This 12-day northern Peru bird photography tour is designed for travelers who are passionate about birds and photography, and who wish to experience the remarkable biodiversity of northern Peru at a comfortable and rewarding pace.

The eastern slopes of the Andes are among the most species-rich regions in the Neotropics. In recent years, the establishment of private reserves with bird feeders, hides, and well-maintained trails has made northern Peru a dream destination for bird photographers.

We begin in the Cordillera Escalera Reserve, near the city of Tarapoto, where lush montane forests host an abundance of colorful species. We’ll photograph striking birds such as the Ivory-billed Aracari, Koepcke’s Hermit, Paradise Tanager, and many other vibrant tanagers and hummingbirds.

Our next base is the Alto Mayo Valley, with accommodations in the friendly city of Moyobamba. Here, the Waqanki Lodge hummingbird garden provides exceptional opportunities to photograph up to 18 species of hummingbirds, including the spectacular Rufous-crested Coquette and Violet-headed Hummingbird. We’ll also visit the Tahuishco canopy tower, where colorful birds like Blue-headed Parrot, Lettered Aracari, and Blue-necked Tanager can be captured against a backdrop of lush green hills.

We then continue to the renowned Owlet Lodge at Abra Patricia, nestled in the misty cloud forest. The flowering gardens and feeders attract dazzling species such as Emerald-bellied Puffleg and Amethyst-throated Sunangel, while forest trails provide chances to photograph flycatchers, woodpeckers, and tanagers. In the evenings, we’ll try to photograph nocturnal species like the Cinnamon Screech-Owl and White-throated Screech-Owl.

Nearby, we explore the Fundo Alto Nieva Reserve, one of the best places to attempt a photo of the rare and beautiful Long-whiskered Owlet. We also search for the stunning Royal Sunangel hummingbird and species such as Johnson’s Tody-Flycatcher and Yellow-scarfed Tanager on gentle, well-maintained forest trails.

Finally, the grand finale: a visit to the “Huembo” and the “Refugio del Colibrí Cola Espátula” reserves, both home to one of the world’s most extraordinary hummingbirds—the Marvelous Spatuletail. With patience and a good lens, we’ll aim to capture this jewel-like species in flight, a true highlight for any bird photographer.

This tour is specially crafted for photographers and bird enthusiasts, offering comfortable lodges, moderate physical activity, and expert local guides. The pace is unhurried, with ample time at each location to enjoy and photograph the region’s magnificent birds.