TIPS & TRICKS FOR Wildlife Photography in the Peruvian Amazon

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Rainforest wildlife photography : tips, tricks, and a wild encounter

There’s no right or wrong way to practice wildlife photography. Everyone has their methods, but overall, my best success has been when focusing on a distinct thing, say a specific species, a location/niche type, or even a particular time of day. Generally, by doing so, I get the best photos. Repeated exposure to this same thing coupled with a strong dose of patience makes you learn a lot about it and hence helps you improve your photos of whatever this ‘thing’ may be. But nature can be unpredictable, so it doesn’t hurt to be ready in case something happens… 

Sunset on canopy tower at Posada Amazonas by Louis Guillot

Figure 1 – Sunrise at the Posada Amazonas Canopy Tower.

Wildlife photography: Focusing on a specific subject

If I’m focusing on a specific species, I will first try to learn as much as I can about it (such as its behavior and preferred habitat type). I can find such information by searching online (scientific papers, social media posts, blogs, forums); asking friends; and if need be, reaching out to respective specialists (guides, scientists, field researchers). I will also try to learn as much as possible while repeatedly observing this species in the field. If I’m lucky, I might start to learn some of this species’ predictable habits (although often in the rainforest, you will never find this predictability or even the species you’re after in the first place, so you might have to accept this and just move on. The Amazon is one of the most biodiverse habitats on earth so there will be some other species with predictability). For howler monkeys, predictable habits might look like what their favorite tree to sleep in is; for hummingbirds, what branch they like to perch on; for jaguars… well that’s quite hard really…

Red brocket deer on camera trap by Louis Guillot

Figure 2 – Red Brocket Deer passing by a frequently used mammal trail (DSLR camera trap).

Predictability is your friend in the jungle, so if you do find it, exploit it as much as you can (figures 1, 2, 3 & 4 were all taken through exploiting such predictability). But unpredictability can also be your friend, so always be prepared in case something crazy happens. How can you be prepared for the unpredictable? Bring a couple of cameras, a few lenses, and a flash. That can help. Ideally a wide, a macro, and a telephoto lens.

Spider on trebark by Louis Guillot

Figure 3 – Semi-aquatic spider (Thaumasia sp.) on the water surface.

 

Giant River Otter by Louis Guillot

Figure 4 – Resident giant river otter from the Tres Chimbadas lake.

Check out Posada Amazonas Lodge Suggested Itinerary to watch Giant River Otters

Preparing For the Unpredictable on Wildlife Photography

In fact, just the other day, unpredictability was my friend (figures 5, 6 & 7 were also unpredictable photos – things that just happened in front of me by chance). I saw something I never thought I would. And I was kind of ready for it. I mean I got some photos that are in focus. The light wasn’t ideal but interesting behaviour in a photo beats crispness or sharpness any day in my opinion and this photo captured really cool behaviour. To cut to the chase, I focused on finding good animal trails to place a camera trap (fig 2) to capture some of the more elusive jungle wildlife. I was not walking quietly to stalk animals as I was concentrating on a different mission, but I had an extra pair of hands, so it didn’t hurt to hold my camera and telephoto lens in case something just fell onto my plate (the unpredictable). You never know what you might see once you leave your room, tent, or lodge – this is particularly relevant when you’re in the Amazon rainforest, but this also applies to wherever you are in the world.

Frogs mating by Louis Guillot - wildlife photography

Figure 5 – Two male frogs (Dendropsophus minutus) attempting to mate with a larger female.

 

kingfisher with prey by Louis Guillot

Figure 6 – Green-And-Rufous kingfisher with frog (nearly completed metamorphosis) prey.

About an hour in, scouting for camera trap locations, I hear an animal noise I have never heard before. A noise that is almost impossible to ignore as it is right above me and being repeatedly called four times with a short pause at the end before starting again. I stop to try and find the source of this noise… I notice movement in the trees and suddenly see a flash of red right in front of my eyes. Too fast to properly identify the animal I continue searching and start imagining what it could be… The noise sounded like an alarm call and reminded me of squirrel monkey social calls… So, I started thinking the red was blood from an injured squirrel monkey being preyed upon by something larger… The movement carries on and suddenly I see a bird fly from one branch to the next. The red flash wasn’t blood but just the color of this bird’s ventral tail feathers. I continue searching, this time through my camera’s viewfinder when suddenly I see the characteristic beak of a toucan. But this beak was holding another winged animal that was very much still alive and seemingly screaming for its life. 

Howler monkeys on claylick by Louis Guillot

Figure 7 – Two howler monkeys eating mineral-rich clay at a clay lick.

Visit 2 or more clay licks on an expedition to Tambopata Research Center- Check out here.

With its beak, the toucan starts hitting this animal on the branch it is perched on. It is clearly predating something, but I still can’t see exactly what. Eventually, I noticed the toucan was holding a bat in its beak. 

Tucan with bat by Louis Guillot

Figure 8 – White-Throated Toucan predating a bat (Stenodermatinae subfamily).

