Puerto Maldonado: Excursion to the Chuncho Clay Lick

Puerto Maldonado’s Chuncho Clay Lick offers an immersive adventure into the heart of the Tambopata National Reserve. Travelers embark on a 12-hour excursion, witnessing the Amazon’s vibrant wildlife and local birds feeding on the mineral-rich clay. From colorful macaws to potential sightings of sloths and capybaras, this captivating journey through the Peruvian Amazon promises an unforgettable experience. But what makes this clay lick so special, and why is it a must-see destination for nature enthusiasts?

Key Points

• The excursion takes place at the Chuncho clay lick within the Tambopata National Reserve near Puerto Maldonado, Peru.
• The 12-hour adventure includes hotel pickup, transportation, an English-speaking guide, and a provided lunch.
• Highlights include observing colorful birds feeding on clay, close encounters with small macaws, and potential wildlife sightings.
• The itinerary involves a 2-hour road journey, a scenic boat ride, and witnessing the sunrise over Puerto Maldonado.
• The excursion is not suitable for wheelchair users, and prohibited items include pets, alcohol, and drugs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Excursion Overview

The excursion offers an opportunity to explore the Chuncho clay lick, a natural wonder located within the Tambopata National Reserve.

Explore the Chuncho clay lick, a natural wonder within the Tambopata National Reserve.

It’s a 12-hour adventure that costs from Kč 4,609 per person. The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, an English-speaking guide, and lunch.

Participants can expect to witness a sunrise over Puerto Maldonado and observe colorful birds, including parrots and macaws, feeding on the clay.

There’s also a chance to spot diverse wildlife like sloth bears, capybaras, tapirs, and deer.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Itinerary

The excursion begins with a 3:00 am hotel pickup in Puerto Maldonado, followed by a 2-hour road journey to the Tambopata River.

Guests then embark on a boat ride into the Tambopata National Reserve, where they’ll witness a scenic sunrise over Puerto Maldonado.

The main highlight is a visit to the renowned El Chuncho clay lick, where they’ll observe parrots and macaws feeding.

There’s also the potential to spot sloths, capybaras, tapirs, or deer.

The excursion concludes with a return to the hotel by 11:30 am.

Highlights

Observing the colorful birds feeding on clay is a major highlight of the excursion.

The experience offers the chance to:

1. Get close to small macaws as they gather at the clay lick.

2. Enjoy a scenic boat ride through the Tambopata National Reserve.

3. Potentially spot diverse wildlife like sloth bears, capybaras, tapirs, or deer.

The excursion provides an opportunity to witness the amazing natural behavior of parrots and macaws feeding on the nutritious clay.

Witnessing the amazing natural behavior of parrots and macaws feeding on nutritious clay is a highlight of the excursion.

Coupled with the serene setting and chances to see other animals, it’s an unforgettable adventure in the Peruvian Amazon.

Inclusions

The excursion includes hotel pickup and return transfer, transportation by bus or minibus, an English-speaking guide, and the entrance ticket to Tambopata National Reserve.

Lunch is also provided, ensuring travelers can enjoy a midday meal during the adventure.

The comprehensive inclusions make this excursion a hassle-free experience, allowing participants to focus on the stunning natural environment and the opportunity to observe the diverse wildlife.

With these essential elements taken care of, guests can fully enjoy the wonders of the Chuncho clay lick and the Tambopata National Reserve.

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Important Information

One key piece of important information is that this excursion isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Travelers should bring their passport or ID, camera, and cash. Pets, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed on the tour.

Providing the correct contact number with country code and WhatsApp is essential, as the tour company may need to reach participants for last-minute reservations or updates.

Guests are advised to check availability via email before booking, as the excursion may have limited openings, especially for last-minute requests.

Getting to the Clay Lick

After a 2-hour road journey from Puerto Maldonado, travelers will board a boat to venture into the Tambopata National Reserve.

The scenic boat ride offers a chance to witness the reserve’s diverse wildlife, including sloths, capybaras, tapirs, and deer.

As the boat glides along the river, the anticipation builds for the main event – observing the colorful parrots and macaws feeding at the Chuncho clay lick.

Upon arrival, visitors will have the opportunity to get close to the small macaws and witness the remarkable natural spectacle of these birds gathering to consume the mineral-rich clay.

Observing the Parrots and Macaws

Visitors eagerly position themselves near the Chuncho clay lick, ready to witness the captivating spectacle unfolding before them. As the sun rises, clouds of vibrant parrots and macaws descend upon the clay bank, creating a mesmerizing display of color and sound.

1. The birds congregate in large numbers, vying for a spot to feed on the nutrient-rich clay.

2. Observers can observe the birds’ social interactions, with smaller macaws jockeying for position alongside the larger parrots.

3. The feeding frenzy lasts for hours, providing ample opportunities to capture stunning photographs and videos of the avian diversity.

Wildlife Sightings

The excursion to Chuncho clay lick offers visitors the chance to potentially spot a variety of captivating wildlife beyond the vibrant parrots and macaws.

Sloth bears, capybaras, tapirs, and deer may grace the area with their presence. Visitors should keep their eyes peeled for these elusive creatures as they explore the Tambopata National Reserve.

The scenic boat ride through the reserve provides ample opportunities to observe the diverse fauna. While sightings aren’t guaranteed, the biodiversity of the region increases the likelihood of encountering these impressive animals in their natural habitat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

You can’t bring your own food and drinks on this excursion. The tour includes lunch, so outside food and drinks aren’t allowed. However, you should bring cash for any personal purchases at the site.

Do I Need to Bring Binoculars or a Telephoto Lens?

While binoculars or a telephoto lens aren’t required, they can enhance your experience by providing a closer view of the colorful birds feeding at the clay lick. However, the tour includes an English-speaking guide who’ll help you spot the wildlife.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Clay Lick?

The best time to visit the clay lick is during the dry season, typically from May to October. This is when the birds are most active and congregate in large numbers to feed on the mineral-rich clay.

Is There a Minimum or Maximum Group Size for the Excursion?

The excursion doesn’t have a minimum group size, but it caps at 16 participants. This ensures an intimate experience and allows the guide to provide personalized attention to each guest during the clay lick visit.

Can I Extend My Stay in the Tambopata National Reserve?

Guests can’t extend their stay in Tambopata National Reserve as part of this excursion. The tour includes a specific 12-hour itinerary with a return transfer to the hotel by 11:30 am. Any additional time in the reserve would need to be booked separately.

The Sum Up

The Chuncho Clay Lick excursion offers an unforgettable adventure in the Peruvian Amazon. Travelers can witness the breathtaking sunrise, observe vibrant birds and small macaws feeding on clay, and potentially spot sloths, capybaras, and other wildlife. This 12-hour tour, starting with an early morning hotel pickup, immerses visitors in the stunning Tambopata National Reserve, providing an exceptional opportunity to experience the natural wonders of the region.

You can check availability for your dates here: