Birds of the Northern Kingdoms of Peru - January 2026
Dates: January 16-22, 2026
Leader: Doris Valencia Puclla
E-bird
Total Species: 128 birds
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Overall Summary
Our Northern Kingdoms of Peru tour was an unforgettable journey that combined exceptional birding, fascinating archaeology, and meaningful conservation experiences. Participants gathered in Lima in mid‑January before flying north to the coastal city of Chiclayo, where our adventure began with a visit to the Wetlands of Eten. This coastal site provided an excellent introduction to the region’s birdlife, with highlights including several species of teals, Peruvian Meadowlark, Chestnut‑throated Seedeater, the secretive Plumbeous Rail, and our first endemic species, the Coastal Miner, seen near the ruins of an old church.
From there, we explored the cultural and natural treasures surrounding Chiclayo. At Huaca Rajada, the site where the famous tomb of the Lord of Sipán was discovered in 1987, we enjoyed excellent birding among sugarcane fields and dry forest patches, spotting species such as Pacific Parrotlet, Scarlet‑backed Woodpecker, Pacific Hornero, and Parrot‑billed Seedeater. We also visited the impressive Royal Tombs of the Lord of Sipán Museum, which beautifully showcases one of Peru’s most important archaeological discoveries.
Birding continued in the Pomac National Sanctuary, home to the largest protected area of Pacific dry forest in South America and a global biodiversity hotspot. Here, we encountered outstanding regional endemics, including the highly localized Peruvian Plantcutter and Rufous Flycatcher, along with Pearl Kite, White‑browed Gnatcatcher, and many other species. At the nearby Pyramids of Túcume, we were delighted to find a nesting pair of Necklaced Spinetails carefully working on their stick nest.
One of the most memorable parts of the journey was our stay at the Chaparrí Private Reserve, the first community‑owned reserve established in Peru since 2000. Over two days, we explored this remarkable dry forest ecosystem while learning about important conservation initiatives led by the local community. Chaparrí is also known for its successful recovery program for the critically endangered White‑winged Guan, once thought extinct and rediscovered in 1977. The reserve now supports a healthy wild population. Birding here was outstanding, with many Tumbesian specialties, including Tumbes Hummingbird, Tumbes Sparrow, Tumbes Chat‑Tyrant, Elegant Crescent‑chest, and Collared Warbling‑Finch, as well as several hummingbird species. A particularly special moment was observing a pair of Andean Bears participating in the reserve’s conservation program.
As we continued our journey, we explored higher‑elevation forests rich in bromeliads just above Chaparrí, an excellent area for various specialties and endemics. This was followed by a visit to the Tinajones Reservoir, where we encountered large numbers of waterbirds, including ducks, Wood Storks, cormorants, and a surprise Roseate Spoonbill, as well as Large‑billed Terns. Later, we enjoyed a delicious community‑prepared lunch before continuing south to Trujillo.
Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Trujillo offered a fascinating blend of nature and history. We explored the unique coastal lomas ecosystem, home to species such as Oasis Hummingbird, the endemic Great Inca‑Finch, and Cactus Canastero. Cultural highlights included visits to Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the Huacas of the Sun and Moon, where we observed Schudi’s Nightjars and a large flock of Peruvian Thick‑knees; the unique Sanctuary of the Lady of Cao; and a traditional Peruvian Paso Horse show.
This journey perfectly blended outstanding birding, rich cultural heritage, and inspiring conservation efforts. From endangered equatorial dry forests and Tumbesian endemics to ancient civilizations and welcoming communities, northern Peru once again proved to be a truly remarkable destination.
Day-by-Day Summary
Day 1: January 16 – Arrival in Lima
Arrival in Lima. Time to settle in and prepare for the journey through northern Peru.
Day 2: January 17 – Puerto Eten & Huaca Rajada
Morning flight to Chiclayo followed by coastal birding at Puerto Eten, an excellent introduction to the region’s birdlife. In the afternoon we visit the pre-Inca site of Huaca Rajada, the discovery place of the famous Lord of Sipán tomb.
Day 3: January 18 – Bosque de Pómac &Túcume & Chaparrí. Morning birding at Bosque de Pómac and a visit to the Pyramids of Túcume, followed by the impressive Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum and lunch in Lambayeque. Afternoon drive to Chaparrí Private Reserve.
Day 4: January 19 – Chaparrí Private Reserve
Full day exploring the dry forests of Chaparrí through several guided walks. We also learn about the reserve’s important community conservation work and the recovery of the endangered White-winged Guan.
Day 5: January 20 – Chaparrí & Tinajones Reservoir & Trujillo. Morning exploration of higher elevation forests above Chaparrí followed by birding at the Tinajones Reservoir. Lunch, journey to the city of Trujillo.
Day 6: January 21 – Lomas & El Brujo & Chan Chan
Morning exploration of a coastal lomas ecosystem, a unique fog-dependent habitat supporting specialized desert species. Visit of the archaeological site of El Brujo and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Chan Chan.
Day 7: January 22 – Huacas of the Sun and Moon & Back to Lima. Morning visit to the impressive Huacas of the Sun and Moon, important temples of the ancient Moche civilization. Afternoon flight back to Lima and transfer to our hotel in San Isidro.
Other wildlfe
Mammals: Guayaquil Squirrel (Sciurus stramineus): Seen around lodge grounds at Chaparri Reserve and during walk in Bosque de Pomac.
Sechuran Fox (Lycalopex sechurae): A pair were regular visitors to dining area at Chaparri Reserve.
Molina’s Hog-nosed Skunk (Conepatus chinga): Seen by some members of group after dinner at Chaparri Reserve.
Collared Peccary (Pecary tajuca): Seen around lodge grounds at Chaparri Reeserve.
Peruvian White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus peruvianus): Seen while driving to Chaparri Reserve, just feeding on side of trail.
Andean Bear (Tremarctos ornatus): Two were seen at enclosure as part of Chaparri reserve’s re-introduction program, one had young and has successfully bred in the wild.
Reptiles:
Tumbesian Tegu (Callopistes flavipunctatus): Common reptile around large patches of dry forest.