8-Hour Tambopata Macaw Clay Lick Tour from Puerto Maldonado

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Witness the spectacular gathering of scarlet, red-and-green, and blue-and-yellow macaws
• 02 Watch parrots and parakeets descend to feed on the clay cliffs
• 03 Look for capybaras, white caimans, monkeys, and possible jaguar sightings
• 04 Search the riverbanks for wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and jaguar tracks

Experience the magic of the Amazon on a full-day trip from Puerto Maldonado to the Tambopata Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick. Travel before dawn by road and river through spectacular jungle scenery, with chances to spot capybaras, white caimans, exotic birds, and even the elusive jaguar. At the clay lick, marvel as dozens of vibrant macaws and parrots gather on the mineral-rich cliffs in one of the region's most breathtaking natural spectacles.

Watch as dozens of macaws and parrots gather, interact, and feed on the clay cliffs.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Puerto Maldonado, Tambopata National Reserve

Languages English, French, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Tambopata River Journey to Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick

• 3:00 AM - Pick-up from your hotel in Puerto Maldonado and transfer by minivan (approx. 1.5 hours) to the Tambopata River port.

• Boat ride: Navigate the Tambopata River for about 1 hour, enjoying the spectacular scenery while searching for wildlife such as capybaras, exotic birds, white caimans, and possibly tapirs or jaguars.

• Chuncho Clay Lick observation: Watch as dozens of macaws and parrots gather, interact, and feed on the clay cliffs. Your guide will explain their fascinating behavior and help identify the species.

• Breakfast by the river, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle.

• Wildlife exploration: Take short walks along the riverbanks to look for monkeys, birds, and even jaguar tracks.

• 12:00 PM - Return boat ride and road transfer back to Puerto Maldonado, arriving at your hotel.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off (within Puerto Maldonado)
• Land and boat transportation
• Entrance fees to Tambopata National Reserve
• Professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English)
• Breakfast and snacks
• Life jackets and safety equipment

What's Not Included

• Lunch (optional box lunch available upon request)
• Personal expenses
• Tips for the guide/crew (optional)

What to bring

• Wear light clothing, comfortable shoes, and a hat.
• Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, and binoculars.
• A camera with a zoom lens is highly recommended for birdwatching.
• This activity requires an early departure and long boat or road travel.

Know before you go

• This half-day tour departs daily at 3:00 AM from Puerto Maldonado and returns by 12:00 PM.
• The best months to visit are July, August, and September, when macaws are most active and the river levels are ideal for wildlife viewing.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Plaza De Armas Puerto Maldonado, Puerto Maldonado, Perú

Tour start

Puerto Maldonado, Peru

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.