- Overview
- Full Itinerary
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- Travel Details
- Trip Reports
- Know Before You Go
The second in our series of in-depth hummingbird journeys, this shortened version of our popular Northern Peru trip follows an enchanting birding loop from Tarapoto, Peru’s “City of Palms.” Designed in true Naturalist Journeys style, the route combines three-night stays at two of the renowned birding lodges on our route with minimal driving and an easy one-hour group flight from Lima included at either end. Along the way, we explore a remarkable range of habitats and landscapes, from lush lowland jungle and wetlands to forested Andean foothills, arid terrain, and even a cave where enigmatic Oilbirds can be seen from the road.
Northern Peru is a wonderful place to immerse yourself in the dazzling world of hummingbirds, with more than 40 species possible, including several endemics. Feeders and gardens offer relaxed opportunities to watch and photograph these jewel-like birds, while the surrounding forests bring toucans, parrots, woodpeckers, antbirds, and other tropical treasures. We visit private reserves run by local people, making conservation and community-based ecotourism an important part of our journey. From the rare Koepcke’s Hermit near Tarapoto to Wire-crested Thorntail, Black-throated Hermit, and Rufous-crested Coquette at Waqanki Lodge, each stop brings new possibilities. At Norbil’s Arena Blanca Lodge, we experience the inspiring work of Norbil and his son as they restore habitat and welcome visitors to their remarkable community-based ecotourism project. Our journey concludes near Moyobamba, the “City of Orchids,” where Waqanki’s lush gardens, hummingbird feeders, orchids, and heliconias provide a beautiful finale to our exploration of northern Peru.
Throughout the trip the sites we visit hold high conservation value and your visit supports research and resource protection.
Tour Highlights
- Observe the stunning Marvelous Spatuletail, arguably the most beautiful hummingbird in the world, along with over 40+ other species including Royal Sunangel, Rainbow Starfrontlet, and Emerald-bellied Puffleg
- Observe and learn about Peru’s incredible hummingbirds—45-50 species can be expected on this trip!
- Spend three nights each at two famous birding lodges: Waqanki and Owlet where we find a host of Peruvian endemic species
- Seek the Long-whiskered Owlet, a mythical denizen of stunted high elevation forest, first mist-netted on the night of August 23, 1976
- Look down on the nocturnal fruit-eating Oilbird, one of the oddest birds on the planet
- Immerse yourself in dramatic Andean landscapes, from arid valleys to lush cloud forests
- Sample Peru’s culinary delights, now famous around the world, such as chicha morada and causa rellena
- Renew your spirits as you bird brilliant gardens where orchids and other blooms abound
Trip Itinerary
Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.
Tues., July 13 Arrive in Lima
Welcome to Peru! There are no tour activities planned today since many flights land in the evening, most of them after dinner. If you do wish to come in early we can request a city tour or a birding outing for you at additional cost—please let us know. Otherwise plan to arrive at a time convenient for you, rest up, and tomorrow (early) the adventure begins!
The Grand Costa del Sol Hotel is newly renovated and delightful, and it’s a simple walk across the street on a dedicated walkway from the airport terminal. There are carts or porters to help with bags if needed. So plan to arrive at your convenience and those of us who arrive by dinner can join together casually in the on-site restaurant. They offer Peruvian and International cuisine. This is a 5-star, modern hotel with nice ambiance, notable Peruvian art, a heated pool, and fitness center.
Accommodations at Lima Airport Grand Cosa del Sol
Wed., July 14 Morning Flight to Tarapoto | Wetland Birding at Ricuricocha Lagoon
Breakfast is available at the hotel, and we plan to book a group flight as early as possible—typically it is a 7:00 or 8:00 AM flight to Tarapoto. We then have the rest of the day for some wonderful field time with birding at Ricuricocha Lagoon. Bird sightings here at the 90-acre lagoon with emergent vegetation often include Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Comb Duck, Speckled Chachalaca, Least Grebe, Southern Lapwing, Limpkin, Striated and Cocoi Herons, both Pearl and Snail Kites, Purple Gallinule, Wattled Jacana, Blue Ground-dove, Canary-winged Parakeet, Red-stained Woodpecker, Straight-billed Woodcreeper, Barred Antshrike, Smooth-billed Ani, and Rusty-fronted Tody-flycatcher, as well as a variety of possible crakes and rails. This rain-fed lagoon is a low elevation birding site, about 1000 feet above sea level, and we look for Planalto Hermit here, a hummingbird of the Amazon region.
