Peru Bargain Mammal/Bird Tour

Naturetrek Tour Itinerary

Naturetrek Wolf’s Lane Chawton Alton Hampshire GU34 3HJ England

T: +44 (0)1962 733051

E: info@naturetrek.co.uk W: www.naturetrek.co.uk

Outline itinerary

Day 1 Depart UK for Lima

Day 2 Fly P. Maldonado and transfer to the Amazon

rainforest conservation centre (ARCC)

Day 3/7 5 full days at ARCC lodge

Day 8 Fly Lima and depart, unless continuing on

extension

Day 9 Arrive UK

Departs June, September, November

Focus Mammals, Birds, Rainforest ecology and other natural history.

Grading Grade A. Easy day walks only

Dates and prices See website (tour code PER02) or brochure

Highlights

●Giant River Otter, Black Spider Monkey & White-lipped Peccary

●8 species of Neotropical monkey including Red Howler

●Antbirds, puffbirds, macaws, tanagers & parrots

Giant River Otter

Inca Tern

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NB. Please note that the itinerary below offers our planned programme of excursions. However, adverse

weather and other local considerations can necessitate some re-ordering of the programme during the

course of the tour, though this will always be done to maximise best use of the time and weather

conditions available.

Introduction

Peru harbours some of the richest rainforests in the world, and its most southern Amazonian state, Madre de Dios,

boasts many biodiversity world records. In Puerto Maldonado, the capital of Madre de Dios, the river Las Piedras is

well known for its abundant fauna and has recently been scientifically proven to harbour over double the mammal

densities of surrounding rainforest reserves. Las Piedras is also the longest and remotest in Madre de Dios,

meandering 440 miles from its remotest headwaters to its confluence with the Madre de Dios at Puerto Maldonado.

Far up river, on the banks of the upper Las Piedras, incredible to us in our microchip world, there are still un-

contacted Indian populations hiding in isolation from the rest of the world. These small groups of Mashco-Piros

still wander naked, hunting with longbow, collecting fruit, nuts and turtle eggs, whilst living in simple palm-leaf

shelters.

In 2002 the Alto Purus Indigenous Reserve was extended to protect the entire upper Las Piedras basin beyond the

indigenous village of Monte Salvado, 220 miles from the mouth of the river. Half-way between Puerto Maldonado

and the Alto Purus Indigenous Reserve, the locally owned Amazon Rainforest Conservation Centre, ARCC for

short, was built in 2002 to protect 17,000 acres of the pristine rainforest surrounding the wildlife-rich Lake Soledad.

Our tour will be based at the comfortable ARCC, where we will follow our naturalist guides on a variety of exciting

excursions.

Whilst ARCC offers some of the best rainforest mammal and bird watching in the Amazon Rainforest, mammals

can still prove to be difficult to see at times. One can’t expect to see such large or numerous mammals as in Africa

due to the low mammal density, the nocturnal habits of the majority of mammal species, and the dense rainforest

vegetation. However during periods when mammals are proving elusive, we will be kept entertained by the

incredible diversity of other classes of vertebrates and invertebrates. While this tour’s highlights hope to include

threatened species such as Giant River Otters, Black Spider Monkeys and White-lipped Peccaries, we will also be

looking at the plethora of birds, reptiles, plants and insects of this spectacularly-diverse rainforest.

Day 1

Lima

We depart at lunchtime from London Gatwick on a direct non-stop service to the Peruvian capital of Lima. Arriving

late evening at the Jorge Chavez International Airport, we will transfer to a comfortable hotel nearby.

* regional departures available with KLM via Amsterdam if preferred – please state your preference upon booking.

Day 2

ARCC

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After an early morning transfer we will board a domestic flight bound for Puerto Maldonado in the Amazonian

lowlands. On this flight we will soar up through the coastal mist and out over the stunning snow-capped Andes.

Flying west-east in Peru you quickly get an idea of the vastness of this country, and of the complex and inhospitable

topography below. We touch down in Cusco before taking off again and over the precipitous cloud-forest and out

over the immense reaches of the Amazon Rainforest.

