Bird Watching Tour

BIRDWATCHING

Peru is not just a land of ancient ruins and dramatic landscapes; it is an unrivaled paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts, holding the second-highest number of bird species in the world with over 1,800 recorded species, including more than 100 endemics. Its incredible geographical diversity, spanning from the coastal desert to the high Andes and the vast Amazon rainforest, creates a mosaic of habitats that supports this stunning avian variety.

Top Birding Destinations

Manu National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Manu is arguably the top birding destination, with over 1,000 species found within its boundaries alone. Highlights include spectacular macaw clay licks, where hundreds of colorful macaws and parrots gather daily, as well as sightings of the Harpy Eagle and the Amazonian Umbrellabird.

The Andes & Machu Picchu: The high-altitude regions offer a chance to spot the majestic Andean Condor, one of the world's largest flying birds. The cloud forests around Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley are home to a dazzling array of hummingbirds (Peru has the most hummingbird species in the world), including the rare Marvelous Spatuletail and the national bird, the vibrant Andean Cock-of-the-Rock.

Northern Peru (Abra Patricia): This region is a hotspot for endemics, offering chances to see the Long-whiskered Owlet and a variety of unique tanagers in its lush cloud forests.

The Coast (Paracas National Reserve): For seabird lovers, the coast provides sightings of Humboldt Penguins, Inca Terns, and a host of migratory shorebirds.

Birdwatching is excellent year-round, but timing can affect logistics and bird activity.

Dry Season (May to October): Offers easier travel conditions, clear skies, and prime viewing at Amazonian clay licks. Bird activity is highest in the early morning and late afternoon.

Rainy Season (November to April): Features lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and all-day bird activity due to consistent cloud cover.

Program:

Early in the morning, at approximately 6:00, we will pick you up from the hotel, and we will drive towards Huacarpay, located in the southern part, just 30 minutes from Cusco. Lake Huarcarpay and its surroundings an excellent places to watch birds. We will be settled at the tower of the lagoon to watch Andean birds, and some of these are endemic to the area, such as the Bearded Mountaineer.

Common species found here are the Giant Hummingbird, Green-tailed Trainbearer, Andean Negrito, Yellow-winged Blackbird, Plumbeous Rail, Rufous-naped Ground-Tyrant, Rusty-fronted Canastero, Streak-fronted Thornbird, and Golden-billed Saltator. Then we will walk around to watch some kind of wild ducks, moorhens, and grebes. After the tour, we will come back to Cusco City.