Central and South America

Peru | Birding the Peruvian Amazon

with Cayuga Bird Club
Date:
Jul 15 - Jul 23, 2025
Duration:
9 Days
Price:
From $5,195
Interests:
Birding
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Hoatzin
Tambopata National Reserve
Flame-crested Tanager
Humboldt Penguins in their breeding site at the Ballestas Islands
Pucusana
King Vulture (Sarcoraphus papa)
Opal-rumped Tanager
Lima
Pied Plover
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About this trip

Peru’s tremendous range of ecosystems and the consequent diversity of its endemic species make it a favorite among birders. Explore some of the country's natural and cultural highlights—including the Peruvian desert, Huaca Pucllana ruins, and the Amazon— while seeking out a variety of avifauna on this active 9-day program. As you traverse different landscapes, you’ll cross more than just birds off your life list: take a boat ride through the rainforest on the Amazon River, visit the small fishing village of Pucusana, and more.
OPTIONAL EXTENSION: Continue your birding experience with an optional post-trip extension to Machu Picchu, July 23-26, 2025.

Highlights

  • View the Amazonian lowlands by boat and on foot to look for colorful macaws, tanagers, and the enigmatic Hoatzin.
  • Discover the mist-fed ecosystem of Lomas de Lachay, home to an oasis of dwarf forest in the Peruvian desert.
  • Take a small boat from the fishing village of Pucusana to look for Peruvian Booby, Inca Tern, and the elusive Humboldt Penguin.
  • Explore the quintessential rainforest on the 5-mile Ocelot Trail and the 5-mile Toucan Trail systems at Tambopata Research Center (TRC). 
  • Climb to the top of TRC's 100-foot canopy tower, where you can watch for mixed flocks composed predominately of tanagers, including Paradise Tanager.

Meet your leader

Jody Enck

Jody Enck started birding as a small boy growing up on a farm in Pennsylvania. Since then, he continues to learn more and more about birds and birders. Jody especially loves bird-watching in his back yard and learning what the local residents are up to. He is a closet lister, with more than 550 species seen in the U.S. and nearly 2,000 throughout the Americas. He has a background in wildlife biology and social science. In 2016, he founded the Sister Bird Club Network, which links birders and clubs throughout the Western Hemisphere by raising awareness of the conservation needs of the neotropical migratory birds we all love.

Land Cost

$5,195

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $975

What makes us different

Scopes

All of our birding guides carry scopes to improve your chances of spotting even the most hard to find species

Rich content

All of our programs include experiences that are enriching and engaging to facilitate a genuine connection between our travelers and their destinations

Service anytime

Enjoy worry-free travel — our emergency line is monitored 24/7/365 so we can assist you if any problems arise while you’re traveling with us

Top birding guides

Our in-country birding guides are experts in bird identification and behavior, providing rewarding experiences for everyone from novice birders to ornithologists

Meaningful experiences

We believe travel should be more than just a vacation – it should enrich and inspire

Expert guides

We take pride in hiring local guides who are carefully selected for their knowledge, sensitivity and skill in the field

AND MORE!

