Wildlife at Alta Sanctuary
A Glimpse into Amazonia’s
Hidden Treasures.
Alta Sanctuary offers an incredible opportunity to witness the Amazon’s rare and endangered species in their natural habitat. Nestled within one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems, Alta Sanctuary is home to some of the most unique wildlife on Earth. Here, you’ll have the chance to see animals that are at risk of extinction, all while contributing to their protection.
Majestic Macaws
Macaws are some of the most iconic birds of the Amazon rainforest, known for their vibrant colors and loud calls that fill the forest. Species like the Scarlet Macaw and Red-and-Green Macaw are frequent visitors to Alta Sanctuary, often seen flying above the canopy or perched in the treetops as well as at a nearby very active clay lick. These stunning birds play an important role in the ecosystem by dispersing seeds. As they feed on fruits, they spread seeds over large distances, helping to regenerate the forest and maintain its rich biodiversity.
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Macaws are active year round. The dry season (May to October) usually see large flocks and more Macaw activity.
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A 3-4 day stay, with early morning and late afternoon birdwatching sessions, will maximize your chances of spotting these magnificent birds, especially as they visit the nearby clay lick, a hotspot where they gather in large numbers almost daily.
Felines: A Rare Encounter
Alta Sanctuary is home to some of the Amazon's most elusive and powerful felines. Jaguars, Ocelots, Pumas and more roam the forests, though sightings are extremely rare due to their elusive nature. While these magnificent cats are difficult to spot in the wild, lucky guests in the past have had the incredible opportunity to witness them firsthand. We also capture these cats frequently on our camera traps, confirming that they call Alta Sanctuary home. Their presence is a testament to the sanctuary’s thriving and protected ecosystem, where these apex predators continue to thrive in their natural habitat.
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All the rainforest cats are active year round. Although you need to be quite lucky to see them, it's quite certain that they will see you!
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A 5-6 day stay in one of our Bungalows, with early morning and late afternoon jungle walks or boat rides, will maximize your chances of being one of the lucky guests to witness these magnificent felines.
A Birder's Paradise
Alta Sanctuary is a true birder’s paradise, boasting an extraordinary diversity of species in one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems. From the jewel-like colors of tanagers to the striking beaks of toucans and aracaris, our Sanctuary is alive with avian beauty. The dense canopy and surrounding forest are home to over 480 recorded species, offering birdwatchers a rare opportunity to experience the richness of the Amazon’s birdlife. One keen birder, with sharp observation skills, logged an impressive 120 species in a single day from our Treehouse, showcasing the incredible abundance and diversity of birdlife here.
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Birds are active year round, wet or dry season, the canopy is active as soon as the weather clears!
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For the ultimate birdwatching experience, we highly recommend staying in our world-renowned Treehouse. Offering private access to the canopy from sunrise to sunset, the Treehouse is perfectly positioned with 360° panoramic views. For serious birders, a 4-6 day stay is ideal, giving you ample time to explore different habitats, experience varying weather conditions, and fully immerse yourself in the ultimate birdwatching experience with our expert birding guides.
Primate Kingdom of Alta
Alta Sanctuary is home to a diverse array of monkey species, each playing a crucial role in the rainforest ecosystem. Spider Monkeys, typically elusive and hard to spot elsewhere in the Amazon, are quite common at Alta. With their long limbs and prehensile tails, they swing effortlessly through the canopy, aiding in seed dispersal. Howler Monkeys are known for their deep, resonant calls that will wake you at dawn, often seen in large troops feeding in the treetops. Squirrel Monkeys, small and highly social, forage in energetic groups in the lower and middle canopy. Capuchin Monkeys are intelligent foragers, using their problem-solving skills to gather food, while Titi Monkeys and Saddleback Tamarins live in close-knit family groups, communicating with high-pitched calls that fill the forest.
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Monkeys are active year round, and sightings of several species are just about guaranteed!
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For the best chance to see these incredible primates and try to view as many of the 11 species we see often, a 3-5 day stay in our Bungalow or Treehouse is recommended, with early morning and late afternoon excursions to maximize sightings. With expert guidance, Alta Sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.
Fascinating Reptiles & Amphibians
Alta Sanctuary is home to a fascinating variety of reptiles and amphibians, each playing a vital role in the ecosystem. From the Amazonian Poison Frog, with its vibrant colors, to the elusive Green Anaconda, the world's largest snake, the sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural environment. Lizards, Turtles, and various Geckos can be spotted basking in the sun, while the rainforests are alive with the croaks of Tree Frogs and the eye shines of Caiman in the rivers.
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The wet season, from November to April, is ideal for spotting amphibians like frogs and caimans, as they are more active during the rainy months. However, the dry season, from May to October also offers great opportunities to see reptiles, especially when they come out to bask in the sun. Regardless of the season, early morning and late afternoon are the best times for encounters, as the creatures are most active during these cooler hours.
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To maximize your odds, 4-5 day stay gives you plenty of time to explore the sanctuary’s diverse habitats, from the forest swamps to the riverbanks, and maximize your chances of encountering these reptiles and amphibians.
Wild Mammals
Alta Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of mammals that roam the heart of the Amazon. From the tree-dwelling and elusive anteater and the gentle but just as hard to find tapir to the grazing Capybaras, our Sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. Each species plays an important role in the rainforest's delicate ecosystem.
Solar Power Icon Best time of the year
Mammals are active year round, although during the dry season, from May to October, they are easier to see since there are places for them to find water.
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While sittings are not guarantee as a lot of the larger mammal species are elusive, a 3-5 day stay allows to explore the various habitats and increase your chances of encountering these incredible mammals.
Witness this incredible wilderness first hand.
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