We enjoy a local lunch, and check in to our hotel. After a siesta we choose one of the many local hotspots for a short afternoon outing, or have an early dinner and head out for some night birding, pending what has been sighted over the last few weeks.
Our hotel is modern and close to both the airport and the main city square. It has an outdoor pool, indoor and patio dining, and spacious rooms equipped with a kitchenette facility and a balcony. Dinner is at the hotel, with an optional happy hour when we typically tally up our sightings.
Accommodations at Tucan Suites Aparthotel, Tarapoto
Thurs., July 15 Full Day Tarapoto Area | Yurimaguas Road – Cordillera La Escalera
After breakfast at the hotel, we start the day at Huallaga River dry forest, near the Shapaja district, in the San Martín province, one hour away from our hotel. A local garden recently set up feeders to attract antbirds, crakes, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and more. Other possibilities include Russet-crowned Crake, Northern-slaty Antshrike, Chestnut-tailed Antbird, Chestnut-Headed Crake, White-Browed Antbird, Long-billed Woodcreeper, and many other species.
Back for lunch at Tarapoto and then we are off for a full afternoon birding the tunnel area along the Tarapoto-Yurimaguas Road, a very productive birding site around Tarapoto that climbs (by road) to the summit of La Escalera in the Cordillera Escalera. Its elevation gradient offers a mix of lowland and foothill species, being a particularly good site for the widespread, yet scarce, Dotted Tanager—most likely found by checking fruiting Cecropia trees.
Lunch is at El Mono y La Gata followed by an afternoon of feeder time at Aconabikh Reserve, a conservation property managed by a private foundation where the endemic Koepcke's Hermit and stunning Gould's Jewelfront may occur. We could also see Great-billed Hermit, Sapphire-spangled Emerald, and Amethyst Woodstar at these excellent feeders.
We enjoy another evening at our lovely hotel before we head out into “the bush” tomorrow!
Accommodations at Tucan Suites Hotel (B,L,D)
Fri., July 16 Marsh Birding | Oilbirds at Quisqarumi Bridge | Arena Blanca Reserve
We leave Tarapoto today, heading to Arena Blanca Reserve. About an hour away we stop for some marsh birding and we also check rice fields of the wide Mayo Valley that attract waterbirds along the way. Drive time is about four-and-a-half hours and we break up the travel time with a few excellent birding stops on the way.
It’s hard to imagine, but along a busy highway, viewing from a famous bridge, we get a glimpse into the lives of one of nature’s most amazing species—a nocturnal fruit-eating bird known as the Oilbird. This is perhaps the most accessible viewing site in the world. We peer down into a deep cave-like ravine where they roost during the day.
We have lunch at a restaurant in Moyobamba at the well-known Yacumama restaurant. Here we can bird a series of small lagoons and wetlands where Point-tailed Palmcreeper, Black Caracara, several kingfishers, and Capped Heron can be seen. By mid-afternoon, we arrive to a wonderland—the private, family-run Norbil Lodge and Arena Blanca Reserve where the Becerra family has transformed a life of logging to one of conservation with remarkable feeding stations that attract rare species. Here we have a great chance to see the dazzling Wire-crested Thorntail and jaunty Rufous-crested Coquette, among many other hummer specialties. Almost 500 bird species have been recorded at this eBird hotspot!
Our lodgings here are very simple, yet comfortable and we have the whole place, so it is well worth it to stay on property, immersed in this incredible project and place. We have time to really study the species here and hummingbirds abound! Over 30 species of hummingbirds have been recorded, and on a typical visit we may see 15 or more species, including Blue-fronted Lancebill, Rufous-throated Sapphire, Rufous-crested Coquette, Black-throated Brilliant, Many-spotted Hummingbird, Little Woodstar, and more.