See all the reasons why you should travel with Holbrook

What makes us different

Daily Itinerary

Print Itinerary
Lima
Upon arrival in Lima, after clearing customs and immigration, you will be met and taken to your hotel. Check in starts at 3 pm. The hotel restaurant serves dinner until 9:30 pm but the hotel also offers a special menu for room service 24/7.
Sonesta Hotel El Olivar
Lima
Breakfast at the hotel starts at 6 am. At approximately 7 am, head south of Lima to visit the small fishing village of Pucusana. After boarding a small boat, you'll have the opportunity to see sea lions, Peruvian Boobies, Inca Terns, and the elusive Humboldt Penguin. Return to Lima for lunch and have the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. This evening, attend a program orientation in the hotel conference room at 5:30 pm with your guide and review the bird checklist for today, followed by dinner overlooking the ruins of Huaca Pucllana, an adobe-and-clay pyramid dating to the pre-Incan Lima culture.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Sonesta Hotel El Olivar
Lima
Take a field trip this morning to Lomas de Lachay National Reserve. The Lomas de Lachay represent a unique ecosystem known as a desert mist oasis, which is formed by the fog that rolls in from the Pacific Ocean. The reserve encompasses over 12,500 acres within the vast coastal Sechura Desert, and its unique geography and resulting climate have created a special environment where dwarf forests and small birds and mammals thrive. Hear a lecture, "The Desert Birds Among the Mist." Although the reserve's bird list is relatively short, there are four endemics and a few specialties that are difficult to find elsewhere. Species regularly seen here include Andean Tinamou, Peruvian Thick-knee, Least Seedsnipe, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Thick-billed Miner, Cactus Canastero, and various hummingbirds. This afternoon, return to the hotel for some time at leisure. Meet before dinner for a bird checklist review.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Sonesta Hotel El Olivar
Amazon
Head to the airport for your flight to Puerto Maldonado in southeastern Peru. Upon arrival, drive about an hour to the river port in the community of Infierno, making stops along the way to look for riparian birds that include Pied Lapwing, Collared Plover, King Vulture, Bat Falcon, Olive and Russet-backed Oropendolas, and Ringed and Amazon Kingfishers. In Infierno, board a covered boat and begin the tranquil, one-hour trip up the Tambopata River to Refugio Amazonas, with lunch onboard. The lodge is located on a 500-acre private reserve within the buffer zone of the Tambopata National Reserve. Upon arrival, receive an orientation to the lodge. Each room has an open wall to view the jungle, private bath with hot water, and mosquito nets; electricity and internet are available only in the common areas. Meet before dinner for a bird checklist review. After dinner, take a night walk in search of nocturnal species.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Refugio Amazonas
Amazon
Start the day with a visit to the nearly 100-foot-tall canopy tower to watch for mixed flocks composed predominately of tanagers, including Paradise, Green-and-gold, Flame-crested, Turquoise, and Opal-rumped Tanagers, among others. The tower also offers good opportunities to spot Cream-colored Woodpecker, Gilded Barbet, and Plum-throated Cotinga. Macaws and toucans can be seen flying against the horizon, including Southern Emerald-Toucanet and Chestnut-eared, Lettered, Curl-crested, and Ivory-billed Aracaris. Later, take a short walk to a clay lick known for attracting mammals, particularly herds of white-lipped peccaries numbering from five to twenty individuals. The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore on your own or relax. Meet before dinner for a bird checklist review.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Refugio Amazonas
Amazon
Check out and travel further upriver to the Tambopata Research Center (TRC). En route, have a boxed lunch and, weather permitting, stop to visit the Chuncho clay lick for the opportunity to see dozens of large macaws, including Red-and-green Macaws and Mealy Parrots, feeding on the riverbank's sodium-rich clay. Upon arrival at the TRC, check in and get settled. Each room has an open wall to view the jungle, private bath with hot water, and mosquito nets; electricity is available three times a day, and internet is available in the evenings. Meet before dinner for a bird checklist review. After dinner, take a guided night walk.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tambopata Research Center
Amazon
Set out by canoe around sunrise for a visit to the Colorado macaw clay lick. Disembark at a sandbar and walk to a bluff that faces the clay cliffs on the other side of a small gully. Before you know it, hundreds of brightly colored parrots, macaws, and parakeets will start gathering at the clay lick in a raucous and vibrant spectacle. Return to the lodge for breakfast. Next, explore the quintessential rainforest on the five-mile Ocelot Trail and the five-mile Toucan Trail systems. The Ocelot Trail is in the floodplain, where ponds and streams form during the rainy season. The Toucan Trail, on the other hand, is tall rainforest that rarely or never floods. Both of these trails represent the most species-rich habitats for birds, including Starred Wood-Quail, Pale-winged Trumpeter, Black-tailed Leaftosser, trogons, foliage-gleaners, woodcreepers, antbirds, flycatchers, manakins, and more. Mixed-species flocks are especially diverse; understory flocks often contain 30 to 40 species, led by Dusky-throated Antshrike and Red-crowned Ant-Tanagers. Other species might include Plain-winged and Bluish-slate Antshrikes, White-eyed and Plain-breasted Antwrens, Thrush-like Antpitta, White-winged Shrike-Tanager, Amazonian Barred-Woodcreeper, and Spix's Woodcreeper. The Ocelot Trail also crosses some permanently flooded old ponds inhabited by Agami Heron, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Pygmy and Green-and-rufous Kingfishers, and Sunbittern. After long hikes, you can continue to bird within the confines of the TRC. Possible species on the TRC clearing include Squirrel Cuckoo, Masked Crimson Tanager, Cinnamon-throated Woodcreeper, Speckled Chachalaca, and Yellow-tufted Woodpecker. Meet before dinner for a bird checklist review.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tambopata Research Center
Amazon
Continue birding on the TRC trail systems. Hundreds of species live in these forests, and visitors often see a different set of birds on the same trails as the day before. Search for ant swarms attended by species such as Black-spotted Bare-eye, Black-banded Woodcreeper, Sooty Antbird, and maybe even a Rufous-vented Ground-Cuckoo. Also keep an eye and ear out for uncommon ground birds like tinamous, Striated Antthrush, and Razor-billed Curassow. Other targets include the stunning Pavonine Quetzal, Black-bellied Cuckoo, Amazonian Pygmy-Owl, Great Jacamar, Ringed Antpipit, Casque-headed Oropendola, Speckled Spinetail, big mixed flocks led by White-winged Shrike-Tanager, and many others. Rare surprises such as Crested or Harpy Eagles, forest-falcons, and Yellow-bellied Tanager are also possible. Also bird at the transitional forests above the clay lick. These were bamboo forests until they flowered and died out a few years ago. Now they are akin to riparian forests but will eventually grow into terra firme, as they are not affected by yearly floods. Here you will look for White-throated Jacamar, Buff-throated and Grayish Saltators, Scarlet-hooded Barbet, Crested and Russet-backed Oropendolas, Piratic Flycatcher, Yellow-billed Nunbird, and others. While birding these spots, you will have extraordinary views of the Tambopata River winding its way from the highlands. This evening, join your guide before dinner for a farewell briefing and bird checklist review. After dinner, venture out near the lodge to spotlight Common Pauraque, Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl, Great and Long-tailed Potoos, Ocellated Poorwill, and with luck, a Mottled Owl or Crested Owl. There is also the possibility of taking macro shots of American bullfrogs, horned frogs, tree frogs, and other nocturnal creatures.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tambopata Research Center
Farewell!
Depart the TRC, traveling 2.5 hours by boat and then another hour by vehicle to Puerto Maldonado. Fly back to Lima or begin the Machu Picchu extension with a flight to Cusco. Those returning home will catch evening flights back to the US.
Breakfast- included
Land Cost

