15-Day Great Northern Peru Birding Route
Cross northern Peru from the Pacific coast to Amazonian foothills on a 15-day birding journey through dry forest, Andes, cloud forest and river lowlands.
About this tour
Travel east from Chiclayo to Tarapoto through one of Peru’s most varied birding corridors. The route begins with coastal wetlands and Tumbesian dry forest, climbs through the western Andes and the Marañon drainage, then enters the cloud forests around Abra Patricia before descending into the warmer forests and rivers of San Martin.
Each stage brings a different bird community. Early days focus on shorebirds, dry-forest endemics and Andean valleys. Gocta and Huembo add mountain scenery, forest trails and hummingbird habitat, while Abra Patricia offers two days in renowned cloud forest. Around Moyobamba and Tarapoto, the program shifts to foothill reserves, wetlands, night birding and lowland forest reached on foot or by boat.
The tour includes fifteen days of overland travel, guided excursions, lodging and most meals. It begins with arrival at Chiclayo Airport and ends with a transfer to Tarapoto Airport. The published prices are per person sharing a twin or double room; a single room costs extra.
Private customized departures can be arranged on requested dates, while current group departures are confirmed after inquiry. Specialist English-speaking birding guides in northern Peru can be in short supply, so early planning is strongly recommended.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Peru.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival and coastal wetlands
Meet at Chiclayo Airport and begin with coastal birding around Puerto Eten, Reque and Monsefu before the first night in Chiclayo.
Day 2
Pomac Dry Forest
Explore coastal dry forest for Tumbesian species and visit the Las Salinas wetland before returning to Chiclayo.
Day 3
Chaparrí and Tinajones
Travel into the foothills for dry-forest birding around Chaparrí and Tinajones, then continue toward Huancabamba.
Day 4
Huancabamba highlands
Bird the Andean habitats around Huancabamba, using the day for highland and valley species.
Day 5
Marañon route to Jaén
Cross toward the Marañon drainage, stopping in changing elevations and dry inter-Andean habitat before reaching Jaén.
Day 6
Gotas de Agua and Gocta
Begin in the protected dry forest at Gotas de Agua, then travel through the Utcubamba Valley to the Gocta area.
Day 7
Gocta and Huembo
Walk from San Pablo toward the upper Gocta trail, then visit Huembo Reserve for hummingbirds and forest birding.
Day 8
Granada Highlands to Abra Patricia
Travel through Chachapoyas and the Granada Highlands to Abra Patricia, with an evening search for the Long-whiskered Owlet.
Day 9
Abra Patricia cloud forest
Spend a full day on cloud-forest trails and finish with optional spotlighting for nocturnal birds.
Day 10
Abra Patricia to Moyobamba
Descend through Afluente and Morro de Calzada toward Moyobamba, adding foothill sites and evening birding near Waqanki.
Day 11
Rio Romero and Tarapoto
Take an early boat excursion in the Rio Romero and Tingana wetland area, then continue to Tarapoto.
Day 12
Cerro Escalera cloud forest
Bird the high forest around the road tunnel in Cordillera Escalera, using a local guide and a packed lunch for a full field day.
Day 13
Juan Guerra, Shapaja and Pucayaquillo
Walk forest near Juan Guerra, continue to Pumarinri and Shapaja, and include the rainforest trail toward Pucayaquillo Waterfalls during this combined lodge stage.
Day 14
Huallaga River lowlands
Drive to Chasuta and travel by boat across the Huallaga River for lowland forest birding before returning to Pumarinri.
Day 15
Tarapoto departure
Transfer to Tarapoto Airport at the appropriate time for the onward flight.
Locations & map
- Chiclayo - Lambayeque Peru (Pacific coast and nearby wetland and dry-forest habitats.)
- Huancabamba - Piura Peru (Andean highland and valley habitats.)
- Gocta - Amazonas Peru (Mountain forest and waterfall trails.)
- Abra Patricia - Amazonas Peru (Cool, wet cloud forest.)
- Moyobamba - San Martin Peru (Warm foothill forest, reserve and wetland habitats.)
- Tarapoto - San Martin Peru (Humid foothill and lowland forest.)
6 stops in itinerary order. Select a marker for its name.
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Private customized departures are arranged for requested dates; current group departures are confirmed after inquiry. Bo
Included
- All land transportation - Included throughout the confirmed route.
- Lodging - Accommodation throughout the circuit is included.
- Guided excursions - Birding and route excursions are included.
- Most meals - Most meals are included; the final proposal identifies any exceptions.
Not included
- Single-room supplement - A single room costs extra.
Transport & stays
- Private overland vehicle and local boats Road travel links Chiclayo, the Andes, Abra Patricia, Moyobamba and Tarapoto; scheduled excursions also use boats on Rio Romero and the Huallaga River. | Meet: Chiclayo Airport | Pickup: Arrival pickup in Chiclayo and departure transfer to Tarapoto Airport are part of the published route.
Accommodations
- Chiclayo hotel
- Huancabamba accommodation
- Gocta Andes Lodge or similar
- Owlet Lodge or similar
- Waqanki Fruiteater Lodge or Moyobamba hotel
- Tarapoto hotel
- Pumarinri Amazon Lodge
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Can this route be booked privately?
Yes. PeruNorth arranges customized private departures on requested dates and can confirm current group departures after inquiry.
How early should I book?
Book well in advance. Good English-speaking specialist birding guides are limited in northern Peru, so guide availability must be confirmed for the requested dates.
What does the published price include?
The twin- or double-sharing price includes all land transport, lodging, guided excursions and most meals. A single room costs extra.
Are particular bird sightings guaranteed?
No. The itinerary visits suitable habitats and specialist sites, but every observation depends on wild birds, weather and current local conditions.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.