Lima – Tarapoto – Moyobamba

On this first day, we will take a flight from Lima to Tarapoto and then transfer to Moyobamba. Depending on the arrival time, we may start by photographing some species in the gardens of this beautiful lodge.

Wakanki Lodge

This place is excellent for photographing hummingbirds such as the White-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora), the Rufous-crested Coquette (Lophornis delattrei), the Fork-tailed Woodnymph (Thalurania furcata), the Brown Violetear (Colibri delphinae), the Golden-tailed Sapphire (Chrysuronia oenone), the Blue-tailed Emerald (Chlorostilbon mellisugus), and many other species that we can capture at the feeders and in the gardens with natural flowers on site.

Wakanki Lodge – Abra Patricia

In the morning, we will head towards Abra Patricia, climbing to almost 2,000 meters. On the way, we will make a stop to look for some local specialties, such as the Wire-crested Thorntail (Discosura popelairii), the Blue-fronted Lancebill (Doryfera johannae), the Black-throated Brilliant (Heliodoxa schreibersii), and the Rufous-throated Sapphire (Hylocharis sapphirina). We will also have new opportunities to photograph several of the species from previous days.

Abra Patricia

Abra Patricia is located in a cloud forest, and as we change altitude, we will also encounter different species. We will have good opportunities to photograph some, such as the Royal Sunangel (Heliangelus regalis), the White-bellied Woodstar (Chaetocercus mulsant), the Fawn-breasted Brilliant (Heliodoxa rubinoides), the Sword-billed Hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera), the Collared Inca (Coeligena torquata), the Emerald-bellied Puffleg (Eriocnemis aline), the Amethyst-throated Sunangel (Heliangelus amethysticollis), the Violet-fronted Brilliant (Heliodoxa leadbeateri), the Long-tailed Sylph (Aglaiocercus kingi), the Booted Racket-tail (Ocreatus underwoodii), the Rufous-vented Whitetip (Urosticte ruficrissa), the Bronzy Inca (Coeligena coeligena), the Chestnut-breasted Coronet (Boissonneaua matthewsii), and the Tawny-bellied Hermit (Phaethornis syrmatophorus).

Pomacochas

From the afternoon of the 7th, we will arrive in Pomacochas, where we will spend two full days in the Huembo Reserve. Our main goal will be to photograph the Marvellous Spatuletail (Loddigesia mirabilis), an endemic hummingbird from northern Peru categorized as endangered by the IUCN due to its very limited range, found only in two locations. There is little demographic information about this species, but the best-known population seems to be declining. Photographing this species will not be easy, but patience and caution will be our best allies. We will dedicate two full days to achieving the best photographic results possible, and during our visit, the males will have their tails in full splendor.

In this area, we will also have the chance to photograph other species such as the Andean Emerald (Uranomitra franciae), the Lesser Violetear (Colibri cyanotus), the Purple-throated Sunangel (Heliangelus viola), the Green-tailed Trainbearer (Lesbia nuna), the Little Woodstar (Chaetocercus bombus), the Chestnut-breasted Coronet (Boissonneaua matthewsii), the Sparkling Violetear (Colibri coruscans), the Bronzy Inca (Coeligena coeligena), and a few more. If this list already has your heart racing, you definitely need to experience this adventure.

Pomacochas - Tarapoto

We will leave Pomacochas to transfer to Aconabikh, located in the Cordillera de la Escalera Conservation Area. At a higher altitude than Tarapoto, it is an excellent spot for photographing hummingbirds. Highlights include the endemic Koepcke's Hermit (Phaethornis koepckeae), the Black-bellied Thorntail (Discosura langsdorffi), Gould's Jewelfront (Heliodoxa aurescens), the Gray-breasted Sabrewing (Campylopterus largipennis), the Rufous-breasted Hermit (Glaucis hirsutus), the Amethyst Woodstar (Calliphlox amethystina), the Blue-tailed Emerald (Chlorostilbon mellisugus), and the Violet-headed Hummingbird (Klais guimeti). On the evening of the 12th, we will take our flight back to Lima.

Lima

If your flight back home is in the afternoon or evening, we will take a morning boat trip to the Palomino Islands, very close to Lima. Here, we can photograph one of the northernmost penguin species, the Humboldt Penguin (Spheniscus humboldti), as well as other fantastic birds like the Blue-footed Booby and Peruvian Booby (Sula nebouxii and Sula variegata), the Red-legged and Guanay Cormorants (Poikilocarbo gaimardi and Leucocarbo bougainvillii), the impressive Inca Tern (Larosterna inca), and the curious Peruvian Seaside Cinclodes (Cinclodes taczanowskii), along with hundreds of South American Sea Lions (Otaria flavescens).

In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight back home or to our next destination.