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A Morning at the Macaw Clay Lick in Tambopata

A trip to the Macaw Clay Lick in Tambopata is one of the most incredible wildlife experiences in the Amazon rainforest. Tour companies like Tour Guides Machupicchu offer this as a key highlight, typically as part of a multi-day Amazon tour originating from Puerto Maldonado.

The Phenomenon of the Macaw Clay Lick

A "clay lick," known as a colpa in the local language, is a natural wall of mineral-rich clay on a riverbank. Every morning, hundreds of macaws, parrots, and parakeets descend on these clay banks. This behavior is believed to serve two main purposes:

  • Mineral Supplementation: The clay is rich in sodium and other essential minerals that are often lacking in the birds' fruit- and seed-based diet.

  • Detoxification: The clay helps to neutralize toxins present in the unripe fruits and seeds that are part of the birds' diet. The clay acts as a natural binder, allowing the birds to safely pass these toxins from their systems.

The Tambopata National Reserve is home to the largest known macaw clay lick in the world, attracting up to 17 different species of parrots and macaws, including the vibrant Red-and-Green, Scarlet, and Blue-and-Yellow Macaws.

The Morning Experience with a Tour Operator

A tour to the clay lick is an early morning affair, as the birds arrive with the first light of dawn.

  1. Pre-Dawn Departure: The day starts well before sunrise, often with a wake-up call around 4:00 AM. You will have a light breakfast at your eco-lodge before heading out.

  2. The River Journey: You will board a motorized canoe and journey down the Tambopata River in the dim pre-dawn light. This is a magical experience as the jungle awakens. Your guide will point out caimans, capybaras, and other nocturnal animals returning to their rest, as well as the first birds becoming active.

  3. The Grand Spectacle: Upon arrival at the clay lick, your boat will position itself for the best view. The spectacle begins with smaller parakeets descending, followed by a cacophony of sound and a vibrant flash of color as the large macaws fly down to the clay lick. The peak activity is usually between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM.

  4. Observation and Interpretation: Your guide will provide binoculars and a scope, offering a close-up view of the birds. They will also provide detailed information on the birds' behavior, the ecology of the clay lick, and the conservation efforts in the region.

  5. Return to the Lodge: After a few hours of enjoying the spectacle, you will return to your lodge for a full breakfast and to continue with other scheduled activities, such as jungle hikes, canopy walks, or visits to oxbow lakes.

For travelers who are passionate about wildlife and photography, this morning at the macaw clay lick is a highlight of any trip to the Peruvian Amazon. The sheer number of birds, their brilliant colors, and the wild sounds of the jungle combine to create a truly unforgettable experience.

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