I start taking as many photos as I can. Very quickly the toucan flies higher in the canopy where I can no longer see it. I am still hearing the bat making this unique noise. After about a minute, the bat noise stops… The toucan must have killed/eaten the bat.

I knew that toucans were predators capable of eating anything they could swallow, from frogs to birds, but I guess I had never witnessed such behavior. In my mind, I had pictured toucans as cute, gentle birds, with their characteristic beaks. But witnessing this commotion has changed my perspective on them: they’re awesome and I’m sure cute in many ways, but not cute in the way I was thinking… Anyway, the moral of the story is to be prepared. My camera was in my hand when this happened. If it had been in my bag, I probably would have missed these shots as everything happened so quickly.

By Louis Guillot

About me

My name is Louis Guillot, I’m a wildlife photographer, zoologist, and children’s forest educator. I have long been interested in wild places from all corners of the world, from the streets of urban London to the depths of the Amazon rainforest. I’m often asked what my favorite animals/groups are… The truth is I love everything from ants to hummingbirds, to larger mammals and parasitic wasps. I get obsessed with certain things, stick with those for a while, and then move on before realizing I’m coming back to the original obsession again and going in circles… But I love doing this.

If you want to follow more of my stories and photos, please check out my Instagram here. 

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Such a wonderful experience deep in a part of the Amazon, Tambopata NP. They really involve you with what is happening at the research centre with evening lectures. The meals are outstanding and the rooms are comfortable and I had the best sleep. Dino our guide was outstanding. The river trip to see the Macaw claylicks was a beautiful outing. We saw Capybaras along the river and it was very scenic. The staff are friendly and very engaging. As a tour operator who sends clients to AFRICA for safari, I was hugely satisfied. Thank you, gracious. Food & drinks: Good was simply delicious Read all

An amazing experience in the Peruvian jungle. the information about the centre was very accurate so I knew what to expect but was blown away by the experience and competence of my guide for the four nights, Juan Carlos Yatto. JC was looking for birds for me from the moment he collected me at the airport, so we saw birds on the drive and on the boat ride as well as on the excursions themselves. I was in Peru three weeks and JC was my best guide by far. Don't miss the clay licks for sure, and the tower is also well worth the climb. Food and people are wonderful and the research very interesting. Read all

Das Tambopata Research Center ist eine wunderbare Lodge im Nationalpark Tambopata. Die charmanten, miteinander verbundenen Aufenthaltsräume und Zimmer befinden sich auf hölzernen Stelzen. Bei den offenen Gemeinschaftsräumen gibt es gemütliche Sitzecken, eine wunderbare Hängemattenrelaxzone und einen herrlichen Restaurantbereich, wo zu jeder Zeit Tee, Kaffee und Wasser zur Verfügung stehen. Die stilvollen Zimmer verfügen über bequeme Betten mit Moskitonetz und moderne, saubere Duschbereiche. Die Research Center Lodge mit den Forschungseinrichtungen liegt inmitten des Regenwaldes umgeben von der reinen Natur mit der fantastischen Flora und Fauna, welche dort auch weiterhin erforscht und geschützt wird. Jeden Abend gibt es dazu sehr interessante Vorträge. Die Mitarbeiter sind sehr freundlich, offen und zuvorkommend. Die Buffets waren sehr köstlich und reichhaltig mit Gerichten aus der Region. Es wird großer Wert auf ökologische und nachhaltig umweltschonende Bewirtschaftung gelegt. Von der Lodge aus ist es möglich, mit ausgebildeten Guides in Gruppen von maximal 6 Personen verschiedene Exkursionen zu machen. Speziell Timo war ausgesprochen freundlich, auf unsere Sicherheit bedacht, ging auf die individuellen Interessen der einzelnen Personen ein und vermittelte uns in seiner kompetenten Art umfangreiches Wissen über die Pflanzen- und Tierwelt. Er hatte dabei die wunderbare Fähigkeit, versteckte Wildtiere zu entdecken, und verschaffte uns wunderschöne Momente, auch durch das mitgetragene Teleskop, wodurch wir der Tierwelt näher sein konnten. So sahen wir u.a. Brüllaffen, Kapuzineraffen und Spideraffen mit ihren Kindern, viele Vögel insbesondere Papageien wie z.B. Scharlach- und Gelbbauch-Aras sowie Wasserschweine und verschiedene Insekten. Wir können diese wunderbare Lodge absolut weiterempfehlen. Die herrliche Tier- und Pflanzenwelt in dem wunderbar erhaltenen und geschützten Regenwald des Amazonas war auf unserer Peru-Reise ein wirklich fantastisches Erlebnis! Read all

Rainforest Expeditions is a wonderful company and the Posadas Amazonas lodge is a beautiful location to spend your time in the Amazon. The staff are all incredibly kind, helpful, and knowledgeable. The tours were very fun and we saw lots of animals including River otters, monkeys, birds, and capybaras. We loved our guide Luis and all the people we met. The food was delicious and locally grown and there was never a dull moment. Would highly recommend! Read all

