Witness the Magic : Why the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick Tour is a Must-See
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Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick tour
Picture yourself standing on the banks of a river in the heart of the Amazon Jungle while the sunrises through the trees and out of nowhere; you see hundreds of red, blue and yellow winged creatures filling the airways above you with loud squawking and chattering! This is not a dream but it is what you will experience on your Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick Tour.
Many people come to the jungle to try to see animals like monkeys or jaguars and those are great to see, but macaws are like nothing else in the world, and you will find yourself amazed at the spectacle that is displayed by nature in your area!
What is a Clay Lick?
When you see all these birds on a dirt wall, you may wonder, “What a strange sight!” You are not alone in thinking this is an unusual occurrence, as birds do not usually display this type of behaviour; however, the “clay lick” (known locally as collpa) holds great significance for these birds in their day to day lives.
The clay located along the banks of the Tambopata River provides an important source of minerals and salts that are necessary for macaws’ digestion. Many types of wild fruit and seed that can be consumed by macaws can either be poisonous or acidic, so they use the clay at the clay lick to aid their digestive systems and maintain good health because it has medicinal properties. Though it may appear to be something aesthetically pleasing for humans to witness, for macaws, it is an integral part of their daily journey to locate their medicine.
The Early Morning Adventure
In order to experience the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick during your excursion, you must rise with the sun. We will depart for the clay lick at a time when the forest is still in a state of mist and the temperature is cooler than it is typically. The best and most enjoyable way to reach the clay lick is in a boat. As you glide down the Tambopata River, you will find it difficult not to pay attention to the water that flows past you.
If you will look carefully along the bank at this time of the morning, you may be able to see a capybara (the largest rodent in the world) or a caiman lying in the sun. The boat ride is so quiet that you can really appreciate the earthy, fresh scent of the jungle around you while you are traveling. As soon as we arrive at the clay lick, you can feel the excitement and anticipation in the air.
A Rainbow in Motion
Once we are at a safe distance, we wait. First, the smaller parrots come, checking to see if it is safe. Then, the stars of the show come. These are the Large Macaws.
Watching these birds come down onto the clay wall is like watching a rainbow come alive. They come down in groups, with their long tails trailing behind. The contrast of the bright colors of the macaws against the orange-red clay wall makes for the perfect photo op. But even if you are not a professional with a camera, just sitting there and watching these birds interact, play, argue, and eat, makes you realize the vastness of our world.
Exploring with Tree House Inn
At Tree House Inn, we know that the jungle is a place that should be experienced in a personal and respectful way. We don’t just want to show you the birds; we want you to experience the jungle in a personal way. Our guides have grown up in this jungle and have heard these sounds and seen these birds their entire lives. They love sharing the secrets of the jungle in a way that is easy to understand.
When you join us on a Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick tour, we have everything taken care of so you can focus on the magic. We have binoculars and scopes so you can see the birds’ feathers and the blink of their eye without ever disturbing the birds.
Why This Experience Stays With You
There is something humbling about being in the middle of the Amazon. It makes you remember to take time and appreciate the simple beauty in nature. Viewing the macaws at Chuncho is not just about checking off another box on your travel list. It is about viewing a tradition that has been going on for thousands of years.
If you are looking for an adventure that is vibrant, authentic, and alive, then this is it. The colors will stay in your mind long after you are out of the jungle.
To learn more about how you can join us on this adventure, check out our Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick tour and get ready to experience the Amazon in a whole new way. We can’t wait to share this amazing place with you!
