Birding Tour Peru: Comprehensive Northern Peru

Comprehensive Northern Peru
May 2024

This expansive tour of the magnificent north of Peru will lead us through all of the most rewarding birding hotspots of this astounding area brimming with avian riches. Major highlights will be the Owlet Lodge in the Abra Patricia Mountains and the Marvelous Spatuletail, perhaps the most beautiful hummingbird in the world. Other targets will include several range-restricted species, such as the endemics Peruvian Plantcutter and White-winged Guan in the deciduous habitat of the Northwest, the endemic and shy Little Inca Finch and Maranon Crescentchest in the dry Marañón Valley, and a high diversity of species such as White-capped Tanager, Golden-headed Quetzal, Masked Trogon, Sword-billed Hummingbird, and the endemic Yellow-scarfed Tanager in the Abra Patricia humid montane forest.

Sword-billed Hummingbird will be targeted on this trip.

We will visit antpitta stations, where one can see the endemic Rusty-tinged, Chestnut, and Ochre-fronted Antpittas on the same day, and continue exploring the upper tropical lowlands, where wonderful species such as Andean Cock-of-the-rock and several tanagers, such as Bay-headed, Paradise, Golden, Saffron-crowned, Flame-faced, Black-faced, White-winged, Magpie, Yellow-backed, Guira, Spotted, Yellow-bellied, and the endemic Huallaga Tanagers can be seen.

Long-whiskered Owlet, endemic to northern Peru and only described to science in 1978, is one of our main targets on this trip (photo Alan van Norman).

Other classic tropical Amazonian birds include Golden-collared Toucanet, Channel-billed and White-throated Toucans, Chestnut-eared Aracari, Green-backed Trogon, Rufous Motmot, Bluish-fronted Jacamar, Violaceous Jay, Sungrebe, Golden-headed Manakin, Fiery-throated Fruiteater, and the endemic Mishana Tyrannulet. The upper Amazon forest will provide you with views of Hoatzin, Oilbird, White-backed Fire-eye, the endemic Ash-throated Antwren, White-flanked Antwren, Chestnut-throated, Cinereous-breasted, Dusky, and Dark-breasted Spinetails, and if we are lucky enough to find army ant swarms we could be rewarded with views of the splendid White-plumed Antbird.

Finally we will explore the Utcubamba and Marañón valleys and the Cajamarca region, looking not only for a classic set of Andean species, such as Andean Condor, Torrent Duck, White-capped Dipper, and Giant Hummingbird, but also for a very poorly known set of range-restricted endemics, such as  Russet-mantled Softtail, Buff-bridled Inca Finch, Grey-winged Inca Finch, Yellow-faced Parrotlet, and Grey-bellied Comet.

Due to the high diversity of species this trip might provide over ten species of owls and 55 species of hummingbirds. It all depends on luck and the efforts of our friendly leaders and enthusiastic participants. We invite you to visit one of the more rewarding and adventurous birding trips in South America!

Itinerary (21 days/20 nights)

Day 1. Arrival in Lima

You will arrive at the Jorge Chávez International Airport of Lima and be transferred to your hotel. No activities are included on day 1, since most international flights arrive in Lima late in the evening. If you arrive on an early flight you might be charged an extra accommodation fee for an early check-in at the hotel, or we can organize an additional birding morning near the city.

Overnight: Hotel in Lima

Peruvian Booby can be seen at the fishing village of Pucusana.

 Day 2. Birding Pucusana and Pantanos de Villa

We will have an easy morning visiting the fishing village of Pucusana, 60 kilometers/37 miles south of the city. Here we will have the chance to see many coastal birds and Humboldt Current specialists like Inca Tern, Belcher’s Gull, Peruvian Pelican, Peruvian Booby, Blue-footed Booby, Guanay Cormorant, Red-legged Cormorant, Blackish Oystercatcher, Humboldt Penguin, and the endemic Peruvian Seaside Cinclodes.

