The Amazon rainforest offers a spectacular wildlife experience.
You can witness hundreds of brilliant scarlet macaws gathered at a clay lick.
One of the best places to observe this incredible sight is at the Blanquillo
Macaw Clay Lick.
The Manu Reserved Zone is located in southeastern Peru. This
remote protected area offers pristine rainforest. Visitors can get up close
with vibrant flocks of these majestic birds.
Arriving at The Blanquillo Macaw Clay Lick
The place is located along the Blanquillo River, in the heart of
the Manu Reserved Zone. It’s estimated that several hundred scarlet macaws
gather daily at this clay lick. The parrots flock here to eat mineral-rich
clay. It helps neutralize toxins in their diet of seeds and fruits.
Tourists stay near the Blanquillo
Macaw Clay Lick to view the macaws. Take a short hike or boat
ride to a hidden blind overlooking the lick. In the blind, visitors can watch
as the group of scarlet macaws arrive at first light. The loud squawks echo
through the trees. It’s an amazing sight to behold these creatures in their
natural habitat.
The Best time to Visit
The best time to see the macaws at Blanquillo Macaw Clay Lick
is between April and September. This coincides with the dry season when the
birds’ food sources are scarcer. More macaws congregate at the clay lick during
this period to supplement their diet.
The most active time is from dawn to mid-morning when flocks swoop
in. It’s not unusual to see several hundred macaws crowding the trees, jostling
for position on the clay bank.
Other Activities
Besides the main spectacle at the lick, visitors can often spot
macaws in the Manu Reserved Zone. Hunting is prohibited. It’s possible to see
their bright plumage against the jungle canopy as they fly over the waterways.
Something to Take Away
Visiting this remote corner of the Peruvian Amazon does require
some effort. Most Manu
Reserved Zone tours start from the city of Cusco. It’s first a
long drive down the Andes into the rainforest lowlands. Then, a boat ride up
the Madre de Dios River into the reserve.
Manu reserved zone tours provide
opportunities to see monkeys, sloths, tapirs, river otters, and many more.
Night hikes reveal glimpses of caimans and nocturnal birds. Visiting local
indigenous communities provides perspective on life deep inside the Amazon
Basin.
Few places on Earth compare to the spectacle at Blanquillo Macaw
Clay Lick. It's an experience sure to impress both dedicated birdwatchers and
casual nature lovers alike. The skies lighting up in a blaze of scarlet as the
jungle comes alive at dawn is unforgettable.
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