NORTHERN PERU
BIRDS, MAMMALS AND CULTURE
Travel from the crashing surf of the Pacific, across desert and dry foothills, through the Western Cordillera of the Andes, and into the spectacular Marañon Canyon before concluding in the midst of the verdant Amazonian lowlands. Naturetrek offer an 18-day journey exploring the region’s breathtaking scenery and rich archaeological heritage, as well as an ornithological feast that may include the legendary Marvellous Spatuletail, endemic Incafinches and the endangered White-winged Guan - thought to be extinct for over 100 years. Departs London 12th September 2007.
The tour begins in the dry coastal lowlands of the Tumbesian region of Peru, once home to a diversity of pre-Inca civilisations, including the Muchik, and now one of the most diverse centres of bird endemism on the planet. Here, guests visit local reserves including Chaparri Ecological Reserve (run by the local community), where traditional cabins provide a comfortable base from which to search for species such as the critically threatened White-winged Guan and the endemic Tumbes Tyrant, as well as mammals including White-tailed Deer and Sechuran Fox. Visit the huge archaeological structures at Pomac Archaeological Sanctuary (also home to many of the endemic birds of the region) and Tumbas Reales Museum in Lambayeque. Leaving the coastal lowlands, cross the lowest pass in the Andean chain (2,200m), before descending into the arid and hugely impressive Marañon Valley. Spend a night in the town of Jaen to search the nearby areas for such endemics as Marañon Thrush and Little Inca-finch. Next, travel up the Utucubamba Valley to the Andean town of Chachapoyas to explore the region for birds, and also sample the remnants of the incredible Chachapoya culture including the fortress of Kuelap, the impressive cliffs and sarcophagi of Karajia, and the museum of Leimebamba (the lagoon of the mummies). Head into the Colán Mountains in search of Marvellous Spatuletail hummingbird, before moving on to the humid forests to the east of the Andes, home to species such as Royal Sunangel. The lower elevations here also accommodate such sought-after species as Andean Cock-of-the-Rock and Amazonian Umbrellabird. Fly to Iquitos, from where a short boat ride transfers guests to the first of a comfortable series of Amazonian lodges to explore a variety of Amazonian habitats. In addition to a plethora of interesting birdlife, monkey, river dolphin, caiman and many other creatures may be encountered during exploration of this spectacular region.
The holiday costs £3,295 p/p including scheduled flights, transfers, transport, accommodation in comfortable lodges and hotels, all meals, expert natural history guiding and all entrance fees for reserves, archaeological sites and museums.
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