Later we will drive to the marshes of the Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge, where we will look for Great Grebe, Andean Coot, Cinnamon Teal, White-cheeked Pintail, Peruvian Meadowlark, Many-colored Rush Tyrant, Wren-like Rushbird, Grassland Yellow Finch, Grey-headed Gull, American Oystercatcher, and Grey Gull.

Overnight: Hotel in Lima

Day 3. Birding Lomas de Lachay and flight to Chiclayo

Today we will have an early start driving north of Lima to the Lomas de Lachay National Reserve, where we will look for a number of endemics like Cactus Canastero and, if we are lucky, Thick-billed Miner and the nomadic Raimondi’s Yellow Finch. Other birds include Greyish Miner, Short-tailed Field Tyrant, Band-tailed Sierra Finch, Least Seedsnipe, Masked Yellowthroat, Collared Warbling Finch, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Vermilion Flycatcher, and Mountain Parakeet. We will return to Lima and connect with our afternoon flight to the city of Chiclayo.

Overnight: Casa Andina Select Chiclayo, Chiclayo

Least Seedsnipe can be seen at lower elevations along the coast.

Day 4. Birding the Bosque de Pómac Historic Sanctuary

We will explore the Bosque de Pómac Historic Sanctuary, which is an area of large deciduous mesquite woodland. Here we spend a nice morning, looking for several range-restricted species, including the endemic Rufous Flycatcher, Peruvian Plantcutter, and Tumbes Tyrant. Other birds include Tumbes Swallow, Grey-and-white Tyrannulet, Scarlet-backed Woodpecker, Streak-headed Woodcreeper, White-edged Oriole, Lineated Woodpecker, White-tailed Jay, Fasciated Wren, Superciliated Wren, Short-tailed Field Tyrant, Cinereous Finch, Tawny-crowned Pygmy Tyrant, Pacific Hornero, Collared Antshrike, Baird’s Flycatcher, Pacific Parrotlet, and Amazilia Hummingbird. After lunch we will explore the coastal shores of Chiclayo in search of Gull-billed Tern and, with luck, Peruvian Tern.

Overnight: Casa Andina Select Chiclayo, Chiclayo

We should encounter a number of antpitta species on this trip, including Chestnut-crowned Antpitta.

Day 5. Birding the Laquipampa Wildlife Refuge, transfer to Salas

We will explore the Laquipampa Wildlife Reserve above the mountains of Chiclayo in search of the endemic and Endangered (IUCN) White-winged Guan and also of White-headed Brushfinch, White-winged Brushfinch, Red-masked Parakeet, Elegant Crescentchest, Plumbeous-backed Thrush, Pacific Elaenia, Black-capped Sparrow, Grey-and-gold Warbler, Henna-hooded Foliage-gleaner, Rufous-necked Foliage-gleaner, Tumbes Sparrow, Ecuadorian Trogon, Whooping Motmot, Short-tailed Woodstar, and Short-tailed Swift. Later we will transfer to Salas, where we will spend an overnight at the charming Los Faiques guesthouse. Before dusk we will look for Lesser Nighthawk and after a delicious dinner for West Peruvian Screech Owl.

Overnight: Los Faiques, Salas

Day 6. Birding the Porculla mountain pass, transfer to Jaén

Today we will have a very early start to explore the Porculla mountain pass (the lowest Peruvian mountain pass), where we will look for White-winged Brushfinch, Line-cheeked Spinetail, Black-cowled Saltator, Chapman’s Antshrike, Black-and-white Seedeater, Grey-chinned Hermit, Three-banded Warbler, Elegant Crescentchest, the endemic Piura Chat-Tyrant, Tumbesian Tyrannulet, Henna-hooded Foliage-gleaner, Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, and Ecuadorian Piculet. If we are extremely lucky, we might find some rarities such as Grey-headed Antbird. After some hours of birding in this area we will head to the heat of Jaén. In the afternoon we will explore the Yanahuanca area in search of the endemic Spot-throated Hummingbird and of Anthony’s Nightjar.

