Tour Clay Lick 3 days

DETAILED TOUR ITINERARY:

WHAT TOUR SERVICES:

INCLUDED

Included in the Tambopata Expeditions  :

• A professional naturalist Tour Guide;
• Motorboat transportation:
• Private vehicle land transportation;
• Entrance fees to the Reserve Tambopata ;
• Meals: 2x Breakfast, 2x Lunch, 2x Dinner and drinking water (Please note: vegetarian option upon request for no extra cost!);
• Accommodation: 2 Nights in Tambopata lodges Inn;
• First aid kit, including a poison extractor, mosquito bite treatment and an antidote for a snake bite;
• Radio communications;
• Rubber boots.

WHAT TOUR SERVICES:

NOT INCLUDED

Not included in the Tambopata Expeditions:

• Any flight nor airport departure taxes;
• Travel insurance;
• Vaccination;
• Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day;
• Drinks;
• Tips to local staff.
• Entrance no included

What to take with you to the Tambopata Expeditions

• Mosquito repellent (DEET 35 recommended as a MINIMUM!!),
• Original passport,
• Small backpack,
• Long sleeved cotton shirts (preferably green coloured),
• Long cotton trousers,
• Cotton long socks (to be put into your trousers),
• Comfortable walking shoes,
• Sandals or light shoes,
• Rain gear (e.g. rain poncho),
• Sweater (for the beginning of the tour in Andes and the cloud forest only),
• Swimsuits;
• Binoculars (we also rent it),
• Camera and its charger,
• Plastic bags to be used for clothes and a camera,
• A hat as a protection against the Sun or rain,
• Toiletries,
• Small towel,
• Toilet paper,
• Antibacterial gel,
• Sun cream,
• Sunglasses for jungle trips,
• Flashlight (with spare bulb and batteries),
• A bottled water (1 litre as a minimum),
• Pocket money (Soles) to buy some beverages and souvenirs as well as to tip.

Effects of Diet, Migration, and Breeding on Clay Lick Use by Parrots in Southeastern Peru

Introduction

Soil consumption, or geophagy, is a common behavior among many mammals worldwide, including primates, rodents, and ungulates. While less studied in birds, soil-eating is particularly prevalent among parrots and pigeons. This behavior is especially notable in the Amazon, where parrots frequently visit clay licks—natural deposits of mineral-rich soil—to consume specific clays.

Scientists have proposed several reasons why animals engage in geophagy: to aid digestion through grit, to supplement essential minerals (especially sodium), and to neutralize dietary toxins. For parrots in southeastern Peru, studies show that soil is not consumed for grit since they select fine clays unsuitable for grinding. Instead, clay consumption primarily serves to provide vital minerals like sodium, which are scarce in their plant-based diets, and to bind harmful toxins found in many seeds and unripe fruits.

This article presents data collected at the Tambopata Research Center, exploring how parrot use of clay licks varies seasonally and how these patterns relate to changes in diet, migration, and breeding behaviors.

Study Overview

The study was conducted at the Tambopata Research Center, located in the southwestern Amazon Basin, Peru. The site experiences over 3,000 mm of annual rainfall and features a large clay lick formed by river erosion. Data were collected over multiple years, documenting bird visitation patterns, species diversity, breeding activity, and crop samples from parrot chicks.

Key Findings

Species Diversity: Sixteen parrot species, along with guans and pigeons, regularly use the clay lick, with over 1,300 birds sometimes present simultaneously.

Seasonal Clay Lick Use: Parrot visitation peaks between August and January, coinciding with breeding seasons, and dips from February to July. These patterns do not directly correspond with wet or dry seasons but align with local food availability and parrot migration.

Breeding and Clay Use: Peak clay lick activity occurs during chick-rearing rather than egg-laying. Adults appear to feed clay to young chicks, which likely require the minerals for rapid growth and to detoxify their seed-rich diets.

Chick Development: Soil was found in most crop samples from chicks aged 20–30 days, but rarely in older chicks, indicating the importance of clay during early development.

Migration: Parrots likely migrate away during periods of low food availability, though their exact destinations remain unknown.

Conclusion

Clay lick use by parrots in southeastern Peru is a complex behavior influenced by diet, breeding, and migration. The consumption of mineral-rich clay supports nutritional needs and toxin management, particularly critical for young chicks during early growth stages. Understanding these behaviors enhances conservation efforts and enriches our knowledge of Amazonian wildlife ecology.

ABOUT LODGE:

Jungle Trek Adventure & Wildlife Experience

Experience Highlights:
Witness a breathtaking sunrise at the Chuncho macaw clay lick, where vibrant macaws, parrots, and parakeets gather on clay cliffs, creating a stunning natural spectacle. At night, explore the mysterious Amazonian nocturnal wildlife on guided walks, spotting tarantulas, tree frogs, and bioluminescent insects. End your journey with a peaceful visit to Lake Sandoval, paddling its calm waters surrounded by lush rainforest.

Day 1: Arrival and Jungle Trek
Meet in Puerto Maldonado for transfer to Tambopata port, then boat to the lodge. Spot wildlife en route—birds, turtles, capybaras, maybe jaguars. Afternoon rainforest walk and night boat ride to see caimans and nocturnal animals.

Day 2: Macaw Clay Lick and Jungle Exploration
Early morning at Chuncho clay lick to watch macaws feeding. Visit local museum and reserve station. Afternoon jungle walk discovering medicinal plants and wildlife. Night walk to hear the rainforest’s night sounds.

Day 3: Final Trek and Departure
Morning trek to mammal clay lick and ancient trees. Learn about traditional medicinal plants. Return by boat and transfer back to Puerto Maldonado for your onward travel.