malinowski Rivers with opportunities to observe wildlife.
- Take a night hike and discover species that are active only after sunset, including tree frogs, tarantulas, and other Amazonian animals.
- Visit the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick.
- Witness the natural spectacle of hundreds of macaws, parrots, and parakeets feeding on the clay wall at sunrise.
- Observe the wildlife of Tambopata during the river journey, including caimans, capybaras, monkeys, and, with a little luck, the majestic jaguar.
- Climb the 50-meter Canopy Tower and enjoy a panoramic view above the treetops.
- Admire the sunset while navigating the Tambopata River, surrounded by the tranquility of the tropical rainforest.
- Visit the Mammal Clay Lick and observe tapirs, peccaries, deer, and other Amazonian mammals.
- Discover giant Amazon rainforest trees, including the kapok tree and shihuahuaco tree, during your jungle hikes.
We invite you to take a moment to read our reviews on Tripadvisor.
Itinerary
Day 1: Puerto Maldonado – Lodge in Tambopata – Jungle Walk and Night Excursion
The Tambopata Tour Macaw Clay Lick Chuncho begins with your arrival at the Puerto Maldonado airport or bus terminal, where our team will welcome you and transfer you to our office. There, you can reorganize your luggage and safely store any bags you will not need during the expedition.
Next, we will begin a land journey of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to Philadelphia Port, located in the Upper Tambopata area. Along the way, you will see the landscape gradually transform into the lush Amazon rainforest.
Upon arrival at the port, you will board a boat to navigate the Tambopata and Malinowski Rivers. During the journey, you will observe the dense vegetation and, occasionally, several species of birds and Amazonian wildlife.
After approximately 40 minutes of river navigation, we will arrive at our lodge. You will be welcomed with a tropical fruit drink, and after settling into your room, you will enjoy a lunch prepared with regional ingredients.
Walk in the Peruvian Amazon
In the afternoon, you will take a guided jungle walk, an excellent opportunity to discover the biodiversity of the Tambopata National Reserve. Accompanied by a specialized guide, you will explore the flora and fauna characteristic of this region, considered one of the most biodiverse destinations in the Peruvian Amazon.
During the walk, it is common to observe:
- Howler monkeys and squirrel monkeys
- Toucans and other tropical birds
- Woodpeckers
- Butterflies of many different colors
- Frogs, insects, and small reptiles
- Large Amazonian trees and medicinal plants
Night walk
As night falls, we will venture back into the jungle to discover a completely different world.
Using flashlights, we will explore trails inhabited by tree frogs, tarantulas, snakes, giant insects, and other species that usually appear only at night.
Night jungle excursion
After dinner, you will participate in a night walk through the jungle, a unique experience in the Amazon. You will explore the forest with flashlights and have the opportunity to observe nocturnal species that are rarely seen during the day.
Among the animals that may be observed are:
- Tree frogs
- Tarantulas
- Nocturnal insects
- Geckos and small reptiles
- Tropical rainforest snakes
- Various amphibian species
The first day of the expedition will allow you to discover the impressive biodiversity of Tambopata and the extraordinary natural richness of the Peruvian Amazon.
Day Summary:
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Minimum elevation: 180 m (590 ft) above sea level (Philadelphia Port / Tambopata River)
- Maximum elevation: 260 m (853 ft) above sea level (Primary forest trails in Tambopata National Reserve)
- Approximate distance covered: 50 to 70 km by land transportation + 20 to 40 km by river navigation + 2 to 5 km of jungle hiking (day and night)
- Predominant climate: Warm and humid (24 °C to 34 °C / 75 °F to 93 °F), high humidity, and possible brief rain showers
- Main activity: Primary rainforest hike and nighttime wildlife observation excursion.
- Highlights of the day’s wildlife: Howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, toucans, woodpeckers, butterflies, tree frogs, tarantulas, geckos, rainforest snakes, nocturnal insects, and small reptiles
Day 2: Tambopata Tour Macaw Clay Lick Chuncho – Canopy Tower – Tambopata River Sunset
Very early in the morning, before sunrise, we will begin the main activity of the tour. We will navigate the Tambopata River until we reach the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick, located within the Tambopata National Reserve and recognized as one of the world’s most important clay licks for macaw watching.
Clay licks are natural mineral-rich clay formations consumed by macaws, parrots, other birds, and mammals to supplement their diet and neutralize toxins found in certain fruits and seeds. This behavior makes the Chuncho Clay Lick one of the top birdwatching attractions in the Amazon.
