ITINERARY:

Day 1 – Arrive Lima, Peru – Transfer to hotel Tuesday 16th Nov
Try to arrive in the morning at Jorge Chavez International Airport, Lima, Peru, where we will transfer to your hotel in the heart of the traditional Miraflores district. This evening serves as a relaxed introduction to Peru, allowing you to settle in and prepare for the diverse birding habitats ahead. We will gather for a welcome dinner to discuss the upcoming route through northern Peru. 
Night: Miraflores (D)

Day 2 – Coastal Biodiversity: Pucusana, Lurin Valley & Villa Marshes 
Our expedition opens with a focused exploration of the Humboldt Current, one of the most productive marine systems on Earth. We travel south to the fishing port of Pucusana for a private boat circuit along its steep volcanic cliffs and wave cut platforms. These nutrient rich waters support reliable encounters with Humboldt Penguin, Inca Tern,  Guanay Cormorant and Red-legged Cormorant. Rafts of Peruvian Pelican, Peruvian Booby and Kelp Gull patrol the surf, while Blackish Oystercatcher and Surf Cinclodes work the rocky edges. The harbour often holds South American Sea Lion, and with luck we may spot Marine Otter, a scarce coastal mammal that occasionally appears around sheltered coves. From the coast we move inland to the Lurín Valley, a mosaic of irrigated fields, dry scrub and semi arid slopes. This transition zone supports Amazilia Hummingbird, Harris’s Hawk, Southern Beardless Tyrannulet, Peruvian Thick-knee and Chestnut-throated Seedeater. The drier margins may also produce Croaking Ground Dove, Peruvian Meadowlark, Rufous-collared Sparrow and the subtly patterned Collared Warbling Finch. Overhead, Variable Hawk and American Kestrel are regular. We finish at the Villa Marshes (Pantanos de Villa), a Ramsar wetland of reedbeds, open lagoons and tidal mudflats. This is prime habitat for Many-colored Rush Tyrant, White-tufted Grebe, Great Grebe, Cinnamon Teal, Plumbeous Rail and a broad suite of migrant shorebirds including Lesser Yellowlegs, Western Sandpiper and Whimbrel. The outer lagoon often holds Black-crowned Night Heron, Puna Ibis and Wren-like Rushbird, while the surrounding dunes may reveal Coastal Miner. This first day provides a complete introduction to Peru’s coastal and marine specialists before we ascend toward the Andes. 
Night Miraflores (B,L,D)

Day 3 – Journey to the Upper Amazon – Tarapoto & Lake Ricuricocha
Following a morning flight from Lima, we arrive in Tarapoto, the natural gateway to the humid foothills of the Northern Peruvian Andes. After settling into our hotel and lunching in town, we head out for an afternoon session around Lake Ricuricocha, a seasonally flooded wetland bordered by riverine scrub, second growth forest and small agricultural clearings. This mix of habitats provides an excellent first immersion into the low elevation birdlife of the Upper Amazon fringe. The lake margins hold Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Pied-billed Grebe, Striated Heron, Wattled Jacana and Amazon Kingfisher, while floating vegetation attracts Purple Gallinule and Spot-breasted Woodpecker along the edges. The surrounding scrub and vine tangles support Planalto Hermit, Plain-crowed Spinetail, Ashy-headed Greenlet, Northern Slaty Antshrike, Riparian Parrotlet and Short-tailed Pygmy Tyrant, while the more open patches often produce Yellow-browed Sparrow, Silver-beaked Tanager, Blue-gray Tanager and Chestnut-bellied Seed Finch, with Roadside Hawk and Gray-lined Hawk overhead. The transitional forest around the lake can also yield Black-fronted Nunbird, White-lined Antbird, Great Kiskadee, Social Flycatcher and the distinctive White-eyed Parakeet moving in noisy flocks. At this elevation, mammals are possible too: Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth occasionally rests in Cecropia trees, and Neotropical Otter is sometimes recorded along quieter channels. Dragonfly diversity is high, and the area is known for colourful butterflies including several bright Morpho species drifting along the forest edge. This first afternoon provides a measured introduction to the humid foothill avifauna before we move deeper into the Andes and the montane forests beyond Tarapoto. 
