Amazon River Cruise 2025
Dates: January 29–February 8, 2025
Leaders: David Ascanio, Doris Valencia, Alejandro Nagy & Angel Cárdenas
E-bird
Total Species: 330 birds
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Overall Summary
The 2025 Amazon River Cruise delivered an unforgettable journey through one of Earth’s richest ecosystems—from coastal Peru’s cold Pacific waters to the vast flooded forests of the Amazon Basin. After an excellent day exploring Lima’s Humboldt Current–driven coastline—featuring tens of thousands of Franklin’s Gulls, Humboldt Penguins, and a spectacular mix of shorebirds and terns—the group flew into Iquitos and boarded Zafiro, their home for six nights.
Daily skiff excursions along the Amazon, Ucayali, and Marañón rivers revealed a breathtaking mix of wildlife: multiple cotingas perched in the canopy, specialty antbirds in river-edge thickets, raptor flights rising with midday thermals, and iconic species like Hoatzin, Horned Screamer, Sungrebe, and five kingfisher species. Highlights included rare sightings of Buckley’s Forest-Falcon, Spectacled Owl carrying prey, Pheasant Cuckoo singing in daylight, and intimate views of primates including Pygmy Marmoset, Saddleback Tamarin, and Monk Saki Monkey. The group also recorded Orchard Oriole, a first national record for Peru.
River-island birding on the final morning capped the trip with Parker’s Spinetail, Black-and-white Antbird, and several spinetails. Combined with expert guiding, calm waters, and outstanding group chemistry, the cruise offered a magical window into the Amazon’s immense biodiversity.
Day-by-Day Summary
January 29 – Arrival
Participants arrived in Lima and prepared for the expedition.
January 30 – Lima Coast: Pantanos de Villa & Pucusana Bay
A full coastal day showcased the Humboldt Current’s abundance. Tens of thousands of Franklin’s Gulls filled the skies, alongside Peruvian Boobies, Peruvian Pelicans, Neotropic Cormorants, oystercatchers, sandpipers, and elegant terns. Surf Cinclodes and Humboldt Penguins were standout targets.
January 31 – Flight to Iquitos & Embarkation
After exploring Iquitos’ bustling markets, the group birded the waterfront, finding Olive-spotted Hummingbird, Orange-headed Tanager, Black-capped Becard, and Chestnut-bellied Seedeater. Boarding Zafiro marked the transition into the Amazon Basin.
February 1 – Tahuayo & Lucero Pata
Early river exploration revealed Pale-billed Hornero, Black-tailed Antbird, woodcreepers, and canopy activity from parakeets and terns. Forest structure discussions highlighted varzea vs. igapó ecosystems.
February 2 – Yarapa & Sapuenilla
Morning outings included Long-billed Woodcreeper, Bare-necked Fruitcrow, and specialty antbirds. Afternoon skiffing through quiet blackwater channels added Sungrebe, Capped Heron, and roosting nightbirds.
February 3 – Yanallpa & Yuracocha
A productive day with mixed-species flocks, stunning views of cuckoos, and raptor activity including Slender-billed Kite and Double-toothed Kite. Forest mammals included tamarins with young.
February 4 – Zapote & Dorado
Key sightings included Buckley’s Forest-Falcon, Pheasant Cuckoo, Purple-throated Cotinga, and Spectacled Owl carrying a Russet-backed Oropendola.
February 5 – Yarapa & Paranapura
Skiffing delivered excellent looks at five species of kingfishers, Amazonian Black-Tyrant, nunbirds, jacamars, and antbirds. Afternoon heat brought rising thermals and active raptors overhead.
February 6 – La Posada Marañón & Amazon River
Exploration of varzea habitat added Point-tailed Palmcreeper, plushcrowns, spinetails, and monkeys, including Monk Saki and Woolly Monkey. Evening wildlife included bats, caiman, and amphibians.
February 7 – River Island & Return to Lima
Final-morning specialty birding produced Parker’s Spinetail, Black-and-white Antbird, Yellow-chinned Spinetail, River Tyrannulet, and more. A major highlight was the discovery of Orchard Oriole, a new species for Peru. The group then returned to Lima.
February 8 – Departure
Participants departed for home following an exceptional Amazon adventure.