Our local naturalist guides will meet us at the airport, from where we will take a 2 hour or so bus ride along part of

the newly-paved trans-Amazonian highway, through the small town of Lucerna, and on to the banks of the Las

Piedras River from where it is a 2 hour or so journey upstream to ARCC.

From here, depending on the height of the river (the lower the river, the longer the journey; generally the river is

lowest at the end of the dry season in September), so we have plenty of opportunity to sit back and relax and enjoy

the beautiful Las Piedras scenery; huge river-cliffs, tight meanders with river beaches, tumbling waterfalls and green

canyons of pristine rainforest.

On the banks of the Las Piedras we might see Spectacled Caimans, Side-necked Turtles, Squirrel, Brown Capuchin

or Red-Howler Monkeys or possibly even Capybaras or a Tayra. The birdwatching is exciting and diverse with likely

species including Red and Green Macaw, Sunbittern, Black Skimmer, Horned Screamer, Capped Heron, Great

Black-Hawk, Pied Lapwing, Violaceous Jay, Amazon Kingfisher and Russet-backed Oropendula, to name but a few.

On arrival this evening at ARCC’s river dock, we will follow a 200 metre trail through tall rainforest to the lodge

itself. ARCC is set amongst natural tropical gardens hidden in clearings amongst giant rainforest trees and just steps

from Lake Soledad, separated from the lodge by a narrow band of woodland essential for the transit of lakeside

birds and mammals. The ARCC is an exclusive lodge with just 8 bungalows and we will usually have it all to

ourselves! Each hexagonal bungalow has its own private garden, balcony and bathroom; finished with polished

hardwoods, palm thatch and bathroom tiles. Our bungalows boast soft electric lighting, hot-water showers, insect

screening, lowering mosquito nets, battery recharging points and a beautiful rainforest view!

Meals will be served in the spacious dining hall. The lounge bar has some comfortable seating, hammocks and a well

stocked bar, serving chilled beer, soft drinks, wine and spirits.

Day 3-7

Amazon Rainforest Conservation Centre

We have five full days at this remote lodge to enjoy the wonderful rainforest wildlife and fascinating ecology and

flora. Most days will follow a similar structure; an early morning activity, followed by a leisurely breakfast and

another activity such as walking the forest trails. After lunch there will be a siesta time before the afternoon activity

and then dinner with occasional night excursions. Our guides will organize an activities programme for two

interchangeable groups. The varied program will include the following:

Lake Soledad’s abundant fauna is the reason for ARCC’s location and indeed is ARCC’s star attraction. The lake

acts as a magnet for animals and birds alike, its waters are rich in nutrients and fish, supporting a large resident

Giant Otter family and a diverse variety of lakeside birds and caiman too. The all-year-round fruiting trees around

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the lake margins attract up to eight species of monkey, hundreds of bird species and other animals. ARCC’s dock,

adjacent to the lodge, is itself is a wonderful place to spend spare time, watching birds, animals and enjoying the

Giant River Otters

peace and beauty of this stunning ox-bow lake. On the lake we will use a catamaran canoe with comfortable chairs

and powered by two hawk-eyed paddlers! The catamaran provides an excellent mobile viewing platform, suitable for

photography and telescopes. Lake excursions will normally leave early in the morning, late afternoon or sometimes

at night after dinner. Almost all guests will choose to return to Lake Soledad repeatedly; the catamaran will rarely get

a rest during our stay!

The lake’s Giant River Otter family is, at the time of writing, made up of five individuals split into two groups of

three and two respectively. Adult Giant Otters consume 4kg (9lbs) of fish a day and the fish-rich lake ensures their

continual presence. Such is their strength and team play that even large Black Caiman and Anacondas will keep their

distance from the Giant Otter family. The otters are very territorial, but also very sensitive. The Soledad Giant

Otters are accustomed to the presence of our catamaran, often allowing us extended viewing at a distance, although

they will very occasionally come closer to investigate us, which is wonderful for photography for those lucky enough

to witness such an encounter!