Overnight: Hotel El Bosque, Jaén

Day 7. Birding Bosque de Yanahuanca, transfer to Gocta

An early start will take us back to Bosque de Yanahuanca, which is located near the city of Jaén. Here we will look for the localized Maranon Spinetail, Chinchipe Spinetail, Red Pileated Finch, the endemic Spot-throated Hummingbird, Green-backed Becard, Black-and-white Becard, Striped Cuckoo, Sooty-crowned Flycatcher, Ecuadorian Ground Dove, Maranon Crescentchest, and the endemic and shy Little Inca Finch. We will drive along the Utcubamba Valley with good chances for Blue Ground Dove, Fasciated Tiger Heron, Pied Plover, Yellow-browed Sparrow, Striated Heron, Savanna Hawk, Mitred Parakeet, Amazon Kingfisher, and Maranon Thrush. In the afternoon we will drive to Gocta, where we will stay in a hotel with an impressive view of the third-largest waterfall in the world, 771 meters (2530 feet) high. We will have a relaxed birding session in the afternoon around the hotel ground, and at night we will try for the seldom-seen Buff-fronted Owl.

Overnight: Gocta Andes Lodge, Cocachimba

Day 8. Huembo hummingbird feeders and transfer to the Owlet Lodge

After an early start we will explore the surroundings of Gocta and the Utcubamba River valley, looking for the endemic Speckle-chested Piculet, White-lined Tanager, Lemon-browed Flycatcher, Speckle-breasted Wren, Maranon Crescentchest, Maranon Pigeon, and Tooth-billed Tanager. Then we will drive to the famous Huembo feeding center, where we will look for the endemic Marvelous Spatuletail, Bronzy Inca, Andean Emerald, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Sparkling Violetear, Lesser Violetear, Violet-fronted Brilliant, White-bellied Woodstar, Little Woodstar, White-bellied Hummingbird, and Green-tailed Trainbearer. Here we might also have good chances for Black-throated Toucanet as well as Chestnut-capped Brushfinch, Northern White-crowned Tapaculo, Sierran Elaenia, Buff-browed Foliage-gleaner, and Azara’s Spinetail. Later we will drive to the Abra Patricia area and arrive at the Owlet Lodge for a three-night stay.

Overnight: Owlet Lodge

Day 9. Owlet Lodge

Today we will explore the trails of the lodge, looking for species such as Grass-green Tanager, the endemic Yellow-scarfed Tanager, Masked Flowerpiercer, the endemic Lulu’s Tody-Flycatcher, Green-and-black Fruiteater, Black-throated Tody-Tyrant, Variable Antshrike, Russet-crowned Warbler, Grey-breasted Wood Wren, Rufous Spinetail, the endemic Rufous-vented Tapaculo, Rufous-headed Pygmy Tyrant, Spotted Barbtail, Blue-winged Mountain Tanager, Streaked Tuftedcheek, Pearled Treerunner, White-banded Tyrannulet, Capped Conebill, and Strong-billed, Montane, and Olive-backed Woodcreepers. The hummingbird feeders of the lodge provide views of Emerald-bellied Puffleg, Bronzy Inca, Collared Inca, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, White-bellied Woodstar, Long-tailed Sylph, and Chestnut-breasted Coronet. In the afternoon we will explore the steep Owlet Trail, where we will look for the enigmatic, endemic Long-whiskered Owlet. If we are lucky we might encounter Rufous-bellied Nighthawk.

Overnight: Owlet Lodge

Long-tailed Sylph regularly visits the feeders at Owlet Lodge.