Accommodations at Norbil Lodge, Arena Blanca Reserve (B,L,D)
Sat., July 17 Morning at Arena Blanca Reserve | Drive to Owlet Lodge
We begin at dawn when we have the best chance to search for Buff-tailed Sicklebill. By 7:00 AM we want to be in a hide where Cinereous and Little Tinamous, Gray-cowled Wood-Rail, and possibly Rufous-breasted Wood-Quail may come in to feed. We enjoy a full breakfast after the show.
After our breakfast it’s breakfast time for the birds, with feeding planned at another hide where we may find woodcreepers and an array of colorful tanagers in mixed flocks that may include Turquoise, Blue-necked, Masked, White-lined, Black-bellied, and Guira plus honeycreepers and euphonias. The gardens attract Hauxwell’s Thrush, Fiery-capped Manakin, Peruvian Warbling Antbird, Golden-collared Toucanet, and Red-billed Parrot, to name just a few of the many species here.
The drive is about an hour and a half, traveling from 3000 feet at Arena Blanca and ascending into the mountains. On arrival, the feeders may be teaming with activity! We are in the Abra Patricia cloud forest now, at 8000 feet, and characteristic hummingbird species greeting us include Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Collared Inca, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, and White-bellied Woodstar. Two stars often steal the show, the dazzling Long-tailed Sylph and the shocking Sword-billed Hummingbird. Any number of other species may be active in the garden and fortunately we have several days to explore and enjoy them.
Accommodations at Owlet Lodge (B,L,D)
Sun., July 18 & Mon., July 19 Birding Abra Patricia | Marvelous Spatuletail & More
What a place to wake up, perhaps to the calls of Golden-headed Quetzal or Masked Trogon. Owlet Lodge is situated in a magical cloud forest of the 25,000 acre Abra Patricia Reserve. We can walk a number of trails looking for Sword-billed Hummingbird, Booted Racket-tail, and Collared Inca, as well as secretive antpittas, dazzling tanagers in mixed flocks, Southern Emerald Toucanet, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, and several endemic flycatchers. We have two full days, and we mix walks at the lodge with driving to other nearby locations.
On a key outing we venture out to more open areas where we hope to feast our eyes on what many describe at the most beautiful of hummingbirds: the endemic and highly range-restricted Marvelous Spatuletail. There are several local sites where we have had good success, including in the village at Huembo, near Pomococha Lake, and more. As we watch for them, we observe other beauties such as Long-tailed Sylph and both Royal and Purple-throated Sunangels.
With favorable weather, we love to feature night-birding at Owlet Lodge, with excellent chances to see the legendary Long-whiskered Owlet, an endangered species. We could also see or hear Cinnamon Screech-Owl, White-throated Screech-Owl, Yungas Pygmy Owl, Stripe Owl or possibly Rufous-banded Owl.
Throughout the trip and on these days, the sites we visit hold high conservation value and your visit supports research and resource protection. One of these sites is Fundo Alto Niebla, where they feed two species of antpittas (Rusty-tinged and Ochre-fronted). They have a great forest for mixed flocks, too, that often include Green-and-black Fruiteater, Metallic-green Tanager, Beryl-spangled Tanager, White-capped Tanager, and Barred Becard. The reserves excellent hummingbird feeders often buzz with Royal Sun Angel, Peruvian Racket-tail, Greenish Puffleg, Bronzy Inca, and more—this is a special place. Mammals we hope to see throughout our time in and around Owlet Lodge include several primates, including the endemic and endangered Yellow-tailed Woolly Monkey, Andean Saddle-backed Tamarin (adorable), San Martin Titi Monkey, and with luck, Peruvian Night Monkey.
Accommodations at Owlet Lodge (B,L,D)
Tues., July 20 Owlet Lodge to Waqanki Lodge | Rice Fields & Wetlands
After breakfast we head back in the direction of Tarapoto, with three nights at wonderful Waqanki Lodge. The name comes from the local name for canopy-dwelling Fiery-throated Fruiteater which can be found on the property.
