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Tambopata Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick
- Location: Tambopata National Reserve – Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick – Tambopata River, Peru
- Start: 3:00 a.m.
- Return: 12:00 p.m.
- Type: Sunrise Tour | Small Group | Wildlife Observation
Tambopata Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick Overview
The Tambopata Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick is one of the Amazon’s most spectacular natural events. Located deep within the Tambopata National Reserve, this site draws hundreds of macaws, parrots, and parakeets at sunrise to feed on mineral-rich clay along the riverbanks. This behavior helps them neutralize toxins from their diet and provides essential nutrients. The boat ride through pristine rainforest brings breathtaking morning light and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. It’s a must-do experience for bird lovers, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts visiting Puerto Maldonado.
Tambopata Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick Highlights
- Observe scarlet, blue-and-yellow, and red-and-green macaws in the wild
- Spot parrots, parakeets, toucans, capybaras, and caimans
- Possibility of jaguar tracks or sightings along the riverbanks
- Sunrise navigation on the Tambopata River
- Guided visit to one of the largest clay licks in the Amazon
- Outdoor picnic-style breakfast with stunning views of the Tambopata River
Why Choose This Tambopata Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick Tour
This tour is ideal for nature lovers and early risers. Our naturalist guides will take you deep into the Amazon to spot wildlife and capture great photos in the soft morning light.
The best part? At sunrise, you’ll see hundreds of colorful macaws in their famous clay-lick ritual — a noisy, unforgettable show as they eat clay on the riverbank.
Because the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick is far from the crowds, you get a quiet and exclusive experience.
Who’s This Tour For
Ideal for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and eco-travelers staying in Puerto Maldonado or nearby lodges. Perfect for travelers who don’t mind an early wake-up call and want to witness a world-class wildlife spectacle in one morning.
Tambopata Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick Itinerary
Start: 3:00 a.m. – Hotel pickup and transfer to the port.
Board a motorized canoe for a one-hour ride along the Tambopata River, watching for nocturnal and early-morning fauna such as capybaras, caimans, and owls. As dawn breaks, colorful macaws, parrots, and parakeets begin to arrive at the Chuncho Clay Lick. Enjoy one of the most impressive bird displays in the Amazon as hundreds of birds gather, call, and feed.
Guides will help identify each species and share insights into their behavior and the role of the clay lick in their diet. Occasional sightings include river otters, monkeys in the canopy, or even jaguars on the bank. After ample time at the site, return by boat to Puerto Maldonado, arriving around noon.
What’s Included
- Round-trip transport from Puerto Maldonado
- Entrance to Tambopata National Reserve
- Motorized canoe and river navigation
- Bilingual naturalist guide
- Birdwatching gear (binoculars)
- Outdoor picnic-style breakfast
What’s Not Included
- Full meals
- Travel insurance
- Personal purchases or tips
Trip Outline
- Hotel pick-up at 3:00 a.m.
- Boat navigation on Tambopata River at dawn
- Macaw and wildlife observation at clay lick
- Return trip to Puerto Maldonado
What to Bring – Tambopata Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick Tour
- Lightweight clothing: long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect against sun and insects.
- Comfortable walking shoes: closed-toe, non-slip shoes for boat rides and forest trails.
- Rain jacket or poncho: sudden showers are common in the rainforest.
- Insect repellent: preferably with DEET or Icaridin.
- Hat and sunglasses: sun protection during the boat ride.
- Reusable water bottle: stay hydrated.
- Binoculars: to see macaws and other wildlife up close.
- Camera: bring extra batteries/memory cards.
- Small backpack: keep belongings safe and organized.
- Personal medications & essentials: sunscreen and hand sanitizer.
Optional Add-ons – Enhance Your Trip
- Additional day tours to Lake Sandoval or Yacumama
- Jungle lodge overnight stay
- Private guide upgrade
Booking & Payment
Book your Tambopata Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick tour now and secure a seat on this unforgettable jungle expedition. We recommend booking at least 48 hours in advance. Please provide:
- Full name and nationality
- Number of participants
- Preferred tour date
- Hotel or pickup location in Puerto Maldonado
Email: info@tambopatawild.com
WhatsApp: +51 935 485 301
Payment Options
- Online payment by card
- Bank transfer
- Cash upon arrival
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the tour
- No refunds for cancellations within 48 hours
- Rescheduling available depending on availability
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1. What is the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick?
The Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick is a natural clay wall on the Tambopata River where hundreds of macaws gather at sunrise to eat clay that helps them detoxify their diet.
2. Where is the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick located?
It is located inside the Tambopata National Reserve, about 1.5 hours by boat from Puerto Maldonado, Peru.
3. What time does the tour start and end?
The tour starts around 3:00 a.m. with hotel pickup and returns to Puerto Maldonado around noon.
4. How long does the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick tour take?
The entire experience lasts about 8–9 hours, including transport, wildlife observation, and breakfast by the river.
5. What animals can I see besides macaws?
Expect to see parrots, parakeets, toucans, capybaras, caimans, monkeys, and sometimes jaguar tracks on the riverbanks.
6. What should I bring for the tour?
Bring lightweight clothing, insect repellent, rain jacket, binoculars, camera, reusable water bottle, and personal essentials.
7. Is breakfast included?
Yes! A picnic-style breakfast is served at the riverbank while you watch the macaws feeding.
8. Is this a private tour?
We offer a personalized small-group experience with a private naturalist guide. Some boat or land transport may be shared, but the guiding service remains private for your group.
9. How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking at least 48 hours in advance, especially in the high season (June to September).
10. Can I combine this tour with other Tambopata activities?
Yes, we can combine it with Lake Sandoval, Yacumama Sunset Tour, or even overnight jungle lodge stays for a full Amazon experience.