NORTHERN PERU: HUMMINGBIRD PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR

After breakfast, we visit a second feeder site, where the forest opens slightly and the light becomes brighter—particularly favorable for another opportunity to observe the exquisite Rufous-crested Coquette under different conditions and with a more distant forest background. This change in setting allows us to appreciate new angles, colors, and behaviors, often revealing details less perceptible in softer forest shade.

The feeders here attract a distinct assemblage of species. Among the hummingbirds, Black-throated Hermit and others similar to those at Waqanki are frequently present, while ground-level feeders attract a pair of Rufous-sided Crake. The endemic Black-bellied Tanager reappears alongside Burnished-buff Tanager, Blue Dacnis, and the striking Turquoise Tanager. Straight-billed Woodcreeper works methodically at worm feeders set in natural wood. On the other hand, away from the feeders, a short exploration into the forest may reward us with Band-tailed Manakin or Painted Manakin in the nearby understory. 

In terms of mammals, a family of the endemic and highly restricted San Martin Titi-Monkey and a group of the pretty Saddle-backed Tamarin. 

In the evening, we enjoy a second opportunity for owling around the lodge grounds and adjacent forest, seeking once more the nocturnal voices of Alto Mayo.

Overnight at Waqanki Lodge.

At first light, we set out on a short forest walk in search of two of Peru’s most range-restricted endemic antpittas: the Rusty-tinged Antpitta and Ochre-fronted Antpitta. These elusive ground-dwellers inhabit dense montane understory can be found regularly in excellent feeders well adapted for photography.

Later in the morning, we turn our attention to the hummingbird feeders, which frequently attract some of the region’s most spectacular species. The endemic Royal Sunangel and Peruvian Racket-tail are often present, joined by Greenish Puffleg, Rufous-vented Whitetip, Violet-fronted Brilliant, Long-tailed Sylph, Bronzy Inca, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, and Green-fronted Lancebill, among others.

The feeder design is particularly well adapted for photography. Carefully positioned perches, flowering plants, and controlled light conditions allow for flight shots, natural compositions, interactions with flowers and beautifully rendered backgrounds—ideal for refined and technically satisfying images.

In the afternoon, we may visit the canopy tower for a different perspective on the forest or explore the lodge surroundings in search of mixed flocks of Andean tanagers.

We enjoy another opportunity for owling, as White-throated Screech-Owl and Rufous-banded Owl are known residents near the lodge.

Overnight at Owlet Lodge.

After breakfast, we enjoy a second opportunity with the remarkable backdrop of Gocta Waterfall, focusing once more on the extraordinary Marvelous Spatuletail. Given its relatively predictable behavior, we can take full advantage of the morning light, particularly on the right-hand side of the garden, where illumination and angle often provide different conditions for observing and photographing both the spatuletail and accompanying hummingbirds.

Around midday, when activity naturally declines, we begin our transfer back toward the Alto Mayo foothills, arriving at Arena Blanca Reserve. The gardens here host an appealing array of hummingbirds, including Wire-crested Thorntail, Bluish-fronted Lancebill, Rufous-throated Sapphire, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, Long-billed Starthroat, and Blue-tailed Emerald. Ground-level feeders may also offer the possibility of encountering the elusive Uniform Crake.

As evening falls, we remain attentive to nocturnal activity, with chances for Tropical Screech-Owl and Band-bellied Owl in the surrounding habitat.

Overnight at Arena Blanca Reserve.

After an early breakfast, we visit Aconabikh Private Reserve, where we begin the morning from the canopy tower. From this elevated vantage point, mixed flocks frequently move at close range through the mid and upper levels of the forest, offering excellent views of Amazonian species such as Paradise Tanager, Blue Dacnis, Yellow-bellied Dacnis, Purple Honeycreeper, Green Honeycreeper, Magpie Tanager, White-lored Tyrannulet, and Gilded Barbet, along with attractive and characteristic birds including Chestnut-bellied Seedfinch, oropendolas, and caciques.

The hummingbird feeders are particularly rewarding. With an impressive 22 species recorded in the reserve, diversity is remarkable. We have strong chances for the local specialty, the endemic Koepcke’s Hermit, alongside Great-billed Hermit, Gray-chinned Hermit, Blue-fronted Lancebill, Black-throated Mango, and Amethyst Woodstar. Green-backed Trogon is also resident in the area.

A short 30-minute walk brings us to a small lake that remains active year-round, where we have excellent chances to photograph the striking Golden-headed Manakin, as males frequently gather to perform their courtship displays. In this same forest, Yellow-tailed Woolly Monkeys may also be encountered.

After our visit to Aconabikh and lunch in Tarapoto, we conclude the journey with a transfer to the airport or to your hotel should you be extending your stay.

End of services.