On the way to Waqanki, we stop at rice fields and wetlands looking for a variety of species including Masked Duck, Black-capped Donacobious, Pale-eyed Blackbird, Lanceolated Monklet, and others. We have lunch in the Milan Restaurant in Moyobamba, and plan to arrive at the lodge mid- to late-afternoon to check out grounds and gardens that are so rich with birds.
Tucked into the eastern foothills of the Andes in northern Peru, Waqanki Reserve is a private, family-run sanctuary where birds and orchids take center stage. We can explore over 250 acres of protected forest here, where the influence of the Amazonian lowlands is still strong. Right from the lodge we can access trails that wind beneath the canopy, and climb the observation tower for sweeping views over the treetops. The private gardens here are like no other in the region, with more than 250 flowering species—one of the finest botanical displays in Peru.
With over 400 bird species recorded on-site, Waqanki is a true hotspot for birders of every level. At various hummingbird feeders set out in the garden and above it on a terrace, watch more than 20 species of these winged gems dart and glitter in the light, including the dazzling Rufous-crested Coquette and the iridescent White-chinned Sapphire.
Keep an eye out for other local specialties such as the Bluish-fronted Jacamar, Gilded Barbet, Mishana Tyrannulet, Black-and-white Tody-Flycatcher, and the vibrant Paradise Tanager—plus a rare glimpse of Black-bellied Tanager, endemic to Peru.
Dining is here at the lodge, served family style.
Accommodations at Waqanki Lodge (B,L,D)
Wed., July 21 Morro de Calzada Gardens | Waqanki Lodge Gardens & Trails
After an early breakfast we venture out to Morro de Calzada, a newly-protected forest on a dome-shaped mountain that rises abruptly out of the Alto Mayo valley. It is a striking landscape, and offers excellent birding and a real chance to spot tiny and highly active Andean Saddle-back Tamarin monkeys and possibly San Martin Titi monkeys. This isolated reserve, managed by a conservation organization, hosts a unique white-sand forest ecosystem found nowhere else in the region, making it one of the most biodiverse pockets of northern Peru.
Our visit includes a stop at a private hummingbird garden where Rufous-crested Coquette, Black-throated Hermit, Great-billed Hermit, Fork-tailed Woodnymph and more call home. We can also expect tanagers, euphonias, jacamars, and more. Rufous-sided Crake and Rufous-crowned Crake, two very secretive birds, are fed in this garden in the morning, giving you a chance to glimpse these intriguing species.
Other highlights in this protected corner of Alto Mayo River system may include seeing Paradise Tanager, Green-backed Trogon, Channel-billed Toucan, White and Black-fronted Nunbirds, Zimmer's Antbird, and Burnished-buff Tanager.
Our lunch today is back in the city of Moyobamba at the Indanal restaurant, located adjacent to several small lagoons where Lineated Woodpecker, Mishana Tyrannulet, Ferruginus Pygmy Owl, White-winged Becard, and Burnished-buff Tanager can also be seen.
After a fun morning out, we then head back to Waqanki to enjoy some downtime or perhaps even more birding in their gardens, on a short walk after 3:00 PM. Dinner tonight is at the lodge.
Accommodations at Waqanki Lodge (B,L,D)
Thurs., July 22 Moyobamba Valley | Cerro Calzada | Waqanki Protected Forest
There is still more to discover here! Following breakfast, we make a short 15-minute drive to the Tahuishco Lookout, where we spend time observing eye-level views of numerous bird species feeding above the forest canopy. Species we may encounter include Gilded Barbet, Chestnut-eared Aracari, Lettered Aracari, Little Woodpecker, White-eyed Parakeet, Olivaceous Woodcreeper, Olive-faced Flatbill, Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet, Yellow-bellied Elaenia, Short-crested Flycatcher, Crowned Slaty Flycatcher, Paradise Tanager, Tropical Parula, and Turquoise Tanager, among others.
