The Birdwatching North Peru 15 days

Explore the Birdwatching in North Peru: 15 Unforgettable Days of Birdwatching

Birdwatching in North Peru  -Are you ready to explore the avian wonders of northern Peru? Join us on this extraordinary birding journey, where each moment is an opportunity to connect with nature,

spot rare species, and create lasting memories.

Birding Peru Day 01: Chiclayo- Bosque Pomac – Olmos .

Birding Peru - North of Peru  -Today we will travel from Chiclayo to Bosque Pomac, at Bosque Puma’s dry forest we will look for: Peruvian Plant Cutter, Rufous Flycatcher, Tumbes Swalow, Scarlet Backed Woodpecker, Necklaced Spinetail, and Cinereous Finch.

after birding Bosque Pomac we will continue to Olmos pass and Quebrada limon in order to see the endemic White winged Guan, Tumbes Tyrant, Elegant Crescentchest, Guayaquil woodpecker, Red masked Parakeet among other birds; we will spend the night at Olmos in a local Hotel. Tours Amazon Peru

Day 02: Olmos - Limon de Purcoya – Jaen .Birdwatching in North Peru 

This day we will travel to Limon the Purcoya very, the area is a very good site for birding where we can see.

Piura Chat Tyrant, Chapman´s Antshire, Black Cowlet Saltator, Ecuadorian piculet, Rufous Necked Foliage gleaner, Henna Hooded Foliage Gleaner, Purcoya Hermit and Bay Crowned Brush Finch. After explore the area we will continue towards Jaen before Jaen we will make a stop in order to find the following species:

Little Inca Finch, Marañon Crescent chest, Chichipe Spinetail and Marañon Slaty Antshire.

Day 03: Jaen - Pomacochas or Florida.Birdwatching in North Peru 

Today in our way to Pomacochas we will look for the following species: Little Inca Finch, Spotted Rail, Marañon Spinetail, Yellow Tailed Oriole, Marañon Thrush, and Buff Bellied Tanager, besides the birds mentioned above we can also several species of hummingbirds, seedeaters. In this day we will have the chance to see the Endemic and very Famous Marvelous Spatuletail;

humming like Little Woodstar, purple Collared Woodstar, Purple Throated Sunangel, Andean Emerald can also be found in the area. We will spend the Night at Puma cochas.

 Day 04: Pomacochas- Abra Patricia .Birdwatching in North Peru 

This day we will look for the very elusive Rusty tinged Antpitta, as well as for Russet mantled Softailm, Blackish Tapaculo, Red Hooded Tanager, and White capped Diper. At our Lodge in Abra Patricia we will spend two nights; in the area we will look for the famous long whiskered Owlet.

 Day 05:  Abra Patricia lodge area all day .Birdwatching in North Peru 

Along the road on the cloud forest this day we will look for very nice to tanagers, flycatchers, and Endemic Species like: Speckle Chested Piculet, Ocre Fronted Antpitta, Bar Winged Wood wren, Royal Sunangel, cinnamon Breasted tody Tyrant, Inca Flycatcher, Vermilion Tanager, Ecuadorian Pietail, Andean Cock of the Rock, Red Ruffd Fruitcrow, White Capped tanager, Yellow Scarf Tanager, Chestnut Crestescotinga Lulu´s Tody

Flycatcher, Chestnut Antpitta and a lot more bird species in amazon manu park .

Day 06: Abra Patricia – Rioja .Birdwatching in North Peru 

In our way to Rioja, we will have the chance to see species like: Golden Collared Honeycreeper, Virsicolored Barbet, Black Bellied Tanager, Lanceolated Monklet, Masket Trogon, Crested Quetzal, Speckle Chested Piculet, Blue Browed Tanager, White Collared Jay, Crimson Mantled Woodpecker,White Capped Diper, Point Tailed Palmcreeper, Russet Crowned Crake, Yellow Tyrannulet, Stripe Necked Tody Tyrant and Blakish Rail.

We will spend the night at Rioja in a local Hotel.