 Day 10. Owlet Lodge and Fundo Alto Nieva

After having had a full day with no driving yesterday, today we will explore the lowest parts of the mountain pass, especially the recently new Fundo Alto Nieva, a private reserve, where we will enjoy hummingbird feeders with Greenish Puffleg, Rufous-vented Whitetip, Peruvian Racket-tail, Green-fronted Lancebill, and the spectacular Royal Sunangel. But not only hummingbirds are the attraction of this reserve, but we also will have a chance to see the endemic Rusty-tinged Antpitta coming to a worm feeder. Other birds at lower elevations include the range-restricted Bar-winged Wood Wren, Cinnamon-breasted Tody-Tyrant, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Olive-chested Flycatcher, Blue-naped Chlorophonia, Flame-faced Tanager, and Golden-eyed Flowerpiercer. We will return to the lodge for lunch, and after some rest we will get back to Fundo Alto Nieva to look for the endemic and secretive Ochre-fronted Antpitta, which attends the worm feeders only in the afternoon. Before dusk we will try for Cinnamon Screech Owl and Lyre-tailed Nightjar and have another chance for Long-whiskered Owlet (in case we need it).

Overnight: Owlet Lodge

The outrageously colored Andean Cock-of-the-rock

Day 11. Afluentes and Moyobamba

Today, we will leave the mountains and head to lower elevations to the upper tropical forest. Here we will focus on mixed-flock species, including colorful birds such as Golden Tanager, Paradise Tanager, Bay-headed Tanager, Spotted Tanager, Golden-eared Tanager, Vermilion Tanager, White-lined Tanager, Magpie Tanager, and also Versicolored Barbet, Ash-browed Spinetail, Dark-breasted Spinetail, Montane Foliage-gleaner, Lined Antshrike, White-backed Fire-eye, Northern White-crowned Tapaculo, Yellow-breasted Antwren, Grey-mantled Wren, and Scale-crested Pygmy Tyrant. We will also have another chance for Speckle-chested Piculet and the fabulous Andean Cock-of-the-rock.

Later we will reach Rioja in the flat lowlands, where we will look for the secretive Point-tailed Palmcreeper, Spot-breasted Woodpecker, Gilded Barbet, Yellow-tufted Woodpecker, Hauxwell’s Thrush, Cobalt-winged Parakeet, and Chestnut-bellied Seedeater.

Finally we will arrive in the Moyobamba area in the tropical Amazon foothills at our basic but good accommodation, the Waqanki Lodge. Here we will spend the afternoon admiring the hummingbird feeders, looking for Rufous-crested Coquette, Blue-tailed Emerald, Black-throated Mango, Long-billed Starthroat, White-necked Jacobin, Brown Violetear, Long-tailed Hermit, Black-throated Hermit, Sapphire-spangled Emerald, Golden-tailed Sapphire, Wire-crested Thorntail, White-chinned Sapphire, and with luck even Amethyst Woodstar.

At another fabulous feeding station, we hope to find the likes of Brown Violetear.

The area around Waqanki provides good chances for owls, including Band-bellied Owl, Stygian Owl, Striped Owl, Black-banded Owl, Foothill Screech Owl, Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, and Tropical Screech Owl. But getting the largest number of them depends very much on how hard we work and on luck. They have different times where they are active at night, so hard work is required to track down most of them.

Overnight: Waqanki Lodge, Moyobamba

Day 12. Waqanki and Moyobamba

Today we will hike up the mountains above Moyobamba along a steep trail, looking for Fiery-capped Manakin, Fiery-throated Fruiteater, Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater, Black-and-white Tody-Flycatcher, Tawny-throated Leaftosser, White-bellied Pygmy Tyrant, the endemic Mishana Tyrannulet, White-lored Tyrannulet, Spot-winged Antbird, Northern Chestnut-tailed Antbird, Plain-winged Antshrike, Peruvian Warbling Antbird, Channel-billed Toucan, Golden-collared Toucanet, Rufous Motmot, Blue-rumped Manakin, Buff-throated Tody-Tyrant, and the endemic and Endangered (IUCN) Ash-throated Antwren. In the evening we will keep trying for owls and for Spot-tailed Nightjar and Ocellated Poorwill.