We also hope to make another visit to the fantastic Morro Calzada, where we embark on a three-hour walk through pristine tropical high-forest habitat in a different area than yesterday. This dense forest ecosystem is home to a distinctive suite of species, including Painted Manakin, Fiery-capped Manakin, Golden-headed Manakin, Peruvian Warbling-Antbird, Cinnamon-throated Woodcreeper, Lafresnaye's Piculet, Yellow-tufted Woodpecker, Cream-colored Woodpecker, Bluish-fronted Jacamar, Coraya Wren, Golden-collared Toucanet, and a host of other species.
We have lunch at a restaurant close to the protected forest, and afterwards drive back to Waqanki. We want to be sure to save time for the high action time here at the hummingbird feeders with a suite of spectacular species.
Accommodations at Waqanki Lodge (B,L,D)
Fri. July 23 Local Birding | Return to Tarapoto | Afternoon Flight to Lima | Departures
This morning is “guide’s choice” based on your interests and what we still hope to see as we start heading toward the Tarapoto Airport, a trip of approximately three hours. Our plan is to leave early to allow time for short stops and we have our lunch at Tarapoto city.
We have an afternoon flight with LATAM, the local airline, arriving at Lima about 5:00 PM. Since most flights for the USA depart around midnight, those connecting to a flight back home tonight can have a day use hotel room at Grand Costa del Sol at Lima’s Airport until it is time to check in and board the flight back home. Those continuing on to Machu Picchu (highly recommended!) check their bags through to Cusco and meet a connecting flight. (B,L)
Machu Picchu Post-Tour Extension
Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.
Spend a full day at Peru’s famed Machu Picchu, Lost City of the Incas on this don’t-miss extension, which also visits the Sacred Valley of The Incas and ruins of Chinchero and Ollantaytambo. We wrap up with a guided tour of the plazas, markets and museums of the beautiful colonial city of Cusco. There is also terrific birding amid all the cultural fireworks of this extension, as we stop to bird lakes and private reserves and bird the lovely gardens of our lodge.
Fri. July 23 : Flight to Cusco
Those continuing on the Machu Picchu extension say goodbye to the rest of the group at the Lima Airport.
We then continue on to Cusco. Luggage is checked directly to Cusco and our group is met at the airport and driven to the Novotel hotel in Cusco
Accommodations at Novotel Cusco (D)
Sat., July 24 : Sacred Valley Sacred Garden & Ensifera Hummingbird Gardens
After breakfast, we explore Peru's Sacred Valley, once a key agricultural, spiritual, and political center of the Inca Empire, fed by the Urubamba River. The tour starts at Huacarpay Lake looking for Rusty-fronted Canastero, Yellow-winged Blackbird, Puna Teal, and many others.
Our day includes visits to two remarkable hummingbird sanctuaries—Ensifera and Sacred Gardens—where you can spot unique species such as the Bearded Mountaineer, Great Sapphirewing, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Shining Sunbeam, Tyrian Metaltail, White-bellied and the endemic Green-and-white Hummingbirds.
We conclude in Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town where cobblestone streets, adobe houses, and ancient irrigation canals remain in daily use.
Accommodations at Ollantaytambo Village (B,L,D)
Sun., July 25 : Machu Picchu Inca Site
We take the early train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu and spend the full day exploring. A local guide shares expertise about the site. We have our lunch at the Sanctuary Hotel so we are not rushed, and after our guided walk we can enjoy some birding (must find Inca Wren!) or walk among the ruins. Shuttle buses run often to the town of Aquas Calientes, so you can come down at a time you wish. Some like to do a bit of shopping or have a coffee or ice cream while walking through town.
Accommodations at Inkaterra Hotel (B,L,D)
Mon., July 26 : Morning Birding Inkaterra Gardens | Train to Cusco via Ollantaytambo
Our hotel offers terrific birding and we explore the grounds this morning. The Urubamba River runs through the property—watch for White-capped Dipper and Torrent Duck! We check out, then spend the rest of the morning visiting Inkaterra Gardens, feeders, and forest before enjoying lunch at the on-site Inkaterra Café.
