Why Choose Moyobamba for Birding?
Moyobamba, located at 800 meters above sea level in the San Martín region, offers everything you need for an unforgettable birdwatching experience: intermediate altitude, navigable rivers, lush forests, coffee and cocoa plantations, and a rich variety of wildlife, including numerous bird species.
Birding, or birdwatching, is a growing activity. In temperate climates, the decline in bird species makes this practice even more valuable. In Moyobamba’s selva alta (upper jungle), you can observe birds of all sizes and colors in their natural habitat.
Our Experience at Morro de Calzada
A Passionate Guide: Julio Tello For this adventure, we chose to be accompanied by Julio Tello, a local guide passionate about ornithology. His expertise and enthusiasm confirmed that Moyobamba is the perfect place for birding.Birdwatching
Heading to Morro de Calzada
Julio picks us up early in the morning at our hotel in central Moyobamba. Our destination: Morro de Calzada, at 1,430 meters above sea level, about 13 kilometers from the city. This mountain, well-known to travelers arriving from the west, offers a 360-degree panorama of the entire region from its summit.
Exceptional Hiking and Biodiversity
The Morro de Calzada offers two trails: a classic one (a 1.5-hour hike from the interpretation center located at the foot of the mountain) and a more athletic, “extreme” route that includes some rock climbing. The summit is equipped for campers, who can enjoy spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
But the real treasure of Morro de Calzada is its biodiversity: over 200 species of birds, mammals, and insects have been recorded here. We observed:
- Two monkey species: the common saddle-back tamarin and the San Martín titi monkey (endangered).
- Toucans, hummingbirds, long-tailed cuckoos, and many more.
A Peaceful Immersion
On site, we were welcomed by Liz and Luis, a local couple trained by Julio to host visitors. Breakfast was served facing the mountain: tamales, coffee, and fruit. The site’s amenities, such as plantations and flowers, attract hummingbirds, which are quite approachable.
The observation can begin. Julio provides binoculars and a spotting scope to search for and observe birds and other mammals in the best possible conditions. While sightings are never guaranteed, we’ll be lucky today.
Julio uses an app that reproduces animal calls to help with the observations. With a spotting scope and a phone adapter, we were even able to capture these magical moments.
Practical Tips for a Successful Birding Trip
- Equipment: Wear clothing suitable for the forest. Julio provides a spotting scope and a phone adapter so you can take photos directly from your phone.
- Access: From Lima, take a flight to Tarapoto, then a 1.5-hour drive to Moyobamba.
- Best Time: The dry season (May to October) is ideal for birdwatching.
Why Birding in Moyobamba is a Unique Experience
You don’t need to be an expert to appreciate the beauty and fragility of nature. Birding in Moyobamba is an activity for everyone, allowing you to reconnect with the environment and become aware of the importance of preserving these fragile ecosystems.
