Mammal Clay Lick

Deep in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest, the Mammal Clay Lick offers a rare opportunity to witness the secretive behaviors of jungle wildlife. Here, animals emerge from the dense foliage to consume mineral-rich clay—an instinctive act that helps them balance their diets in a place where salt is a precious commodity. Far from the coastlines and isolated by towering mountain ranges, the Amazon’s soil and water are naturally low in sodium. To compensate, animals like the White-Lipped Peccary, Deer, and even elusive creatures like the Jaguar are drawn to these mineral deposits.

Unlike other clay licks in the region, the Mammal Clay Licks at Refugio Amazonas and Posada Amazonas are exclusively accessible through Rainforest Expeditions, offering an unmatched opportunity to explore these unique sites.

Exclusive Mammal Clay Licks with Rainforest Expeditions

Refugio Amazonas Mammal Clay Lick

Just a few minutes from Refugio Amazonas, a clay cliff teems with life as mammals gather to satisfy their mineral needs. Among the frequent visitors are herds of White-Lipped Peccaries, wild jungle pigs that roam the forest in groups of 5 to 20 individuals. Late in the morning is their favorite time to appear, munching on the salty clay alongside other visitors like Deer or Guans. The experience is not only about observing these animals; it also includes a chance to participate in our AmazonCam Project, where you can help check camera traps and discover what wildlife has passed through during the night.

It’s important to understand that, unlike parrots and macaws that visit clay licks daily, mammals follow their own rhythm. They may not appear every day, adding a touch of anticipation and wonder to the experience, because this is not a zoo; it’s the raw, untamed Amazon. Your guide will help you interpret the signs of the forest, tracking footprints and reading the landscape to increase the chances of a sighting.

Posada Amazonas Mammal Clay Lick

A short 15-minute walk from Posada Amazonas brings you to another stunning clay lick experience. While smaller than its counterpart at Refugio, it is equally vibrant, with regular appearances of White-Lipped Peccaries and occasional sightings of Parakeets. The walk is gentle and serene, leading to a well-positioned hide where you can observe the animals in silence. This unique location allows for an immersive experience in the heart of the jungle, where patience is often rewarded with unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Why Visit a Mammal Clay Lick?

Visiting a Mammal Clay Lick is more than just wildlife observation—it’s a window into the Amazon’s delicate ecosystem. These clay licks serve as natural gathering spots, creating rare opportunities to see animals interact in their natural environment. While there are other mammal clay licks in the region, the ones at Refugio Amazonas and Posada Amazonas are exclusive to Rainforest Expeditions, making this experience truly unique.

Unlike birds that visit clay licks daily, mammals follow their own rhythm, appearing unexpectedly and adding an element of true wilderness to the experience. Every visit is different, a reminder that the Amazon is wild, unpredictable, and beautifully untamed.

Discover the untold stories of the Amazon’s wildlife at the Mammal Clay Lick—an experience that can only be found with us.