The Macaw Clay Lick Tour in Tambopata is a unique experience in the Peruvian Amazon, ideal for travelers seeking to authentically connect with nature and wildlife. Located in the Tambopata National Reserve, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, this destination stands out for its Amazon rivers, lush tropical forests, and impressive wildlife diversity, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and birdwatching.
Tambopata offers an exceptional natural environment where the jungle remains almost untouched. The area is globally recognized for hosting the famous Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick, a natural site where every morning hundreds of macaws, parrots, and parakeets gather to feed on mineral-rich clay, creating one of the most impressive spectacles in the Amazon rainforest.
During the tour, you will enjoy a complete Amazon experience in Tambopata, combining river navigation, guided jungle hikes, flora and fauna exploration, birdwatching from strategic viewpoints, adventure activities, and night excursions to discover nocturnal wildlife, as well as visiting the iconic Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick. All activities take place in an authentic natural environment, accompanied by specialized guides, allowing you to explore the jungle from different perspectives and enjoy a real adventure in one of Peru’s most biodiverse destinations.
You will begin the excursion with a reception in Puerto Maldonado (airport or bus terminal), followed by transfer to the Filadelfia Community. From there, you will navigate the Tambopata River to the ecolodge, where you will settle in and enjoy lunch, followed by a guided jungle walk for flora and fauna observation, visit to the birdwatching tower, and canopy experience. At night, you will participate in a night excursion to observe Amazon wildlife. Overnight at the lodge.
You will start the day very early with a boat trip along the Tambopata River heading to the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick, where you will observe macaws, parrots, and parakeets in their natural habitat while enjoying a countryside breakfast. Then, you will explore the river tributaries for wildlife observation. Afterwards, you will return to the lodge for lunch and, after a short rest, begin your return transfer to Puerto Maldonado, with an approximate arrival at 2:00 p.m.
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Group
2 Days / 1 Night
Up to 12 people
Spanish, English
To enjoy this experience, you can reach Puerto Maldonado in two ways: by a 45-minute flight from the city of Cusco, or by overnight bus, departing at 8:00 p.m. from Cusco and arriving in Puerto Maldonado at approximately 6:30 a.m.
Our team will be waiting for you at the airport or bus terminal to welcome you and accompany you to the main office, where you will complete your registration and receive the initial briefing before starting your Amazon adventure.
At 9:30 a.m., you will begin the transfer to the Filadelfia Community, on a journey of approximately one hour through jungle landscapes that anticipate the adventure. From there, you will continue traveling by navigating the Tambopata River for about 20 minutes until reaching our ecolodge in the Peruvian Amazon.
After settling into your comfortable room with private bathroom, shower, and mosquito net beds, you will enjoy a typical Amazon lunch. With renewed energy, you will begin a guided jungle hike in Tambopata, an experience that will connect you directly with nature.
For approximately two hours, you will walk along trails surrounded by lush vegetation, where you will learn about Amazon medicinal plants and majestic trees over 600 years old. Our naturalist guide will share knowledge about local wildlife and take you to a birdwatching tower, a privileged point for observing species such as the hoatzin, as well as other birds and monkeys.
To end the day with adrenaline, you will enjoy the canopy experience, gliding through the treetops and observing the jungle from a unique perspective.
At sunset, you will return to the lodge to rest before dinner. Later, you will join a night excursion in the Tambopata Reserve, ideal for spotting animals such as tarantulas, owls, caimans, and other nocturnal wildlife.
If the night is clear, you will have the opportunity to observe an unmatched starry sky, with the Milky Way shining over the Peruvian Amazon.
Very early, you will begin the adventure heading to one of the most unforgettable experiences of the trip: the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick in Tambopata.
On this day, you will navigate the Tambopata River by boat for more than 30 minutes, enjoying the Amazon rainforest landscape. With some luck, during the journey you may spot jaguars, anacondas, tapirs, or other wildlife that inhabit the riverbanks.
Upon arrival at the famous Chuncho Clay Lick, also known as a mineral clay wall, you will witness a unique natural spectacle. Red-and-blue macaws, hundreds of parrots, and parakeets gather every morning to feed on mineral-rich clay, creating a scene full of color and sound. This activity is ideal for birdwatching. You will stay for more than three hours at the site, accompanied by a countryside breakfast.
After the visit, you will continue exploring the Tambopata River tributaries by canoe, moving slowly through the jungle. With luck, you may observe tapirs, wild boars, monkeys, caimans, turtles, and numerous bird species. The jungle always surprises.
Upon returning to the lodge, you will enjoy lunch before starting the return journey combining canoe and land transport back to Puerto Maldonado. Arrival will be around 2:00 p.m., with transfer to the main square, hotel, or airport.
This circuit has been designed so you can enjoy a complete Amazon rainforest experience in Peru without worrying about logistics. From your arrival in Puerto Maldonado until the end of the journey, everything is carefully organized so you can fully enjoy the nature, wildlife, and tropical jungle with total comfort and safety.
Although the circuit covers all essential services for a complete Tambopata experience, there are some items that are not included in the package and should be considered before traveling.
Due to the warm climate, high humidity, jungle walks, river navigation, and night activities, it is important to bring practical and light luggage. Below, we indicate everything you need to bring to enjoy the tour with full comfort and safety.
If you are planning your visit to the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick in the Tambopata National Reserve, it is normal to have questions about transportation, activities, and safety recommendations. Below we answer the most frequently asked questions so you can enjoy a safe, comfortable, and well-organized experience.
The Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick is located inside the Tambopata National Reserve, in the Madre de Dios region, near Puerto Maldonado, deep in the Peruvian Amazon. It is one of the best places in the world to observe macaws in their natural habitat.
The tour takes place at low altitude, between 180 m and 220 m above sea level, ideal for enjoying the warm Amazon climate and its incredible biodiversity.
The best season for macaw observation is from May to September, during the dry season in Puerto Maldonado, when birds gather at the clay lick.
The tour starts in Puerto Maldonado, either from Padre Aldamiz International Airport or the bus terminal. From there, your guide will transfer you to the Filadelfia community.
The package includes 1 night in an Amazon eco-lodge with private rooms, beds with mosquito nets, private bathroom with shower, and a natural jungle environment.
Yes, during the tour it is possible to see parrots, parakeets, monkeys, tapirs, jaguars, anacondas, caimans, and turtles along the Tambopata River and jungle trails.
Yes, Day 1 includes a guided night excursion in the Tambopata Reserve, ideal for observing nocturnal animals such as owls, tarantulas, caimans, and frogs.
The tour has an easy to moderate difficulty level, with 2 to 3-hour walks and 30 to 40-minute boat rides, suitable for people with basic physical condition.
It is recommended to bring lightweight quick-dry clothing, long pants, breathable shirts, a waterproof jacket, hat, trekking boots, and sandals. Don’t forget insect repellent, sunscreen, and a headlamp.
The yellow fever vaccine is recommended, along with a vaccination certificate. Travel insurance is also advised.
Yes, as long as they can handle 2 to 3-hour walks and participate in activities such as observation towers or canopy with supervision. The lodge and boats are safe for families.
The tour includes 2 Amazon-style lunches, 1 dinner at the lodge, and 1 countryside breakfast during the clay lick visit, featuring fresh local food.
No experience is required. The tour is designed for beginners and enthusiasts, guided by bilingual specialists (English and Spanish).
Yes, binoculars and cameras are highly recommended to capture macaws, parrots, and jungle landscapes. Observation is safe and responsible.
The tour combines land transfers from Puerto Maldonado to the Filadelfia community and boat navigation along the Tambopata River, including access to the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick and surrounding jungle tributaries.