Birding North Peru
- 15 Days
- All year available
- Max People : 6
- Min Age : 12+
- Wifi Available
- Pickup: Lima's Airport
Let’s travel in search of the greatest number of birds, covering the multitude of habitats that the northern route offers us. From lowland rainforest, tropical dry forest, higher cloud forest, on to the high Andes through elfin forest and amazon the variety of birds that can be found here is amazing.
Discover the wonderful birds of Northern Peru in 15 incredible Days!! Join us on an unforgettable journey where you’ll have the chance to enhance your birdwatching list with stunning species such as the elusive Peruvian Plantcutter, the striking White-Winged Guan, the charming Cinereous Finch, and many unique birds from the dry Tumbesian region.
As we explore the rich avifauna of North Peru, you’ll also encounter remarkable species from the North-Central Andes, including the dazzling Gray-Bellied Comet, the vocal Great Spinetail, the gorgeous Gray-Winged Inca Finch, and the melodious Plain-Tailed Warbling Finch, along with the exceptional birds of the renowned Marañón Valley.
Birding North Peru
Our adventure will take you into the lush Northern Amazon region, where you can marvel at the spectacular Marvelous Spatuletail Hummingbird and the elusive Pale-Billed Antpitta along the beautiful San Lorenzo Trail. Just when you think the journey can’t get any better, we’ll guide you to the Alto Nieva Reserve, where you can search for the mesmerizing Long-Wiskered Owlet and the Rusty-Tinged Antpitta.
At last, we’ll arrive at the charming town of Plataforma, a hidden gem where you can spot the vividly colored Scarlet-Banded Barbet and many other fascinating species that call this area home.
Throughout this birdwatching tour, you’ll not only be surrounded by breathtaking scenery but also have fantastic opportunities to see various owls, including the rare Koepcke’s Screech Owl, the Buff-Fronted Owl, the Stygian Owl, and the Tumbes Screech Owl.
Don’t miss this chance to bird in the North of Peru—it’s an adventure you won’t forget!
Departure & Return Location
Lima International Airport Jorge Chávez
Departure Time
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Accommodation
Doble occupancy rooms
Price Includes
- Bird Specialist Guide
- 14 Nights Hotel & Lodges Accomodation
- Private car & Driver
- Entrance Fees
- All transportation in destination location
- 3 meals per day
- Snacks, mineral water and hot drinks
Price Excludes
- Gratuities
- Any Private Expenses
- Room Service Fees
Complementaries
- Umbrella
- Sunscreen
- T-Shirt
- Entrance Fees
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Lima
Your North Peru adventure begins in Lima, where your tour guide will greet you warmly. After a short introduction, you’ll catch a flight to Chiclayo, a prime location for exploring some of Peru’s most varied birdwatching habitats. Upon your arrival at Chiclayo’s airport, you’ll be transferred to your lodge for a refreshing break to gear up for the journey ahead.
Once you settle in, enjoy a delicious lunch highlighting local cuisine known for its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients. After lunch, your birding exploration will commence with a visit to the lush wetlands in the area, where you may observe a range of endemic species. We will then make our way to the nearby coastal lagoons, celebrated for their rich biodiversity. Here, you can expect to see numerous migratory birds, including the stunning Peruvian Pelican and the graceful Black-necked Stilt. Your guide will provide fascinating insights into each species and their unique behaviors, ensuring a rewarding experience for birdwatchers of all levels. Overnight in Chiclayo.
Birding North Peru
Day 2: Pomac Forest, Chaparri Reserve
Today we will start birding in the northern coastal town of Chiclayo, an ideal starting point for discovering some of the region’s most exceptional birdwatching sites. This area benefits from the influences of the Humboldt Current, which enhances its remarkable biodiversity. We will explore diverse ecosystems, including dry scrub forests, small hills, and arid desert landscapes, collectively known as the Tumbes region.
Here some sightings will be outstanding, featuring many endemic and range-restricted species that are hard to find elsewhere. Expected bird sightings include the White-winged Guan, White-tailed Jay, Rufous Flycatcher, Tumbes Pewee, Tumbes Sparrow, Short-tailed Woodstar, Tumbes Screech Owl, Peruvian Thick-nee, Stripe-headed Woodcreeper, Black-capped Sparrow, and Elegant Crescentchest.
As we traverse these incredible locations, prepare to be enchanted by the rich diversity of life and the unique charm of the Tumbes region. Overnight in Chiclayo.
Birding North Peru Northern
Day 3: Chiclayo, Rafan, Tinajones
In the morning, we will continue exploring the dry Tumbesian forest, heading towards the Rafan area. This location is one of the few places where the endemic Peruvian Plantcutter (Phytotoma raimondii) can be observed. After a two-hour trip, we will stop at the coast, where we will watch seabirds and other species that inhabit the Tinajones reservoir, surrounded by reeds. During our visit, with a bit of luck, we might see the Guanay Cormorant (Phalacrocorax bougainvillii), the South American Gull (Leucophaeus occidens), and the Little Sunangel (Tachuris rubrigastra). Overnight in Chiclayo.