Night: Tarapoto (B,L,D)

Day 4 – Cordillera Escalera & The Endemic Koepcke’s Hermit
Today is dedicated to the Cordillera Escalera Reserve, a protected ridge of humid pre montane and cloud forest rising sharply above Tarapoto. The road that winds through the reserve offers access to moss draped forest edges, bamboo thickets, and steep ravines—habitats that support an exceptional concentration of foothill specialists. As we work slowly upslope, we will search for Wattled Guan, Curl-crested Aracari, Striolated Puffbird, Chestnut-tipped Toucanet, Lanceolated Monklet, and the often vocal Black-faced Antbird. Mixed flocks are a hallmark of this area, frequently holding Plumbeous Euphonia, Dotted Tanager, Paradise Tanager, Bay-headed Tanager, and Olivaceous Woodcreeper, with Yellow-tufted Woodpecker and Golden-olive Woodpecker along the roadside. The forest interior may also produce White-browed Antbird, Rufous-capped Nunlet, Gray-breasted Sabrewing, and Montane Foliage-gleaner, while river crossings can attract Torrent Tyrannulet and White-capped Dipper. Mammals are possible too: Brown Capuchin Monkey and Kinkajou occur in the reserve, and Spectacled Bear is present though rarely seen. A key highlight is our visit to the Koepcke’s Hermit Conservation Center, a private reserve established specifically to safeguard the rare endemic Koepcke’s Hermit. The feeders here provide outstanding photographic views of this target species, alongside Gould’s Jewelfront, Black-throated Brilliant, Great-billed Hermit, Violet-fronted Brilliant, and Blue-tailed Emerald. The surrounding flowering bushes often hosts Wire-crested Thorntail and Many-spotted Hummingbird, adding to the diversity. This day offers one of the richest introductions to the pre montane avifauna of northern Peru, combining high quality forest birding with a great local conservation experience. 
Night Tarapoto (B,L,D)

Day 5 – Tarapoto – Moyobamba
We begin the day driving toward Moyobamba, making a brief stop at Puente Quiscarrumi, where a long established colony of Oilbirds roosts in the shaded recesses beneath the bridge. Their size, rasping calls and nocturnal habits make this an unusual and memorable sight before we continue into the foothills. Our destination is Waqanki, a family run reserve protecting a belt of humid montane forest and well maintained gardens on the outskirts of Moyobamba. We will spend the full day exploring the lodge grounds, trails and canopy tower. The hummingbird feeders are among the most productive in northern Peru, regularly attracting Rufous-crested Coquette, Black-throated Hermit, Great-billed Hermit, Black-throated Mango, Violet-headed Hummingbird, White-chinned Sapphire, Many-spotted Hummingbird, Gould’s Jewelfront, Wire-crested Thorntail, and Blue-tailed Emerald. The flowering borders also draw in Golden-tailed Sapphire and Fork-tailed Woodnymph, while the gardens host a remarkable diversity of butterflies, including Blue Morpho, Tiger Longwing, Rusty-tipped Page, and the striking Glasswing, which drift through the understory on sunny mornings. From the canopy tower, we scan the mid story and treetops for Mishana Tyrannulet, Chestnut-eared Aracari, Crested Oropendola, Lettered Aracari, Plumbeous Kite, Yellow-rumped Cacique, and mixed flocks containing Paradise, Bay-headed and Turquoise Tanagers, along with Olivaceous Woodcreeper and Buff-throated Saltator. The forest trails may also produce Black-faced Antbird, Rufous-fronted Thornbird, White-browed Antbird, Gray-capped Flycatcher, and occasional mammals such as Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth or Saddleback Tamarin. Fruit feeders in the gardens draw a rotating cast of tanagers including Silver-beaked, Palm, Blue-gray, and Magpie Tanager, while the forest edge is good for Squirrel Cuckoo and Violaceous Jay. After dark, we search the lodge grounds for nocturnal species, with chances for Band-bellied Owl, Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, and Tropical Screech Owl. 