 Day 07: Rioja - Moyobamba .Birdwatching in North Peru 

45min. away there is an area where we can find some endemic birds; in the area we can observe birds like: Mishana tyrannulet, Red Billed Tyrannulet, Buff Throated Tody Tyrant, TataupaTinamou, Pale Breasted Trush, Cinereous Breasted Spinetail, Russet crowned Crake, Pearly Vented Tody Tyrant, Firy Capped, Manakin, Little Tinamou, Buckles's Forest Falcon, Black Billed Seed Finch, Blackish Nightjar, Rufous Nightjar, Spot Billed Nightjar, Yellow Bellied Elaenia, Stripe Manakin, Masked Tanager, White Plumed Antbird, and other bird species. Later we will return to Moyobamba where we will spend the night.

  Day 08: Moyobamba – Miskiyaquillo Hostel .

Today we will travel to Miskiyaquillo which is found 20 minutes away from our hotel. There in one of the trails we will look for the following species: Firy Throated Fruiteater, Black and White Tody Tyrant, White Plumed Antbird,

Golden Headed Manakin, White vireo, and Cerulean Warbler. In the afternoon we will have the chance to see 18 species of hummingbirds that came to feed on the feeders we have at the lodge, there we will observe species like:

Rufouscrested Coquette, Wirecrested Thorntail, Golden Tailed Sapphire, Sapphire Spangled Emerald, Violetear Brown, Gray Breasted Sabrewing, Long Tailed Hermit, Black Throated Hermit, Bue Tailed Hemerald, Fork Tailed

Woodnymph. There is also a botanical garden of orchids where we can see more than 600 species of orchids. At night after dinner we'll go to look for the owls, the Owl species se can find are: Band Bellied Owl, Crested Owl, Rufous Nightjar, Blackish Nightjar, and Spectacled Owl.

 Day 09: Miskiyaquillo – Tarapoto .Birdwatching in North Peru 

This morning we will maing focus on observing the Humming birds; later we will travel to Tarapoto, along the way we will make a stop in order to find Oilbirs. Juan Guerra is an area that is found after Tarapoto, there we will look for:

Northern Slaty Antshrike, Sulphur Bellied Tyrant Manakin, Rusty Backed Antwren, Coraya Wren, Chestnut Capped Puffbird, Hoatzin, Lettered Aracari, Violaceous Jay, Great Antshrike, and Rusty fronted Tody Flycatcher. After overnight will return to Tarapoto to spend the night.

 Day 10: Tarapoto – Abra Patricia .

Before travel to Abra Patricia we will observe the following bird species: Dotted Nanager, Plumbeous Euphonia, Masked Tanager, Scaled pigeon, Wattled Guan, Blue Banded Toucanet, Golden Collared Toucanet, White Throated Toucan, Blakish Pewee,

Andean Kock of the Rock, Golden Tailed Sapphire, Fork Tailed Woodnymph, long Tailed Hermit, Koepcke's Hermit, Striolated Puffbird, White Throated Woodpecker, and Slaty Capped Shrikevireo, later we will return to Tarapoto for lunch and then head towards Abra Patricia where we will spend the night.

 Day 11: Abra Patricia – Leimebamba .

In our way to Leimebamba we will look birds like: Buff Breasted Tanager, Black Necked Woodpeker, Marañon Thrush, Baron's Spinetail, Chestnut Crowned Antpitta, Amazonian Kingfisher, Ring Kingfisher, Fasciated Tiger Heron,

Little Woodstar, Torrent Duck, Torrent Tyrannulet, Blakc Chested Buzzard Eagle, Mitred Parakeet, Peruvian pigeon, Koepcke's Screeh Owl; once we reach Leimebamba we will visit some hummingbird feeders and and have the chance to see species like: Sword Billed Hummingbird, Rainbow Starfrontlet, Marvelous Spatuletail, White bellied Hummingbird, Little Woodstar, Rusty Flowerpiercer, Golden bellied Grosbeak, Peruvian Meadowlark. We will spend the night at Leimebamba.

