MACAW CLAY LICK - CHUNCHO

Macaw clay licks are one of the most spectacular natural phenomenon's in Amazonia. On the Tambopata river, approximately 90 km. up river from the town of Puerto Maldonado, 2-2.5 hours from the lodge, you can find the Chuncho clay lick. Libertador Tambopata Lodge offers special excursions to visit this magnificent area.

The action starts just before dawn as the first few rays of sun are braking through the sky and expose the eroded river bank that is known as the Chuncho clay lick. The first sign of activity will be the ear piercing squawks of the parrots, parakeets and macaws as they start to arrive in the area. Some of the birds have flown here from as far as seven kilometers away. Depending on the species the birds will arrive in discrete pairs or in huge flocks. When they arrive in the area they head straight for the trees were they will perch for some time before they decide if it is safe to eat the clay or not. When they have secured the area the first descent from the trees to the cliff will be made by the small parrots and parakeets.

Next the small macaws such as the chestnut fronted macaw and the red bellied macaw will fly down and land on the cliff face. The next birds to descend are the large red and green macaws, the spectacular scarlet macaws and the beautiful blue and yellow macaws. You will be treated to an amazing display of color as these birds demonstrate why they are known as the 'winged rainbows'. You will have the best seats in the house to watch these magnificent birds consume there daily breakfast of clay. The viewing point is on a hidden beach approximately 40 meters away from the clay face.