Overnight Waqanki Lodge  (B,L,D)

Day 6 – Moyobamba – From Sanctuaries to the Mayo Valley Wetlands- 
We begin the morning at the Tahuishco Tower, a raised viewpoint overlooking the broad Mayo River and the mosaic of forest patches, gardens and riparian vegetation that fringe the city. Despite its urban setting, this canopy platform is consistently productive. We will scan the treetops for Yellow-browed Tody Flycatcher, Lettered Aracari, Blue-headed Parrot, and Pale-breasted Thrush, while the surrounding flowering trees often attract Gilded Barbet, Black-tailed Trogon, and Masked Tanager. Early sunlight brings out butterflies such as Blue Morpho, Julia Heliconian, and Tiger Longwing, drifting along the river edge. From here we continue to the Morro de Calzada Reserve, a dramatic limestone inselberg rising abruptly from the valley floor. Its dry lower slopes, vine tangles and humid gullies create a patchwork of microhabitats that support a distinctive bird community. We will search for Fiery-capped Manakin, Painted Manakin, Lafresnaye’s Piculet, White-lined Tanager, and Stripe-chested Antwren, while forest edges may produce Short-tailed Pygmy Tyrant, Black-faced Tanager, and Yellow-tufted Woodpecker. A significant highlight of this reserve is the specialized feeding stations, where we have excellent chances of observing the secretive Russet-crowned and Rufous-sided Crakes, and with patience, the elusive Tataupa Tinamou. The rocky outcrops are also good for reptiles such as Whip-tailed Lizards, and the shaded trails often hold Glasswing and Rusty-tipped Page butterflies. In the afternoon, we descend into the rice fields and wetlands of the Mayo Valley, a landscape of open paddies, marshy ditches and scattered palms. Here we target Point-tailed Palmcreeper, Pale-eyed Blackbird, Chestnut-bellied Seed Finch, Paint-billed Crake, and the secretive Masked Duck. The wetter margins may also produce Wattled Jacana, Yellow-hooded Blackbird, Rufescent Tiger Heron, and flocks of White-winged Swallow coursing low over the water. Dragonflies are abundant, including Amazon Darner and Red-tailed Pennant. This day showcases three contrasting ecosystems and the remarkable biodiversity of the Moyobamba basin. 
Night: Waqanki Lodge  (B,L,D)

Day 7 – Moyobamba – Arena Blanca – Abra Patricia 
Our journey continues as we travel through the Mayo Valley, a broad landscape of open scrub, scattered palms and agricultural clearings framed by distant Andean ridges. The morning is dedicated to these open country specialists. We will search for Burrowing Owl, Burnished-buff Tanager, Red-capped Cardinal, and Rufous-fronted Thornbird, while roadside birding may also produce White-bellied Seedeater, Pearl Kite, Southern Lapwing, and the lively Yellow-browed Sparrow. The early hours are excellent for butterflies, with species such as Crimson-patched Longwing, Isabella’s Heliconian, and Orange-barred Sulphur drifting over the fields. Small mammals like Agouti and Forest Rabbit occasionally appear along the edges. By midday we reach Arena Blanca, a private reserve renowned for its dense hummingbird activity and shaded forest trails. The specialized feeders here can host up to fifteen species, including Rufous-crested Coquette, Wire-crested Thorntail, Blue-tailed Emerald, Violet-fronted Lancebill, Golden-tailed Sapphire, Many-spotted Hummingbird, and White-chinned Sapphire. The surrounding understory is ideal for locating the restricted Cinereous-breasted Spinetail, while mixed flocks may include Yellow-bellied Tanager, Olivaceous Greenlet, and Dusky-chested Flycatcher. Lizards such as Amazon Anole are common on sunlit branches, and the reserve is known for striking butterflies like the Peruvian Owl Butterfly and Red Rim. In the late afternoon we ascend into the cloud forests of Abra Patricia, where mist drapes the ridges and the vegetation shifts to moss laden trees, bromeliad covered trunks, and dense patches of Chusquea bamboo. Cool, shaded gullies echo with dripping water, and the forest floor is carpeted with ferns, orchids and liverworts. As we climb, mixed flocks move through the canopy in restless waves, and the atmosphere becomes distinctly Andean. Upon arrival at the Abra Patricia Owlet Lodge, guests can explore the