Macaws at the clay lick
CHUNCHO CLAY LICK MACAWS

Tambopata Macaw Clay Lick Tour: Chuncho 4 Days / 3 Nights

  • 4 Days / 3 Nights
  • Puerto Maldonado · Tambopata River · Chuncho Clay Lick, Peru
  • From $435 USD ≈ S/ 1,502
Lake Sandoval with aguaje palms, Tambopata National Reserve
Amazon river surrounded by rainforest
Lake surrounded by Amazon rainforest

The Amazon’s most colorful spectacle: hundreds of macaws and parrots at the Chuncho clay lick, combined with Lake Sandoval and the canopy walkway.

DURATION 4 Days / 3 Nights
MAX ALTITUDE 250 m (Tambopata River)
DIFFICULTY Easy / Moderate
GROUP SIZE Shared group (min. 2)
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Experience Overview

A clay lick (collpa) is a riverbank of mineral-rich clay where hundreds of macaws, parrots and parakeets gather every morning to feed. The clay is believed to provide sodium and help neutralize toxins from some of the seeds they eat. Watching dozens of scarlet, blue-and-yellow and green macaws land on the mud wall at once is one of the most breathtaking natural spectacles in Peru.

The Chuncho Clay Lick, on the Tambopata River, is considered one of the largest macaw clay licks in the world. On this 4-day / 3-night tour you’ll watch it at sunrise from a purpose-built viewing platform, and also explore Lake Sandoval, Monkey Island and the canopy walkway.

Good to Know

  • Access is by road (approx. 2 hours in a 4x4 vehicle) and then by boat along the Tambopata River.
  • We leave for the clay lick at 4:30, with approx. 1.5 hours by boat to arrive before the birds do.
  • Clay lick activity peaks in the dry season (July to October); during the rainy season there may be fewer birds.

Tour Highlights

  • Chuncho Clay Lick at sunrise with macaws and parrots.
  • Lake Sandoval by canoe and Monkey Island.
  • Night walk and caiman spotting.
  • Canopy walkway 30 m high.

What to Pack for Tambopata

  • Original passport and cash for the reserve entrance fee.
  • Insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
  • Long-sleeved shirts and lightweight long pants, a rain poncho (especially from January to March) and a light jacket for cool evenings.
  • Hiking shoes, sandals and a swimsuit.
  • Flashlight, binoculars, camera with charger and a water bottle of at least 1 liter.

Signature Highlights

Watch hundreds of macaws and parrots at the Chuncho Clay Lick.
Boat rides on the Tambopata and Madre de Dios rivers.
Lake Sandoval by canoe and Monkey Island.
Night walk and canopy walkway.
Jungle lodges with full board.
STEP BY STEP

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Each day has been carefully planned to optimize acclimatization and avoid peak tourist hours.

DAY 01

Puerto Maldonado – Tambopata River – Lodge – Forest Hike

⛰ 250 m a.s.l. ⏱ Half day ⛺ Lodge on the Tambopata River

We pick you up in Puerto Maldonado and drive about 2 hours by 4x4 to the Tambopata River, where we board the boat to the lodge. Lunch and a forest hike to discover giant trees and medicinal plants. Dinner and overnight.

DAY 02

Chuncho Clay Lick – Monkey Island – Caimans

⛰ 250 m a.s.l. ⏱ Full day ⛺ Lodge on the Madre de Dios River

At 4:30 we set off by boat for approx. 1.5 hours to the Chuncho Clay Lick to watch macaws and parrots arrive at the clay bank. We have breakfast on site and then transfer to the Madre de Dios River area. In the afternoon we visit Monkey Island, and after dark we go caiman spotting.

DAY 03

Lake Sandoval – Night Walk

⛰ 200 m a.s.l. 🚶 3 km on foot ⏱ Full day ⛺ Lodge on the Madre de Dios River

We hike 3 km to Lake Sandoval and explore it by canoe in search of giant otters, hoatzins, monkeys and birds. Relaxing afternoon at the lodge, followed by a night walk to observe nocturnal wildlife.

DAY 04

Canopy Walkway – Puerto Maldonado

⛰ 200 m a.s.l. ⏱ Half day ⛺ Return to Puerto Maldonado

At 5:30 we climb the canopy walkway to watch the sunrise over the rainforest. After breakfast we cruise back to Puerto Maldonado and transfer you to the airport or bus terminal.

FULL TRANSPARENCY

What's Included in the Expedition

✓

Included Luxury Services

  • Pickup at the Puerto Maldonado airport or bus terminal.
  • Ground and river transfers to the lodge and back.
  • Jungle lodge accommodation (bungalows with private bathroom and mosquito nets).
  • Full board as listed in the itinerary (vegetarian option available) and fresh local fruit juices.
  • Bilingual naturalist guide (Spanish / English).
  • All excursions described in the itinerary.
  • 4x4 transportation Puerto Maldonado – Tambopata River.
✕

Not Included

  • Tambopata National Reserve entrance fee (SERNANP), approx. US$ 20 – 30.
  • Flights or bus to Puerto Maldonado.
  • Bar drinks and alcoholic beverages.
  • Travel insurance and tips.
WE ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions about Tambopata Macaw Clay Lick Tour: Chuncho 4 Days / 3 Nights

Am I guaranteed to see macaws at the clay lick?

Sightings are very common, especially from July to October, but they depend on the weather: on rainy days the macaws may not come down to the clay lick.

Are there shorter versions of the clay lick tour?

Yes, we offer full-day, 2-day and 3-day options. Contact us and we’ll recommend the one that best fits your schedule.

How do I get to Puerto Maldonado?

By plane from Cusco (approx. 55 minutes) or Lima (approx. 1 h 40 min), or by bus from Cusco (approx. 10 hours). We’ll pick you up at the airport or bus terminal.

Does the lodge have electricity and internet?

Jungle lodges have electricity during set hours (usually from 17:00 to 21:00) and limited connectivity. Unplugging is part of the experience.

Can I see giant otters at Lake Sandoval?

Lake Sandoval is one of the best places to see them, especially early in the morning. As they are wild animals, however, sightings can’t be guaranteed.

What is the best season for Tambopata?

Tambopata can be visited year-round. May to October is drier; January to March is the rainy season, so bring rain gear.

Do I need any vaccines?

The yellow fever vaccine is recommended at least 10 days before your trip. Please check with your doctor.