Northern Peru Extension

Our Northern Peru Extension takes in the Amazon in the area round Iquitos, which with over 600 species is known as one of the richest areas for birds and other wildlife in the whole Amazonian basin. We stay at Muyuna Lodge, located 140 kilometers from Iquitos, up the Amazon River. It is a small rainforest lodge, secluded, intimate, surrounded by wildlife ranging from a rich diversity of Amazonian birds to several species of monkeys, caiman, sloths and pink dolphins. We occupy comfortable bungalows, with en suite bathrooms and terraces facing the river. Muyuna Lodge maintains a tight relationship with San Juan de Yanayacu village, which benefits from ecotourism in the zone. We access several Amazonian ecosystems on our extension: Terra Firme and Varzea forests, oxbows, lakes, river islands, successional growth, and the White Sand Forest of the newly created Allpahuayo-Mishana Reserve Zone, the greatest concentration of White Sand Forest in the entire Peruvian Amazon, and a unique ecosystem supporting an impressive biodiversity with rare endemics. Each habitat has unique birds and animals associated with them. Join Hector for a tour of this area of the Amazon with its rich and amazing birdlife.

Highlights

• The rich diversity of wildlife at Muyuna Lodge
• The unique White Sand Forest of the Allpahuayo-Mishana Reserve
• Lots of superb endemics

Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Muyuna Lodge
We catch an early morning flight from Cajamarca to Lima, and then we fly to Iquitos, and then transfer to marvelous Muyuna Lodge on the Amazon, a three-hour boat ride. We have four nights at Muyuna where we access a variety of lowland Amazonian habitats, including flooded forest, lakes and river islands. Each habitat supports different species and we make sure we cover the full range during our time here. From our boat along the Amazon, we should see Snowy, Cattle and Great Egrets, Black and Greater Yellow-headed Vultures, kingfishers, and Yellow-hooded Blackbird. Night at Muyuna Lodge.

Days 2 - 3: Muyuna Lodge
The Peruvian Amazon boasts a huge list of species, and we will amass a very impressive tally of neotropical goodies. Trails around the lodge could produce Wire-tailed and Blue-crowned Manakins, Black-tailed and Green-backed Trogons, Curl-crested and Chestnut-eared Aracaris, and Bluish-fronted Jacamar. Principal targets include the endemic Black-tailed Antbird and Plum-throated Cotinga. Aquatic habitats around the lodge support Sunbittern, Hoatzin, Gray-necked Wood-rail, crakes, Black-capped Donacobius, and Wattled Jacana. Cuvier’s Toucan and Festive Parrot call from the upper canopy, and Plumbeous and Snail Kites, Black-collared Hawk and Lined Forest-Falcon are among the raptors that occur here. We may see one of the most amazing wonders of nature – the pink river dolphins! Overnights at Muyuna Lodge.

Day 4: Muyuna Lodge to Iquitos
We have the morning at Muyuna Lodge before we travel back to Iquitos. Night in Iquitos.

Day 5: Allpahuayo – Mishana
We spend a full day in the Allpahuayo-Mishana area searching specifically for endemics, including recently discovered species only known from the area such as Iquitos Gnatcatcher and Ancient Antwren. The newly created Allpahuayo-Mishana Reserve Zone protects the greatest concentration of White Sand Forest in the entire Peruvian Amazon, which we explore thoroughly today. White Sand Forests are a unique ecosystem where extremely poor soil has been constantly leached by rain for millions of years, resulting in a unique and impressive biodiversity with rare endemics. This is the home of Pompadour Cotinga, Allpahuayo Antbird, Mishana Tyrannulet, Northern Chestnut-tailed Antbird, Orange-crowned and White-crowned Manakins, Sulphur-crested Tyrant-Manakin, Cinnamon-crested Spadebill, Zimmer’s Tody-Flycatcher, Yellow-browed Antbird, White-throated Antbird, Great and Paradise Jacamars, Pied Puffbird, Gilded Barbet and the impressive Black-necked Red Cotinga. We have a chance to hear or even see the rare White-winged and Rufous Potoos. We also look for ant-following specialists such as White-plumed and White-banded Antbirds, Black-faced Antthrush, and Black-spotted and Reddish-winged Bare-Eyes. Later in the day we fly back to Lima. Night in Lima.

Day 6: Pucusana, Pantanos de Villa and Departure
Most international flights leave Lima in the evening. We have an early morning travel to the fishing village of Pucusana where we take a boat trip around the harbour for good views of seabirds and with luck a Southern Sealion or the rare endemic Marine Otter. Just outside the harbour we could find Peruvian Boobies, Guanay Cormorants as well as Inca Terns, Red-legged Cormorants and a few Humboldt Penguins. The rocky shores hold Blackish Oystercatcher and Seaside Cinclodes, the most marine of all passerines. After a box lunch, we visit the Pantanos de Villa Reserve in southern Lima. This wetland, accidentally created, is now a haven for many species of waterbirds and others. Pools hold the impressive Great Grebe as well as herons, ducks, ibises, and waders. Reeds fringing the pools hold Many-coloured Rush-Tyrants and Wren-like Rushbirds. From the beach we could see some of the more common seabirds of the Humboldt Current, such as Peruvian Booby and Peruvian Pelican and Inca Tern with shearwaters, storm-petrels and skuas also being possible. An area of dry grassland and scrub behind the beach supports Peruvian Thick-knee. We then have a late evening transfer to the airport for flights home from Lima.
 

Featured Birds and Mammals:

• Black-necked Red Cotinga
• Wire-tailed Manakin
• Curl-crested Aracari
• Plum-throated Cotinga
• Iquitos Gnatcatcher
• Ancient Antwren
• Black-spotted Bare-eye
• Inca Tern
• White-capped Tanager
• Pompadour Cotinga
• Great Jacamar
• Razor-billed Curassow
• Hoatzin
• Sunbittern
• Pink River Dolphin
• Pygmy Marmoset
 

Dates: December 9 - 14, 2012

Duration: 6 days

Price: $2,150 USD/CAD, single supplement $200 USD/CAD

Tour Starts & Ends: Lima

Join us on the Main tour: Northern Peru November 24 - December 9, 2012

What to Expect

• Good food and lodgings, Muyuna Lodge is remote but comfortable
• Walking mostly easy with optional harder walks
• Low elevation birding
• Includes Lima-Iquitos, Iquitos - Lima flight
• 4 – 12 participants with one leader plus a local guide at Muyuna Lodge
 

Accommodations range from good to excellent. In the Amazonian lowlands, we begin birding before breakfast, followed by a slow-paced walk in the forest. After lunch we have some time for siesta or enjoy watching hummingbirds from a hammock perhaps with a cold drink in hand. In the late afternoon we venture again to the forest. On some occasions we will go spotlighting in the forest at night. Trails may be muddy; waterproof hiking boots are recommended, with rubber boots being optional. In the evening, we enjoy good meals provided by the various lodges’ dining facility or at the hotel restaurant. At this time we discuss the day’s activities and review the list of birds and wildlife we have encountered. We outline the events for the next day, in preparation for another round of excitement and discovery.