Birding Northern Peru – Manu Birding Lodge

Day 0: Fly to Lima

• Arrive in Lima and overnight stay.

Day 1: Lima to Chiclayo

• Morning flight to Chiclayo (1 hour and 20 minutes).
• Transfer to the hotel.
• Birding along the Pacific Ocean coast for Seabirds and Shorebirds.
• Explore coastal wetlands for various bird species.
• Overnight in Chiclayo.
• Meals: B, L, D

Day 2 and 3: Olmos

• Drive two hours to Olmos.
• Birding at Bosque Pomac Reserve, Quebrada Frijolillo, and Algarrobo woodland.
• Search for Tumbes Swallow, Rufous Flycatcher, Peruvian Plantcutter, and more.
• Night birding for Peruvian Screech Owl and Scrub Nightjar.
• Overnight in Olmos.
• Meals: B, L, D

Day 4, 5, and 6: Gotas de Agua (Jaen)

• Drive to Gotas de Agua, with birding stops for various species.
• Explore Maranon Endemics, rice fields, and Uctubamba River.
• Stay at Gotas de Agua private Reserve for three nights.
• Birdwatching for Maranon Crescentchest, Maranon Slaty Antshrike, Buff-bellied Tanager, and more.
• Overnight in Gotas de Agua.
• Meals: B, L, D

Day 7, 8, and 9: Huembo Lodge

• Drive to Huembo Lodge with birding stops.
• Witness the Marvelous Spatulatail at the Lek.
• Explore trails for various hummingbirds and bird species.
• Look for Torrent Duck, Golden-headed Quetzal, Andean Solitaire, and more.
• Overnight in Huembo Lodge.
• Meals: B, L, D

Day 10, 11, and 12: Owlet Lodge

• Birding and driving from Huembo Lodge to Owlet Lodge.
• Stay three nights with access to extensive trails.
• Search for Antpittas and Owling for White-throated Screech Owl and Rufous-banded Owl.
• Explore mixed flocks, including Johnson’s Tody-tyrant, Tyranine Woodcreeper, and more.
• Night birding with possibilities of Lyre-tailed Nightjar, Rufous-bellied Nighthawk, and Cinnamon Screech Owl.
• Overnight in Owlet Lodge.
• Meals: B, L, D

Day 13, 14, and 15: Moyobamba

• Drive and bird from Owlet Lodge to Moyobamba.
• Explore upper tropical forests for new and exciting bird species.
• Stay three nights with chances to see Speckle-chested Piculet, Black-bellied Tanager, Golden-winged Manakin, and more.
• Overnight in Moyobamba.
• Meals: B, L, D

Day 16: Tarapoto – Lima

• Last morning of birding in Mollobamba.
• Afternoon drive to Tarapoto.
• Evening flight back to Lima (1 hour and 15 minutes).
• Overnight in Lima.
• Meals: B, L, D

Day 17: Flight back Home

• Departure from Lima.

Note: B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner

Trip Considerations

Climate:

• Hot and humid in the lowlands to very cold at Abra Malaga.
• Possibility of a “Friaje,” a strong cold front moving up from the south that can bring periods of unusually cool weather and rain.

Difficulty:

• Moderate.
• Some long journeys and early starts, but walking is usually fairly easy.
• The walk up to the Polylepis is optional; those not interested can stay with the bus.

Accommodation:

• Jungle lodges are comfortable but simple.
• Some lodges may lack full-time electricity but provide a generator for a few hours a day to charge batteries.
• Hotels in Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, and Puerto Maldonado are Amazon Birding Standard.
• Lima hotel choice depends on flight schedules; may use a convenient airport hotel (noisy) or one in a better part of the city.

Bird Photography:

• Opportunities are worthwhile.

Linkable Amazon Birding:

• Central & Northern Peru

What to Bring: Aside from Binoculars and photo-equipment (the important birdwatcher’s stuff), we advise:

• Spotting scope, if you have one.
• Flashlight for night birding.
• Light day pack.
• Sunscreen and insect repellent.
• T-shirts and a long-sleeved shirt.
• Comfortable pants (jeans or quick-drying nylon).
• Cotton socks.
• Sweater, jacket, or fleece for night birding.
• Light jacket, water-resistant, or poncho.
• Hiking boots or sturdy shoes.
• Sandals for after hours.
• Hat and sunglasses.
• Plastic bags for camera, clothes, etc.
• Personal toiletries (shampoo, towel, etc.).

Note: In the rainy season, umbrellas and rubber boots are provided in many popular sizes for rainy days.