Day 4: Abra Gavilán, Lake San Nicolas, Cajamarca
We will leave early in the morning for the central-northern region of Peru, traveling towards Cajamarca. Along the way, we will make several stops to watch birds, enjoying the stunning landscape. We will have the opportunity to visit a lake that hosts interesting birds, expanding our list in Peru. As night falls, we will dine in a local restaurant in the main square of Cajamarca. Here, we will be able to observe birds such as the Black-tailed Trainbearer (Metallura phoebe) and the Rufous-backed Tanager (Incaspiza fulva), as well as try to locate the elusive Blackish Tapaculo (Scytalopus latrans). Overnight in Cajamarca.
Peru Birding North
Day 5: Cajamarca, Chonta River, Celendín
This day begins with a visit to the Chonta River, where we will search for the endemic hummingbird (Oreotrochilus) of this area. After that, we will head to Cruz Conga, an area known for its diverse habitat that hosts a wide variety of birds. By the end of the day, we will arrive in Celendín, where we will spend the night. On this day, we can expect to see the Plain-tailed Wren (Microspingus cayennensis) and the Gray-bellied Comet (Anthocephalus floriceps), while also trying to spot the rare Cajamarca Antpitta (Grallaria cajamarcae). Birds we can see here are: Plain-tailed Wren, Gray-bellied Comet, Cajamarca Antpitta. Night in Celendín
Day 6: Celendín, Marañón Valley
Today will be an enriching journey in the central-northern Andes, as we visit the famous Marañón Valley, recognized for its exclusive species. With some luck, sightings may include the Golden-patched Woodpecker (Incaspiza ruficollis), Marañón Crescentchest (Coryphistera alaudina), and Gray-winged Inca-Finch (Coeligena hospitalis). Overnight in Celendín.
Day 7: Balsas, Abra Barro Negro, Leymebamba
Today, we will head to the Amazon region, where the landscape will change, and so will the birds we can observe. During the journey, we will cross the Marañón River, stopping at several strategic points to sight new birds. Among the species we may find are the Coppery Metaltail (Metallura theodorea), the Peruvian Pigeon (Columba fasciata), and the Buff-fronted Owl (Aegolius h. brunnicutis). Overnight in Leymebamba.
Birding North Peru
Day 8: Huembo Reserve, Pomacochas
We will spend the day in the Amazon region, making stops at key routes. We will search for the spectacular Marvelous Spatuletail (Loddigesia mirabilis) along the trail that runs parallel to the Atuen River, before arriving at Pomacochas, a picturesque town next to a beautiful lake. Here we may observe birds such as the Buff-bellied Tanager (Ramphocelus dimidiatus) and the Chestnut-crowned Antpitta (Grallaria ruficapilla), as well as the Marvelous Spatuletail. Overnight in Pomacochas.
Day 9: San Lorenzo Trail
Today will be a challenging day of hiking on the San Lorenzo Trail, which offers a wide range of birds. This route, extending from 2500 to 2900 m, will allow us to observe mixed flocks and a special antpitta that inhabits the area. During the hike, we may see the Pale-billed Antpitta (Grallaria carrikeri) and the Leymebamba Antpitta (Grallaria leymebambae), among many others. Overnight in Pomacochas.
Day 10: Alto Nieva, Antpittas and more.
This day will be dedicated to visiting a local lodge with hummingbird and antpitta feeders. This place offers the opportunity to observe special and endemic species that can be spotted in the surroundings. Here we may expect to see the Blue-winged Mountain Tanager (Bangsia melanochlamys) and the Rufous-tailed Tyrant (Hemitriccus rufigenis), as well as the rare Long-wiskered Owlet (Aegolius subalaris). Birds we can see here are: Blue-winged Mountain Tanager, Rufous-tailed Tyrant, Long-wiskered Owlet. Overnight in Alto Nieva.
Northern Birding North Peru
Day 11: Alto Nieva, LLantería Feeders, Morro Calzada, Moyobamba
From Alto Nieva, we will head to various locations where migratory birds stop. A journey toward Morro de Calzada will take us to an area remarkably diverse in both vegetation and birds. We may observe species such as the Ecuadorian Piedtail (Heliomaster longirostra) and the Black-bellied Tanager (Ramphocelus dimidiatus), as well as the rare Painted Manakin (Ceratopipra mentalis). Overnight in Moyobamba.
Day 12 to 14: Moyobamba, Tarapoto, Bellavista, Cordillera Azul, Plataforma
The next few days will be dedicated to our journey toward a remote corner of the Cordillera Azul Park. This route involves long trips in 4×4 trucks, and travel time depends on road conditions. Once we reach Platform, a place with basic accommodation, we will spend 3 nights focusing on the observation of the Scarlet-banded Barbet (Capito wallacee) and other specialties such as the Cordillera Azul Antbird (Myrmeciza squamulosa) and the Platform Woodcreeper (Dendrocincla merula). Overnight in Plataforma.
Day 15: Plataforma, Tarapoto & Flight back to Lima
We will start our last day in Plataforma with a delicious breakfast. We will leave early and head back to Tarapoto, looking for birds along the way. Among the species we can find near Tarapoto are the Planalto hermit (Heliomaster longirostra) and the Ashy-headed Greenlet (Hemicra titania). In the afternoon, we will transfer to the airport for your flight back to Lima.
1 Comment
I recently had the pleasure of participating in a Northern Peru tour organized by Birding Expeditions Peru, and I must say, it was an unforgettable experience! From start to finish, the attention to detail and passion for birdlife shown by our guide made this trip truly special for us.