The other mammal stars of Lake Soledad are the eight species of monkey which can be seen from the trails and lake

- the best place for their photography. The most common monkey species is probably the Brown Capuchin which

are usually seen foraging for fruit, insects and nectar at mid to low canopy levels. The capuchins are amongst the

most intelligent of monkeys and most will allow us to watch their antics at close range. The acrobatic Black Spider

Monkeys are the largest of all neotropical monkeys and in other areas their populations have been decimated due to

hunting. Here they can be seen in troops of over 20! Spider Monkeys are canopy fruit feeders and have the most

developed prehensile tails which aid mobility when covering large distances in search of fruit; in fact they have no

thumb as it would get in the way of their swinging! The beautifully rufous-coloured Red Howler Monkeys are often

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seen in the mornings, lazily relaxing in the tree-tops until the sun has warmed them. Other common monkeys

include the small Squirrel Monkeys, which are often seen following the Capuchin Monkeys; they too move in large

troops in search of insects and fruit and never stop moving all day.

Red Howler Monkey Squirrel Monkey

Birdwatching on Lake Soledad is excellent. The birds are diverse, interesting and easily visible and the catamaran is

just so relaxing! Common species include Scarlet Macaw, Red-capped Cardinal, Cuviers Toucan, Hoatzin, Agami

Heron, Rufescent Tiger-heron, Green Ibis, Grey-necked Wood-rail, Sungrebe, Snail Kite, Black-collared Hawk,

Black-capped Donacobius, Rufous and Green Kingfisher and Blue-headed Macaw.

Another real highlight is a vertical journey to the rainforest-canopy platform. This platform has been constructed

120ft up in the boughs of a huge Ironwood Tree and is accessed either by climbing the cable ladder or opting for

the more civilised “David Attenborough Style” accent in a cage chair! In the past all Naturetrek groups have made it

to the platform (and back again!)

and even for those with mild

vertigo, it was an experience of a

lifetime. The canopy platform is a

great place for experiencing the

canopy view and observing

canopy birds, many of which will

actually be below us, allowing you

to really appreciate their true

colours. Likely species include

Blue and Yellow Macaw, Bare-

necked Fruitcrow, Paradise

Tanager, Bat Falcon, Crimson-

crested Woodpecker, Mealy and Blue-headed Parrot and Purple

View from the tower

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ARCC also has access to a number of different clay licks, which attract

parrots, parakeets and macaws, the season and weather affecting

which ones are most active. The nearest clay-lick is located just 20

minutes upriver from the lodge. The clay-lick is itself just a small area

of bare clay at the top of a 50 metre river cliff, but it often attracts

over 50 parrots in the morning and a dozen or so Red and Green

Macaws later on. ARCC has positioned a hide on the top of the cliff,

just 25 metres from the clay-lick, affording excellent opportunities for

photography, especially in the months of September and October.

Macaws and parrots are attracted to eat the clay for a number of

reasons, but principally it is the kaolin in the clay that combats the

toxins found in their seed diet. But it is easy to see that the parrots and

macaws seem to enjoy the social aspect as much as actually eating the

clay! As the birds sit in the trees waiting for their communal

confidence to rise sufficiently for them to fly down to the clay-lick, we

can watch them in the trees teasing, fighting, squawking and being

affectionate with their partners!

We will have plenty of opportunities to accompany our local guides on the excellent network of trails which branch

out from the lodge, taking the opportunity to learn about the fascinating rainforest ecology, especially the

captivating lives of the leaf-cutter and army ants. The rich fruit-laden floodplain forests surrounding Lake Soledad

support the highest mammal densities. Here one can see up to eight species of monkeys including White-fronted

Capuchins and groups of White-lipped Peccaries, a type of wild pig. Within the forest understorey bird diversity

reaches its peak - sightings might include Bluish-fronted Jacamar, Striated Puffbird, Cream-coloured Woodpecker,

Blue-crowned Motmot or the sought-after Pale-winged Trumpeter. Animal tracks give an indication to the existence

of harder-to-see species such as Brazilian Tapir, Jaguar, Red or Grey Brocket Deer, Armadillo and Paca.