This afternoon we board the train back to Cusco, and stopping en route to explore the ruins at Ollantaytambo.
Accommodations at Novotel Hotel (B,L,D)
Tues., July 27 : Cusco | Lima | Departures
This morning we enjoy a Cusco city tour to learn about this special city’s history and take in the fascinating architecture. We, of course, watch for birds in the parks and while we enjoy our lunch. We have late afternoon flights back to Lima today. Most flights from Lima depart around midnight, but if yours is a morning flight, we can arrange a hotel for you this evening (additional cost). (B,L)
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Chestnut-eared Aracari by Wes Larson
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Sword-billed Hummingbird by Wes Larson
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Tucan Suites Aparthotel
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Scenic courtesy of Tucan Suites
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Owlet Lodge
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White-bellied Woodstar
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Capped Heron by Wes Larson
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Paradise Tanager by Wes Larson
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Waqanki Lodge Hummingbird Observatory
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Cream-colored Woodpecker by Mason Flint
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Rufous-crested Coquette by Peg Abbott
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Turquoise Jay by Wes Larson
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Golden-headed Manakin by Hugh Simmons
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Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl by Bryan Calk
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Lineated Woodpecker by Peg Abbott
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Booted Racket-tail by Wes Larson
Cost of the Journey
The cost of the main tour is per person based on occupancy: $6990 DBL / $7680 SGL, from Lima, Peru. This cost includes all accommodations, meals as specified in the itinerary, internal flights, professional guide services, other park and program entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses. All tips other than your NJ guide (optional) and local guide are included (this includes tips for your driver, lodge and staff, day activities, meals and other services).
Cost of the Machu Picchu extension is per person, based on occupancy: $3190 DBL / $3525 SGL.
The tour cost does not include round-trip transportation from your home city to Lima, optional activities, or items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone charges, or beverages from the bar.
Travel Details
Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.
Main Tour Arrival Airport: Jorge Chávez International (LIM)
Main Tour Arrival Details: Please plan flights to arrive July 13, 2027, no later than 5:00 PM if you wish to join the group for dinner
Main Tour Departure Airport: Jorge Chávez International (LIM)
Main Tour Departure Details: Please plan flights to depart on July 23, 2027, after 7:00 PM
Post-tour Extension Departure Airport: Jorge Chávez International (LIM)
Post-tour Extension Departure Details: Please plan flights to depart on July 27, 2027, after 7:00 PM
Travel Tips: If you arrive early to rest up from your travels, we can book you an early night at our first night tour hotel, the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport at a cost of around $195/night for a double. If you want to get out and explore Lima, we highly recommend signing up for the pre-tour extension for a day trip to the coast to explore the Pucusana Fishing Village, take a boat tour, and stop at the Villa Marshes Reserve. It’s a great chance to explore and get some birding in around Lima prior to departing on our exciting main tour.
Entry Requirements: See "Essential Information" section under the "Know Before You Go" tab.
Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.
Birding & Archeology
- July 2025
Peru
Birding & Archeology
- July 2025
Cusco to Manu
- November 2018
- October 2022 (Main Tour & Machu Picchu Extension)
- October 2023
Northern Peru
- July 2019
- July 2022
- October 2022
- July 2023
Essential Information +
Pace & Protocols +
Packing List +
Suggested Reading List +
Useful Links +
Photo credits: Banners: Andean Condor (NJ Stock), Rufous-crested Coquette (NJ Stock), Kuelap Archaeological Site (NJ Stock), Marvelous Spatuletail (NJ Stock), Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager (NJ Stock) Thumbnails: Curl-crested Aracari (NJ Stock), Rufous-crested Coquette (NJ Stock), Torrent Ducks (NJ Stock), Rufous-booted Racket-tail (NJ Stock), Wire-crested Thorntail (NJ Stock), Black-faced Dacnis (NJ Stock), Andean Flicker (NJ Stock), Hoatzin (NJ Stock)