Madre De Dios: Clay Licks, Rivers and Rainforest
Accommodation in Madre De Dios
In Madre De Dios, nature experiences range from morning gatherings of birds at clay licks to boat trips, trekking and wildlife watching. Different places offer different highlights: at some lakes, river otters are the main attraction; on other routes, the focus is on getting around on foot or by water.
Clay Licks and Wildlife Watching
At the clay licks in the Tambopata National Reserve, weather permitting, hundreds of birds of different species of parakeets, parrots and macaws gather every morning to consume mineral-rich clay. Weather is part of this nature experience: the morning gathering depends on favorable conditions.
The Collpa de Guacamayos Colorado offers a striking sense of scale: the clay slope is about 50 meters high and 500 meters long. Six different species of macaws, parrots and parakeets gather there to eat clay. At Collpa Chachuela, hundreds of parrots and small macaws come together to take in minerals from the clay; wildlife presence can naturally vary.
Wildlife-watching opportunities also vary from lake to lake. A family of river otters lives year-round at Lago Sachavacayoc; large anacondas also live there. At Lago Cocococha, you may be able to watch a family of river otters among palm forests. Cocha Salvador is home to one of the most stable river otter families in Manu. Catamarans are permitted there for observing wildlife and exploring the water. Before your trip, check whether this activity is currently authorized.
Pakitza combines forest trails with other wildlife-watching spots: its trail system passes through forests that are especially popular with birdwatchers. Pakitza also has a mammal clay lick that is regularly visited by many species.
River Routes, Boat Trips and Trails
Routes differ according to the activities they offer. The RÃo Tambopata route offers rafting on Class I, II and III rapids. The route to Lago Sandoval includes boat trips; the route to the La Torre lakes includes boat trips and hikes. At RÃo Pamahuaca, trekking trails pass through the characteristic flora and fauna of the upper and lower rainforest. Water activities, hikes and trekking are therefore distinct experiences.
The route to RÃo Manu involves changing modes of transport: first, travel by car to Atalaya, then continue by boat to RÃo Manu; in the river area, continue on foot. Check these logistics before your trip, as conditions may change. Along the route, you can watch shorebirds and other birds, turtles and macaws. With a little luck, you may also see tapirs and jaguars.
Boat or canoe trips are offered at Lago Yacumama, where you can observe biodiversity in its natural habitat. Sustainable recreational piranha fishing is also possible there; afterward, the fish caught are released. Before your trip, ask whether trips and fishing are currently taking place.
Culture and Natural History
At Bahuaja Sonene National Park, you can learn about the vibrant cultures of the Ese'eja and Harakmbut peoples. Manu National Park was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Alongside wildlife watching and water activities, these two aspects add cultural and historical context to your trip.
At Parque de la Castaña, visitors can take part in traditional activities involving Brazil nuts, including gathering, transporting, cracking and shelling them. Check in advance whether these activities will be available during your travel dates.
Discover more destinations: Filadelfia, Inca, Lucerna, La Torre, Sandoval, Iberia, Puerto Maldonado, Loyoboc, Madre de Dios, Repartición, Manú.
For the broader travel overview: Peru.