Later in the week our guide will lead us on the bamboo trail. The hollow Guadua bamboo - its segments contain

water – is a perfect breeding ground for insect larvae which in turn support a number of rare endemic bird species,

only found in these special bamboo stands. Such secretive species include Peruvian Recurvebill, Rufous-headed

Woodpecker, White-lined Antbird and Goeldi’s Antbird. The dense bamboo forest is also preferred by the reclusive

Dusky-Titi Monkey. These small primates live in family groups and feed on leaves, nectar and insects.

After dinner one evening we will take a starlit catamaran tour of Lake Soledad looking for Black Caimans with a

large spotlight. Black Caimans are nocturnal hunters and are easily observed in our spotlight beams. Some

individuals measure over three metres and one rarely seen monster has been estimated at nearly 5 metres in length,

but most individuals are young and juveniles between 2 and 5ft long. Large Black Caimans are now rare although

they are recovering from near extinction.

Another exciting after-dark prospect is a night walk looking for Night Monkeys, tree frogs, armadillos, giant crickets

or brocket deer. At night one becomes more aware of the sounds of the rainforest. The calls of the crickets and

frogs are usually the loudest, but owls and potoos are also heard and even Jaguar occasionally! Headlamps are

recommended for night hikes and cameras with flash a must!

Scarlet Macaws on a clay lick

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Of course many people will choose to have at least one

morning or afternoon around the lodge, now quietly

abandoned! The lodge clearing is one of the best

locations for birdwatching and is sometimes visited by

monkeys too. Birds include many mixed flock species

from ground level to canopy, which might include

White-vented Euphonia, Paradise Tanager, Swallow

Tanager, Blue Dacnis, Yellow-tufted Woodpecker,

Long-billed Woodcreeper, Gilded Barbet, White-

bellied Parrot, Curl-crested Aracaris and Blue-throated

Piping Guan.

The food at ARCC is delicious - the very best of local cuisine. The specialities of the chef include pescado a la paca

– steamed catfish in bamboo, ceviche de corvina - fresh fish marinated in lime juice, Juanes - chicken with rice and

vegetables steamed in a banana leaf, pumpkin soup, catfish stuffed with asparagus, and heart of palm salad. All

meals are served with freshly prepared and chilled tropical fruit juices.

Day 8

Puerto Maldonado

Rising at dawn we leave this morning after an early breakfast to journey downstream to our bus rendez-vous and on

to Puerto Maldonado. Early morning on the river is a great time for watching birds and we should get our last views

of kingfishers, egrets, parrots, waders, oropendulas and raptors as we speed down river. Arriving in Puerto

Maldonado we will head to the airport to check-in and enjoy some refreshments. We will board our morning flight

for Cusco or Lima. As the plane soars, you will see the immense green carpet of the Amazon Rainforest stretch out

in all directions, before the ground rises over cloud forests followed by icy Andean peaks, a touch down in Cusco

and then finally on to the sandy coastal hills of Lima.

We’re unlikely to have much time between the arrival of our domestic flight and check-in for our international

departure, but if there is any time available we’ll likely head down to the Chorrillos harbour to see the Pacific and

watch some of the seabirds including Peruvian Pelicans and boobies and the beautiful Inca Tern.

Day 9

In Flight

We will arrive back at Gatwick late this afternoon after a direct flight back across the Atlantic.

One of many poison dart frogs

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Machu Picchu Extension

We are offering the chance to extend this holiday with a visit to Cusco, the ancient Inca capital and Machu Picchu,

the famed “Lost City of the Incas”.

Day 8

Cusco

We will bid farewell to the Lima-bound members of our group upon touch-down in Cusco.

Cusco is the archaeological capital of the Americas and the continent’s oldest continually inhabited city. Massive

Inca-built stone walls line most of Cusco’s central streets and form the foundations of colonial and modern

buildings. The streets are often stepped and narrow and thronged with Quechua-speaking descendants of the Incas.

The city is the capital of its department and has a population of about 300,000. Set at an altitude of over 3,300

metres, we will take things very easily during our first day, eating lightly, drink plenty of liquid – including coca tea,

which helps, but avoiding alcohol, however tempting the Pisco Sour and Cusqueña (the local beer) may be!

