Puerto Maldonado: Tambopata Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick Tour
Nature & adventure
Multi-day trips
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Outdoor activities
Guided tours
Birdwatching
Jungle tours
Safaris & wildlife activities
Sightseeing
Sunrise tours
National parks
At sunrise in Tambopata, large flocks of macaws gather on the riverbanks for a feast meeting, bringing the rainforest to life with vibrant colors and loud calls as they feed on essential clay minerals
Highlights
- Visit one of the Amazon’s most active and colorful macaw clay licks at sunrise.
- Travel with expert local guides who help you spot wildlife from the river.
- Enjoy a peaceful early morning boat ride perfect for nature photography.
- Includes a special focus on tracking animals along the riverbanks.
- The tour we offer combines the clay lick experience with wildlife exploration.
Description
Start your day with a 3:00 AM hotel pick-up in Puerto Maldonado. Travel by private minivan—48 km on paved road and 15 km on a dirt road—to the Tambopata River port in Filadelfia. From there, board a motorized canoe and enjoy a peaceful sunrise journey upriver. As daylight breaks, watch the jungle come alive with capybaras, monkeys, white caimans, and tropical birds along the riverbanks.
Arrive at the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick and witness large flocks of scarlet, blue-and-yellow, and red-and-green macaws descending to the riverbank to feed on the essential clay minerals. Their bright colors and echoing calls create a truly unforgettable rainforest moment.
After the macaw activity, enjoy a picnic breakfast by the river, then continue by boat along the shoreline, where your guide helps you search for wildlife like capybaras, tapir tracks, and—on rare occasions—even signs of the elusive jaguar. Return to Puerto Maldonado by late morning.
Includes
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Puerto Maldonado (within 8 km radius)
Private ground transportation (paved and off-road)
Motorized canoe ride on the Tambopata River
Naturalist guide (English/Spanish)
Entrance fees to Tambopata National Reserve
Picnic-style breakfast by the river
Wildlife and birdwatching activities
Binoculars and safety equipment
Important Information
- Passport or ID (required for entrance to the reserve)
Long-sleeved shirt and long pants (for sun and insect protection)
Comfortable closed-toe shoes or hiking shoes
Refillable water bottle
Lightweight rain jacket or poncho
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Hat or cap
Camera or phone (optional, but highly recommended for photos)
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund