Tambopata Macaw Clay Lick Tour, 5 Days with Two Lodges

Five days, four nights and two lodges give this Tambopata macaw clay lick tour room to cover far more than the famous wall of birds. You start with a road transfer of about two hours to the banks of the Tambopata River, then a boat ride to the first lodge, and an introductory walk into the rainforest that same afternoon.

The second day begins very early with a boat trip to El Chuncho, the largest macaw clay lick in the world. Hundreds of parrots of 11 species gather on the clay wall by the river, followed by three kinds of colourful macaws. Back at the lodge you walk through a botanical garden with fruit, timber and medicinal plants, and in the afternoon you can paddle a kayak on the Tambopata River. A night walk is available as an extra.

On day three the boat returns to Puerto Maldonado, and another hour on the water brings you to the second lodge. The itinerary then adds:

• a two-hour guided hike through dense forest, looking for birds, monkeys, snakes and butterflies
• Monkey Island, across the Madre de Dios River from the lodge
• a caiman search along the riverbanks in the evening
• a 3 km walk to Lake Sandoval, where giant river otters may appear
• a canopy walkway about 30 metres high, with toucans, macaws, tanagers and orioles

Pick-ups from your hotel, the airport or the bus station, lodging, meals, the guide and the reserve entrance are included. Drinks, snacks and tips are not, and a single room carries a supplement. Children under 3 cannot join.