Macaw watching at Chuncho Clay Lick
During the boat ride, while the forest awakens with the first rays of sunlight, you will have the opportunity to observe different species of wildlife. It is common to encounter:
- Capybaras
- Black caimans and spectacled caimans
- Howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, and squirrel monkeys
- Herons, kingfishers, cormorants, and other riverside birds
- With a little luck, the jaguar, the largest feline in the Americas.
Upon arrival at the clay lick, you will enjoy breakfast while waiting for the natural spectacle to begin. Little by little, parrots and parakeets begin to gather, followed by the colorful macaws descending to the clay wall.
Depending on the season, it is possible to observe:
- Red-and-green Macaw (Ara chloropterus)
- Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna)
- Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao)
- Various species of parrots and parakeets
A simply unforgettable experience for nature lovers and photographers.
Canopy Observation Tower
After lunch and a short rest at the lodge, you will visit the Canopy Tower, an observation platform located 50 meters (164 feet) above the ground.
From this point, you will enjoy a panoramic view where much of the forest’s biodiversity thrives. You will be able to observe birds flying above the treetops, monkeys moving through the branches, and an impressive view of the rainforest.
Sunset on the Tambopata River
We will end the day by enjoying a beautiful sunset while navigating the Tambopata River, surrounded by the tranquility and beauty of the Amazon.
Day Summary:
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Minimum elevation: 200 m (656 ft) above sea level (Beaches and riverbanks of the Tambopata River facing the cliffs of Chuncho Clay Lick.)
- Maximum elevation: 250 m (820 ft) above sea level (Canopy Tower, 50 meters high)
- Approximate distance covered: Between 20 and 30 km (12 to 19 miles) of river navigation (round trip along the Tambopata River to the clay lick area)
- Predominant climate: Warm and humid (24 °C to 34 °C / 75 °F to 93 °F), with high humidity and occasional morning mist
- Main activity: Macaw watching at the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick, visit to the Canopy Tower, and sunset river navigation on the Tambopata River
- Highlights of the day’s wildlife: Scarlet Macaw, Blue-and-yellow Macaw, Red-and-green Macaw, parrots and parakeets, capybaras, black caimans and spectacled caimans, howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, herons, kingfishers, and possible jaguar
Day 3: Mammal Clay Lick – Return to Puerto Maldonado
After breakfast on the final day, you will begin a hike along the trails of the Tambopata National Reserve. During the walk, you will observe giant Amazonian trees such as the kapok tree and the shihuahuaco tree.
After approximately 40 minutes of hiking, we will arrive at the Mammal Clay Lick, a natural site where different species of wildlife gather to consume mineral-rich clay. This behavior is essential to their diet, helping them neutralize toxins found in certain plants of the tropical rainforest.
Mammal watching at the Clay Lick
In this ecosystem, it is possible to encounter, although always subject to natural conditions, species such as:
- Amazon tapirs
- Collared peccaries
- Amazon deer
- Agoutis
- Howler monkeys
- Spider monkeys
This site is one of the best locations for mammal watching in Tambopata, as it attracts wildlife coming from different areas of the forest in search of essential minerals.
It is important to keep in mind that the Amazon rainforest is unpredictable, and wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed at specific times. However, the experience of walking through the primary rainforest and observing its untouched ecosystem is highly rewarding for travelers seeking close contact with Amazon wildlife.
Finally, we will return to the lodge to collect your luggage and begin the journey back to Puerto Maldonado. At the scheduled time, we will transfer you to the airport or bus terminal for your return trip.
Day Summary:
- Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
- Minimum elevation: 180 m (590 ft) above sea level (Puerto Maldonado City / Airport)
- Maximum elevation: 240 m (787 ft) above sea level (Mammal Clay Lick)
- Approximate distance covered: 10 to 25 km (6 to 16 miles) of river navigation (return trip) + 2 to 4 km (1.2 to 2.5 miles) of jungle hiking
- Predominant climate: Warm and humid (24 °C to 34 °C / 75 °F to 93 °F), with high humidity and possible light rain
- Main activity: Forest hike and hike to the Mammal Clay Lick
- Highlights of the day’s wildlife: Amazon tapir, collared peccaries, Amazon deer, agoutis, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, capybaras (occasionally), forest birds, and smaller understory wildlife
Important Note
To make the most of your experience in the Tambopata National Reserve, we recommend arriving in Puerto Maldonado on a flight scheduled before 9:00 a.m. on the first day of the tour. This will allow you to join all the scheduled activities from the very beginning of the expedition without any inconvenience.
Likewise, for your departure day, we recommend booking your flight from Puerto Maldonado after 4:00 p.m., as the return journey from the rainforest depends on river navigation and ground transportation schedules. This will give you enough time to travel comfortably and arrive at the airport without rushing.
If your flight schedule is different, please contact us before making your reservation so we can help you coordinate the best option.
