07 Jul 2028 - 22 Jul 2028 (16 days)
USD7,450 SPACES AVAILABLE
Tour Leader: James Wade Lee
Tour Price (Per person): USD7,450 (GBP5,647 * EUR6,580 * AUD10,714)
This tour pairs with: Peru - Chaparri Extension (Relaxed) 2028
Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated, and dates may change*
06 Jul 2029 - 21 Jul 2029 (16 days)
USD7,900 SPACES AVAILABLE
Tour Leader: Amanda Guercio
Tour Price (Per person): USD7,900 (GBP5,988 * EUR6,977 * AUD11,361)
This tour pairs with: Peru - Chaparri Extension (Relaxed) 2029
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.
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.
Rio Mayo Titi; Saddleback Tamarin; Common Squirrel Monkey; Andean Night Monkey; Black Agouti; Northern Amazon Red & Guayaquil Squirrels; Sechura Fox; Tayra.
cloud forest, dry deciduous forest, lowland forest, unique Marañon valley
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.
10 with 1 Rockjumper leader
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.
Mostly comfortable to good.
Moderate. Bird density is low, some visuals in high canopy, several difficult/low density species.
exceptional scenery, amazing pristine forests, unique, seldom-explored habitats
Average to reasonable. Some hummingbird feeders.
Lev is a talented birder and guide and led a fantastic tour! He took great care to get all members of the group on every bird and had multiple backup plans for tricky species. Lev’s bird knowledge - not just in Peru, but worldwide - was impressive and inspirational. We saw 400+ species in 17 days, and I can’t wait to travel with Rockjumper (and pack to Peru) again!
Rob Williams is the best guide I have ever birded with - wonderful birding and people skills.
Guides were awesome. Found lots of birds; guide was way too knowledgeable about the bird species and taxonomy.
Lev led a great tour, and I enjoyed that as this was the extension for Machu Picchu that there was a decent amount of cultural items in addition to birding. The free time in Cuzco to explore the city a bit was great as well.
It is terrific to have a bilingual guide in any country and one who knows the history and culture of the country is even better, thanks Rob! As always, terrific eyes, ears and birding skills.
Peru - Northern: Cordillera Azul to the Marañón Valley & Tumbes 2025 - August 2025
Peru - Southern: Classic Andes & Manu Road 2025 - May 2025
Peru - Northern: Marañón Endemics & Marvelous Spatuletail 2024 - October 2024
Peru - Northern: Scarlet-banded Barbet Extension 2024 - October 2024
Peru - Iquitos Endemics 2024 - October 2024
Peru - Central: Rare Andean Endemics 2024 - September 2024
Peru - Northern: Marañón Endemics & Marvelous Spatuletail 2023 - October 2023
Peru - Southern: Machu Picchu Extension 2023 - April 2023
Peru - Southern: Classic Andes & Manu Road 2023 - April 2023
Peru - Southern: Lima & Ancash Extension 2023 - April 2023
Peru - Northern: Marañón Endemics & Marvelous Spatuletail 2021 - September 2021
Peru - Northern: Marañón Endemics & Marvelous Spatuletail 2018 - September 2018
Peru - Northern: Marañón Endemics & Marvelous Spatuletail 2016 - September 2016
Peru - Northern: Marañón Endemics & Marvelous Spatuletail 2015 - September 2015
Peru - Northern: Marañón Endemics & Marvelous Spatuletail 2014 - September 2014