 Day 12: Leimebamba all day .

This day we will visit Canyon of the Condors which is found 45 minutes away from Leimebamba, there we can see birds like: Andean Condor, White Capped Tanager, Hooded Tanager Red, White Collared Jay, Gray Breasted Mountain Toucan, Quetzal Golded Headed, Blackish Tapaculo, White Rumped Hawk, Slaty Backed Chat Tyrant,

Northean Adean Cacique, Andean Guan, Chesnut Crested Cotinga, Andean Strong Billed Woodcreeper, White Tailed Tyrannulet, Drab Hemispingus, Highland Motmot, among other bird species. At Leimebamba we can also see species like:

Brown Viotear, Little Woodstar, Black Tailed Trainbearer, Purple Throated Sunangel, Line Cheeked Spinetail, and Yellow Breasted Brush Finch.

Day 13: Leimebamba – Celendin .

This day we will travel towards the Marañon Valley in our private bus, along the way we will make some stops in order to look for some endemic species like: Russet Mantled Softtail, Yellow Faced Parrotlet, Buff Bridled Inca Finch, Gray Winged Inca Finch,

Chestnut Backed Thornbird, Peruvian pigeon, and Black Necked Woodpecker; we can also observe species like: Striped Cuckoo, Purple Collared Woodstar, Lesser Goldfinch, Purple Throated Euphonia,

Peruvian pygmy Owl, Spot Throated Hummingbird, Marañon Gnagcatcher, Tawny Crowned Pygmy Tyrant, and Hooded Siskin.we will spend the night in a local hotel.

14: Celendin – Cajamarca .

In Our way to Cajamarca we will stop at at Cruz Conga where we will look for: Rufous Antpitta, Baron's Spinetail, White Tailed Shrike Tyrant, Brown-backed Chat Tyrant, Rufous Webbed tyrant, Black Crested Tit Tyrant, and Plumbeous Rail. Later along the way we can also find bird species like: Rufous Eared Brush Finch, Black Metatail, Jelski's Chat Tyrant, Buff Bellied Tanager, Shining Subeam, Streak Throated Bush Tyrant,

White Browed Chat Tyrant, Green Tailed Trainbearer, Gray Bellied Comet, Rusty Crowned Tit Spinetail , Black Metaltail, Giant Hummingbird, White Winged Cinclodes, Mourning Sierra Finch, Yellow Billed Tit Tyrant, Andea Swift, Green tailed Traibearer, and Black Eagle Chested Buzzard.

Day 15: Cajamarca – Lima .

Today as part of our last activity we will visit San Marcos in order to find the following bird species: Great Spinetail, Black Necked Woodpecker, Buff Bridled Inca Finch, White winged Black Tyrant, Masked Yellow throat, Purple Collared Woodstar, Lesser Goldfinch, Spot Throated Hummingbird; later we will travel towards Cajamarca airport where our services will end.

 

Embark on the Ultimate Birdwatching Adventure in Northern Peru.

The Birdwatching North Peru : Ready to experience an unparalleled birdwatching journey? Northern Peru is a paradise for bird lovers, offering a breathtaking array of habitats and a stunning diversity of species. Over 15 unforgettable days, you’ll explore everything from lush rainforests to the majestic Andes, encountering some of the most sought-after birds in the world.

Why Northern Peru? Northern Peru is home to some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. The region’s unique blend of habitats – from tropical dry forests to cloud forests and the high Andes – provides an incredible backdrop for birdwatching. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or a curious traveler, this trip promises to deliver rare sightings and unforgettable experiences –Peruvian Birding

What You’ll Discover: Birdwatching in North Peru

The Peruvian Plantcutter: A rare and elusive species that you won’t want to miss!
The White-Winged Guan: Known for its striking appearance, this bird is a true highlight.
The Cinereous Finch: A charming and distinct species found only in this region.
Tumbesian Birds: Explore the dry Tumbesian region and its fascinating avifauna.

Northern Peru Birding Expedition: Owlet, Barbet, White-Masked Antbird, Spatuletail & More (15-Day Itinerary) .

Embark on one of South America’s most exciting birdwatching routes—an immersive 15-day Northern Peru birding adventure traveling from the Amazon foothills to the cloud forests of Abra Patricia. This expanded itinerary offers a deeper look at each day’s highlights, helping travelers understand what to expect, what makes each location unique, and why this region is a global hotspot for rare species.

Day 1 – The Birdwatching North Peru Lima to Tarapoto: First Encounters in the Amazon Foothills.

Your journey begins with a morning flight from Lima to Tarapoto, a bustling Amazonian town surrounded by lush green ridges. After landing around midday, you’ll head straight into the field with a picnic lunch, easing into your first afternoon of birding.

This area is home to the rare Huallagae subspecies of Northern Slaty Antshrike, a local specialty. As you explore the nearby woodlands, keep your binoculars ready for colorful species such as:

• Bluish-fronted Jacamar
• Sulphur-bellied Tyrant-Manakin
• Blue-crowned Trogon & Motmot
• Chestnut-eared and Lettered Aracaris
• Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl
• Several spinetails, antwrens, tody-tyrants & wrens

It’s a perfect warm-up session before settling into your comfortable Tarapoto hotel for the evening.
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner.

Day 2 – The Birdwatching North Peru –  Tarapoto to Flor de Café (Plataforma): Into Barbet Territory.

Today, the expedition moves toward one of Peru’s most legendary birding destinations: the ridge where the Scarlet-banded Barbet—long considered nearly unreachable—was made accessible. The drive itself is scenic and adventurous, winding up through remote terrain.

You’ll spend the afternoon searching for the Barbet and exploring the surrounding forest, then check into a welcoming family-run lodge. After dinner, those with extra energy can join an optional night outing for Vermiculated Screech-Owl.Tours Birding Wildlife 

Day 3 – The Birdwatching North Peru –  Full Day at Flor de Café: Searching for Rarities.

This is a major highlight of the trip. The day is devoted to the Barbet’s habitat, offering plenty of time to track down your priority species: the Scarlet-banded Barbet and the Cordillera Azul Antbird.

Other noteworthy birds often seen here include:

• Fiery-throated & Scarlet-breasted Fruiteaters
• Long-tailed Woodcreeper (foothill race)
• Grey-tailed Piha
• Foothill Schiffornis
• Roraiman Flycatcher
• Jet, Yungas & Blue-rumped Manakins

You’ll stay again at your local lodge, surrounded by the sounds of night birds.

Day 4 – Flor de Café to Tarapoto.

After early morning birding, the team packs up and travels back toward Tarapoto, stopping at productive points along the way. Expect chances for foothill species and mixed flocks before settling again into your familiar hotel.

Day 5 –  The Birdwatching North Peru – Tarapoto to Yurimaguas: Hummingbird Havens.

This day features a spectacular mix of birding and easy travel along a paved road. The first major stop is Cordillera Escalera, one of northern Peru’s hummingbird hotspots.

Specialties you may encounter include:

• Koepcke’s Hermit
• Golden-collared Toucanet
• Dotted Tanager
• Blackish Pewee
• Rose-fronted Parakeet

The hummingbird feeders here are the main attraction, known for their diversity and rare visitors. In the late afternoon you’ll reach your riverside hotel in Yurimaguas, perfect for unwinding with a cold drink.

Day 6 – The Birdwatching North Peru – Yurimaguas to San Lorenzo: Home of the White-Masked Antbird.

Your morning begins with a small-plane flight to San Lorenzo, a remote Maranon River town. Once you arrive, you head straight to the forest where the elusive White-masked Antbird was rediscovered in 2013.

This once-impossible species can now be approached without organizing an entire expedition. You’ll spend the rest of the day exploring the area’s rich Amazonian birdlife before settling into a rustic but clean lodge with private bathrooms.

Day 7 –The Birdwatching North Peru –  Tracking the White-Masked Antbird.

