Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick Tour (3 Days)
Tour Description
Our 3-day tour to the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick is exclusively designed to offer the best of the Tambopata National Reserve in a short period of time. Tambopata National Park is an excellent place to experience Amazonian culture and observe some unique species of flora and fauna.
Tambopata is a name that comes from the well-known Tambopata River, which originates in Lake Titicaca. The word “Tambo” means “building” and “Pata” means “elevated place”.
This national park is enormous, covering 274,690 hectares, and is home to more than 650 species of birds and approximately 1,500 species of butterflies. In addition, it shelters eight species of macaws.
The Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick is one of the most impressive experiences in Tambopata. Brightly colored macaws, such as red and blue ones, along with other parrots, gather on the Chuncho cliff every morning to eat clay. This clay is known to contain minerals that help these birds eliminate toxins they may have accumulated.
The rainforest is home to the Ese Eja, a group of Amazonian indigenous communities that have lived in this region for decades. The word “Ese Eja” in Quechua means “people”. There are three Ese Eja communities: Palma Real, Infierno, and Sonene. Their main sources of income come from fishing, hunting, and agriculture.
The Ese Eja communities now actively participate in tourism through agencies like ours, giving them the opportunity to learn and share their culture with travelers from around the world.
Why Choose Trails to Machu Picchu?
Trails to Machu Picchu is a completely local tour operator. We protect endangered habitats in Tambopata for every tour booked with us, helping you offset the carbon emissions generated during your trip.
We work closely with local communities in the most remote areas of the lowland rainforest to overcome social and economic challenges. Our entire team of guides and collaborators on Tambopata adventure tours is made up of local people, whom we support by providing opportunities as boat drivers, cooks, and assistants.
We have an excellent team of local guides who were born and raised in Tambopata. They are fluent in English and trained in first aid, as safety is our top priority.
Our local experts will offer valuable insights into culture and wildlife conservation during your Amazon Expedition in Tambopata. We work with some of the most outstanding jungle lodges to provide you with a comfortable stay during the experience.
Don’t forget to check out our reviews on Tripadvisor to learn about the experiences of other travelers.
Check out our detailed article about why parrots and macaws eat clay.
3 Days
Adventure
Moderate
Cusco
5:00 am
12 people
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Puerto Maldonado – Tambopata Jungle Tour
We will pick you up at the Puerto Maldonado Airport or at the bus terminal and transfer you to our office. Here, we will provide a brief introductory talk about what you can expect from the three-day tour to the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick.
If you have large luggage, you can leave it at our office at no additional cost. Then, we will transfer you to the Tambopata dock, located one hour from the city center. From there, you will board a motorized boat that will take us to our jungle lodge.
The hotel staff will give you a warm welcome to Tambopata. After checking into your respective room, we will serve a typical Amazonian meal for lunch.
After lunch, we will take a walk along one of the trails. During this activity, you will be introduced to the Tambopata tropical rainforest, where you will have the opportunity to observe different animals, plants, and birds. You may also see otters and other mammals along the riverbanks.
In the afternoon, we will return to the lodge, where dinner will be served.
Day 2: Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick – Caiman Watching – Jungle Tour
Early in the morning, at 04:30 AM, we will leave the lodge and travel by boat for about an hour and a half to reach the spectacular Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick. This is the largest macaw clay lick in the world.
The boat ride offers views of diverse Amazonian wildlife, including the largest rodents in the world, the capybaras. You may also have the chance to spot jaguars along the riverbanks.
The Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick is a unique place. You will see hundreds of brightly colored macaws and parrots gathering to eat clay. The clay contains minerals that help them eliminate toxins from their bodies.
After enjoying the view at the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick, we will return to the lodge for breakfast. Then, you will have some free time to relax in the cozy atmosphere of our jungle lodge.
After lunch, we will take a deeper walk into the tropical rainforest. Our local expert will explain the use of different plants. Local people in the jungle rely on these plants to cure various illnesses. You will also see many insects, animals, and birds.
After this walk, we will return to the lodge for dinner. At night, we will take a short night safari, where you may observe some nocturnal insects and animals.
Day 3: Tambopata Tropical Rainforest – Puerto Maldonado
We will start the day quite early in the morning. We will take a walk along one of the interesting trails to witness the biodiversity of Tambopata.
After this walk, we will return to the lodge for breakfast. Then, we will take the boat back to the Puerto Maldonado dock. From there, we will transfer you by car back to our office in the city center, and arrange your transfer to the airport or bus terminal.
What is included?
- Round-trip transfers
- Local naturalist guide (English and Spanish)
- Private boat transportation
- Overnight stays at our jungle lodges
- Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Water available at all times, plus hot beverages or lemonade with meals
- Oxygen cylinder, first-aid kit
- Entrance fees to attractions
What's Not Included?
- Any personal expenses
Packing List
It is important that you bring the following items for your tour to ensure a comfortable and safe experience in the jungle.
- Hat
- Hiking boots
- Headlamp
- Rain poncho
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Hiking poles
- Cash
- Medications
- Passport / ID
- Camera
- First aid kit
- Insect repellent
- Snacks
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, we answer some of the most common questions travelers have before embarking on this unique adventure in the Amazon rainforest.
Is it safe to travel to the Tambopata rainforest?
Yes, traveling to the Tambopata rainforest is safe. We work with highly trained and experienced local guides who know the region and its risks very well. In addition, we always carry safety equipment and first aid supplies.
Do I need previous hiking experience for this tour?
No, this tour is designed for all experience levels. The hikes and activities are adapted to ensure that anyone, from beginners to experienced travelers, can enjoy the adventure without any problems.
How challenging is the weather in the jungle?
The weather in the Tambopata rainforest can be hot and humid, with frequent rain. It is recommended to bring light clothing, waterproof gear, and sunscreen. We also suggest being prepared for weather changes during the activities.
Can I leave my belongings at the office during the tour?
Yes, if you have large luggage or items you do not need for the trip, you can leave them at our office at no additional cost while you enjoy the jungle tour.
Are there any health recommendations or precautions before the tour?
It is recommended to have your vaccinations up to date, especially the yellow fever vaccine. We also suggest bringing personal medications and insect repellent. Our team is trained in first aid for any situation.
What are the meals like during the tour? Are they suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
The meals during the tour are typical of the Amazon region and can be adapted to travelers’ needs. If you have any dietary restrictions, please inform us in advance so we can make the necessary adjustments.
Can I join the tour if I have reduced mobility?
The tour includes hikes along jungle trails, so it is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. However, if you have any special condition, please contact us to see if we can adapt the experience to your needs.
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