Nestled deep within the lush Peruvian rainforest, the Chuncho Clay Lick draws visitors from around the world. Here, they witness a captivating display of vibrant parrots and macaws as the birds gather to ingest essential minerals from the clay-rich soil. This full-day excursion immerses nature enthusiasts in the heart of the Amazon, offering the chance to spot diverse wildlife and enjoy a breathtaking breakfast in a truly remarkable setting. With an itinerary tailored to maximize the experience, this adventure promises an unforgettable encounter unlike any other.
Key Points
- The Chuncho Clay Lick is one of the largest clay licks in the world, offering a unique opportunity to witness the vibrant colors of parrots and macaws.
- The full-day excursion includes hotel pickup, travel insurance, national park entrance fees, and a 1-hour boat ride to the clay lick on the Tambopata River.
- English and Spanish-speaking guides accompany guests, who can expect to observe hundreds of birds ingesting clay for essential minerals and spot other wildlife like capybaras, tapirs, and jaguars.
- Participants should bring their passport or ID, biodegradable sunscreen, and personal medication, as the package excludes flight tickets, meals, drones, and pets.
- The excursion is priced from $200 per person and provides a tranquil experience in the Peruvian rainforest, with breakfast served while observing the natural spectacle.
Overview of the Chuncho Clay Lick Excursion
The Chuncho Clay Lick excursion offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness the remarkable gathering of hundreds of colorful parrots and macaws at one of the largest clay licks in the world.
Witness the remarkable gathering of hundreds of colorful parrots and macaws at one of the largest clay licks in the world.
Priced from $200 per person, this full-day activity takes you by land and boat to the remote Chuncho lick, where you’ll observe the vibrant birds up close as they feed on the nutrient-rich clay.
Along the way, you may spot other wildlife like capybaras, tapirs, and jaguars.
The excursion includes hotel pickup, travel insurance, and national park entrance fees, making it a convenient and comprehensive rainforest experience.
Looking for more options in Puerto Maldonado? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary and Pickup Locations
The excursion begins with pickup services from two convenient locations – Padre Aldamiz International Airport and the Puerto Maldonado bus terminal.
The itinerary is as follows:
-
3:10 AM – Pickup from hotel
-
Travel to Filadelfia community by land
-
Navigate Tambopata river to Chuncho macaw clay lick (1-hour boat ride)
-
Observe colorful parrots and macaws; breakfast while watching for possible wildlife sightings like capybara, tapir, deer, and jaguar before returning to the city.
Transportation and Guide Details
For transportation, the excursion provides either bus or minibus services.
These vehicles will bring guests from the pickup locations at Padre Aldamiz International Airport and the Puerto Maldonado bus terminal to the Filadelfia community.
From there, guests will navigate the Tambopata River by boat to reach the Chuncho macaw clay lick, a 1-hour boat ride.
Throughout the journey, guests will be accompanied by English and Spanish-speaking guides who’ll provide information and insight.
After the excursion, guests will be dropped off at the same pickup locations.
What to Expect at the Chuncho Clay Lick
When visitors arrive at the Chuncho clay lick, they’ll be treated to a mesmerizing display of nature’s vibrant colors.
Hundreds of parrots and macaws descend upon the clay bank, creating a spectacle unlike any other. The experience is enhanced by:
Hundreds of parrots and macaws descend upon the clay bank, creating a spectacle unlike any other.
-
Observing the birds up close as they gather to ingest the clay, which provides essential minerals for their diet.
-
Witnessing the vibrant array of colors, including greens, reds, blues, and yellows, as the birds take flight.
-
Savoring a delicious breakfast while immersed in the tranquility of the Peruvian rainforest.
-
Potentially spotting other wildlife like capybaras, tapirs, deer, or even jaguars.
Potential Wildlife Sightings
Visitors to the Chuncho clay lick may catch glimpses of some of the Peruvian rainforest’s most fascinating wildlife.
While observing the parrots and macaws, guests may spot capybaras, the world’s largest rodents, lounging by the river.
With luck, a tapir or deer could emerge from the dense foliage.
If visitors are especially fortunate, they might even catch a rare glimpse of an elusive jaguar.
These apex predators are notoriously shy but inhabit the Tambopata National Reserve.
The Chuncho experience provides a unique window into the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon.
- Lake Sandoval National Reserve ,Hiking and Wildlife Search
- 2-Day Jungle Tour: Lake Sandoval, Monkey Island, Hikes, Caiman, & Clay Lick
- 3-Day Amazon Jungle Tour at Eco Amazonia Lodge ECOLOGICO
- Monkey Island and Canopy Bridge
- 3 Hours Private Piranha Fishing in Lake Yacumama
- Tambopata Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick 3 Days
Inclusions and Exclusions
The excursion to the Chuncho clay lick includes hotel pickup and return transfer, the entrance fee to Tambopata National Reserve ($15), and travel insurance.
