Macaw Claylicks

Tambopata Macaw Clay Licks: Witness One of the Amazon’s Most Spectacular Wildlife Gatherings

Every morning in the Tambopata region of Peru, as the rainforest awakens and the first rays of sun hit the riverbanks, the Amazon sky comes alive with a kaleidoscope of color and sound. Brilliant scarlet, deep emerald, and flashes of cobalt blue —  macaws, parrots, and parakeets gather at the mineral-rich clay cliffs known locally as collpas, creating one of the most breathtaking natural spectacles in the world: the macaw clay lick.

These gatherings are not just beautiful — they are vital. The birds feed on the clay to help neutralize toxins and supplement their diet with essential minerals. Watching this daily ritual, where dozens of species meet in harmony, is a privilege few places on Earth can offer.

At Rainforest Expeditions, we give you exclusive access to some of Tambopata’s most iconic clay licks, each offering its own unique perspective on this incredible wildlife event. Whether you’re staying at Posada Amazonas, Refugio Amazonas, or Tambopata Research Center, here’s how your clay lick experience will unfold:

Collpa Hermosa – A Private Window into the Macaw World (Posada Amazonas)

Intimate. Exclusive. Designed for up-close encounters.

For guests of Posada Amazonas, the Collpa Hermosa offers a uniquely personal clay lick experience. Just a 30-minute walk from the lodge, this secluded collpa is accessible exclusively to Posada Amazonas visitors, ensuring a peaceful and intimate wildlife moment.

While Collpa Hermosa is a smaller clay lick compared to others in the region, this is precisely what makes the experience so special. The clay bank is located directly beside a well-positioned observation blind, allowing you to get exceptionally close to the action without disturbing the birds.

The best time to visit Collpa Hermosa is during macaw season, which coincides with the rainy season, from November to April, when flocks can reach dozens of macaws and parrots gathering at once. Here, mornings are filled with the vivid presence of red-and-green macaws, blue-headed parrots, and mealy parrots, offering a magical wildlife encounter right at your doorstep.

Ideal for those who appreciate comfort and ease, Collpa Hermosa offers a close-up macaw experience without the early wake-up calls or long boat rides required at other clay licks. Located just steps from the lodge and with activity often peaking around midday, it’s a perfect choice for families with young children or anyone looking to enjoy the magic of the Amazon at a relaxed pace.

Smaller site. Bigger connection. Private access to one of the Amazon’s most colorful spectacles.

Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick – The Classic Amazon Spectacle (Refugio Amazonas & Tambopata Research Center)

Vast. Vibrant. One of the largest clay licks in the Amazon.

The Chuncho Clay Lick experience begins before the sun rises, as you set out along the Tambopata River under the soft glow of the first light of day. The early departure ensures you arrive at the clay lick just as the jungle awakens and the macaws begin to gather in the trees above the cliffs.

This is a fully outdoor, half-day adventure where you’ll witness dozens of scarlet, red-and-green, and blue-and-yellow macaws along with playful parrots and parakeets as they descend to the clay-rich riverbanks to feed. With no observation blinds here, the experience remains wild and immersive — you'll watch from the natural vantage of the river or nearby shore, surrounded by the calls and colors of the Amazon.

The journey itself adds to the experience, with the possibility of spotting wildlife such as capybaras, caimans, and raptors along the river during your early morning boat ride.

Chuncho offers the drama of one of the largest clay licks in the Amazon, making it a must for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

An early start, a wild setting, and an unforgettable Amazonian sunrise shared with the jungle’s most charismatic birds.
More about Chuncho Claylick

Colorado Macaw Clay Lick – The World-Famous Gathering (Tambopata Research Center)

Renowned. Remote. Where nature writes its own script.

Deep within the buffer zone between the Tambopata National Reserve and the Bahuaja-Sonene National Park, the Colorado Clay Lick stands as one of the most remote and biologically rich clay licks in the Amazon. Unlike other sites, here nature follows its own rhythm, making every visit a unique experience.

Over the years, the dynamics of this clay lick have shifted naturally. Today, parrots and parakeets are the main visitors feeding on the exposed cliffs, while macaws often gather in the surrounding treetops, until the best time for them to go down, creating a colorful frame for the scene. Depending on the season and the birds’ behavior, the activity and the exact viewing positions can vary, offering a fresh perspective every time.

This half-day excursion begins before dawn with a boat ride deep into the reserve. Arriving at the clay lick as the sun rises, you’ll settle into the natural surroundings, accompanied by your guide and powerful spotting scopes to appreciate every detail of the spectacle.

What makes Colorado special isn’t just the volume of birds — it’s the raw, unscripted beauty of an untouched Amazon ecosystem, where observation becomes an act of patience and respect for the natural flow of life.

The farthest clay lick. The truest wilderness. A space where macaws, parrots, and the Amazon itself set the rhythm of the day.

Learn more about Colorado Macaw Clay Lick

When to Visit Tambopata’s Macaw Clay Licks

• Best Time of Day: Early mornings (5:00–9:00 am), when the birds are most active.


• Best Season: Activity is consistent year-round, though the dry season (May–October) often offers clearer mornings, and the rainy season ( November - March) offers higher bird concentration.

Pro Tip: Stay longer and visit multiple licks for a deeper understanding of macaw behavior and the Amazon ecosystem.

Each clay lick tells a different story. Which one will you witness?