$5,195

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $975

What's Included
  • Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
  • Full time expert birding guide for duration of program
  • Private transportation and driver for the duration of the program
  • Internal flights relevant to itinerary
  • Arrival and departure transfers based on individual flight schedules
  • Non alcoholic beverage with meals
  • Water refill station during transfers
What's Not Included
  • International airfare
  • Tips
  • Travel Insurance
  • Items of personal nature
  • Carbon Offset
Pricing Details
Cost is based on a minimum of 9 participants in double occupancy.

A deposit of $350 is required for participants to register and reserve space on the program. Reservations submitted beyond the final payment deadline noted below will require full payment to enroll. 120 or more days before departure: $100 cancellation fee; remaining balance is refunded. 119 - 96 days before departure: full deposit of $350 is forfeited. 95 - 0 days before departure: 100% of program price is forfeited.

Holbrook Travel strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection for medical emergencies while traveling and to protect your investment. Please note the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage or to exclude pre-existing conditions with Trip Cancellation coverage may require policy purchase within 10-14 days of your initial deposit, depending upon the provider.

Single room supplement $975


Final payment due date: April 11, 2025

Travel Info

Print Travel Info

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Peru. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the date of departure. Tourists must provide evidence of return or onwards travel.

For visits fewer than 90 days, you will be issued a tourist card, called the Tarjeta Andina de Migración (TAM), upon arrival in Peru. It is important not to lose this document, as it can be time consuming and inconvenient to replace.

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Embassy of Peru for the requirements based on your nationality.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Peru.

The CDC recommends inoculation against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most unvaccinated travelers to Peru.

Yellow fever is a risk in certain parts of Peru, primarily east of the Andes at elevations below 7,500 feet. The CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine if you are traveling to these areas.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

MALARIA

The CDC warns that malaria is a risk in certain parts of Peru, primarily east of the Andes at elevations below 6,500 feet. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. There is no vaccine to protect against malaria. If you are visiting areas where malaria is present and choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your doctor for a prescription. To protect against mosquitos, cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin.

DENGUE FEVER AND OTHER MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESSES

Dengue is common in Peru in the tropical and sub-tropical areas during the rainy season, especially in urban and suburban areas. Mosquitos that spread dengue do not usually live at elevations above 6,500 feet, so the risk of dengue in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu is low. Additionally, locally transmitted cases of chikungunya and Zika virus have previously been reported in Peru. To protect against mosquitos, cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS

Upon arrival at locations of high elevation, shortness of breath and a pounding heart are normal responses to the lack of oxygen in the air. However, for some visitors, these symptoms can deteriorate into altitude sickness. Headache, extreme tiredness, dizziness, nausea, and loss of appetite are standard symptoms. Staying hydrated and well rested is important to adjust to the altitude. Avoiding heavy, fatty foods and alcohol in the days before arriving to altitude can help. Over-the-counter medications are also available to help prevent or alleviate symptoms. It’s advisable to avoid sleep medications, as they can slow breathing and respiration, which aid in getting the blood oxygenated while sleeping. Participants who take blood pressure medications should discuss this with their doctor as the medication can drop pressure too low at times.

