Tumbes forest, mangroves and a pelagic. 

Many people visti small patches of disturbed forest in SW Ecuador to get Tumbesian endemics such as Ochre-bellied Dove, Ochraceous Atilla, Blackish-headed Spinetainl, Rufous-headed Chachalaca, Gray-headed Antbird and rarities such as Gray-backed Hawk and Black-and-White Tanager.  What they don't realize is that there is a huge continuous forest on the other side of the boarder in Peru forming the Cerro Amotape National Park. The forest at Cerro Amotape National Park aka as Tumbes forest is spectacular and in very good condition.

The mangroves at Manglares de Tumbes add several other species notably Bare-throated Tiger-Heron, Rufous-necked Wood-Rail, Masked Water-Tyrant and many more. Additionally our new Tumbes Pelagic from Los Organos will give you many marine species that usually only are found on Galapagos, such as Waved Albatross and Galapagos Petrel. Don't miss the opportunity to add these days to your North Peru trip. We can arrange transfer to Chiclayo with birding on the way, maybe even a sidetour to Canchaque and Huancabamba and the Chinguela ridge for a few days. 

Day 0. Afternoon flight to Tumbes. Late arrival. Hotel in Tumbes.  Or one could do a connection from Piura (cheaper flights Lima-Piura OW or return).  During the connection we would visit the San Pedro de Vice mangroves whch is a very good site for Peruvian Tern. (ask us about a quote for the connection.)

Day 1. Cotrina-Campo Verde

We cross the Ecuadorian boarder early in the morning to reach Cotrina on the Peruvian boarder. From here we walk a couple of kilometers to Campo Verde birding on the way and specifically looking out for Pallid Dove, Olivaceous Piculet and Purple-crowned Fairy.  In the afternoon we shall check out the beginning of the trail to Campo Verde and the trail turnoff to Figueroa known as EL Cruce. This area is particualrly good for Rufous-headed Chachalaca, Barred Puffbird and Manteld Howler Monkeys. At night we shall look for Mottled Owl which is not uncommon in the area. Total hiking: 10K. Camp at Campo Verde. 

Day 2. Campo Verde- El Caucho.

While our supplies and luggage are  transfered back by road via Ecuador and Tumbes town, we shall hike the approximate 20 km to El Caucho passing excellent habitat on the way. Many new species to Peru have been added along this strech such as Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Pale-billed Aracari and White-whiskered Puffbird. It is also a good stretch for Crested Guan, Watkin's Antpitta, Ochre-bellied Dove and Western Slaty-Antshrike. Lodging in the newly built research station at El Caucho. 

Day 3. El Caucho all day

We will visit the areas of El Caucho this day. We have seen displaying Pacific Royal Flycatcher and Grey-backed Hawk in the past. Higher up birds like Henna-hooded Foliage-Gleaner, Grey-breasted Flycatcher, Blackish-headed Spinetail and Rufous-headed Chachalaca occur. Other birds include Slaty Becard, Ecuadorian Trogon, Grey-necked Parakeet, Guayaquil Woodpecker, Saffron Siskin, etc

Day 4. El Caucho- Tumbes

An additional morning in the forest.
In the afternoon we make a visit to the Mangroves of Tumbes, which includes species like White Ibis, Mangrove Black Hawk, Mangrove (Yellow) Warbler, Masked Water-Tyrant, Ruofus-necked Woodrail, Bare-throated Tiger-Heron, Magnificent Frigatebird, Tricolored Heron, Brown Pelican and many others. In the evening we shall transfer to the resort Los Organos

Day 5.  Tumbes Pelagic

We shall be doing some unique exploring of the sheltered but very rich waters near  Los Organos, famous for resident Humpback Whales in July-September. Pelagic birds we hope to see include Magnificent and Great Frigatebird, Peruvian, Blue-footed, Nazca and Red-footed Boobies, Parkinson's and Galapagos Petrels, Flesh-footed and Galapagos Shearwaters, Waved Albatross, White-faced, Least, Ringed, Black, Markham's, White-vented, Wedge-rumped and Madeiran Storm-Petrels, Swallow-tailed Gull and Red-billed Tropicbird and many more. In the afternoon we shall leave for Piura. On the way there are good sites for Peruvian Plantcutter and Tumbes Tyrant.  We also hope to pick up Tumbes Swallow on the way. Night in Piura or flight to Lima in the afternoon.