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Peru - Northern (Relaxed)

© Rufous-crested Coquette by Rob Williams
Peru - Northern (Relaxed) 2028

07 Jul 2028 - 22 Jul 2028 (16 days)

USD7,450 SPACES AVAILABLE

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Tour Leader: James Wade Lee

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Tour Price (Per person): USD7,450 (GBP5,699 * EUR6,482 * AUD11,453)

This tour pairs with: Peru - Chaparri Extension (Relaxed) 2028

Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated, and dates may change*

Northern Peru remains one of the world’s standout birding regions, where a concentration of highly coveted endemics meets sweeping Andean and Amazonian landscapes. This relaxed-pace itinerary follows a carefully designed route that delivers dozens of endemics, future splits and some of Peru’s most iconic specialty birds.

The journey begins around Tarapoto and the Cordillera Escalera, birding upper-tropical foothill forest for targets such as Dotted Tanager, Koepcke’s Hermit and other localized foothill specialists. Morro de Calzada and the Moyobamba area add a rich blend of mid-elevation species before we climb steadily toward the superb birding zone of Abra Patricia. Multiple days here allow proper attention to marquee birds including Bar-winged Wood Wren, Lulu’s Tody-Flycatcher, Royal Sunangel, Yellow-scarfed and White-capped Tanagers, plus the elusive Long-whiskered Owlet.

From Abra Patricia, we continue toward Cocachimba, home of the spectacular Gocta Waterfall and one of Peru’s most dazzling birds: the Marvelous Spatuletail. Crossing into the upper Marañón drainage, the tour links several isolated valleys harbouring some of the Andes’ most range-restricted species, such as a suite of inca finches, Marañón Crescentchest, Marañón Spinetail, Yellow-scared parrotlet and Coppery Metaltail. Reaching the Cajamarca region, we round out the high-Andean suite with species such as the critically endangered, Grey-bellied Comet and Black Metaltail, along with a supporting cast typical of the puna and inter-Andean scrub.

Top Birds

Royal Sunangel; Lulu’s Tody-Flycatcher; Grey-bellied Comet; Koepcke's & Great-billed Hermits; Gould’s Jewelfront; Rufous-crested Coquette; Rainbow Starfrontlet; Emerald-bellied Puffleg; Coppery & Black Metaltails; Shining Sunbeam; Giant Hummingbird; Great Sapphirewing; Koepcke’s Screech Owl; Long-whiskered Owlet; Crimson-mantled & Red-stained Woodpeckers; Bar-winged Wood Wren; Inca Flycatcher; Mishana, Ecuadorian & Peruvian Tyrannulets; Fiery-capped & Painted Manakins; Blue-browed, White-capped, Metallic-green, Huallaga, Red-hooded & Yellow-scarfed Tanagers; Andean Cock-of-the-rock; Buff-bridled, Grey-winged & Great Inca Finches; Rufous-eared Brushfinch; Bright-rumped Yellow Finch; Plain-tailed Warbling Finch; Andean Condor. Chances for skulking species such as Rusty-tinged, Chestnut & Ochre-fronted Antpittas.

Top Mammals

Rio Mayo Titi; Saddleback Tamarin; Common Squirrel Monkey; Andean Night Monkey; Black Agouti; Northern Amazon Red & Guayaquil Squirrels; Sechura Fox; Tayra.

Habitats Covered

cloud forest, dry deciduous forest, lowland forest, unique Marañon valley

Expected Climate

Climate ranges from hot & humid to cold, even very cold at high altitudes. Rain is to be expected at any time. Thick cloud can impact time in cloud forests.

Max Group Size

10 with 1 Rockjumper leader

Tour Pace & Walking

MODERATE TO CHALLENGING: This tour requires a good level of fitness, stamina, and overall health. It’s best suited for experienced birders who are comfortable with a more active itinerary. Please note that it may not be ideal for avid photographers, new birders, or those with mobility or health concerns.

This is a moderate tour. You should be reasonably fit & in good health. Not suitable for hardcore birders & listers, or dedicated photographers. Several early mornings, optional owling.

Accommodation

Mostly comfortable to good.

Ease of Birding

Moderate. Bird density is low, some visuals in high canopy, several difficult/low density species.

Other Attractions

exceptional scenery, amazing pristine forests, unique, seldom-explored habitats

Photographic Opportunities

Average to reasonable. Some hummingbird feeders.

What our clients say about us

Robert Williams
GW, Peru 2022

This is my first birdwatching tour organized by a company such as Rockjumper, but I have been on tours organized by my local Naturalist Society. Both Rob and Miguel were excellent. They worked extremally hard to keep everyone happy, find as many species as possible and get everyone onto each sighting.

Robert Williams
PM, Peru

Rob Williams is the best guide I have ever birded with - wonderful birding and people skills.

Robert Williams
JH & CH, Southern Peru

Our guide, Rob Williams, was exceptionally well qualified, good humoured in all circumstances and remarkably diligent in accommodating all levels of birding skills within our group. He went out of his way to make sure that each member of the group realised their expectations for the trip. We would welcome the opportunity to join him on additional trips; he is a quality individual with sound values and a superb representative of Rockjumper Birding Tours.

Robert Williams
UA, Peru

Rob Williams is right up there among the very best tour leaders. His vast experience from lots of research and conservation projects and intimate knowledge of the country add lots of value compared to a tour leader who is "just" a good organiser, birder and guide. He is also great company, with a sublime sense of humour.

Robert Williams
CB - Peru 2022

Guides were awesome. Found lots of birds; guide was way too knowledgeable about the bird species and taxonomy.

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