gardens and high elevation feeders, which offer some of the finest hummingbird viewing in the northern Andes. Here we may enjoy prolonged views of Long-tailed Sylph, Emerald-bellied Puffleg, White-bellied Woodstar, Speckled Hummingbird, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Collared Inca, and Fawn-breasted Brilliant, with additional chances for Amethyst-throated Sunangel, Bronzy Inca, and Greenish Puffleg working the flowering shrubs. The lodge grounds support a rich suite of montane species, including Montane Woodcreeper, White-capped Tanager, Streaked Tuftedcheek, Barred Becard, Blue-backed Conebill, and the striking Crimson-mantled Woodpecker along the forest edge. Overhead, Black-chested Buzzard Eagle sometimes soars along the ridgelines. Invertebrate life is equally impressive. Cloud forest butterflies such as the Andean Metalmark, Cloud-forest Firetip, and the delicate Satyrid ringlets drift along the paths. Around the lodge’s small ponds and seepages, cool adapted dragonflies such as the Andean Shadowdarter and Highland Amberwing patrol the clearings during brighter spells. At dusk, the lodge lights draw in an extraordinary diversity of high elevation moths, from the broad winged Giant Silkmoths to the finely patterned Geometrid emeralds and vivid Tiger Moths. This arrival at Abra Patricia offers an unforgettable immersion into the mist shrouded, epiphyte laden world of the northern Andes — a landscape as atmospheric as it is biodiverse. 
Night Abra Patricia Owlet Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 8 – Secretive Tinamous & The Spectacular Cock-of-the-Rock 
We begin with an early morning return to the Arena Blanca Reserve to visit their specialized feeding stations. This is one of the few places in northern Peru where secretive forest ground birds can be observed at close range. Regular visitors include Rufous-breasted Wood Quail, Little Tinamou, Cinereous Tinamou, Grey-cowled Wood Rail, and the elusive Uniform Crake, often stepping cautiously from the shadows. While exploring the reserve’s well maintained trails, we will also search for Zimmer’s Antbird, Peruvian Warbling Antbird, Black-bellied Tanager, and Yellow-breasted Antwren, all frequently recorded in the understory. The forest here also supports White-flanked Antwren, Chestnut-backed Antbird, and mixed flocks containing Yellow-bellied Dacnis and Golden-faced Tyrannulet. Invertebrate life is active in the morning light, with cloud forest moths resting on broad leaves and butterflies such as the Peruvian Crescent and Green-veined White moving along the trails. After lunch at the reserve, our afternoon is dedicated to the high diversity sectors of El Mirador and La Llanteria, two of the most ornithologically productive zones in the northern cloud forest belt. Here we target Ecuadorian Piedtail, Green Hermit, Vermilion Tanager, Golden-Tanager, Versicolored Barbet, and Lanceolated Monklet. The mid story often hosts Ornate Flycatcher, Bar-winged Wood Wren, Andean Solitaire, Yellow-throated Tanager, and the striking Blue-winged Mountain Tanager. Higher branches may reveal Black-eared Hemispingus, Streaked Xenops, and Montane Foliage-gleaner, while small clearings attract White-collared Swift overhead. Dragonflies such as the Cloudforest Amberwing and Highland Bluet patrol sunny openings, and the mossy trunks are home to beautifully camouflaged Lichen Moths. To conclude this exceptional day, we visit a nearby Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek, one of the most important wildlife spectacles of the northern Andes. As activity builds, males take up fixed display posts on mossy branches, each bird defending a small territory only a few metres from the next. Their displays are highly structured: rapid wing flicks, short forward lunges, exaggerated body postures and a series of loud, guttural calls that carry through the ravine. The males’ intense orange red plumage stands out sharply against the shaded forest, making them surprisingly visible despite the low light. Observing this unique birds behaviour at close range provides an exceptional opportunity to study one of South America’s most iconic birds in its natural breeding arena — a fitting highlight of our time in the cloud forest. 
