Small-Group Chiclayo-Cajamarca Tour
A small-group 14-day birding journey from Chiclayo to Cajamarca through Abra Patricia and the Marañón canyons, with an estimated 475-525 species.
About this tour
This small-group northern Peru itinerary travels from Chiclayo to Cajamarca through dry forest, cloud forest and the Marañón drainage. The first stages visit Chaparrí, Casupe Road, Bosque de Pómac and Abra Porculla before continuing through Jaén to Pomacochas and Abra Patricia. Marvelous Spatuletail at Huembo Center and Long-whiskered Owlet near El Progreso are two central searches.
After Arena Blanca, the journey turns south through the Cocahuayco River gorge to Cocachimba and Leymebamba. It then drops into the Marañón River canyon at Balsas, climbs toward Celendín and finishes with birding around Cajamarca. The estimated total is 475-525 species, with regional endemics forming a major part of the route's appeal.
The pace is easy and difficulty rated easy, although several long drives, hilly roadsides and steep access trails may be demanding. April through October is the recommended period. Send an inquiry through BirdWatch to discuss schedule details, flight arrangements, availability and final pricing.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Peru.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Lima
Arrive in Lima and settle in before the field program continues. Overnight at LimaQ Hotel.
Day 2
Morning fly to Chiclayo before continuing
The early field session is used to take a flight to Chiclayo before continuing overland to Chaparri Reserve. Spend the remaining part of the day in the reserve. The planned overnight is at Chaparri Ecolodge.
Day 3
Birding at Chaparri Reserve
Spend the full day birdwatching at Chaparri Reserve. Tonight's stay is at Chaparri Ecolodge.
Day 4
Casupe Road
Use the morning session to make a field stop at Casupe Road. Continue after lunch and make a field stop at Bosque de Pomac Sanctuary north of Chiclayo. The overnight base is a hotel in Chiclayo.
Day 5
Abra Porculla near Limon
Begin the field day with time to spend the session at Abra Porculla near Limon. In the afternoon, spend the session at Jaen area. Stay overnight at a hotel in Jaen.
Day 6
Outside Jaen
Dedicate the morning to spend time birdwatching outside Jaen. Reserve the afternoon to make the onward journey to Pomacochas area, pausing at Huembo Center for a Marvelous Spatuletail search. Then proceed to El Progreso. Near dusk, search for Long-whiskered Owlet. Accommodation for the night is at a hotel in El Progreso.
Day 7
Birding at Abra Patricia area
Spend the full day birdwatching at Abra Patricia area. The itinerary uses Owlet Lodge for the overnight.
Day 8
Birding at Abra Patricia area
Spend the full day birdwatching at Abra Patricia area. Tonight's stay is at Owlet Lodge.
Day 9
Abra Patricia area
The morning is used to visit Abra Patricia area. Then travel to Arena Blanca. The planned overnight is at Arena Blanca Ecological Reserve.
Day 10
Visit to blind at Arena Blanca
Begin at first opportunity and make a field stop at blind at Arena Blanca. After lunch, travel through the Cocahuayco River gorge toward Cocachimba, using suitable stops for birdwatching. Stay overnight at a hotel in Cocachimba.
Day 11
Travel to Leymebamba
Begin the field day with time to make the onward journey to Leymebamba. Continue through the remaining daylight with birdwatching there. The overnight base is a hotel in Leymebamba.
Day 12
Depart early for long road journey
Set out early for the long road journey into the Marañon River canyon at Balsas. Explore both riverbanks above the town, then proceed to Celendin with additional birdwatching stops. The itinerary uses a hotel in Celendin for the overnight.
Day 13
Birding around Celendin until mid morning
Focus the field session around Celendin until mid-morning. Then travel to Cajamarca with birdwatching stops along the way. Accommodation for the night is at a hotel in Cajamarca.
Day 14
Birding at Cajamarca area
Keep the full field program centered at Cajamarca area. Early that evening, take a flight from Cajamarca to Lima. The tour concludes at the airport in Lima. Take the overnight flight home.
Day 15
Arrival in home
Complete the return journey home.
Locations & map
- Lima - Peru
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: April-October
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.