Tambopata Clay Lick Trip to Find Macaws
This moderately paced 5-day Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick Tour is available on request and takes you on a search for a number of macaw species living in the National Reserve of Tambopata. Hundreds of the most beautiful parrots gather to socialize and feed on the red clay at the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick. The clay that's found on a 200m-wide cliff next to the river is important to supplement the birds' diet with minerals such as magnesium and aluminium hydroxide, and to help cleanse their guts. This is necessary because it neutralizes the toxins macaws intake with the unripe fruit and seeds they feed on.
At the Chuncho clay lick, it pays to keep attentive because there's a high possibility of spotting a Jaguar or Puma. And there are other amazing species, such as the Red Brocket Deer and Howler Monkeys, that routinely visit the lick.
"It was excellent to have a local guide. Bring along and wear thick gloves (garden or ski) if you lose your balance when walking in your boots in deep mud. If you fall into the mud, you have the option of sinking into the mud or hugging/grabbing onto the next tree, which may be full with unpleasant surprises such as scorpions. The second option allows you to grab onto something and protect yourself while also improving your grip. A face mosquito net is also a good idea. Take pleasure in the unknown world of surprises and the unexpected, but be ready." - Yelena V
Apart from enjoying the sights of the Chuncho Macaw clay lick, the tour also takes you to the breathtaking Tres Chimbadas Lake where you can watch a family of Giant River Otters and see some amazing bird species. These include the Cocoi Heron, Hoatzins, Red-breasted Kingfisher, Agami Heron, Anhinga, or snakebird, and Blue-and-Yellow macaws and Scarlet Macaws. The trek in the rainforest before you get to the lake offers great chances of spotting wildlife such as trogons or Tamanduas, relatives of anteaters but arboreal.
There is a night excursion along a jungle path from the lodge to spot nocturnal wildlife such as Musmuki Monkeys, many species of frogs and toads, tarantulas, false scorpion spiders and other amazing animals. And there's a visit to our 46m-high tower to take in the stunning beauty of the jungle canopy. At that height you can get even closer to birds such as the King Vulture, Ornate Eagle and even Red Howler Monkeys, not to mention the macaws you got to know at the Chuncho Clay Lick.
Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick Tour highlights include:
- A visit the Chuncho Clay Lick to spot an array of macaws and other parrots
- The chance of an encounter with Jaguar or Puma
- White Caymans on the Tambopata River on a night excursion
- Walks through pristine Amazon rainforest to learn about the native jungle flora and fauna
If you have more time to spend on your holiday, you could think about enjoying an additional birding experience on our Macaws in Tambopata Tour.
Alternative Tour Name: The Clay Lick Chuncho Tour
Tours
Wildlife
Guides
Conservation
Location
Value