Included
What Is Included in the Tambopata Tour Macaw Clay Lick Chuncho
During this 3-day expedition through the Tambopata National Reserve, we have arranged all the essential services so you can enjoy the Peruvian Amazon. From transfers to guided excursions, here is everything included in your tour:
- Round-trip transfers from and to the Puerto Maldonado airport or bus terminal: Upon your arrival, our team will welcome you and provide your transfer. At the end of the tour, return transportation is also included.
- Personalized welcome and assistance: Welcome service, expedition briefing, and secure storage for the luggage you will not use during the tour.
- Entrance to the Tambopata National Reserve: The tour includes the entrance ticket.
- Bilingual guide: A professional naturalist guide will accompany you throughout the entire expedition.
- 2 nights of accommodation at a jungle lodge: You will stay at a comfortable lodge in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.
- Private rooms: With a private or shared bathroom, depending on the category selected.
- Full meals during the tour: Throughout your stay, you will enjoy meals prepared with fresh ingredients:
- 2 breakfasts.
- 2 lunches.
- 2 dinners.
- Mineral water: Available during scheduled excursions and activities.
- Rubber boots: For hikes during the rainy season or on wet trails.
- Ground transportation: The service includes transportation from Puerto Maldonado to the departure port and back.
- Motorized boat: You will navigate the Tambopata and Malinowski Rivers.
- Entrance to the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick: One of the greatest wildlife spectacles in the Peruvian Amazon.
- Canopy Tower: Admission includes access to the approximately 50-meter-high tower offering panoramic views of the Amazon rainforest.
- Permanent assistance from the lodge staff: Throughout the expedition, the lodge staff will be available to assist you with any needs.
Not Included
What Is Not Included in the Tambopata Tour Macaw Clay Lick Chuncho
Although the tour includes most of the services needed to enjoy your experience in Tambopata, there are some expenses you should consider before traveling:
- Airfare or ground transportation to Puerto Maldonado: The package does not include domestic or international flights or ground transportation tickets to arrive at or depart from Puerto Maldonado.
- Lunch on the last day: Lunch on the third day, after returning from the lodge, is not included in the program.
- Alcoholic beverages and additional bottled drinks: Drinks during meals or excursions must be paid for separately.
- Personal expenses: Souvenirs, snacks, beverages, personal items, or any other individual expenses are not included in the tour package.
- Travel insurance and medical assistance: The tour does not include medical or travel insurance. It is recommended to purchase a policy that covers accidents, medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
- Tips: Tips are entirely optional and are left to each traveler’s discretion as a gesture of appreciation for the service received.
- Services not specified in the program: Any service not specifically mentioned in the itinerary is not included.
Packing List
What to Bring for the Tambopata Tour Macaw Clay Lick Chuncho
Get ready to explore the Tambopata National Reserve with everything you need to enjoy the experience comfortably and safely.
Documents and money
- ID card or passport: Required for tour registration.
- Cash (Peruvian soles): Recommended for drinks, personal purchases, or tips.
Clothing
- Long-sleeved shirts or T-shirts: Help protect your skin from the sun, insects, and branches during hikes.
- Quick-drying long pants: More comfortable for the humid climate and provide better protection against insects.
- Lightweight, breathable clothing: Ideal for the high temperatures and humidity of the Amazon.
- Light jacket or windbreaker: Useful during boat rides at sunrise or sunset.
- Rain poncho or waterproof jacket: Essential in case of unexpected tropical rain.
- Swimsuit: Optional, depending on the season or if you wish to enjoy the water activities available at the lodge.
Footwear
- Trekking or hiking shoes: With good traction for jungle trails.
- Comfortable sandals: Ideal for relaxing at the lodge after excursions.
- Quick-drying socks: Help keep your feet dry and comfortable.
Backpack and accessories
- Small backpack (20–30 L): Perfect for carrying your daily essentials during excursions.
- Waterproof dry bag: Protects phones, cameras, and documents from moisture.
- Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated throughout all activities.
Sun and insect protection
- Hat or cap: Protects you from the intense Amazon sun.
- SPF 50+ sunscreen: Helps reduce UV exposure.
- UV-protection sunglasses: Provide greater comfort during excursions.
- Insect repellent: Essential for protection against mosquitoes and other insects.
Wildlife observation and photography
- Binoculars: Ideal for observing birds, monkeys, and other wildlife from a distance.
- Camera or smartphone: To capture the landscapes and wildlife.
- Portable charger (power bank): Very useful since there will be no charging points during excursions.
Hygiene and health
- Personal medications: Bring any medication or treatment you may need during the trip.
- Personal hygiene items: Toothbrush, biodegradable soap, deodorant, and other essentials.