I went to Posada as part of a wider group trip, so did not pay for it directly. The lodge feels very far from anywhere and yet it feels incredibly safe. The rooms are open to nature, but nothing was ever damaged (use the safe boxes as advised, especially for food - not that you'll need any - the catering is excellent, with plenty of vegetarian options, and snacks are also provided between meals). There are flushing toilets, incredible shower facilities and the beds are very comfortable with mosquito nets placed at night by the staff. Drinking water vats are strategicvally placed throughout the lodge but you may have a long-ish walk to the common areas through corridors. Some parts of the corridors are open to the elements, but umbrellas are provided everywhere in case of rain. There is obviously no air conditioning, but this helps you acclimatise. The lodge is run by a family and others from the Infierno community, which gives the place a homely feel, with resident tour guides and a local geologist for citizen science projects. Massage services are available and there is a local shop for souvenirs and essentials like bug spray, clothing and torches. Tons of activities can be arranged, but it's also nice to relax in the hammocks and common areas and listen to the sounds of nature. While this hotel is not going to be for everyone, I had the most incredible time! Read all

The place to go if you want to see Macaws in the Peruvian rainforest. We stayed at the Tambopata Reaearch Centre (TRC) for three days and had Juan Carlos Yatto as our guide for the duration of our stay. We loved the mission of the TRC ie Macaw conservation and the link between Macaw nest site availability and the overall health of the rainforest. Juan Carlos Yatto (there is another JC at the research centre) was a fantastic guide and really made a difference to our experience at the TRC. His knowledge of the different species of wildlife and plants was amazing, his ability to spot things in the day or at night was phenomenal and he really made things accessible for our group. His English is excellent (including great humour when appropriate) and is a super guy. I really do recommend the TRC abd Juan Carlos Yatto as a guide. We saw an abundance of wildlife of all descriptions thanks to him and learned a huge amount without being overloaded. Read all

Two planes, a bus and a boat…that’s how we made it to TRC, and every minute was worth it. Tambopata is a jewel, from the moment you are greeted by the guide assigned to you (Juan Carlos Gonzales for us) to the last boat ride back to civilization. Juan Carlos was amazing…on just one hike he found five of the seven species of monkeys in the area! He is truly an expert..can hear, see and even SMELL animals, birds and insects to point out to us. We upgraded to a deluxe suite and it was decadent! An elegant outdoor tub and shower on a private balcony was soo nice’ Although we went in the rainy season, it never rained while on a hike or excursion. It rained for a few minutes on our late afternoon cruise , but not enough to dampen our enthusiasm, or prevent us from seeing a capybara in the mid! (And despite the warning of a lot of mosquitoes, I have been bitten more in my own back yard!) The bar is great, there’s PLENTY of food…we are going home feeling so lucky to have had such a great connection to the beauty of the Amazon. Read all

We had a fantastic time for our 3N/4D stay at Tambopata Research Center. The whole experience was marvellous. Rooms and facilities were great and meals superb. The Staff, ably led by Tanya the manager, were all friendly and helpful. This is the only lodge actually inside the Tambopata National Park, and we enjoyed being so "remote". I like that you have one guide who coordinates and takes you on all your activities; Jair our guide was amazing. One morning our planned activity was rained out, and I liked that they have alternative "wet weather" activities planned. There are lectures each night by researchers, which were very interesting. Also citizen science projects that you can participate in. All up, it was a fantastic way to experience the Peruvian Amazon. Read all

Posada Amazonas by Rainforest Expeditions is an extraordinary place. From your arrival at the airport in Puerto Maldonado all the staff is always attentive to your needs. You travel by boat to the hotel Posada Amazonas and it is a unique experience. It really is a total disconnection and a recollection with Mother Nature 🌎 The buffet lunch is delicious (already included in the price). You have a guide who speaks Spanish and English at all times and accompanies you to explore the jungle, the river and other activities. The price is worth it. Outside my room I caught a glimpse of monkeys :) The night sky is starry and very spectacular ✨️ 5 star service. I will definitely come back. Read all

I stayed with my parents at Refugio Amazonas for 3 days. We really enjoyed our stay and had a wonderful time here. The staff were extremely kind and well informed. The lodge manager- Arturo in particular was very helpful. To highlight their culture: They prepared special vegetarian meals for my parents, always ensured we felt comfortable and all our needs were met. A stay here is a must do to get a real feel of the Amazon rainforest on your trip to Peru! Noteworthy details: There are a lot of activities for kids and families to do, but my personal favourites are: Macaw Claylick, OxBow river ride, sunset cruise and the canopy tower. Read all

An incredible and unparalleled experience I felt fortunate Read all

I can't express how amazing our guides were. Incredibly knowledgeable and able to spot birds, frogs, spiders, animals, etc. with an almost unbelievable ability. The research and contributions to the jungle they are making at the Center are to be commended. The facilities were nice and kept clean and the staff was great, but between the walls in the rooms being open to the jungle, the heat, the bugs, underpowered fans, having to completely cover up for hikes due to bugs and then getting overheated, etc. it made for a tough stay. The food was good but after a couple days became repetitive. I would recommend this for serious birders who are willing to endure a bit for an incredible adventure. Read all

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