Night Abra Patricia Owlet Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 9 – Cloud Forest Specialists & The Canopy Tower
We begin the morning at the Chestnut Antpitta feeding station, a rare chance to observe one of the cloud forest’s most elusive ground birds at close range. Once activity slows, we continue onto the first section of the Grallaria Trail, a stretch of intact montane forest with dense understory and mature canopy structure. This area supports several highly localized species, and we will focus on Rusty-tinged Antpitta, Bicolored Antvireo, and Peruvian Tyrannulet, with additional possibilities for White-throated Antpitta, Rufous-headed Pygmy Tyrant, and Barred Antthrush along quieter sections of the trail. A key part of the morning is the ascent to the canopy tower, which provides essential eye level access to the upper strata of the forest. From this platform we will scan for Golden-headed Quetzal, Chestnut-crested Cotinga, Rufous Spinetail, Variable Antshrike, and any mixed flocks moving through the crowns. These flocks often include Blue-winged Mountain Tanager, Streaked Xenops, Montane Foliage-gleaner, and Black-eared Hemispingus, species that are far easier to detect from an elevated vantage point than from the forest floor. In the afternoon, we work the forest edges and roadside vegetation adjacent to the lodge, an area consistently productive for regional specialties. Here we target the endemic Yellow-scarved Tanager and Johnson’s Tody Flycatcher, both of which favour vine tangles and bamboo patches. Additional species likely in this zone include Grass-green Tanager, Black-throated Tody Tyrant, White-capped Tanager, and Plushcap in mixed flocks. The edges also provide opportunities for Rufous-naped Brushfinch, Mountain Wren, and Black-crested Warbler, all typical of this elevation. This day provides a full cross section of the mid  and upper montane bird communities that define the Abra Patricia region. 
Night Abra Patricia Owlet Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 10 – High-Altitude Jewels & The Quest for the Owlet
Today is dedicated to the exceptional Fundo Alto Nieva Reserve, a high elevation stronghold known for its specialized cloud forest avifauna. We begin the morning at the hummingbird feeders, an essential stop at this altitude. Regular species include Peruvian Racket-tail, Royal Sunangel, Amethyst-throated Sunangel, and Rufous-vented Whitetip, with additional chances for Greenish Puffleg, Long-tailed Sylph, and Emerald-bellied Puffleg moving through the flowering shrubs. The surrounding elfin forest, with its stunted trees, heavy moss cover and dense bamboo, is equally productive. Here we will search for Bar-winged Wood Wren, Rufous-vented Tapaculo, Cinnamon-breasted Tody Tyrant, and Yellow-throated Tanager, along with possibilities for White-capped Tanager, Black-eared Hemispingus, and Streaked Tuftedcheek in mixed flocks. After lunch at the lodge, we descend the mountain pass to intercept the active mixed species flocks that move along the cloud forest edges. This zone is one of the most diverse along the Alto Mayo corridor. Key targets include Blue-browed Tanager, Metallic-green Tanager, and Flame-faced Tanager, with supporting species such as Saffron-crowned Tanager, Beryl-spangled Tanager, and Yellow-bellied Chat Tyrant. This is also prime habitat for the White-capped Tanager, a nomadic species that often travels in small, vocal groups and can appear suddenly along roadside fruiting trees. In the late afternoon, we return to Fundo Alto Nieva for a private visit to the Ochre-fronted Antpitta feeding station, offering a rare and controlled opportunity to observe this range restricted species at close range. As dusk approaches, we continue toward the village of Progreso for our most anticipated search: the Long-whiskered Owlet. This tiny, nocturnal species occupies dense, humid ravines, and locating it in its natural habitat remains one of the defining achievements of any birding expedition to northern Peru. 
