It is now known that clay licks form an important part of the biology of parrots and macaws. Both parrots and macaws live by eating nuts from a variety of trees. Some of these trees have developed defences against having their nuts eaten: typically by having evolved a toxin that is in the nut to protect it. Any animal that eats the nut will then become sick. Parrots and macaws have evolved with these trees, and have developed their own response to the toxins in the nuts. The answer lies in the clay. Certain minerals in the clay are able to neutralize the toxins in these nuts, and so parrots and macaws seek out deposits of this very special clay. Once a deposit is identified, parrots and macaws will come many miles to eat the clay. This allows them to eat more nuts, and in turn allows them to survive periods when the non-toxic nuts are not available. Besides providing a spectacle of wonderful colors.

Day 1: ARRIVAL TO PUERTO MALDONADO CITY
Flight to Puerto Maldonado, and journey to the lodge. Following your early morning flight to Puerto Maldonado from Lima or Cusco, you will be met at the airport by your naturalist guide and transferred to a dugout canoe for the trip up the Tambopata River to the lodge. On the journey the vegetation changes from colonized deforested areas to virgin rain forest. A box-lunch is provided on board. On arrival you’ll have a welcome drink and meet the rest of the staff. In the late afternoon you set off for an introductory walk into the “terra firme” forest behind the lodge (Trail 2), dominated by giant Brazil-nut and Dipteryx trees. Frequently seen mammals on this trail are Saddle-back Tamarins, Brown Capuchins, Agoutis, Pacas, Blue-Morpho butterflies, Trogons, Toucans and many other species of birds. After dinner a night walk to find nocturnal animals or insects by the eye-shine a specialization for increasing the light and see better, about 50% of the animals are nocturnal in the rainforest. (L, D)

Day 2: TRIP TO THE MACAW CLAY – LICK
After breakfast you return to the canoe to continue the journey upstream, a further 4 hrs, to an area deep within the Reserve National where the isolated Collpa is situated. The Collpa is actually one of the large clay cliffs lining the Tambopata River in this area. After lunch you and your guide have the afternoon to explore the trail system in the area. Camping on the beach near the Collpa. (B,L,D).

Day 3: VISIT THE COLLPA
Visit the Collpa and return to lodge. A pre-dawn start is needed to get to the clay-lick before the birds. They arrive in search of minerals and salts and the digestive properties of the clay particles themselves. On average several hundred Macaws and smaller parrots visit the clay-lick daily, including Scarlet, Blue and Yellow, Red and Green, and Chestnut-fronted and Blue-headed parrots, among others. This clay-lick is considered one of the largest in the world. Following a late morning hike and lunch we return down river to the lodge. At night you will go searching for Caiman (alligators) and other nocturnal animals by canoe along the Tambopata River. (B,L,D).

Day 4: DAPARTURE TO PUERTO MALDONADO
A dawn start is required for the canoe trip back to Puerto Maldonado giving memorable views of the sun rise over the river. Lookout for the early morning wildlife which is particularly active at this time. Howler monkeys are frequently heard, as they stakeout their territories. Your guide will take care of you on arrival in Puerto Maldonado and will deal with all the necessities at the airport prior to you departure. (B)

Is Included:

• All meals and accommodation (camping gear) from lunch on Day 1 to Breakfast on your final day (inclusive).
• All transport from your arrival to Puerto Maldonado to your return to the airport (inclusive).
• All guided excursions describes in the itinerary (including on additional days, if you wish).
• One night excursion on the river looking for Caiman.

Is Not Included:

• Flights to and from Puerto Maldonado.
• The entrance Fee to the TNR (Aprox US$30), airport taxes, Tree climbing (with harnesses and ropes).
• Any drinks you may purchase from the bar.
• Tips.