- Quick-drying towel: Practical for the humid jungle climate.
Additional gear
- Flashlight or headlamp: Essential for night hikes.
- Snacks or energy bars: Useful for replenishing energy between activities.
- Bag for wet clothes: Allows you to separate wet clothing from the rest of your luggage.
Final tips
- Pack light and bring only what you need for the three-day expedition.
- Keep your important electronic devices and documents in waterproof bags to protect them from moisture and rain.
- Apply insect repellent and sunscreen several times a day, especially before each hike or boat excursion.
Frequently asked questions about the Tambopata Tour Macaw Clay Lick Chuncho
If you are planning to visit the Macaw Clay Lick Chuncho, it is normal to have some doubts before your trip. Below we answer your questions so you can enjoy the tour safely and worry-free.
1. What is the best time to visit Tambopata?
The best season to do the Tambopata Tour Macaw Clay Lick Chuncho is between May and October, during the dry season in Puerto Maldonado and the Tambopata National Reserve. During these months there is usually less rain and the trails are more accessible. However, the tour operates year-round and each season offers different opportunities to enjoy the Peruvian Amazon.
2. Where is the Macaw Clay Lick Chuncho located?
It is located within the Tambopata National Reserve, in the Madre de Dios region, in southeastern Peru. It is situated on the banks of the Tambopata River and can only be accessed by boat from authorized lodges in the area.
3. How likely is it to see macaws at the Chuncho Clay Lick?
The Chuncho Clay Lick is considered one of the best places in the Peruvian Amazon for observing macaws. Although nature can never guarantee wildlife sightings, the chances of seeing several species of macaws, parrots, and parakeets are high, especially in the early morning hours.
4. Is it recommended to do the Tambopata Tour Macaw Clay Lick Chuncho with children or elderly people?
Yes, the tour can be done by families, children, and elderly people who have adequate physical condition for short walks and boat rides. In the case of older travelers or people with reduced mobility, it is recommended to check in advance to evaluate whether the itinerary is suitable for their needs.
5. Is there mobile phone signal or internet access in the Tambopata National Reserve?
In most of the Tambopata National Reserve there is no stable mobile coverage or continuous internet access. This allows for a true disconnect and immersion in nature experience. Some lodges may offer limited connectivity in specific areas, depending on their location.
6. What is the weather like in Puerto Maldonado and the Tambopata National Reserve during the tour?
The climate in Puerto Maldonado and the Tambopata National Reserve is warm and humid throughout the year, with temperatures generally ranging between 22 °C and 33 °C. Rain can occur at any time, so it is always recommended to bring waterproof and quick-drying clothing.
7. Is it necessary to be vaccinated to travel to the Tambopata National Reserve from Puerto Maldonado?
Although it is not always a mandatory requirement, many travelers consult their doctor about the yellow fever vaccine before visiting the Tambopata National Reserve. It is also recommended to have routine vaccinations up to date and follow current health guidelines before traveling.
8. What level of physical condition is needed for the Tambopata Tour Macaw Clay Lick Chuncho?
The tour has an easy to moderate difficulty level. Walks take place on natural trails within the Tambopata National Reserve, with short to medium routes. No previous trekking experience is required, but willingness to walk in a warm and humid environment is necessary.
9. Can you observe wildlife other than macaws in Tambopata?
Yes. In addition to the spectacle of the Macaw Clay Lick Chuncho, the Tambopata National Reserve is home to extraordinary biodiversity. Depending on natural conditions, it is possible to observe birds of prey, giant otters, monkeys, capybaras, caimans, butterflies, reptiles, and countless insect species native to the Peruvian Amazon.
10. What type of camera or photographic equipment is recommended for the Macaw Clay Lick Chuncho?
To photograph the wildlife at the Macaw Clay Lick Chuncho, it is recommended to use a camera with a telephoto lens of at least 200 mm, as birds tend to stay at a certain distance. It is also advisable to bring extra batteries, memory cards, and a waterproof cover to protect equipment from humidity.
11. What is the difference between the Tambopata National Reserve and Manu National Park?
Both protected areas are located in the Peruvian Amazon, but they offer different experiences. The Tambopata National Reserve, near Puerto Maldonado, stands out for its excellent accessibility and the famous Macaw Clay Lick Chuncho. The Manu National Park, on the other hand, requires longer expeditions and protects an even larger area of Amazonian ecosystems.
12. How far in advance should you book the Tambopata Tour Macaw Clay Lick Chuncho?
It is recommended to book the Tambopata Tour Macaw Clay Lick Chuncho at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance, especially between June and September, when tourism demand in Puerto Maldonado and the Tambopata National Reserve is usually higher. Booking early helps ensure lodge availability and better trip organization.
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