Today is fully dedicated to finding—and photographing—this unusual army-ant follower. With patience, the White-masked Antbird usually reveals itself near ant swarms, although playback can help if conditions are challenging.

Other species in the area may include:

• Green-tailed Goldenthroat
• Black-necked Red Cotinga
• Lunulated Antbird
• Short-billed Leaftosser

You’ll return to your San Lorenzo lodge for the night.

Day 8 –The Birdwatching North Peru-  Return to Yurimaguas & Travel to Waqanki Lodge.

After your return flight, you’ll travel overland toward Moyobamba with birding stops en route, including a dramatic Oilbird gorge where these nocturnal specialists can be observed on their daytime roosts. You’ll arrive at Waqanki Lodge, a favorite among birders.

Day 9 – The Birdwatching North Peru -Waqanki Lodge: Nightjars, Endemics & Hummingbirds.

Start before sunrise for a chance to see species such as Rufous, Blackish & Spot-winged Nightjars, plus local Screech-Owls.

• Morning targets include:
• Mishana Tyrannulet (endemic)
• Stripe-necked Tody-Tyrant
• Varzea Thrush
• Pale-breasted Spinetail

But the star attraction here is the hummingbird garden, one of Peru’s best. Expect unforgettable close views of species like:

• White-chinned Sapphire
• Golden-tailed Sapphire
• Rufous-crested Coquette
• Grey-breasted Sabrewing
• Overnight again at Waqanki Lodge.

Day 10 –The Birdwatching North Peru –  Waqanki to Abra Patricia & Owlet Lodge.

Bird your way uphill through varied habitats. Lower elevation stops often produce specialties such as Point-tailed Palmcreeper, Cinereous-breasted Spinetail, and blackbird species. By afternoon, you’ll reach the famed Owlet Lodge, a prime destination for cloud forest birding and night walks. Amazon rainforest.

Days 11–14 – Abra Patricia & Owlet Lodge: Cloud Forest Wonders.

These four full days are among the most rewarding of the entire tour. Abra Patricia is renowned for its diversity, elevation range (1000–2200 m), and accessibility.

Possible highlights include:

• Long-whiskered Owlet (night outings)
• Royal Sunangel (endemic)
• Bar-winged Wood-wren (endemic)
• Cinnamon-breasted Tody-Tyrant
• Cock-of-the-Rock
• Scaly-naped Parrot
• Metallic-green, Straw-backed & Blue-browed Tanagers
• Crimson-mantled Woodpecker
• Fine-barred Piculet (endemic)

You’ll also explore side areas like Afluente, known for mixed flocks, and San Lorenzo ridge, where cloud forest gems such as Pale-billed Antpitta, Inca Flycatcher (endemic), White-collared Jay, and Versicolored Barbet are possible.

Marvelous Spatuletail Visit

No northern Peru birding journey is complete without a stop at Huembo Reserve, where the Marvelous Spatuletail visits feeders offering unbelievable photographic opportunities.

Day 15 –The Birdwatching North Peru – Return to Tarapoto & Departure.

After breakfast, you’ll make your way back to Tarapoto. Depending on flight schedules, there may be time for some last-minute birding before your flight to Lima and onward connections.

What Birds Can We Find? The Birdwatching North Peru .

Peruvian Plantcutter: A rare species that inhabits the Tumbes region and is one of the most sought-after by birdwatchers.

White-Winged Guan: A majestic bird living in the mountainous areas, often difficult to spot—truly a gem for experienced birdwatchers!

Cinereous Finch: A small but charming finch that will be one of the great surprises of your trip.

Gray-Bellied Comet: This brilliant hummingbird, native to the central Andes, will leave a lasting impression.
Throughout the tour, you’ll also have the chance to observe other iconic species such as the Gray-Winged Inca Finch,

the Great Spinetail, and the Plain-Tailed Warbling Finch, all fascinating species found in the valleys and mountains of northern Peru.

