BIRDING AT ABRA PATRICIA
- From
- USD 2980
- Trip Type
- Activities
- Trip Duration
- Group Size
- Habitats Covered
Trip Outline
Northern Peru is one of the most desirable birding destination in the world with a unbeatable diversity, endemism and unparallel rarities. The trip includes specialities like Marvelous Spatuletail, Long whiskered Owlet, few Antpitta and hummingbird feeders. it trully is a paradise.
Our journey will begin in Tarapoto, and we will gradually make our way up the Andean foothills, exploring the humid west slope of the Andes, spending time in the Cloudforest, and then descending to the dry west slope before concluding our trip in the Marañon Valley at Jaen. The roads are well-maintained, and access to the main bird-watching spots is excellent, allowing us to comfortably explore the High Andes, Cloudforest, and lowland Rainforest by car.
Our 10-day itinerary is designed to make the most of our time, with a relaxed pace and affordable pricing. While we have a suggested itinerary, we are also happy to customize it to suit your specific needs, targets, or budget. Join us for an unforgettable bird-watching adventure in Northern Peru!
See a Trip Report of one of our Birding Tours in Northern Peru here.
Itinerary
Arrival to Tarapoto and surroundings
After arrival to Tarapoto, we will head to the surroundings where Planalto Hermit, Comb Duck, Rusty-backed Antwren, Little Woodpecker, Riparian Parrotlet, Hook-billed Kite, Lettered Aracari, White-throated Toucan; Golden-headed & Fiery-capped Manakin and White-plummed Antbird are good possibilities.
Night in Tarapoto.
ACONABIHK and Moyobamba
After lunch, we will drive for two hours Moyobamba and see a colony of Oilbird roosting on the way.
In the morning, after breakfast, we will head to the Cordillera Escalera and the Aconabikh Reserve. The bird feeders attract species such as Koepcke's Hermit (E), Great-billed Hermit, Blue-fronted Lancebill, Brown Violetear, Black-throated Mango, and Pink-throated Brilliant, among others.
The scenic trails here may reveal fascinating birds like Double-banded Pygmy-Tyrant, White-bellied Pygmy-Tyrant, Ashy-headed Greenlet, Blue-capped Manakin, Plain-winged Antshrike, and a variety of antbirds including Black, Black-faced, White-browed, Spot-winged, and the striking White-plumed Antbird. Additionally, we may encounter an active Golden-headed Manakin lek, where males perform their displays throughout the year.
From the canopy tower, we will have great opportunities to spot species such as Hook-billed Kite, Lettered Aracari, Mishana Tyrannulet (E), Peruvian Tyrannulet, Cliff Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, White-throated Toucan, Black-faced Tanager, Rufous-bellied Euphonia, and Dotted Tanager. The endangered Yellow-tailed Woolly Monkey is also occasionally seen in this area.
After lunch, we will travel to Moyobamba, making a brief stop to observe an Oilbird roosting site.
Overnight stay at Waqanki Lodge (Moyobamba).
Night at Wakanqui
Waqanki Lodge Full day
We will spend a full day exploring the trails at Waqanki Lodge in Moyobamba, where birdwatching highlights include species such as Painted (E), Golden-headed, and Fiery-capped Manakins, Fiery-throated Fruiteater, Lafresnaye’s Piculet, Riparian Parrotlet, Foothill Stipplethroat, Zimmer’s Antbird, Wing-barred Piprites, Golden-collared Toucanet, Rufous Nightjar, Cinereous-breasted Spinetail, Stripe-necked and Pearly-vented Tody-Tyrants, Sooty-headed Tyrannulet, Green-backed Trogon, Rufous and Broad-billed Motmots, and more.
The lodge's garden is equally rewarding, with sightings of Mishana Tyrannulet (E), Black-bellied Tanager (E), Channel-billed Toucan, Lettered Aracari, Red-shouldered and Black-faced Tanagers, and Pale-breasted Thrush.
At the hummingbird feeders, the dazzling Rufous-crested Coquette makes regular appearances alongside Rufous-breasted Hermit, Violet-fronted Brilliant, Golden-tailed Sapphire, Blue-fronted Lancebill, Sapphire-spangled Emerald, and many others.
The night offers excellent opportunities for observing nocturnal species such as Foothill, Tropical, and Band-bellied Screech-Owls, as well as the impressive Stygian Owl, all of which are resident in the area.
Overnight at Waqanki Lodge.
Foothills and Abra Patricia
Our day begins with early morning birding and breakfast, as we set out in search of the elusive and nocturnal Masked Duck.
Next, we visit the Arena Blanca Reserve, where the Russet-crowned Crake is often seen nearby. The feeders here attract an incredible variety of species, including Little Tinamou, Rufous-breasted Wood-Quail, White-chinned Sapphire, Wire-crested Thornbill, Rufous-throated Sapphire.
From there, we begin our ascent into the Andes, birding along the way. Possible sightings include Lanceolated Monklet, Tawny-bellied Hermit, Ecuadorian Piedtail, Ecuadorian Tyrannulet, Golden-headed and Crested Quetzals, Speckle-chested Piculet, Ornate Flycatcher, and Peruvian Tyrannulet.
We arrive at Abra Patricia in the mid-afternoon.
Overnight at Owlet Lodge.
Owlet Lodge
Abra Patricia sits at an elevation of 2,300 meters, marking a key pass through the Andes that connects the eastern slopes to the Amazon basin.