We will transfer to the comfortable, centrally-located Hotel Los Andes de America, which is a modern hotel built

around an enclosed colonial courtyard. After your guide has introduced Cusco, you will have the afternoon free to

explore the ancient Inca capital. Most people will want to explore the area around the plaza, for its historical sites,

great handicraft shopping and cafés with old colonial balconies.

Your guide will have given you your BTC ticket, which will give you free access to many of Cusco’s historical sites,

which include the 17th century cathedral on the main square, which is of splendid architectural interest. There are

over seven other colonial churches in the centre of Cusco including Santa Domingo which was built on top of the

ruins of the ancient Inca temple of Coricancha, once the richest temple in the Inca Empire. The convent of Santa

Catalina near the Cathedral contains a museum of religious art and most of the churches have daily services.

In the evening you will be able to relax, or maybe eat out; the cuisine is both tasty and varied, you will notice both

alpaca and guinea-pig on the menu or you may choose to visit one of Cusco’s famed clay-oven pizzerias!

Day 9

Sacred Valley

After a buffet breakfast we head south from Cusco to the lakes of Huacarpay, which amongst magnificent scenery

offers some very good birdwatching with noticeably distinct species to what we became used to in the rainforest:

Cinnamon, Speckled and Puna Teals, Yellow-winged Blackbird, a variety of ground-tyrants and chat-tyrants, Giant

Hummingbird, Cinereous Harrier, saltators, seedeaters, and finches.

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From Huacarpay we will continue down the

Huambutio road to the upper Urubamba/Sacred

Valley to the Incan ruins of Pisac, situated 600

metres above the town of Pisac. The ruins have a

magnificent setting, sitting on a hill top with a gorge

on either side. The ruins have particularly good

examples of agricultural terracing and have elements

of both fortress and temple structures. Birds such as

the impressive Bearded Mountaineer hummingbird, a

Peruvian endemic, can also be seen here. After the

ruins we shall descend to the village of Pisac and its

delightful main square, where there are some good

local restaurants for a late lunch.

In the afternoon we will return over the hills to Cusco, stopping at more Inca ruins on the way. Particularly

noteworthy are the impressive ruins of Saqsayhuaman, which overlook Cusco and contain some of the finest and

largest Inca stonework - some blocks weighing an estimated 200 tons! Saqsayhuaman affords fantastic views over

Cusco as the sun sets and we descend the cobbled colonial streets back into Cusco.

Day 10

Machu Picchu

This morning we will be transferred to the Cusco railway station to board the Machu Picchu train for the scenic ride

along the Sacred Valley to the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu. The recently upgraded trains offer a comfortable ride

through small Andean villages, farmland and spectacular mountain scenery. Arriving in the small town of Aguas

Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu, we will leave our overnight-bags with our hotel’s porters, before heading up

to the Machu Picchu ruins with our guide. The ruins of Machu Picchu are not only fascinating for their mysterious

history, but were built in the most spectacular setting imaginable. Our guide will explain about the many theories

that still struggle to explain the mysterious existence of Machu Picchu. We will also have the opportunity to walk to

the sun gate or climb to Huayna Picchu on steep Inca stairs. The afternoon offers beautiful lighting and peace after

the crowds have left to catch their return trains to Cusco. Inca Wren, a Peruvian endemic, can be seen with luck in

the bamboo around the ruins. Returning to Aguas Calientes on the bus, we shall check into the beautiful Machu

Picchu Pueblo Hotel, the best hotel in the vicinity. The hotel, which is more of a lodge, is set amongst beautiful

gardens and cloud-forest, excellent for birdwatching and orchids too.

Ruins at Machu Picchu

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Day 11

Cusco

We have a choice this morning of returning to

Machu Picchu or exploring trails in the valley to

appreciate the scenery, birds and orchids. The

hotel has a small trail network set in cloud-

forest and has registered 350 species of orchid.