However, the following aren’t included:
-
Flight tickets
-
Meals
-
Drones, as they aren’t allowed
-
Pets, as they’re prohibited
This pragmatic excursion focuses on providing a seamless experience for visitors to witness the spectacle of hundreds of colorful parrots and macaws at the largest clay lick in the world.
Travelers should come prepared with their passport or ID card, biodegradable sunscreen, and personal medication.
Important Information for Participants
Although this excursion is designed for a wide range of participants, there are certain restrictions and requirements to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort.
The activity isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, or wheelchair users. Participants should bring their passport or ID, biodegradable sunscreen, personal medication, and a pen.
Pets and drones aren’t allowed. Visitors should be prepared for an immersive rainforest experience and follow the guide’s instructions.
This excursion offers a unique opportunity to witness the spectacle of hundreds of colorful parrots and macaws at the Chuncho Clay Lick.
Highlights of the Excursion
One of the primary draws of this excursion is the opportunity to witness the Chuncho Clay Lick, touted as the largest parrot and macaw clay lick in the world.
Here, visitors can enjoy a vibrant spectacle of nature, observing hundreds of colorful parrots and macaws congregating to access the clay’s essential minerals.
The experience offers:
-
A chance to see a diverse array of parrot species, including scarlet macaws, blue-headed parrots, and more.
-
The thrill of observing the birds’ lively interactions and behaviors in their natural habitat.
-
Potential sightings of other Amazonian wildlife, such as capybaras, tapirs, and even jaguars.
-
The serenity of being surrounded by the lush Peruvian rainforest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring a Camera on the Excursion?
Yes, visitors can bring a camera on the excursion. The overview states that photography is allowed, as it encourages capturing the vibrant parrots and macaws at the Chuncho clay lick.
Are Refreshments Provided During the Boat Ride?
The excursion includes a breakfast while observing the parrots and macaws at the clay lick. However, there is no mention of refreshments being provided during the 1-hour boat ride to the site. You’ll need to bring your own beverages.
Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Excursion?
There’s no option to extend the duration of the excursion. The itinerary is fixed at 1 day, with pickup at 3:10 AM and drop-off at the end of the day. The tour doesn’t offer any flexibility to extend the length.
Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Chuncho Clay Lick?
There are no opportunities to purchase souvenirs at the Chuncho Clay Lick itself. The excursion focuses solely on observing the parrots and macaws in their natural habitat without any commercial activities on-site.
What Is the Minimum Group Size for the Excursion?
The excursion has no minimum group size. It can be booked for individual travelers. The activity operates with flexible departure times to accommodate solo travelers or small groups.
The Sum Up
The Chuncho Clay Lick excursion offers a unique opportunity to observe a captivating display of vibrant parrots and macaws in their natural habitat. With diverse wildlife sightings, a delicious breakfast, and breathtaking scenery, this full-day adventure is a must for nature enthusiasts visiting the Peruvian rainforest. Priced from $200 per person, the excursion includes hotel pickup, travel insurance, and national park entrance fees, making it a convenient and unforgettable experience.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Kayak & Canoe Tours in Puerto Maldonado
More Tour Reviews in Puerto Maldonado
- Madre De Dios-Inkaterra Amazon Reserve Experience 4 Day Tour
- 4 Days in the Amazon Reserve Madre De Dios With Inkaterra
- AMAZON SURVIVAL TRIP
- Excursion in the Madre De Dios-Inkaterra Amazon Reserve
- Experience Madre De Dios Amazon Reserve-Inkaterra 3-Day Tour
- Madre De Dios-Inkaterra Amazon Reserve Experience 3 Day Tour
Still browsing? Here are more Puerto Maldonado experiences we've covered recently
- Madre De Dios-Inkaterra Amazon Reserve Experience 4 Day Tour
- 4 Days in the Amazon Reserve Madre De Dios With Inkaterra
- AMAZON SURVIVAL TRIP
- Excursion in the Madre De Dios-Inkaterra Amazon Reserve
- Experience Madre De Dios Amazon Reserve-Inkaterra 3-Day Tour
- Madre De Dios-Inkaterra Amazon Reserve Experience 3 Day Tour
- Madre De Dios-Inkaterra Amazon Reserve Experience |3 Days|
- Madre De Dios-Inkaterra Amazon Reserve Experience 3 Day Tour
- Unveil Amazons Secrets: 4 Days of Macaw Bliss
- CANDAMO MAMMALS EXCURSION 5D/4N
- CANDAMO MAMMALS EXCURSION 5D/4N
- Tambopata All in One