Manu Birding Lodge Highlights

Join us on this exciting South American journey for what should be the ultimate Neotropical wilderness experience!

Macaw clay lick
Collpa – MacawThe most spectacular is the famous macaw and parrot clay lick. This is undoubtedly the most visited clay lick in the Peruvian Amazon. Surely one of the world’s most dramatic avian spectacles. We will watch from a hide as hundreds of Blue-headed Parrots along with Mealy and Yellow-crowned Parrots, and White-eyed, Dusky-headed, Cobalt-winged and Tui Parakeets, congregate in the trees lining the cliffs, often taking to the wing and circling as they gradually gain enough confidence to descend and eat thumb-sized lumps of clay. More cautious than the rest, up to 100 Red-and-green Macaws patiently watch over the noisy commotion of their smaller cousins. After a time the smaller species suddenly erupt off the cliff face in a riot of colour and the macaws take their place, hanging from the vertical wall, squabbling and opening their wings as they too break off chunks of clay. Thought to neutralize their diet of toxic seeds, the sheer number of birds attracted to the clay in the early morning light and the din of their vocalizations make for an unforgettable experience!

Tapir clay lick
tapir Amazon BirdingAbout 45 minutes walk through the forest is a large mammal clay lick where Tapirs (Tapirus terrestris), the largest South American land mammal, regularly come for minerals. At night Red-brocket Deer, Bicolor-spined Porcupine, Paca and other animals share this necessary ingredient to the digestive system. There is a large, raised blind here equipped with mattresses and mosquito nets for those who want to spend the night in comfort observing these nocturnal creatures. During the day several species of Rose-fronted and Rock Parakeets and Dusky-billed Parrotlet as well as Spix’s and Blue-throated Pinping Guans, Ruddy and Plumbeous Pigeons, Pale-winged Trumpeter, Razor-billed Curassow and White-lipped and Collared Pecaries, Southern Amazon Red Squirrel, Amazon Dwarf Squirrel, Brown Agouti, Red Howler and Black Spider Monkeys regularly visit the clay lick.

Oxbow lakes
Oxbow LakesThere are 2 oxbow lakes in the area and we have floating platforms so that access to the lakes ensures that all lakeside fauna can be readily observed. There are two families of the endangered Giant Otters (Pteronura brasiliensis) on these lakes and small streams. Good place to see the endangered Black Caiman (Melanosuchus niger).

Canopy Tower

the arms of a giant Kapok tree (Ceiba pentandra), towering above the forest canopy. From this lofty perch we shall be seeing birds in all directions, in addition canopy species, other possibilities here include, Rose-fronted Parakeet, Great Potoo nesting, White-necked Puffbird, White-browed Purpletuft, White-throated and Yellow-tufted Woodpeckers, Plum-throated and Spangled Cotingas, Crowned Slaty Flycatcher, Black-tailed and Black-crowned Tityras, Black-faced, Blue and Yellow-bellied Dacnises, Golden-bellied Euphonia, etc

Hummingbird garden
Hummingbird GardenThis beautiful garden offers excellent opportunities to see a wide variety of hummingbirds, over 22 species along with representatives of many other families. Reddish, White-browed, Needle-billed, Long-tailed, White-bearded and Rufous-breasted Hermits, Pale-tailed Barbthroat, White-chinned and Golden-tailed Sapphires, Sapphire-spangled Emerald, Festive and Rofous-crested Coquettes, Black-bellied Thorntail, Black-throated Mango, White-necked Jacobin, Gray-breasted Sabrewing, Gould’s Jewelfront, Blue-tailed Emerald, Fork-tailed Woodnymph, Black-eared Fairy, Long-billed Starthroat and Amethyst Woodstar.

Manakin leks
An astonishing lek from Round-tailed Manakin, Band-tailed Manakin, Blue-crowned Manakin and Blue-backed Manakin. where we shall have an excellent opportunity to watch the gaudy males displaying.

Bamboo forest
Bamboo ForestA large stand of thorny Guadua bamboo, a habitat that hosts an interesting set of specialized birds including a number of southwest Amazonian endemics. Among our prime targets are the splendid Rufous-headed Woodpecker, the odd-looking Peruvian Recurvebill, the zebra-patterned Bamboo Antshrike, the only recently described Manu Antbird and the lovely but uncommon White-cheeked Tody-Flycatcher. Other bamboo specialists we will look for are Rufous-capped Nunlet, Red-billed Scythebill, Dusky-cheeked and Brown-rumped Foliage-gleaners, Ihering’s and Dot-winged Antwrens, Striated, White-lined and Goeldi’s Antbirds, Flammulated Pygmy-Tyrant and Large-headed and Dusky-tailed Flatbills.

Herpetology Trail (Highly recommended)
Herpetology TrailThis trail is one of the best trails we have at Manu Birding Lodge, to see many species of Reptiles and Amphibians of the Amazon rainforest, especially in rainy season.

Manu Birding Lodge is the best place to see Mammals of the Neotropics and really interesting Amazon Insects, just amazing creatures lives in the jungle!

Manu Birding Lodge, the best place to see the most beautiful birds of Peru and birds of South America.

Are you interested in birdwatching or visiting the Amazonian rainforest?
Plan to visit Manu Birding Lodge soon – you’ll love our lodge, our forest, our mammals and our birds!

* Manu Birding Lodge is a specialist birding tour operator in Peru.
* When planning to bird Peru, plan to bird MBL!
* We are the Premier Birding & Wildlife Lodge in the Peruvian Amazon.

What to Bring
In order to avoid disturbing birds & mammals and to maximize your experience, please avoid wearing bright-colored clothes.
We advise you to bring:Aside from Binoculars and photo-equipment (the important birdwatchers stuff) we advise:

  • A spotting scope, if you have one
  • Flashlight for night birding
  • Light day pack
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent
  • T-shirts and a long-sleeved shirt
  • Comfortable pants, as well as quick-drying nylon ones
  • Cotton socks
  • Sweater, jacket or fleece for night birding
  • Light jacket, water resistant, or poncho
  • Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
  • Sandals for after hours
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Plastic bags for camera, clothes, etc
  • Personal toiletries (shampoo, towel, etc)

Manu Birding Lodge look forward to welcoming and guiding you soon!
Last minute bookings will be accepted but you must be aware that there is the possibility that we will not get space at the hotel or tour that you need.

PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS

Manu Birding Lodge Conservation Through Bird Ecotourism.