Tambopata Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick tour full day, where the rainforest sets the stage for one of nature’s most electric performances. As dawn breaks, hundreds of macaws and parrots swirl into view, transforming the cliffs into a living canvas of color.
Duration
1 Day
Difficulty
Moderate, Moderate
600 feet (139 meters)
1B, 1L
by Bus
All year
The Chuncho del Alto Tambopata Macaw Clay Lick is a famous natural attraction located in the Tambopata National Reserve in southeastern Peru. It is considered one of the largest and most spectacular clay licks in the Amazon rainforest and a highlight of any macaw clay lick tour. Here is an overview of this notable site:
The clay lick is located along the Tambopata River, in the upper Tambopata region of the Peruvian Amazon. It is located approximately 150 kilometers (93 mi) southeast of Puerto Maldonado, the capital city of the Madre de Dios region.
The parrot clay lick is important for its role in the ecology of various bird species, particularly macaws. Macaws are known to gather in large numbers at the clay lick to consume the mineral-rich clay, which helps neutralize toxins in their diet and aids in digestion.
The site offers a unique opportunity to observe and study these magnificent birds up close.
Can you imagine exploring the best of the jungle in a full day at the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick tour? Located in the heart of the Tambopata National Reserve, we take you to one of the most important areas of Amazon flora and fauna, where you can observe macaws, parrots, and other species in their natural habitat.
Visitors can observe the birds from designated viewing points that allow close observation without disturbing their natural behavior. The area is protected, and all visits follow responsible tourism practices that support conservation and respect for wildlife.
Book your tour with Amazon Garden Lodge starting from Puerto Maldonado. Contact our team or reserve online to secure your spot. Our packages include transport, guided visits, and access to the Tambopata National Reserve. We recommend booking in advance due to limited availability and conservation guidelines.
Upper Tambopata’s Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick tour has several highlights that make it a must-see destination for nature lovers and bird lovers. Here are some of the highlights:
Spectacular macaw gatherings: Clay licks attract large numbers of macaws, including scarlet, blue and gold, red and green, and occasionally green-winged. It is a stunning experience to see the bright colors and hear the piercing calls when they gather in large numbers.
Nature observation: Clay licks provide excellent opportunities for up-close observation of macaws and other parrot species. Visitors can observe the birds’ behavior, interactions and feeding habits using specially designed blinds or observation platforms. This proximity makes for great photography and a more immersive experience. Natural behavior and synchronized flight: the arrival of a macaw to lick the clay is a spectacle in itself. They often show synchronized flight patterns, with flocks of birds darting from treetops and landing on loaves of clay. It is a remarkable sight to see their coordinated movements and natural behavior in such numbers.
Biodiversity: It’s not just macaws that attract clay licks. You can also meet other birds such as parrots, parakeets and toucans. The surrounding rainforest is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including a variety of monkeys, giant otters and many tropical birds. Beautiful natural beauty: The Upper Tambopata region has amazing natural beauty. Clay Lick is located in the dense Amazon rainforest, surrounded by tall trees, winding rivers and lush vegetation. The unspoilt surroundings and sounds of the jungle create a peaceful and enchanting atmosphere.
Conservation and Research: Tambopata’s Chunjo Macaw Clay Lick is not only a tourist attraction but also a site of scientific importance. Scientists and conservationists study the behavior, ecology and conservation needs of macaws and other wildlife in the area. By visiting Clay Lick, you can contribute to conservation efforts and support ongoing research.
Cultural Immersion: In addition to the natural wonders, a visit to Clay Lick provides an opportunity to learn about the local culture and indigenous communities of the Tambopata region. Many tours offer the opportunity to interact with local communities, learn about their traditions and gain an insight into their way of life. Together, these highlights make Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick in Alta Tambopata an unforgettable destination that brings you up close to the lively macaws and the fascinating wonders of the Amazon rainforest.
Get a break in the heart of the jungle at Tambopata National Reserve, where you’ll find the stunning Sandoval Lake, abundant plant and animal life, and unforgettable experiences as part of a macaw clay lick tour.
Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick Full Day Itinerary day 1
At dawn, your hotel pickup will be arranged by the driver and tour guide. We’ll drive for approximately an hour to reach the Filadelfia community. From there, we’ll board a boat and travel up the Tambopata River for about 10 minutes. We’ll make a stop at the hotel to pick up more guests and birdwatching equipment, with a focus on Macaws and Parrots.
Next, we’ll continue our journey upstream for another 30 minutes. Along the way, there’s a chance to spot fascinating wildlife such as jaguars or anacondas. Upon reaching the Chuncho clay lick, we’ll spend over three hours observing the vibrant display of parrots and macaws while enjoying a field breakfast.
Afterward, we’ll explore the smaller branches of the Tambopata River, aiming to encounter diverse wildlife including capybaras, tapirs, wild pigs, monkeys, caimans, turtles, and various feline species. We’ll also appreciate the breathtaking natural beauty of Tambopata National Reserve and its rivers.
Returning to the hotel, we’ll embark on a forest walk leading to a birdwatching tower. Standing at an impressive height of over 45 meters (148 ft.), this tower provides panoramic views of monkeys, toucans, parrots, macaws, squirrels, reptiles, insects, frogs, and arachnids. Immerse yourself in the enchantment of Tambopata National Reserve and experience the pure vitality of nature.
In the afternoon, we’ll follow the same route back to the city.
Group service US$220 per person: Daily departures
Private personalized Service Price per person US$350 (04-06ppl Average – 08ppl Maximum)
To confirm the tour/trek we need you to send us your personal information using the form below:
As soon as you had sent us all your personal information as well as the deposit we will send you a Trip Confirmation by email.
If you’re planning to visit one of the most impressive wildlife spots in the Peruvian Amazon, you may have a few questions before booking. In this section, we answer the most common doubts about the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick full day tour, including what to expect, logistics, timing, and travel tips to help you make the most of your experience.
The tour begins at dawn with hotel pickup, usually around 3:00 to 4:00 in the morning. This early start is essential to reach the clay lick during peak macaw activity at sunrise.
| Activity | Approximate Duration |
|---|---|
| Transfer by car to Filadelfia | 1 hour |
| Boat navigation (initial section) | 10 minutes |
| River journey to Chuncho clay lick | 30 minutes |
| Macaw observation | 3+ hours |
| Wildlife exploration and return | Afternoon |
This experience combines river travel, wildlife observation, and jungle exploration in one itinerary:
During the Tambopata Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick tour full day, you can encounter an impressive variety of wildlife thanks to the region’s exceptional biodiversity. The main highlight is the colorful gathering of macaws and parrots at the clay lick, but along the river and within the forest you may also spot capybaras, monkeys, tapirs, wild pigs, and even elusive species such as jaguars or anacondas.
Reptiles like caimans and turtles are commonly seen near the water, while toucans and many other bird species can be observed throughout the journey, making the experience rich and diverse from start to finish.
On the Tambopata Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick tour full day, visitors typically spend more than three hours at the clay lick. This extended time allows you to fully enjoy the spectacle of hundreds of macaws and parrots gathering to feed on mineral rich clay, observe their behavior, and take photographs. Staying longer also increases your chances of witnessing peak activity, which usually happens during the early morning hours.
If you are traveling from abroad, getting to the Chuncho macaw clay lick is quite straightforward. Most travelers fly into Lima, Peru’s main international hub, and then take a domestic flight to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the Tambopata National Reserve and the starting point of the Tambopata Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick tour full day.
From Puerto Maldonado, your tour operator will handle all logistics, including hotel pickup, a short road transfer, and a boat ride into the rainforest, taking you directly to the macaw clay lick.
| From | Steps to follow | Approximate price |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Fly to Lima, then domestic flight to Puerto Maldonado, join tour | 700 to 1200 USD total flights |
| Canada | Fly to Lima via USA or direct, then to Puerto Maldonado, join tour | 800 to 1300 USD |
| United Kingdom | Fly to Lima, then domestic flight to Puerto Maldonado, join tour | 900 to 1400 USD |
| Australia | Fly to Lima with connections, then to Puerto Maldonado, join tour | 1200 to 1800 USD |
Need help with your reservation or tour? Our team is ready to listen. Please contact us.
A glimpse of the Amazon at its most alive, these are the best photos from the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick tour, where color, wildlife, and raw nature come together in unforgettable moments.
