Northern Peru

Why Choose and Birding “The Northern Peru Route”

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Northern Peru is an absolute paradise for bird enthusiasts! If you're looking for a unique and exciting birding adventure, the Northern Peru Birding Route is an excellent choice. This incredible route takes you through a variety of breathtaking landscapes, including the Pacific coast, the Andes mountains, and the Amazon basin, each with its own endemic species. With over 1600 species of birds, including 152 restricted-range species, you're sure to have an unforgettable birding experience. Birds of Peru Tours will work with you to create a customized itinerary that fits your preferences and allows you to see as many birds as possible. You'll be accompanied by knowledgeable guides who are passionate about birds and the region's history, and you'll get to taste delicious local cuisine along the way. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to explore one of the world's top birding destinations!

The North Peru Tumbesian & Marañon Endemics tour is an exceptional opportunity to witness the stunning beauty of Peru's arid coast and its remarkable biodiversity. Starting near Chiclayo, the tour takes you on a journey through the cold and nutrient-rich waters of the northern Humboldt current. Magnificent Frigatebirds soar overhead, while Humboldt Penguins gracefully swim in the coastal waters. The arid coastal lands are home to an array of desert species such as Least Seedsnipe and Coastal Miner. As you venture further, the southern part of the renowned Tumbesian endemic bird area awaits, offering an opportunity to spot a wide range of species with restricted ranges. The Peruvian Plantcutter, Tumbes Tyrant, Rufous Flycatcher, Tumbes Swallow, and White-winged Guan are just a few of our favorites. The tour's best sites include the Chaparri Reserve, the forests around Casupe, and the Bosque de Pomac Historical Sanctuary, where you can experience firsthand the rich culture and history of the region. Join us on this unforgettable journey, and immerse yourself in the wonders of Peru's avian treasures.

Embark on an exhilarating journey as you traverse the Andes at their lowest altitude via the stunning Abra Porculla. Behold a captivating landscape on the western side, where pockets of remnant forests boast a myriad of Tumbesian species , including the elusive Piura Chat-Tyrant. As you continue your expedition, a rapid transition ensues, as the road winds down into the parched Marañón valley . The northern reaches of the valley, particularly around the town of Jaen, offer a veritable treasure trove of Marañón endemics , including the eponymous Marañon Crescentchest, Marañon Spinetail, Peruvian Pigeon, and the enchanting Slaty Antshrike and Marañon Thrush, among others. Prepare to be awed by the rich biodiversity and exquisite beauty of this enthralling landscape.

Imbued with natural wonders and historical intrigue, the eastern region of the Utcubamba River offers a breathtaking journey through a majestic limestone valley, once inhabited by the Chachapoyas civilization. Amongst the region's many charms are the avian species that call it home, including the highly sought-after Koepcke’s Screech-Owl. The charming Andean town of Leimebamba serves as the perfect starting point to delve deeper into the Rio Atuen valley and Abra Calla Calla (also called Abra Barro Negro), where one can bear witness to the stunning montane forests and paramo vegetation. These areas offer glimpses of elusive species such as the Rainbow Starfrontlet, Coppery Metaltail, Neblina Tapaculo, Rusty-breasted Antpitta, Russet-mantled Softtail, and Large-footed Tapaculo, all of which are sure to captivate even the most discerning of nature enthusiasts.

Journeying westward over the pass, one is treated to a breathtaking vista of the Marañón river valley - a steep-sided canyon that exudes awe-inspiring grandeur. The valley's arid forests, cactus scrub, and riverine woodlands are teeming with an exquisite array of avian species, including the esteemed Yellow-faced Parrotlet, as well as the illustrious Buff-bridled and Grey-winged Inca-Finches. In the realm of avian expeditions, " Birds of Peru Tours " Northern Peru Specials are truly a cut above the rest. Moving forward, the road leads to Celendin and Cajamarca, affording access to rare and coveted species such as the Cajamarca Antpitta, the resplendent Grey-bellied Comet, the elusive Unicoloured Tapaculo, and the majestic Great Spinetail. Truly, an ornithologist's dream come true!

