Macaw/Birdwatching in Peru and Brazil Trip

[Tiki]

I have been researching birds in South America for a trip I will do next year. It looks like the Pantanal is the top spot in Brazil, check out this list! http://www.geocities.com/babuco/birdlist.html

Also Tambopata in Peru is a must see with the macaw clay licks. Has anyone ever been here?

[Tiki]

OK, spent the whole day doing research! First, here is the link for the place in Tambopata. I defintitely want a tour that takes in Tambopata Research center and spends a couple days at the Macaw clay licks. http://www.perunature.com/tours3.php And here is a trip report by a parrot lover who went there: http://freespace.virgin.net/susan.armitage/TBPTEXP.HTM

And after more research on the Pantanal, it seems the southern section accessed by Campo Grande is the best as there are lots of Hyacinth Macaws there (amongst heaps of other birds) and even some research projects. Here is an older trip journal by the same person: http://freespace.virgin.net/susan.armitage/PANTPARR.HTM

These guys have pretty good prices as far as I can see, but I have also emailed the lodges direct to see what I can come up with: http://www.packtours.com.br/dest/mat...anal/index.htm

Pousada Arara Azul and Ecological Caiman seem to specialize in Hyacinth Macaws and have research projects going on.

My research indicates that the Amazon basin (Manaus, Iquitos) is not the best area as the jungle is too thick to see many birds. I would also go to Iguassu Falls to see the falls of course but they have a nice bird park there: http://www.parquedasaves.com.br/html/v1/ing/index.htm

I am planning this trip for May or June of 2007. You need to go during the dry season or you don't see many birds but apparently July is a high season month so best not to go then either. Rio, Cuzco and Machu Pichu will round out the trip and the way the flights are routed from Australia, we can also stop in Easter Island and Tahiti! (Qantas/Lan Chile)

OK so who wants to join me? (Yes, I am serious)

[mamalovesrico]

I believe your serious Tara. I was just reading an article about this last night.

[Dustin]

I would love to join you! just send me the ticket and i will be by your side!

[Tiki]

LOL Dusty, sure.............as soon as I win the Lotto!! My rough budget per person is $3800 USD plu airfares from your home city to Lima, returning from Rio (open jaw ticket).

Meanwhile, here are a few more links to get you dreaming.....

Tambopata trip report with nice macaw photos: http://circleofwings.com/trc/

Another Tambopata trip report: http://www.wingwise.com/about.htm

And the piece de resistance-website on Hyacinth Macaw project in Pantanal, Brazil with video clips of a mother Hy and a chick! http://www.projetoararaazul.org.br/sitearara_arara.htm

[Tiki]

OK, itinerary is revised a little because I want to see the Heiva Festival in Tahiti next year. We will arrive in Lima 12 July, overnight somewhere, then spend July 13-17 in Tambopata, then to Cuzco, Sao Paolo, Foz do Iguacu, arrive Campo Grande by 25 July, spend 26-28 3 nights in Pantanal, then on to Rio.

I would love to have other Birdboard people join me and my husband. We will probably use a One World RTW ticket, from the States you need to get from your home to Lima, then return from Rio.

[grandma]

Would love to go on such an exotic adventure. We are still rebuilding from hurricane charlie...the $ pit. The only vacation I get is to go on a business trip with my husband now and then.

[Doug W]

OMG Tara. That looks like an incredible trip. I would love to attend, but I have a little one at home. Perhaps when she gets a little bit older and is able to stay away from Mommy and Daddy for more than one day :-)

Seriously, that looks like an INCREDIBLE trip. I would be in awe the entire time and probably crying. To witness Macaws in the wild must be the ultimate!

[grandma]

We all need to win the lottery

[Tiki]

Originally Posted by WILDIRISHROSE

OMG Tara. That looks like an incredible trip. I would love to attend, but I have a little one at home. Perhaps when she gets a little bit older and is able to stay away from Mommy and Daddy for more than one day :-)

Seriously, that looks like an INCREDIBLE trip. I would be in awe the entire time and probably crying. To witness Macaws in the wild must be the ultimate!

Oops! I forgot you have a human kid too! In the other thread I said to get a birdsitter and join us! I wish you could come! 10.5 months and counting!