The Heath River Wildlife Center presents a unique opportunity for visitors to see a spectacular clay lick visited by vibrant macaws and parrots just a short boat ride from the lodge–and from civilization. No other clay lick in Peru offers such bang for the buck. Opened in 2004 and part of the Tropical Nature Conservation System , the lodge is a partnership between Tropical Nature and a Bolivian conservation organization.
The Center's 10 private bungalows are located on the east (or Bolivian) bank of the secluded Heath River, which forms a border between Peru and Bolivia. Peru’s Bahuaje-Sonene National Park lies to the east, and to the south is Bolivia’s Madidi National Park. Trips to the Heath River Wildlife Center are normally combined with a stay at Sandoval Lake Lodge for some of the best value in wildlife viewing and an authentic rainforest adventure.
Accommodations :
Ten private bungalows include:
- Spacious, well-appointed rooms
- Private bathrooms with hot water showers and flush toilets
- Screened windows and mosquito nets
Meals are served in a separate thatched-roof dining hall. The lodge chef prepares wholesome dishes using local fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and fish. Vegetarian and other special diets can be provided upon request.
Sodas, beer and wine are also available.
How to Get There
From Puerto Maldonado, visitors travel east in motorized canoes down the Madre de Dios River to the Peru-Bolivia border before heading south on the Heath, which forms the common border. It takes approximately five hours to arrive at the Heath River Wildlife Center.
Please note you must have a Bolivian VISA to travel to Heath River. Please note that there will be a passport check, since you will be traveling along the border with Bolivia.
Bookings:
When booking, please note that all macaw and parrot licks in southern Peru are less active in May, June and early July than in other months.
Prices are per person and based on a minimum of two people traveling together. Trips depart daily. Rates include:
- Roundtrip transportation Puerto Maldonado to Heath River Wildlife Center
- Private bungalows with private bathrooms
- All meals and snacks
- Purified drinking water and juices
- Native and bilingual guide services
- Visits to macaw clay lick
- Lake and rainforest excursions
- All park entrance fees
Sodas, beer and wine are available but not included
Pampas del Heath:
In addition to the clay lick, guests can explore miles of well-marked forest trails and oxbow lakes accompanied by a guide. A highlight of the hikes is a visit to the Pampas del Heath, the largest remaining Amazonian savanna. This grassland plain is home to such endemic species as the Maned Wolf and Marsh Deer
Macaw Clay Lick
The Heath macaw clay lick lies 10 minutes by motorized canoe from the lodge. Brightly-colored parrots and macaws fly in by the hundreds to feed on the clay that detoxifies certain seeds and nuts they eat. Marvel at the cacophony of sound and color as Red-and-green macaws vie for the best clay-eating position. A specially-designed floating blind allows for close proximity and complete concealment–so you can even have breakfast and coffee while the birds are performing their morning ritual.
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