Venturing eastward across the Utcubamba river, our group was ecstatic to stumble upon the breathtaking Cordillera Colan , nestled just beyond the quaint town of Pomacochas. As we traversed the rugged terrain, we were awe-struck to discover two of the most iconic species along the route. Behold, the aptly named Marvelous Spatultail, a true testament to avian grandeur and perhaps the most sought-after hummingbird in the world! And let us not forget the fabulous Pale-billed Antpitta, a marvel of the natural world, boasting a size and striking appearance that left us speechless. Our group was particularly delighted to encounter this magnificent creature near the charming village of San Lorenzo, which only added to the already remarkable experience.

Journeying slightly further east, we were captivated by the mesmerizing cloud forests of the Alto Mayo Protected Forest, which undoubtedly ranks among the world's finest birding destinations . Here, one can revel in a medley of diverse forest types, each harboring its own unique avian delights, and complemented by the awe-inspiring mixed species flocks, dominated by brilliantly hued tanagers. Amidst the verdant ridge top forests, a symphony of avian wonders awaits, including the majestic Royal Sunangel, the charming Bar-winged Wood-Wren, and the exquisite Cinnamon-breasted Tody-Tyrant. In the second-growth forest, we marveled at the snazzy Johnson's Tody-Flycatcher, while the enigmatic Long-whiskered Owlet, the world's smallest and least-known owl, left us spellbound. It is no wonder that our Eco Lodge, the Owlet Lodge, is aptly named after this elusive species, and serves as one of our prized havens at Fundo Alto Nieva. The area also boasts a bounty of other avian gems, such as the rare and local Ochre-fronted Antpitta and Rusty-tinged Antpitta, adding to the already spectacular array of avifauna in this birding paradise.

At lower elevations, one can delight in the captivating sights and sounds of avian wonders such as the Ecuadorian Piedtail and Buff-tailed Sicklebill, both of which are certain to leave any birder in awe. Despite the intensive farming practices that have taken hold in the Alto Mayo valley, pockets of natural habitat still remain, and within these, one may encounter the recently described Mishana Tyrannulet and Varzea Thrush, two prized avian treasures that never cease to amaze. The town of Moyobamba holds further treasures in store, with the magnificent Waqanki Lodge standing tall as a beacon of avian splendor. Here, visitors can indulge in the sheer beauty of hummingbird feeders and a breathtaking orchid garden, while the forest beyond the lodge serves up a feast of avian delights. One can bask in the glory of such species as the Striolated Manakin, Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater, Fiery-throated Fruiteater, Ash-throated Antwren, Grey-tailed Piha, and Black-and-white Tody-Flycatcher, among others, making for an unforgettable birding experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression on any enthusiast.

The vibrant city of Tarapoto is the gateway to the stunning Cordillera Escalera, an outlying ridge that is home to a staggering array of avian treasures. Here, one can revel in the sheer beauty of such prized species as the Koepcke's Hermit and Dotted Tanager, which are sure to leave any birder spellbound. The nearby dry forests of Quebrada Upaquihua also offer plenty of opportunities to spot other avian wonders, including the elusive Buckley's Forest-Falcon, the charming Zimmer's Antbird, and the Sulphur-bellied Tyrant Manakin. And for those seeking an even greater adventure, the forests of the Cordillera Azul at Plataforma are sure to impress. Here, one can marvel at the sheer beauty of such prized species as the Scarlet-banded Barbet and the recently described Cordillera Azul Antbirds, which serve as a testament to the richness of avian diversity in this breathtaking region.

Northern Peru is undoubtedly one of the world's premier birding destinations, boasting a staggering abundance of avian wonders and habitats that are sure to keep any birder enthralled for a lifetime. The sheer magnitude of options and choices that one is faced with when deciding where to go in this avian wonderland is a testament to the richness and diversity of this breathtaking region. But fear not, for Birds of Peru Tours is here to customize the best itinerary that caters to your individual preferences, ensuring that your birding journey is nothing short of perfection. A three-week trip to this birding paradise is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience, with birders expecting to spot in excess of about 700 species of bird, making it one of the most productive destinations for avian enthusiasts. What's more, the stunning avian diversity is complemented by the awe-inspiring scenery, the guidance of nature-loving experts who possess an excellent knowledge of their craft, the indulgence of delicious cuisine, and the captivating history that is woven into the fabric of this land, including some world-class archaeological sites that are sure to leave any visitor in awe. So what are you waiting for? Embark on a journey of a lifetime with Birds of Peru Tours and revel in the sheer beauty of this avian paradise.