Amazon River Cruise Departure #1 - January 2026
Dates: January 23-31, 2026
Leaders: Doris Valencia, Rafael Galvez, Alejandro Nagy & Angel Cardenas
E-bird
Total Species: 341 birds
Click Here to view list.
Overall Summary
Our journey to one of the most extraordinary ecosystems on Earth, the Amazon, began in Lima, Peru’s vibrant capital. Some participants had just completed a rewarding pre-trip exploring northern Peru, while others arrived directly from home. Before flying to the Amazon, we spent a memorable day birding the coastal wetlands south of Lima. At Chilca, we observed impressive numbers of American Oystercatchers, Hudsonian Whimbrels, White-cheeked Pintails, and thousands of Franklin’s Gulls, along with the uncommon Black Tern, Peruvian Pipit, and the striking Peruvian Thick-knee. At nearby Puerto Viejo, we enjoyed excellent views of two highly sought-after species: the Many-colored Rush-Tyrant and the Wren-like Rushbird.
Our morning concluded in the fishing village of Pucusana, where we explored the nutrient-rich waters of the Humboldt Current by boat. Highlights included Inca Terns, Peruvian Pelicans, Blue-footed Boobies, Red-legged Cormorants, the endemic Humboldt Penguin, and the distinctive Surf Cinclodes along the rocky shore.
We then flew to Iquitos, the gateway to the northern Peruvian Amazon. After a brief introduction to Amazonian birding along the riverfront overlooking the Itaya River, we boarded the elegant Zafiro, our home for the week ahead.
Over the following days, we explored the Amazon River and the basins of the Ucayali and Marañón Rivers, navigating narrow tributaries and flooded forests by skiff. Among the waterways we visited were the Yarapa, Tahuayo, Dorado, and Zapote rivers, as well as oxbow lakes such as Luceropata and Yuraccocha. These diverse habitats often revealed flooded forest on one side and terra firme forest on the other, offering excellent opportunities to observe a wide range of birdlife.
Wildlife encounters were constant and unforgettable. In addition to a remarkable diversity of birds, we observed Squirrel Monkeys, Monk Saki Monkeys, Saddle-backed Tamarins, Three-toed Sloths, iguanas, and both pink and gray river dolphins.
A particularly special visit took us to a local community, where we encountered the extraordinary Giant Water Lily and learned about its fascinating pollination process involving beetles—one of many remarkable ecological interactions in the Amazon.
Much of our exploration took place within the vast Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, a vital stronghold for biodiversity and an inspiring example of conservation supported by local communities.
Life aboard the Zafiro was equally enjoyable. Meals were consistently excellent, and evenings often ended with live music and spectacular sunsets over the river.
On our final morning, we explored dynamic river islands formed by Andean sediments, where we encountered species such as Parker’s Spinetail, River Tyrannulet, White-bellied Spinetail, Black-and-white Antbird, and Orange-headed Tanager.
After an unforgettable week immersed in the Amazon, we returned to Lima for a farewell dinner, reflecting on a truly remarkable journey through one of the world's most captivating ecosystems.
Day-by-Day Summary
January 22 - Arrive in Lima.
January 23 - Morning birding along the Lima coast at Chilca Marshes and the bay of Pucusana.
January 24 - Flight to Iquitos (348 ft). Birding along river front (Malecón Tarápaca) facing Itaya River followed by embarkation to the Zafiro vessel.
January 25 - Tahuayo River, morning birding along this black-water tributary in the Ucayali River basin. Yarapa River night outing.
January 26 - Yarapa River, black-water tributary. Birding at community reserve. Afternoon exploration of the Sapuenilla oxbow-lake.
January 27 - Yanallpa Creek at the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve morning birding. Yuracocha Oxbow Lake in the afternoon.
January 28 - Zapote Creek, morning birding. Afternoon birding at Dorado River, both tributaries in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.
January 29 - Morning birding at Yarapa follow by San Juan de Paranapura community visit. Afternoon birding at Lucerna creek.
January 30 - Morning birding at Iquitos Creek followed by short walk at high-ground forest at La Posada in the Marañon River basin. Afternoon birding along the Yarapa river back in the Ucayaly River basin.
January 31 - Itaya River islands morning birding before breakfast. At 10.30 am disembarkation and transfer to airport for early afternoon flight back to Lima. Arrival to Lima and check-in at airport hotel. Farewell dinner.
February 1 - Departures for home.
Wildlife Seen:
MAMMALS:
Brown-throated 3-toed Sloth
Saddleback Tamarins
Dusky Titi Monkeys
Common Squirrel Monkey
Monk Saki Monkey
Red Howler Monkey
Bolivian Squirrel Monkey
Isabel’s Saki Monkey
Yellow-crowned Brush-tailed Rat
Long-nosed Bats Fishing bat spp (Pink)
Amazon River Dolphin
Gray Dolphin (Tucuxi)
AMPHIBIANS:
Green Iguana
Tegu Lizard