Renowned as one of the most accessible and bird-rich roads in the Neotropics, this area offers exceptional birding opportunities. Owlet Lodge, a comfortable and well-known lodge, provides easy access to its gardens, where species like White-bellied Woodstar, Emerald-bellied Puffleg, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, Bronzy Inca, and Lesser Violetear are regular residents. The nearby trails are home to mixed tanager flocks, including striking species such as Yellow-scarfed Tanager (E), Grass-green Tanager, Flame-faced Tanager, Black-faced Tanager, Metallic-green Tanager, Beryl-spangled Tanager, and Yellow-throated Tanager. These often mix with the elusive and endemic Johnson’s Tody-Flycatcher (E).
Abra Patricia is a haven for antpittas, with regular sightings of Ochre-fronted Antpitta (E), Rusty-tinged Antpitta (E), Chestnut Antpitta (E), and even Leymebamba Antpitta (E) along the trails or at feeding stations near the lodge.
Nearby, the bird feeders at Alto Nieva attract a dazzling array of species, including White-capped Tanager, Royal Sunangel (E), Peruvian Racket-tail, Violet-throated Brilliant, Greenish Puffleg, Rufous-vented Whitetip, Collared Inca, Green-fronted Lancebill, and Amethyst-throated Sunangel. The trails at Alto Nieva also provide excellent chances to spot the endemic Rufous-vented Tapaculo (E), the restricted Bar-winged Wood-Wren, Cinnamon-breasted Tody-Tyrant, Inca Jay, and Crimson-bellied Woodpecker.
As night falls, the activity continues, with opportunities to observe nocturnal species such as the Long-whiskered Owlet, White-throated Screech-Owl, and Cinnamon Screech-Owl.
Night at Owlet Lodge.
Marvelous Spatuletail
After breakfast we will explore the trails of the lodge where we may find the endemic Johnson´s Tody-Flycatcher, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Variable Antshrike, Streak-headed Antbird, Rufous-vented Tapaculo, Montane Woodcreeper, Spotted Barbtail, Rufous Spinetail, Black-capped Tyrannulet, Pale-edged Flycatcher, Sharpe’s Wren, Chrestnut-breasted Chlorophonia, White-faced Nunbird, and a colorful array of tanagers, such as the Flame-faced, Saffron-crowned, Silvery, and Metallic-green Tanagers.
We will leave Owlet for our most reliable and solid chance for Long-whiskered Owlet.
Night in Huembo Lodge.
Leymebamba
After breakfast, we will dedicate the morning to seeking out one of the most extraordinary hummingbirds in the world and a true highlight of Peru: the spectacular Marvelous Spatuletail. Other incredible species, such as the Andean Emerald, Lesser Violetear, Bronzy Inca, and Long-tailed Sylph, can also be observed at the Huembo feeders.
In the afternoon, after lunch, we will head to Cocachimba, an area known for sightings of Marañon Thrush (E), Spot-throated Hummingbird (NE), Torrent Duck, and more.
Overnight at Gocta Lodge.
Leymebamba
After breakfast, we will have another opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking views of the spectacular Gocta Waterfall while observing the stunning Marvelous Spatuletail, a highlight of the tour. This magnificent hummingbird, along with other species like Andean Emerald, Lesser Violetear, Bronzy Inca, Long-tailed Sylph, and more, can be seen in the gardens.
Following this, we will drive through the picturesque Utubamba Valley, where birding highlights include Peruvian Pigeon (E), Marañon Thrush (E), Spot-throated Hummingbird (NE), Black-necked Woodpecker (E), Cordilleran Parakeet, Buff-bellied Tanager, Fasciated Tiger-Heron, and Torrent Duck.
After lunch, we will continue to the Atuen Valley, home to exciting endemics such as Atuen Antpitta (E), Leymebamba Antpitta (E), and Coppery Metaltail (E), as well as other species like Rufous-chested Tanager, Purple-throated Sunangel, Large-footed Tapaculo.
Overnight in Gocta Lodge.
Back to the Alto Mayo
We will leave Cocachimba back to the Abra Patricia Pass and visit few bird feeding stations where Black-throated Brilliant, Geoffroy’s Daggerbill, White-necked Jacobin, Reddish Hermit, Long-billed Starthroat, Many-spotted Hummingbird, Paradise Tanager, Huallaga Tanager (E), and Magpie Tanager, among others.
Night in Waqanki.
Morro de Calzada
After Breakfast, we will visit Morro de Calzada, where we have second chances for wonderful species like Rufous-crested Coquette, Great-billed Hermit, Black-throated Hermit, and White-chinned Sapphire can be observed as they feed. Near the feeding station, Calzada offers chances to spot the elusive Rufous-sided Crake, Uniform Crake, and Blackish Rail. Moving deeper into the forest, Blue-crowned Trogon, Golden-collared Toucanet, Channel-billed Toucan, Paradise Tanager, Fiery-capped Manakin, and Plumbeous Kite.
Finally, excellent primates can be found here like the San Martin Titi Monkey (E) adding to the richness of the experience.
After mid morning, we will drive back to Tarapoto with chances of Painted Manakin (E) , Zimmer’s Antbird, Bluish-fronted Jacamar, Short-tailed Pygmy-Tyrant, Mishana Tyrannulet (E).
We will arrive to Tarapoto for lunch and transfer to the Airport at an appropiate time.
END OF SERVICES