Night Abra Patricia Owlet Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 11 – The Marañón Dry Forest & The Marvelous Spatuletail
Today is dedicated to the Marañón Dry Forest, one of the most distinctive biogeographic regions in Peru. As we leave the humid peaks of Abra Patricia and descend into the Utcubamba Valley, the landscape shifts dramatically: columnar cacti, thorny scrub, and pale limestone slopes replace the moss laden cloud forest. This arid habitat supports a suite of Marañón endemics found nowhere else on Earth. Birding from the roadside for maximum visibility, we begin with the near endemic Peruvian Pigeon, often perched on exposed branches in the early light. Along the river, we scan boulders for Torrent Duck, a specialist of fast flowing water. The surrounding scrub and canyon walls hold a high concentration of regional specialties, including Marañón Crescentchest, Marañón Tyrannulet, Marañón Gnatcatcher, Marañón Thrush, Marañón Sparrow, and Cordilleran Parakeet. Additional targets include Purple-collared Woodstar, Mouse-grey Flycatcher, Black-necked Woodpecker, Buff-bellied Tanager, and the dry forest forms of Streaked Saltator and White-winged Black Tyrant. Reptiles such as Marañón Whiptail are often active on warm rock faces, and the area supports butterflies adapted to arid conditions, including the Marañón Sulphur and Desert Patch. After lunch at Gocta Lodge, we dedicate the afternoon to the Marvelous Spatuletail Refuge, only minutes away. This sanctuary provides unmatched viewing conditions for the Marvelous Spatuletail, a species whose male display—rapid hovering with exaggerated tail movements—is one of the most remarkable behaviours in the hummingbird family. While observing this species, we also look for Little Woodstar, Purple-collared Woodstar, Marañón Gnatcatcher, Hooded Siskin, Streaked Saltator, and Rusty Flowerpiercer. 
Night at Gocta (B,L,D)

Day 12 – Cocachimba – Huaylla Belen
We leave Gocta Lodge before first light, climbing steadily into the high ridges that cradle the celebrated Huaylla Belén Valley. As dawn breaks, the landscape opens into a sweep of puna grasslands, elfin forest and a winding river threading through the basin — a setting so distinctive it earned the name “Dream Valley”. The birding here is exceptional. Quiet forest edges and moss laden ravines hold several of northern Peru’s most coveted endemics, including Pale-billed Antpitta, Russet-mantled Softtail, Yellow-scarfed Tanager, and the elusive Chachapoyas Antpitta, often detected first by its low, resonant call. Flowering shrubs attract a strong hummingbird cast: Sword-billed Hummingbird, Rainbow Starfrontlet, Shining Sunbeam, and the more widespread Tyrian Metaltail. Mixed flocks can include Black-capped Hemispingus, Superciliaried Hemispingus, Streaked Tuftedcheek, Pearled Treerunner, Montane Woodcreeper, and White-banded Tyrannulet, while open slopes may produce Andean Lapwing, Plumbeous Sierra Finch, Plain-colored Seedeater, and the occasional Variable Hawk circling overhead. We enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the winding river, keeping an eye out for Yellow-billed Teal, Puna Teal, Andean Gull, and passing groups of Mitred Parakeet. Nearby thickets may reveal Hooded Mountain-Tanager, Mountain Wren, or a Strong-billed Woodcreeper working the mossy trunks. By mid afternoon we descend back toward the cloud forest, returning to Gocta Lodge for a relaxed evening. 
Night at Gocta (B,L,D)

Day 13 – Exploring the Utcubamba canyon towards Leymebamba
Following breakfast, we continue south through the dramatic Utcubamba Canyon, a deep, arid gorge where steep cliffs, columnar cacti and riverine scrub create a striking contrast to the cloud forests around Gocta. As we wind along the canyon floor, we make several strategic stops to scan the river and adjacent slopes. This stretch is excellent for Torrent Duck, Fasciated Tiger-Heron, Black Phoebe, Peruvian Pigeon, Marañón Thrush, Marañón Gnatcatcher, and Purple-collared Woodstar, along with more widespread species such as Blue-and-white Swallow, Golden-rumped Euphonia, and Yellow-billed Cacique. Cliff faces may hold Andean Swift or the occasional Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle soaring overhead. We reach Leymebamba for lunch before continuing into the secluded Atuén Valley, a high-altitude basin of pristine elfin forest, mossy ravines and traditional pastures. This area marks a transition into the southern Chachapoyas avifauna and is one of the best places to encounter several localized montane species. We search for Maroon-belted Chat-Tyrant, Red-hooded Tanager, Golden-headed Quetzal, White-chinned Thistletail, Rufous Spinetail, Barred Fruiteater, White-banded Tyrannulet, Black-crested Warbler, and Mountain Wren. Mixed flocks may include Pearled Treerunner, Streaked Tuftedcheek, Montane Woodcreeper, and Superciliaried Hemispingus, while forest edges can produce Tyrian Metaltail and Amethyst-throated Sunangel. As mist settles over the peaks, the valley becomes wonderfully atmospheric — a quiet, rewarding introduction to the high-Andean birdlife of southern Amazonas. 