A Journey to the Peruvian Amazon: Bird Wonders You Can Only Find Here

Your adventure wouldn’t be complete without exploring the northern Peruvian Amazon. This region is a true birdwatching paradise, where you’ll spot incredible species such as the Marvelous Spatuletail Hummingbird,

a unique hummingbird with one of the most stunning displays in nature. You’ll also have the chance to see the

elusive Pale-Billed Antpitta on the beautiful San Lorenzo Trail, a place full of life and biodiversity.

But that’s not all. Our tour will also take you to Alto Nieva Reserve, a hidden gem nestled in the mountains, home to

exclusive birds like the Long-Wiskered Owlet, a tiny nocturnal owl that camouflages perfectly in the vegetation. Here, you can also search for the Rusty-Tinged Antpitta, a species that inhabits remote, hard-to-reach areas.

Owl Watching: A Unique Nighttime Encounter .

One of the most thrilling moments of this tour will be the opportunity to observe some of the rarest owl species on the planet.

During our nocturnal outings, you may spot the Koepcke’s Screech Owl, the Buff-Fronted Owl, the

Stygian Owl, and the Tumbes Screech Owl, all of which are difficult to see and considered treasures for true ornithology enthusiasts.

The Jewel of the Route: Plataforma
At the end of this adventure, you’ll reach the picturesque village of Plataforma, a true haven for bird lovers. In this

little paradise, you can spot a wide variety of species, including the vibrant Scarlet-Banded Barbet, a brilliantly colored bird that will leave you breathless.

WHAT INCLUDED?

What’s Included

• Comfortable hotels and eco-lodges throughout the tour
• Rooms with private bathrooms
• Hot water available at all accommodations
• Wi-Fi access where available
• All meals during the tour (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Private ground and boat transportation
• Entrance fees to all reserves, parks, and birding sites
• Professional birding guide for the full duration of the trip

 

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?

What’s Not Included

• International and domestic flights
• Airport taxes
• Visa fees (if applicable)
• Alcoholic beverages
• Personal expenses such as phone calls or laundry
• Taxis or optional extra activities outside the scheduled itinerary
• Tips (optional but appreciated)
• Any personal items not specifically listed as included.

 

What we recommend to take – :

• Sun block.
• Mosquitos repellent.
• Cap or hat.
• Rain poncho.
• Long pants and long sleeve Shirts.
• Flash light or head light.
• Hiking shoes.
• Binocular.
• Plastic bags to protect the cameras etc.

RECOMMENDATIONS OF WHAT TO BRING:

Explore the Majestic North-Central Andes  -The Birdwatching in North Peru .

Venture into the heart of the Andes, where you’ll encounter:

Gray-Bellied Comet: A dazzling bird with iridescent feathers.
Great Spinetail: A vocal and lively species that’s sure to impress.
Gray-Winged Inca Finch: An elegant bird native to these high-altitude landscapes.
Plain-Tailed Warbling Finch: A melodious species you’ll hear long before you spot it.

Unveil the Mysteries of the Marañón Valley The  Birdwatching  North Peru

Famed for its rich biodiversity, the Marañón Valley is a birdwatcher’s dream, teeming with both endemic and migratory species. You’ll encounter:

Marvelous Spatuletail Hummingbird: A true gem of the Amazon rainforest.
Pale-Billed Antpitta: A shy, elusive species often heard before seen.

The Enchanting Northern Amazon

Delve deeper into the Amazon, where the dense rainforest hides extraordinary species. Along the San Lorenzo Trail, you may spot:

Long-Wiskered Owlet: A mesmerizing nocturnal bird that’s incredibly rare.
Rusty-Tinged Antpitta: A fantastic sight for those with a keen eye.
The Hidden Gem of Plataforma

Conclude your adventure in Plataforma, a quaint town surrounded by pristine natural beauty. It’s here that you’ll find the colorful:

Scarlet-Banded Barbet: A vibrant, striking species that’s as charming as it is elusive.