Overnight: Waqanki Lodge, Moyobamba

Day 13. Boat ride on the Rio Negro and transfer to Tarapoto

Today we will have an easy boat ride along the narrow Rio Negro channels, looking for species such as Band-tailed Antbird, Blue-crowned Trogon, Spangled Cotinga, Epaulet Oriole, Buff-throated Woodcreeper, Barred Antshrike, Great Antshrike, Pale-legged Hornero, Rufous-breasted Hermit, Capped Heron, Cocoi Heron, Limpkin, and with luck the most wanted Sungrebe. After the boat ride we will check some grasslands around Moyobamba for Black-faced Tanager, Wedge-tailed Grass Finch, Black-billed Seed Finch, Greyish Saltator, and with luck Russet-crowned Crake. We will leave Moyobamba on the way to Tarapoto and stop to look for Oilbird en route. We will arrive at Tarapoto for an overnight.

Overnight: Hotel Rio Shilcayo, Tarapoto

The attractive Capped Heron.

Day 14. Cordillera Escalera Regional Conservation Area

We will leave the hotel and head toward the buffer zone of the Cordillera Escalera protected zone. In this area we will have good views of Cliff Flycatcher, White-tipped Swift, Slaty-capped Shrike-Vireo, Slate-colored Grosbeak, and if we are lucky Military Macaw. We will arrive at a local hummingbird center, where we will have nice views of the endemic Koepcke’s Hermit, Gould’s Jewelfront, Black-throated Brilliant, and Pale-tailed Barbthroat. This nice center located in the upper Amazon forest also provides great views of White-throated Toucan, Violaceous Jay, Magpie Tanager, and some understory species such as Carmiol’s Tanager, Golden-headed Manakin, Ruddy Foliage-gleaner, Black-faced Antthrush, White-breasted Wood Wren, Spot-winged Antbird, Green-backed Trogon, and if we are lucky to find army ant swarms the stunning White-plumed Antbird and Bicolored Antbird.

Overnight: Hotel Rio Shilcayo, Tarapoto

Day 15. Huallaga River and transfer to Moyobamba

The dry areas of Tarapoto along the Huallaga River are good for species like Bluish-fronted Jacamar, White-browed Antbird, Northern Slaty Antshrike, Rufous Casiornis, Sulphur-bellied Tyrant-Manakin, White-bellied Pygmy Tyrant, Rusty-backed Antwren, Rufous-winged Antwren, Inca Jay, Coraya Wren, Ashy-headed Greenlet, White-winged Swallow, White-banded Swallow, and with some luck Comb Duck, Sand-colored Nighthawk, and Black-bellied Whistling Duck. Later we will drive back to Moyobamba for an overnight

Overnight: Hotel Puerto Mirador, Moyobamba

Day 16. Reserva Arena Blanca and transfer to Pomacochas

A predawn start will take us to visit the recently opened Reserva Arena Blanca, where we will visit the feeders, which attract Rufous-breasted Wood Quail, Cinereous Tinamou, Little Tinamou, Orange-billed Sparrow, and Grey-cowled Wood Rail. The hummingbird feeders attract Blue-fronted Lancebill, Amethyst Woodstar, Long-billed Starthroat, Wire-crested Thorntail, Many-spotted Hummingbird, and a few others. Other interesting species in the reserve are Golden-collared Toucanet, Inambari Woodcreeper, Dusky Spinetail, and Chestnut-bellied Seed Finch.

