Witness hundreds of macaws at the El Chuncho clay lick and climb a 40-meter canopy tower for sunrise views over Tambopata. This 3-day lodge-based trip mixes river travel, guided jungle walks, and prime birdwatching windows.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off the riverboat before dawn and the forest answers—calls from unseen birds, river mist clinging to boardwalks, and the tower ahead rising like a wooden lighthouse into the canopy. In the first pale light, the canopy tower’s stairs creak with the weight of anticipation; from the top you watch macaws wheel against a broad, green horizon.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 days
Fitness Level
Basic fitness required: short jungle walks, stair climb to 40m canopy tower, and ability to board riverboats.
Wildlife
History
Tambopata’s river corridors were long-used by Indigenous groups and later mapped during frontier-era rubber extraction, shaping current settlement patterns and lodge locations.
Conservation
The reserve is protected but under pressure from illegal gold mining and deforestation; responsible operators support local conservation and use low-impact practices.
Reserve your spot on the Rainforest Peru 3 days tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Wake before dawn
Wildlife viewing is best at sunrise—expect a 4:30 a.m. start for the macaw clay lick to catch peak activity.
Pack rain protection
Heavy tropical downpours are common; bring a lightweight, breathable rain jacket and waterproof camera cover.
Protect against insects
Use DEET or picaridin repellent and a permethrin-treated shirt or gaiters—bite-free hours are limited but intense.
Bring binoculars and a zoom lens
Binoculars and a 300mm+ lens get you detailed views of macaws at the clay lick and birds from the tower.
Lightweight rain jacket
Keeps you dry during tropical downpours and protects camera gear from humidity.
Binoculars (8x–10x)
Essential for bird identification at the clay lick and scanning the canopy from the tower.
Insect repellent & long sleeves
Protects against mosquitoes and other biting insects, especially during dawn/dusk periods.
Sturdy, quick-dry hiking shoes
Support and traction for muddy trails, lodge terrain, and stair climbs to the canopy tower.