SUN EXPOSURE

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

Respiratory Illness Protocols

Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.

Resources

Print Resources

Suggested Packing List

Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences and specific itinerary.

You may find many of the items below in our Gear Store.

CLOTHING

Casual, comfortable clothing is suitable for most activities. You may wish to bring a slightly nicer outfit or two (eg sundress, polo shirt) if your itinerary includes dinners out or more formal activities.

Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. If you prefer to pack light, note that many hotels offer laundry services (at additional cost). If you plan to hand-wash items, remember that humidity may delay drying time.

Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to adapt to weather changes throughout the day. For higher elevations, consider packing a warm underlayer, as well as a warm, protective outer layer. Clothing that wicks away moisture and dries quickly is recommended.

  • A combination of short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts (lightweight for sun and mosquito protection; heavier weight for higher elevations)
  • Shorts
  • Lightweight, quick-drying long pants for sun and mosquito protection
  • Medium to heavy weight cotton pants for the highlands
  • Undergarments
  • Sleepwear
  • Lightweight jacket or sweater/sweatshirt
  • 1-2 bathing suit(s)
  • Socks – Bring extra pairs
  • Shoes – Consider your specific itinerary when choosing footwear. For most programs, you’ll likely want at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes suitable for forest hikes and walking over cobblestones or other uneven terrain. Sturdier hiking boots may be appropriate for more active itineraries. In addition, many participants opt for a pair of sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar) and/or casual flip-flops or sandals.
  • Lightweight rain jacket, hooded poncho, and/or windbreaker
  • Visor or wide-brimmed sun hat
  • Bandana, scarf, or neck gaiter

Personal toiletries

Pack toiletries based on your personal preferences and habits. Below are just a few recommendations to keep in mind.

  • Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant , etc. – If possible, avoid strong fragrances if you are sensitive to insect bites.
  • Soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel – Washcloths are not standard in all hotels. If you normally use a washcloth, you may wish to bring one from home.
  • Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap. Many—but not all—hotel rooms provide a hair dryer, but you may wish to bring one from home.
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Razor
  • Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin
  • Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
  • Aloe vera gel
  • A travel pack of tissues – also useful as napkins or toilet paper if needed

In addition to your personal toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness and/or altitude sickness medication (if you are prone to either), anti-diarrhea medicine, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.

MISCELLANEOUS

Remember to pack valuables such as your passport, cash/credit cards, and medications in your carry-on luggage.

  • Passport and photocopies of all travel documentation
  • Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
  • Money – ATM/credit card, traveler's checks, and/or cash; small bills in good condition are recommended
  • Prescription medicines (if applicable), with a copy of the prescription
  • Sunglasses with strap
  • Small day pack for hikes and excursions
  • Flashlight and/or head lamp
  • Travel alarm clock or inexpensive waterproof wristwatch with alarm – Not all hotels provide alarm clocks.
  • A pocket calculator or phone to assist with conversions and currency exchange
  • Binoculars with lens cleaner
  • Camera and related equipment, such as charger, lenses, and extra memory cards
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Non-perishable snacks
  • Pocket-knife or multipurpose tool - Pack in your checked luggage
  • Zip-top style bags – useful for packing toiletries, sorting clothing, storing damp or muddy shoes, or as a dry bag for protecting electronics
  • Notepad or travel journal and pen
  • Music or reading material for down time, long bus drives, or on the airplane, and a portable bright light to read by
  • Walking stick with rubber tip (folding or collapsible, for walking on rough and uneven terrain)
  • A small quantity of laundry detergent if you’ll be washing clothing by hand
  • Travel-size umbrella – Some people find this unwieldy to carry, while others find it offers better protection than a rain jacket alone.
  • Money belt
  • Converter and adapter for electronics
  • Chargers for electronics
PLEASE NOTE:  There is a weight limit of 11 pounds for luggage on the train transfer to Machu Picchu. Please be prepared to pack an overnight bag for the night spent in the Machu Picchu area. Your bag must weigh no more than 11 pounds and measure no more than 62 linear inches / 157 cm (length + height + width). You can safely store excess luggage at the prior night’s hotel, or at one of our field offices.
The knowledge of guides was extraordinary, so the trip was truly a learning opportunity.
- Pat V.
Peru ,
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