🧭 Description

Half-day from Puerto Maldonado. Sail at dawn along the Tambopata River and witness dozens of parrots, macaws, and parakeets congregate at the clay lick to feed on essential minerals. Enjoy an Amazonian breakfast on board, spot capybaras, caimans, sloths, and exotic birds, and live an unforgettable experience in the heart of the tropical rainforest. Ideal for birdwatchers, nature lovers, and travelers seeking an authentic connection with Tambopata’s biodiversity.

🌄 Day 1: Sunrise in the jungle – Birdwatching – Amazonian breakfast on board – River return

🚐 Pickup at your hotel in Puerto Maldonado

We begin the tour early in the morning with pickup from your accommodation in Puerto Maldonado. The jungle is awakening, and the time is ideal to begin a journey toward one of the most impressive natural spectacles in the Amazon.

🛶 Navigation on the Tambopata River

We board a motorized boat that will take us downriver. During the tour, the guide will interpret the surroundings as you delve into the heart of the rainforest. As the morning progresses, the forest comes alive with the sounds of birds, insects, and mammals hidden among the treetops.

🦜 Parrot and Macaw Clay Lick Sighting

We arrive at a natural clay wall located in a bend in the river, known as a clay lick, where one of the most fascinating phenomena in the Amazon occurs: dozens of parrots, macaws, and parakeets come to the ravine to feed on the mineral salts essential to their diet. This colorful and sonorous event is a perfect opportunity for photography and birdwatching enthusiasts.

📷 Observation and Photography Moment

From a safe vantage point, you can see red-green macaws, blue-and-yellow macaws, blue-headed parrots, and other tropical species in the midst of their feeding ritual. Their synchronized flight and screeches fill the air with jungle energy.

🦥 Additional Wildlife Spotting

During the trip, you’ll also have the chance to observe sloths resting in the treetops, capybaras grazing near the banks, caimans hidden among the reeds, and a wide variety of aquatic and riverside birds that complement this natural experience.

🍽️ Amazonian Breakfast on the Boat

After the main activity, we’ll enjoy a typical Amazonian breakfast, served on board the boat while the river gently rocks us. You’ll taste fresh fruits, regional breads, herbal teas, and natural juices, all while still surrounded by the breathtaking Tambopata landscape.

📸 Relaxation and Sightseeing

Take the opportunity to capture images of the surroundings, share moments with your guide, or simply remain silent and absorb the peace of the jungle at dawn. It’s a moment that will be etched forever.

🛶 Return to Puerto Maldonado along the Madre de Dios River

After this immersive experience, we begin the return journey along the Madre de Dios River, ending this nature tour in Puerto Maldonado with our souls recharged and our hearts filled with jungle.

✅ What does the Parrot Clay Lick Tour at Lake Sandoval include?

🚐Transfer from your hotel in Puerto Maldonado
Includes direct pickup from your accommodation to begin the adventure on time and stress-free.

🛶River transportation
Safe and comfortable navigation along the Tambopata and Madre de Dios Rivers, in boats with life jackets and an experienced driver.

👨‍🏫Local guide specialized in wildlife
Accompanied by a bilingual naturalist guide, expert in Amazonian birds, who will explain the behavior of parrots, macaws, and other species.

🦜Parrot Clay Lick Entrance and Observation Point
Access to one of the most privileged sites in the region to see macaws, parrots, and parakeets feeding on mineral clay in their natural habitat.

🦥Wildlife spotting during the tour
During the cruise, you’ll be able to observe capybaras, caimans, sloths, tropical birds, and more in their natural habitat.

🍽️ Amazonian breakfast on board the boat
You’ll enjoy a traditional breakfast with fresh fruit, natural juices, and regional snacks as you cruise through the Amazonian landscapes.

📸 Nature and landscape photography opportunities
You’ll have time to capture unforgettable photos of the jungle sunrise, wildlife, and river landscapes from vantage points without disturbing the surroundings.

🩺 Basic first aid kit
The guide carries a kit with basic supplies to handle any minor incidents during the tour.

❌ What is not included in the tour?

Although the tour is very comprehensive, there are some aspects not included in the price that you should keep in mind:

🍹 Additional drinks or special snacks
Does not include soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, or snacks other than the provided breakfast.

💵 Tips for guide or crew
These are not included. They are voluntary and are appreciated as recognition of the service received.

🎒 Personal items and photography equipment
You must bring your own:

1. Camera or binoculars
2. Eco-friendly insect repellent
3. Sunscreen
4. Light, long-sleeved clothing
5. Rain poncho
6. Small backpack with water bottle

✈️ Transportation from other cities
The tour starts and ends in Puerto Maldonado. It does not include flights, buses, or transfers from Cusco, Lima, or other regions.

📶 Internet connection or mobile signal
There is no phone coverage or internet access during the tour. This tour is designed to reconnect you with nature.

🧴 Personal travel insurance
Not included. We recommend traveling with a basic policy for safety reasons.

🌟 Recommendations for the Parrot Clay Lick Tour at Lake Sandoval

🎒 Bring only the essentials in a small backpack
As the tour is half-day, we suggest bringing only the essentials: a water bottle, insect repellent, sunscreen, camera, hat, and a rain poncho.

🥾 Wear light, long-sleeved clothing in neutral colors
To protect yourself from the sun and insects, wear comfortable pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and closed-toe sneakers or sandals. Light colors help avoid scaring away wildlife.

🧴 Sun and insect protection are essential
Apply biodegradable sunscreen and eco-friendly insect repellent before departure. You will be exposed to the sun for much of the tour.

📸 Don’t forget your camera or binoculars
The Parrot Clay Lick is one of the best places for birdwatching in Tambopata. Bringing binoculars and a camera with a good zoom will make a difference.

🌧️ Prepare for the Amazon rainforest
The weather in the jungle can change without warning. Always bring a light poncho or raincoat.

🍃 Move quietly and without interference
Avoid loud noises, music, or sudden movements during the observation. This will give you a better chance of seeing animals in their natural state.

📵 Unplug and enjoy the experience
There is no mobile service for much of the tour. Take this opportunity to reconnect with nature and enjoy the moment.

💧 Stay hydrated and have a light breakfast before leaving
Although the tour includes breakfast on board, it is recommended to eat something light before leaving and bring your own water.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🟢 How long is the total tour?

The approximate duration is 4 to 5 hours from the time you leave Puerto Maldonado until your return. It’s a short tour, ideal for making the most of a morning.

🟢 What types of birds can I see?

You’ll be able to observe blue-headed parrots, red-green macaws, blue-and-yellow macaws, parakeets, and other tropical birds, as well as aquatic and shorebirds.

🟢 Do I need previous experience or good physical condition?

No, the tour is suitable for all ages. All you need is an enthusiasm for nature and a desire for a relaxing experience.

🟢 Can you guarantee seeing parrots or macaws?

Nature is unpredictable, but the Sandoval Lake Clay Lick is frequently visited by birds. Your guide will help you find the best times to observe them.

🟢 What happens if it rains during the tour?

The tour can be adapted. If the rain is not heavy, it continues as normal. In the event of extreme conditions, the guide may modify the itinerary to ensure safety.

🟢 Is food or snacks included?

Yes, it includes a typical Amazonian breakfast served on board the boat. It is recommended to notify us in advance if you have any dietary restrictions.

🟢 Is the use of drones allowed?

No. The use of drones is restricted in protected natural areas such as Tambopata, to avoid disturbing the wildlife.

🟢 Are there restrooms available during the tour?

There are generally no restrooms on the boat or at the observation point. It is recommended to use the restrooms before leaving Puerto Maldonado.