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Photography Expeditions in TambopataPE
A protected river basin in Peru's southern Amazon, reached by boat from Puerto Maldonado. Home to the world's largest known macaw clay lick and some of the most accessible deep-rainforest lodges anywhere.
Why here
The clay licks of Tambopata stage the Amazon's most photogenic ritual: at dawn, hundreds of macaws and parrots of up to fifteen species descend on exposed riverbank clay in a screaming wall of scarlet, blue, and green. The world's largest known lick sits minutes from the Tambopata Research Center, where a macaw study running since 1989 means habituated birds, knowledgeable guides, and blinds positioned for photographers rather than passersby. Around the licks, the reserve delivers giant river otters, caiman, and canopy towers, with lodge-based logistics that make deep-Amazon photography feel almost easy.
Best months
The dry season, May through October, is the photography window: clearer skies, more reliable boat schedules, and the heaviest clay-lick activity on calm, dry mornings. Lick attendance drops on rainy or windy days in any month. Expect pre-dawn starts by boat, high humidity for gear, and the usual Amazon rule that patience beats itinerary.
Getting there & around
Fly to Puerto Maldonado (PEM) via Lima or Cusco, then travel by lodge boat up the Tambopata river, from under an hour to Posada Amazonas to a full day upriver to the Research Center. Book lodges as packages (transport, meals, guiding included) one to three months ahead for dry season. Bring a long lens and dry bags; charging is limited at the remotest lodges.
Skill levels: beginner, intermediate, advanced
Schools & guides (2)
Rainforest Expeditions
OutfitterOperates the Tambopata lodge chain ending at the Tambopata Research Center beside the world's largest macaw clay lick, host of the Tambopata Macaw Project since 1989. Runs clay-lick blinds, resident naturalist guides, and photography-friendly itineraries across its three lodges.
Tambopata Lodge
OutfitterA long-running reserve lodge offering multi-day programs and full-day expeditions to the Chuncho macaw clay lick, with guided river and forest excursions built around wildlife viewing.