Get ready for an unforgettable Amazon adventure at Tambopata’s Macaw Clay Lick! We’ll cruise along the calm Tambopata River, surrounded by towering green forests. Light clothes will help us stay comfy as the morning humidity rises. This trip feels completely different from a Rainbow Mountain Peru tour from Cusco or a Rainbow Mountain Peru day tour. You can choose to join either the morning session (4:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.) or the afternoon session (12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.).
Soon, we’ll reach three natural collpas that rise like giant salty clay walls along the riverbank. These clay licks are magnets for parrots and macaws looking for minerals every day. Our guide will show us how each collpa supports scarlet macaws, red-and-green macaws, and smaller parrot species. The colors and calls are absolutely stunning, creating one of the most amazing wildlife scenes in Tambopata.
After that, we’ll explore short forest trails packed with orchids, medicinal plants, and wildlife activity. Capybaras might be chilling by the river, monkeys could swing overhead, and turtles often rest in the shallow waters. The jungle sounds will keep us company as we soak in the environment. This part of the trip really gives a deep, memorable connection with Amazon nature.
We’ll start in Puerto Maldonado at the scheduled time and hop on a comfy motorized boat for the ride. It takes about two hours along the Tambopata River, passing calm waters and dense forest. Morning mist or the afternoon light makes everything look magical, and we often spot capybaras, turtles, and playful monkeys along the riverbanks.
Our path will take us to the protected area where the three major collpas rise. These tall, salty clay walls provide essential minerals for parrots and macaws. Scarlet macaws, red-and-green macaws, and smaller parrots gather in bright, noisy groups. Watching them is one of those wildlife moments you’ll never forget in Tambopata.
Between the clay licks, we’ll follow short trails and navigate safe river sections. Orchids, giant trees, and subtle wildlife movements make every step interesting. The guide will explain why macaws need the clay and how the mineral walls help their diet. We’ll have plenty of time for photos, quiet observation, and just enjoying the jungle.
On the way back, we’ll relax on the boat and take in more wildlife along the river. The changing light can create soft reflections and warm, golden colors across the water. By the time we arrive back in Puerto Maldonado, we’ll have a full half-day packed with incredible wildlife experiences and a closer connection to the Amazon.
A truly unforgettable Amazon adventure! Scarlet macaws and red-and-green macaws were incredible to watch up close. The guide explained everything about the wildlife and the clay licks, which made the experience very engaging. The calm river, beautiful forest, and wildlife sightings made the morning feel magical. Perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
The tour was absolutely amazing! We saw dozens of macaws at the clay licks and spotted capybaras along the river. The guide was knowledgeable and made the experience both fun and educational. The boat ride was smooth, and the forest trails were easy to navigate. I would highly recommend this tour for anyone visiting Puerto Maldonado