Night Leymebamba (B,L,D)

Day 14 – Birding the Atuén valley and local endemics
Today we focus on the Atuén Valley, birding along the quiet mountain road near our lodge. The terrain here is gentle and highly productive, offering an excellent mix of upper montane forest, elfin woodland, and bamboo thickets — perfect habitat for several of the region’s most localized specialties. Early in the morning we search the taller forest for Grey-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Golden-headed Quetzal, and the spectacular Sword-billed Hummingbird, which often patrols flowering shrubs along the roadside. Higher patches of stunted forest and Chusquea bamboo give us chances for Rufous-capped Thornbill, Amethyst-throated Sunangel, and Tyrian Metaltail. A major focus of the day is tracking down two of the valley’s most important endemics: the Atuén Antpitta and the Leymebamba Antpitta. Both inhabit dense understory and bamboo tangles, so we spend time working known territories and listening for their distinctive calls. While searching, we may also encounter White-chinned Thistletail, Rufous Spinetail, Barred Fruiteater, Black-crested Warbler, White-banded Tyrannulet, and Mountain Wren. Mixed flocks moving through the mossy canopy can include Pearled Treerunner, Streaked Tuftedcheek, Montane Woodcreeper, Superciliaried Hemispingus, and Blue-backed Conebill, while open edges may produce Plumbeous Sierra Finch, Plain-colored Seedeater, and soaring Variable Hawk. We enjoy a picnic lunch in the field to stay close to the best habitat and maximize our chances of quality sightings. It is a focused, rewarding day in one of the most atmospheric high Andean valleys of northern Peru. 
Night Leymebamba (B, L, D)

Day 15 – From the High Andes to the Marañón Canyon
Today we tackle one of the most dramatic altitudinal transects in northern Peru. Leaving Leymebamba, we ascend toward the windswept heights of Abra Barro Negro, where stunted elfin forest, páramo grasslands and moss laden ravines support a suite of high Andean specialists. As we climb, we search for Coppery Metaltail, Purple-throated Sunangel, White-chinned Thistletail, Russet-mantled Softtail, Tawny Antpitta, Many-striped Canastero, and Line-fronted Canastero. The upper slopes are also excellent for Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager, Blue-backed Conebill, Black-throated Flowerpiercer, and soaring Variable Hawk or Mountain Caracara. This ridge system is also home to several regional endemics, and we keep a sharp ear out for Utcubamba Tapaculo, Neblina Tapaculo, and the secretive Chachapoyas Antpitta, which can sometimes be detected by their distinctive calls even when views are brief. From the pass, the road drops sharply into the Marañón Valley, one of the most important biogeographic barriers in the Andes. The habitat shifts abruptly to arid slopes, columnar cacti and thorny scrub. Here our targets change completely: Yellow-faced Parrotlet, Buff-bridled Inca-Finch, Yellow-tailed Oriole, Peruvian Pigeon, Marañón Thrush, Marañón Gnatcatcher, and Marañón Crescentchest. Near the river we may also encounter Chestnut-backed Thornbird, Spot-throated Hummingbird, and Black-necked Woodpecker. Before reaching Celendín, we make strategic stops for the elegant Grey-winged Inca-Finch, one of the signature birds of the valley’s dry slopes.