Overnight: Huembo Lodge, Pomacochas

Day 17. Pale-billed Antpitta and transfer to Leymebamba

Today we will explore the San Lorenzo trails above Lake Pomacochas, which is a well-known place for the endemic and sought-after Pale-billed Antpitta. The way to the antpitta habitat is not easy; it is a steep, narrow trail and a horse path that passes through pastures and secondary growth and relicts of humid montane forest and bamboo patches. However, even though the hike is demanding the place holds some interesting species, such as Plain-tailed Wren, the endemic Unstreaked Tit-Tyrant, the endemic Peruvian Wren, Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant and Pale-billed Antpitta. After the long hike we return to our car and get ready for the long drive toward Leymebamba. On the way we will look for the endemic Koepcke’s Screech Owl (if roosting at daytime), Torrent Duck, and Buff-bellied Tanager.

Overnight: La Casona de Leymebamba, Leymebamba

Undulated Antpitta is never easy but can be seen along the Black Mud Pass.

Day 18. Black Mud Pass and Leymebamba

We will leave before dawn to explore the high-elevation habitat of the Black Mud Pass. The main targets here are the endemic Russet-mantled Softtail, White-chinned Thistletail, the endemic Coppery Metaltail, Moustached Flowerpiercer, Sedge Wren, Many-striped Canastero, Blackish and Neblina Tapaculos, Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan, Superciliaried Hemispingus, White-banded Tyrannulet, White-throated Tyrannulet, Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager, Andean Guan, Black-capped Tyrannulet, Crowned Chat-Tyrant, Tufted Tit-Tyrant, and with luck Undulated Antpitta and Rusty-breasted Antpitta. In the afternoon we will check the Atuen road in search of Golden-headed Quetzal, Rainbow Starfrontlet, and with luck the majestic Andean Condor.

Overnight: La Casona de Leymebamba, Leymebamba

Day 19 Birding Balsas and transfer to Cajamarca

We will have a very early start to drive to Balsas in the Marañón valley. Here we will look for the endemic Yellow-faced Parrotlet, the endemic Grey-winged Inca Finch, the endemic Buff-bridled Inca Finch, the endemic Black-necked Woodpecker, and the endemic Chestnut-backed Thornbird. We might also find Bare-faced Ground Dove, Rufous-webbed Bush Tyrant, White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant and Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant.

Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cajamarca, Cajamarca

Day 20. Chonta Canyon and Cajamarca

Today we will explore the Chonta Canyon near Cajamarca, looking for the endemic Grey-bellied Comet, the endemic Black Metaltail, the endemic Rusty-crowned Tit-Spinetail, Peruvian Sierra Finch, Black-crested Tit-Tyrant, Black-crested Warbler, Giant Hummingbird, and White-winged Cinclodes. Later we will explore the Encañada area, looking for the endemic Rufous-eared Brushfinch, and, if time permits, Unicolored Tapaculo.

Overnight: Wyndham Costa del Sol Cajamarca, Cajamarca

Day 21. Flight back to Lima and connection with your international flight

You will be transferred to the Cajamarca airport to connect with your flight back to Lima and from there with your international departure.

Please note that the itinerary cannot be guaranteed as it is only a rough guide and can be changed (usually slightly) due to factors such as availability of accommodation, updated information on the state of accommodation, roads, or birding sites, the discretion of the guides and other factors. In addition, we sometimes have to use a different international guide from the one advertised due to tour scheduling.

‘I have recently taken a trip with four friends to northern Peru with Eduardo Ormaeche, Birding Ecotours. I have no hesitation in recommending Eduardo and his co-guide Giancarlo Ventolini to anyone wanting to take a birdwatching trip to Peru. Eduardo was an outstanding bird guide. His knowledge of birds and ability to quickly and easily identify birds was truly exceptional. This includes all those very tricky flycatcher types that are so difficult to ID. Eduardo was extremely helpful, patient, and was excellent company. I am an extremely experienced bird watcher having travelled the globe extensively and Eduardo proved to be one of the very best bird guides I have ever experienced. If you are considering bird watching in Peru then think no further than using Eduardo!’

Rolland