1. Paracas National Reserve (Inca tern Larosterna inca)
Along the Peruvian coast, in the waters of the Humboldt Current, live several sea birds, i.e. birds that can only be seen at a certain distance from the coast. These birds include one species many wildlife enthusiasts consider a “must see” bird: the Inca tern. Due to its elegant plumage, it is one of the most distinguished varieties of its family. You will be able to see it between the rocks or even while resting on one of the sides of your boat.
2. Mangroves of Tumbes National Sanctuary (Bare-throated tiger heron Tigrisoma mexicanum)
Very close to the city of Tumbes, on the northern border of Peru, you will find an environment surrounded by mangroves; tall and leafy trees that have given the place its name: Mangroves of Tumbes National Sanctuary. You will visit the Almejas, Roncal, Correa and Matapalo islands, where several birds cross the sky offering a beautiful spectacle. On the edges of the vegetation, in the wooded streams, you will be able to see a solitary bird with a striped neck: the bare-throated tiger heron.
3. Pacaya Samiria National Reserve (Jabiru Jabiru mycteria)
As the water level starts to decrease in the Amazon lowlands, you will be able to see a great
variety of mollusks, amphibians, and birds. The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, with a surface area of 2,080,000 hectares, is located at the confluence of two large rivers, namely the Marañón and the Ucayali. There, between meandering rivers, mirrored waters and torrential rains, you will have the pleasure to meet one of the largest storks in Peru: the Jabiru.
4. Pómac Forest Historic Sanctuary (Peruvian plantcutter Phytotoma raimondii)
The adventure begins with a visit to the carob trees in the Pomac forest. In this 5887-hectare
equatorial dry forest you will find a huge carob tree of more than 500 years old, to which the
locals attribute miracles and legends.
It is known as the millennial tree and close to it you will be able to find one of the most endangered bird species in the northern part of Peru, as well as one of the most sought after by birdwatchers: the Peruvian plantcutter. At this point you will start the Cortarrama route, a natural birding route that takes about 20 minutes.
5. Manu National Park (Andean cock-of-the-rock Rupicola peruvianus)
On the Manu road, between Acjanaco and Tono, and near the famous Tres Cruces Viewpoint, you will find one of the most famous members of the cotingo family: the Andean cock-of-the-rock, which is one of the most spectacular and well-known birds in the world.
The males of this species intensely orange colored, with black backs and grey wings gather in traditional sites known as leks, where they sing and dance, while lowering their heads and raising their wings, in order to attract the females. A unique experience that you will never forget.
6. Tambopata National Reserve (Harpy eagle Harpia harpyja)
After a boat trip from Puerto Maldonado and a walk through the jungle, you will reach a captivating territory with a wealth of flora and fauna species. Hundreds of colourful and noisy birds will accompany you on your way and many of them will be closer than you think, as the Tambopata National Reserve gathers about 632 different species including one of the world’s largest and most majestic birds of prey: the Harpy Eagle.
This bird is so strong that its main food sources are the sloths and monkeys that live among the branches of the trees.
7. Alto Mayo Protected Forest (Ash-throated antwren Herpsilochmus parkeri)
Located north of the Alto Mayo rainforest, in an area known as Chuquillantas or La Llanteria, a mountain ridge can be found. This area is recognized by birdwatchers as a place of frequent passage of mixed flocks. If you watch carefully in the treetops or in the forest with a relatively closed canopy, with a bit of luck you are able to see a unique grey bird: the Ash-throated antwren.
8. Ampay National Sanctuary (Apurímac spinetail Synallaxis courseni)
On the slopes of the snow-capped Ampay mountain, between 3000 and 3600 metres above sea level, one of the most impressive rainforest formations is located. The Intimpas forest is one of the most valuable areas of this Sanctuary. If you arrive early, you will find a great variety of endemic birds. Among them, you can observe the Apurímac spinetail, which is considered endemic and classified as vulnerable.
9. Allpahuayo Mishana National Reserve (Iquitos gnatcatcher Polioptila clementsi)
A short distance from the city of Iquitos, in the lower Nanay, there is a forest that grows on
white sand. Its soil has few nutrients, but the vegetation is well adapted to these poor soil
conditions and forms high forests of up to 25 to 30 metres, known as white sand forests or
varillales, which are home to a low richness of species restricted to this type of habitat.
Among them is the Iquitos gnatcatcher, a small and rare bird with grey plumage and a white chest, which is a favourite among bird watchers.