The hotel even offers guided orchid walks at a

small charge. The birdwatching in the hotel’s

gardens and forest is excellent, with good

opportunities to see Andean Cock of the Rock,

Peru’s national bird. This spectacular Jackdaw-

sized, crimson-coloured bird, appears like a

fireball, even on a cloudy day, and is seen

regularly in the hotel gardens. Torrent Duck,

White-capped Dipper, Azara’s Spinetail,

Highland Motmot, Mitred Parakeet and even Golden-headed Quetzal can also be seen.

Photography of hummingbirds around the hotel’s numerous feeders couldn’t be better, with a possible 20 species

vying for a place at the feeders. The most common species include Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Gould's Inca, Green

Violetear, White-bellied Woodstar, Violet-throated Starfrontlet and Booted Racket-tail.

After a superb buffet lunch in the hotel, we shall take the early train back up to the village of Ollantaytambo, where

we shall transfer to our bus and visit the impressive Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo, which afford spectacular views up

and down the sacred valley. The road back to Cusco provides some of the best Andean scenery and good

birdwatching, with species likely to include Puna Ibis, Yellow-billed Pintail, Cinnamon Teal, White-tufted Grebe,

Andean Lapwing, American Kestrel and Mountain Caracara. We will arrive back in our Cusco hotel as night draws

in, with time to relax and get ready to go out for a farewell dinner, many of the nice restaurants around the main

Plaza which offer typical Andean music and dancing, whilst you dine.

Day 12

Lima

After our buffet breakfast we will return to Cusco airport for our return flight over the Andes to Lima. If time

between flights allows, we will be collected from the airport by our Lima guide for an afternoon touring Lima. Our

first priority is most likely overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Depending on time available we plan to visit Chorrillos

harbour to see the Pacific and watch some of the seabirds including Peruvian Pelicans and Boobies and the beautiful

Inca Tern. There may also be time to visit Lima’s Plaza Major to see the Presidential Palace and other fine examples

colonial architectural. At the end of our whistle-stop tour of Lima, we will return to the airport to check-in for our

flight to London.

Andean Cock-of-the-Rock

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Day 13

In Flight

We will arrive back at Gatwick late this afternoon after a direct flight back across the Atlantic.

NOTE This extension is costed on a minimum group size of 4. Cheaper accommodation can be chosen at Aguas

Calientes to reduce the cost of the tour and the single room supplement, please ask for details.

Grading

This is a tour with relatively gentle walks, although some trails may be muddy at times and undulating. The high

humidity can make the tour more strenuous than it otherwise might have been. The Machu Picchu extension

involves easy walks only, although one should always remain respectful of the high altitude in Cusco (10,000 feet).

Weather

The climate in Peru varies enormously, depending on the region and the altitude. There is a possibility of heavy rain

at any time, but hopefully not to the extent that it will spoil your enjoyment.

Food & accommodation included in the price

All accommodation and meals are included except for the following: lunch and evening meals in Lima. The Machu

Picchu extension is costed on a B&B basis only.

Extra expenses

Please note that we do not include all items of a more personal nature such as drinks (although drinking water, fruit

juices and hot drinks will be provided), laundry, souvenirs and tips. Also airport taxes - currently $5 for each of the

domestic flights - are not included.

On the Machu Picchu extension all activities, entrance tickets, transfers and accommodation are included. If you

want a repeat visit to Machu Picchu on the second day, then you will need to purchase the bus ride between Aguas

Calientes and Machu Picchu and the entrance ticket locally.

Other extensions

Peru offers a plethora of diverse and exciting destinations to visit; maybe Arequipa and the Colca Canyon in the

south, or Chaparri Lodge in the north, or something as simple as an extra day in Lima at the start to recover from

the long flight. Please contact us to discuss.

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How to book your place

In order to book your place on this holiday, please give us a call on 01962 733051 with a credit or debit card, book

online at www.naturetrek.co.uk, or alternatively complete and post the booking form at the back of our main

Naturetrek brochure, together with a deposit of 20% of the holiday cost plus any room supplements if required. If

you do not have a copy of the brochure, please call us on 01962 733051 or request one via our website. Please

stipulate any special requirements, for example extension requests or connecting/regional flights, at the time of

booking.