The complex topography of Peru's northern Andes enables a stunningly high level of biodiversity, with nearly 1400 bird species found in the area between the Pacific coast and the Amazon rain forest.

137 of the avian species found here are endemic to only this area, including some of the most endangered and range-localized birds in the tropical world.

Birding in northern Peru means encountering many endemic, specialized species, as well as numerous examples of exotic birds with a wider distribution, and some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.

Northern Peru is well known for its archeological tourism, so certain roads and accommodations along the most traveled routes are quite well developed.  Since the region is a relatively new destination for birders, some isolated areas apt for birding don't offer as high a level of accommodation. Occasionally, birders on our tours will spend the night in basic but comfortable hostels or lodges, equipped with all the necessities.

The Birding country

The "Birding Country" is an exclusive birding program, both for experienced and less experienced birdwatchers, who have high expectations in terms of a great diversity of birds, higher end hotels, quality and selection of food, and comfortable vehicles.

Tour groups will spend their nights in the best hotels or lodges available, from which daytime activities will be organized.

The tour's pace is relatively slow, so participants can take adequate time to enjoy the birds, and have ample time for photography. This tour does not include any long or strenuous hiking requirements, so it is suitable for those who prefer a more leisurely approach or have health restrictions.

Since Peru is justifiably well known for its historical importance, this tour combines birding with history and archeology, including visits to the most important archeological sites and museums in northern Peru. Upon request, we will be happy to contact the directors of the various archeological complexes we'll be visiting to personally guide our groups at their sites.

The "Birding Country" is available in two distinct options, and customized versions are also available:

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Day 01. CHICLAYO / CHAPARRI LODGE

Early flight to Chiclayo. Transfer to the Chaparri Lodge (approx. two hour drive). Chappari is a private reserve managed by a local community. This is the best place for endemics of the Tumbes region such as the Tumbes Tyrant, White-winged Guan, and 200 other species in total. Night in Chaparri Lodge.( B, L, D).

Day 02. ROYAL TUMBS OF SIPAN MUSEUM

After breakfast we'll transfer to our hotel in Chiclayo. Later that morning we'll visit the Royal Tumbs of Sipan Museum in Lambayeque. Lunch in a tourist-class restaurant in Chiclayo, followed by an afternoon visit to the Valley of the Pyramids in Tucume, an archeological area near Chiclayo.  (B, L.)

Day 03. OLMOS TOWN

A morning drive to the small town of Olmos, including a stop in Pomac Dry Forest Preserve to look for species we might have missed in Chaparri. Then straight to the White-winged Guan site at Quebrada El Limón. Spend the night in Olmos. (B, L.)

Day 04. MARAÑON RIVER VALLEY

An early start for the relatively long trip to Jaen. On this drive we'll cross the Andes and enter the Marañon River Valley, while birding the whole day along the road. The first noteworthy stop is the mountain pass of Abra Porculla, a humid forest location that offers specialty species like the Piura Chat-Tyrant, Porculla Hermit, Black-cowled Saltator, Henna-hooded Foliage-gleaner, and many others. After cresting the pass we'll enter a region of dryer vegetation, where we'll search for the Marañon Crescentchest, Short-tailed Field-Tyrant, and Scrub Blackbird. Spend the night in Jaen. ( B, L).

Day 05. JAEN

Birding around Jaen, looking  for the Peruvian Pigeon, Little Inca-Finch, Marañon Spinetail, Chinchipe Spinetail, Marañon Gnatcatcher, among many others. Night in Jaen.(B, L).

Day 06. CHICLAYO

Early departure for the drive back to Chiclayo. We'll be birding all along the way. Night in Chiclayo. (B, L).

Day 07. TRUJILLO

Drive to Trujillo. Along the road we'll visit the El Brujo archeological complex, boxed-lun on the road. A few miles before the city of Trujillo we will stop to look for the very rare Cactus Canastero. Night in Trujillo ( B, L.)

Day 08. HUANCHACO BAY

A day full of culture and history in Trujillo. A visit to the award winning archeological site of the “Pyramid of the Moon”.  Departure to the charming beach front town of Huanchaco for lunch, while enjoying a beautiful view of “Huanchaco Bay” with its ancient and emblematic reed fishing boats. Then we'll continue on to Chan Chan, a UNESCO word heritage site, for a visit to the largest adobe city in the world. Night in Trujillo. (B, L)

Day 09. TRUJILLO - LIMA

Transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Lima.

*Please take note: The Program can be modified to exclude the non-birding content. For more details contact us by e-mail at info@riantours.com

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