Owls and Other Nighttime Wonders

Throughout your tour, enjoy special opportunities to observe a range of owls, including:

Koepcke’s Screech Owl: A rare and mysterious species.
Buff-Fronted Owl: Known for its distinctive appearance and haunting call.
Stygian Owl: A magnificent nocturnal predator.
Tumbes Screech Owl: Endemic to the Tumbesian region, it’s an unforgettable sight.

Why Book This Tour?

This comprehensive birdwatching journey offers exclusive access to Northern Peru’s most remarkable bird species. You’ll be accompanied by expert local guides who’ll share their knowledge of the region’s diverse ecosystems. With stunning landscapes and once-in-a-lifetime bird sightings, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.

Book Your Birdwatching Adventure Today.

Are you ready to check off some of the world’s rarest bird species from your list?

Join us for 15 days of exploration in the wilds of Northern Peru. Whether you’re an experienced birder or a nature lover, this tour is designed to bring you face-to-face with nature’s wonders Tours Birding Wildlife 

Explore the Birdwatching in North Peru – 15 Unforgettable Days of Birdwatching

Are you ready to explore the avian wonders of northern Peru? Join us on this extraordinary birding journey, where each moment is an opportunity to connect with nature, spot rare species, and create lasting memories.

Bird Tours of Northern Peru: The Top Trip for Serious Bird Photographers

If you’re searching for the best birding trip in Northern Peru, look no further. This route is widely considered the must-experience journey for bird photographers, especially those hoping to capture the iconic species featured on the Birds of Peru field guide cover.

My first visit to this region dates back to 2001. I started in Chiclayo and explored only a small section, yet the diversity of habitats—and the sheer number of unforgettable birds—left a lasting impression. Since then, I’ve spent years traveling across nearly every corner of Northern Peru, scouting remote reserves, hidden trails, and community-run conservation areas. This hands-on exploration allowed me to design what I believe is the most complete and rewarding Northern Peru birding itinerary available today.

What Makes Northern Peru a Must-Visit Birding Destination?

Northern Peru sits at the crossroads of the Andes, Amazon, and dry forest ecosystems—an extraordinary combination that supports some of the highest levels of bird endemism in South America. For traveling birders and wildlife photographers, this means one thing: non-stop opportunities to find rare and spectacular species.

This route crosses from Tarapoto in the Huallaga Valley to the world-famous cloud forests of Abra Patricia, home to some of Peru’s most sought-after birds. Every stop along the way offers new scenery, new habitats, and new chances for once-in-a-lifetime sightings.

Star Species You Can Expect on This Northern Peru Bird Tour

A major highlight of this itinerary is the chance to see—and photograph—some of the country’s most elusive endemics, including:

Scarlet-banded Barbet – Featured on the cover of the Birds of Peru field guide and one of the region’s top targets.

Marvelous Spatuletail – Perhaps the most extraordinary hummingbird on the continent, famous for its elegant spatulate tail plumes.

Long-whiskered Owlet – A mysterious, nocturnal species once considered nearly impossible to see.

Pale-billed Antpitta – A shy cloud-forest gem that rewards patient birders.

White-masked Antbird – One of the most enigmatic antbirds in Peru, often on the bucket list of serious listers.

And of course, these are only the highlights. Northern Peru is home to dozens of additional endemics and hundreds of photogenic species—from tanagers and toucanets to hummingbirds and antpittas—making every day on this trip both unpredictable and exciting.

Why This Trip Is Ideal for Bird Photographers

• This route was built with photographers in mind. Many of the birding locations offer:
• Excellent natural light and accessible viewpoints
• Feeders and hides that attract hummingbirds and tanagers
• Opportunities to spend extended time at key hotspots
• A mix of forest trails, canopy views, and open-area photography

Whether you’re a professional birder, an enthusiastic traveler, or someone working through their Peru bird checklist, this tour provides exceptional conditions for capturing incredible images.

Final Thoughts

Northern Peru is one of the most rewarding birding regions in the world. With its unique mix of ecosystems, high levels of endemism, and unforgettable target species, it’s no surprise that Bird Tours of Northern Peru has become a top recommendation for bird photographers seeking rare and iconic birds.