Hello ,
 

Juan Julca is finishing guiding in Tarapoto, North Peru tomorrow. Yelsin from Cusco, our new professional driver has been navigating the roads of the Northern Birding Route for the last 10 days. 

In spite of it being prime time for birding Northern Peru, as they have had stunning views of Marvelous Spatuletail including the lek, Pale-billed Antpitta, Long-whiskered Owlet and many more, January is a completely blank slate for us. 

COVID levels in Peru continue to be low. Our fourth wave has not started. Heck, we even missed the third wave. Vaccination levels are very high. I just got my boaster. 

 

It makes me sad, that I probably have to tell Juan and Yelsin - Happy New Year - there is no work scheduled until mid February.

 

Unless.......
....I can come up with an offer you can't refuse..... 

 

Have a look at our 5 day Northern Peru itinerary. 5 days is the perfect amount of time for a weekend to weekend get-away. You can add a day or two of birding or sightseeing before or after, depending on the flight schedule you get.

Another, consideration. Being away for only a week, you don't need to carry a large suitcase. Bring just a carry-on and save time at arrival and departure, and save some money. 

 

Additional, money savers are these extreme last minute discounts. The discount is valid until midnight on Dec 31. 

Departures

The discounts are on the published double occupancy price. With less than five people (likely with such a short notice), the surcharges are.

1 pax - $1000

2 pax - $500

3 pax - $250

4 pax - $90

 

If there is no one to share with, we shall cover the single supplement. 

 

Remember, you only have until midnight of Dec 31 to decide. 

If you have more time then join me in February on the 10 day Northern Peru trip I mentioned in my last email. 
This one is followed by the Scarlet-banded Barbet  extension. 

 

Also in February 9 days in Ecuador that I wrote extensively about in the last newsletter. It is confirmed. The client just booked her tickets. 

I shall personally guide both these trips. 
 

In February, I will know whether or not I win the ballot for London Marathon (Oct 2) or not. If I do, I will probably not do any additional guiding in Peru until then, but rather delegate to our other guides. 
That Sub 3 hour marathon is waiting in London. 

On Christmas day, I recorded a Vlog. It contains important COVID information from Peru that you want learn about before coming. I really think Peru is doing great the way we have dodged both the third wave (Delta) and seemingly also what people call the fourth wave (Omicron). 

There is a YouTube video below. 

Topics covered. 
1. How is the COVID situation in Peru?
2. Recent trip to the Pantanal and SE Brazil report
3. Bucket List Birding Podcast is out, with interviews with Nigel Marven and Peter Kaestner.
4. Birding possibilities in January - February. Birding Northern Peru or Ecuador..... Or.... Anyone want to join my family on a Disney Cruise to Bahamas?
5. New Year's resolution for Christmas.

Sorry for the crappy sound! I need to get some proper podcasting equipment. 

Fast changes. I thought I was going on the Cruise "Flock to Marion" in South Africa, but because South Africa is still on the Peru red list, it was getting too tight. 

My daughter is turning 15 in January, and wants to do a Disney Cruise. Quite a turn. I was thinking Albatrosses and Whales, and instead I get Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse. 

But it is not too bad. She wants to go on the cruise to Bahamas, which has four endemics and a couple of Caribbean birds that would be lifers. 
So OK. I am good!

If you have kids and also owe them some quality time, perhaps you want to join the same tour, then we can do some birding together.  Let me know by replying to this email. There is still space. 

 

Saludos

 

Gunnar

P.S. I am also doing a fishing boat pelagic from Punta Lomas, close to Nazca on January 15 in case you are in Peru.