Night Celendín (B,L,D)

Day 16 – The Route to Cajamarca & The Great Spinetail
We spend the morning birding the inter Andean slopes on the road toward Cajamarca, an area known for its patchwork of scrub, rocky outcrops and high elevation pastures. This is prime habitat for several of the region’s most localized birds. Our main targets include the Cajamarca Antpitta, often detected by its low, rhythmic call from dense shrubbery, along with Jelski’s Chat-Tyrant, White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant, Plain-tailed Warbling-Finch, and the elegant Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant patrolling fencelines. Open slopes may also produce Andean Flicker, Aplomado Falcon, Peruvian Sierra Finch, and the occasional Andean Tinamou slipping quietly through the grass. This valley system is also good for non avian wildlife: Northern Viscacha often sun themselves on boulders, and we may encounter Andean Fox tracks along the roadside. Flowering shrubs attract a variety of high Andean butterflies, including Yramea modesta and Tatochila mercedis, both typical of these dry puna margins. After lunch in Cajamarca, we continue to the dry habitats near the town of Jesús, one of the most important sites for range restricted species of the western Marañón drainage. Here we search for the highly sought after Great Spinetail, a flagship bird of the region, along with Spot-throated Hummingbird, Amazilia Hummingbird, White-winged Black-Tyrant, and Rufous-eared Brushfinch in the denser thickets. The scrubby hillsides also offer further chances for Buff-bridled Inca-Finch, Marañón Gnatcatcher, Chestnut-backed Thornbird, and Grey-winged Inca-Finch, while rocky slopes may hold Band-tailed Sierra Finch and Streak-throated Canastero. As the afternoon light softens over the valley, we return to Cajamarca, completing a rewarding day of inter Andean specialties. 
Night Cajamarca (B,L,D)

Day 17 – El Gavilán & the Chonta valley
We begin early at the El Gavilán mountain pass (3,200 m), where high elevation scrub, rocky terraces and scattered Puya stands support several of the western Andes’ most localized birds. Our main targets include Rufous-backed Inca-Finch, Striated Earthcreeper, and the elusive Unicolored Tapaculo, which often calls from deep within the densest shrub patches. The open slopes can also produce Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant, Andean Flicker, Streak-throated Canastero, Many-striped Canastero and Peruvian Sierra Finch. The pass also holds a distinctive high Andean community: small puna rodents rustle through the grass tussocks, and Stenocercus lizards bask on sun warmed rocks. The flowering Chuquiraga shrubs attract a scattering of high altitude insects, adding movement and colour to the otherwise austere landscape. After lunch, we continue to the Chonta Valley, a dramatic system of steep, arid slopes and deep ravines that forms the core range of the spectacular Grey-bellied Comet. We spend unhurried time scanning flowering shrubs and canyon edges for this long tailed hummingbird as it darts rapidly between blooms. The cliffs here also echo with the calls of Mitred Parakeet, which roosts and nests in crevices along the canyon walls and often passes overhead in fast, noisy flocks. While searching for the comet, we also expect encounters with Black Metaltail, Rusty-crowned Tit-Spinetail, Golden-billed Saltator, Spot-throated Hummingbird, and White-winged Black-Tyrant. The driest scrub may additionally hold Rufous-eared Brushfinch and Great Spinetail, offering a final chance at several western Marañón endemics. 
Night Cajamarca (B, L, D)

Day 18 – Cajamarca – Lima – End of Tour – 03rd Dec
We begin our final morning exploring the Cumbemayo highlands, a striking landscape of volcanic rock formations, ancient aqueducts and open puna grasslands dotted with low shrubs and Puya stands. The elevation here supports a distinctive suite of hardy Andean birds, and we take the morning at a relaxed pace to enjoy the last specialties of the trip. Key targets include Green-headed Hillstar, d’Orbigny’s Chat-Tyrant, Paramo Seedeater, Many-striped Canastero, Slender-billed Miner, and Bright-rumped Yellow-Finch feeding along the rocky terraces. The area can also produce Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant, Andean Siskin, Plain-colored Seedeater, and Peruvian Sierra Finch, while the more open slopes may hold Variable Hawk or Mountain Caracara cruising overhead. In sheltered gullies we may encounter White-bellied Cinclodes or Streak-throated Canastero, and flowering shrubs occasionally attract Shining Sunbeam or Purple-throated Sunangel moving through the patches of elfin scrub. Cumbemayo is also home to a small but interesting assemblage of high Andean wildlife. Northern Viscacha often perch on the basalt spires, and Andean Lizard (Stenocercus spp.) can be seen warming themselves on sunlit rocks. The puna grasslands support a scattering of hardy butterflies and day flying moths adapted to the cool, dry climate. After a final farewell lunch in Cajamarca, we transfer to the airport for your flight back to Lima, concluding an exceptional journey through the bird rich Andes and Marañón valleys. (B)