Birding Cusco Machu Picchu
- 5 Days
- All Year Available
- Max People : 6
- Min Age : 12+
- Wifi Available
- Pickup: Hotel in Cusco
This Birding tour visits some of the best birding hot spots near to Cusco, at the beginning it does visit the Huacarpay Lake near to Cusco, later it does visit the Polylepis forest of Abra Malaga and at the end it does visit Machu Picchu.
During the tour, participants will have the opportunity to observe a diverse range of bird species that inhabit these unique ecosystems. At Huacarpay Lake, birdwatchers can expect to see various waterfowl, including Andean ducks and numerous migratory birds. The surrounding wetlands are also home to colorful species such as the Plumbeous Rail and the Andean Lapwing.
As the tour progresses to Abra Malaga, the altitude begins to change, leading us into the enchanting Polylepis forest. This area is renowned for its stunning landscapes and high biodiversity. Birders will have the chance to spot the elusive Royal Cinclodes, the charming Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, and the striking Golden-collared Tanager among the unique Polylepis trees. The forest’s unique climate and flora create an ideal habitat for many endemic species.
Finally, no birding journey would be complete without a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu. Beyond its archaeological wonders, the surrounding cloud forests provide a home to a variety of birds, including the rare Andean Condor soaring above the mountains and the vibrant Tyrian Metaltail flitting among the flowers. As the tour wraps up, participants will not only have experienced some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Peru but also left with lasting memories of the diverse avifauna that inhabits this incredible region.
Departure & Return Location
Cusco city
Departure Time
5:30 am
Bedroom
Double accomodation
Price Includes
- Bird specialist guide
- 4 Nights Hotel Accomodation
- Cultural Tour Guide
- Entrance Fees
- 3 Meals per day, mineral water, snacks & hot drinks
- All transportation in destination location
Price Excludes
- Gratuities
- Any Personal Expenses
- Alcoholic Drinks
- International or Domestic flights
You should bring
- Hat, Cap & Sunscreen
- Comfortable Clothes, Long sleeved Shirts
- Warm Clothes, Hiking Shoes
- Small Backpack, Water Bottle
Itinerary
Birding Cusco Machu Picchu
Day 1: Cusco – Huacarpay
Today, we will depart from Cusco at 5:30 AM, heading towards Laguna Huacarpay, which will take approximately 45 minutes. This area is home to the endemic Bearded Mountaineer (Oreonympha nobilis), a unique hummingbird found only here. While it’s not the only hummingbird species in the Cusco region, it is not found anywhere else in the world.
We will also have the opportunity to observe many other bird species, including the Plumbeous Rail (Pardirallus sanguinolentus), Cinnamon Teal (Anas cyanoptera), Puna Teal (Anas puna), Yellow-billed Pintail (Anas georgica), White-tufted Grebe (Rollandia rolland), Cinereous Harrier (Circus cinereus), Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle (Geranoaetus melanoleucus), Streak-fronted Thornbird (Phacellodomus striaticeps), Many-colored Rush Tyrant (Tachuris rubrigastra), the endemic Rusty-fronted Canastero (Asthenes ottonis), and Creamy-crested Spinetail (Cranioleuca albicapilla), among others.
After our birdwatching session, we will enjoy a quick lunch before continuing our search for more birds around the lake. We will start our return to Ollantaytambo, arriving around 5:30 PM. There, we will have a delicious dinner and enjoy a well-deserved rest. Overnight in Ollantaytambo.
Day 2: Ollantaytambo – Abra Malaga
Today, we will again leave early, traveling from Ollantaytambo to Abra Malaga. In this area, we will search for several endemic species, including the Marcapata Spinetail (Cranioleuca marcapatae), Cuzco Brush-Finch (Atlapetes canigenis), Parodi’s Hemispingus (Hemispingus parodii), Unstreaked Tit-Tyrant (Anairetes agraphia), and Puna Thistletail (Asthenes helleri), along with many other birds that travel in flocks. In the afternoon, we will return to Ollantaytambo. Overnight in Ollantaytambo.
Day 3: Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu
Today, we will begin our day birdwatching at an elevation of 4,316 meters above sea level in a Polylepis forest, home to unique specialized birds native to the area. The birds we may encounter include the White-browed Tit-Spinetail (Leptasthenura xenothorax), Royal Cinclodes (Cinclodes aricomae), Puna Tapaculo (Scytalopus simonsi), Andean Hillstar (Oreotrochilus estella), Giant Conebill (Oreomanes fraseri), Creamy-crested Spinetail (Cranioleuca albicapilla), White-tufted Sunbeam (Aglaeactis castelnaudii), Chestnut-breasted Mountain Finch (Poospiza caesar), Stripe-headed Antpitta (Grallaria andicolus), and many more species.
After lunch, we will return to Ollantaytambo to catch the train to Aguas Calientes. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu all day
The area around Machu Picchu boasts excellent forests for birdwatching, where you can observe various endemics and specialists such as the Masked Fruiteater (Pipreola pulchra), Ocellated Piculet (Picumnus dorbignyanus), Slaty Tanager (Creurgops dentatus), Sclater’s Tyrannulet (Phyllomyias sclateri), Torrent Duck (Merganetta armata), White-capped Dipper (Cinclus leucocephalus), Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola peruviana), Highland Motmot (Momotus aequatorialis), and many more bird species. Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
After an early breakfast, we will visit the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. During our time there, we will explore the site looking some interesting bird species such as: the endemics Inca wren (Pheugopedius eisenmanni), Green-and-white Hummingbird (Elliotomyia viridicauda), Mitred Parakeet (Psittacara mitratus), White-tipped Swift (Aeronautes montivagus), Collared Inca (Coeligena torquata), Streaked Xenops (Xenops rutilans), Variable Antshrike (Thamnophilus caerulescens), Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet (Phylloscartes ventralis), Rusty Flowerpiercer (Diglossa sittoides), Oleaginous Hemispingus (Hemispingus frontalis), Yellow-bellied Seedeater (Sporophila nigricollis), Hooded Siskin (Spinus magellanicus), and many more species. We will have the opportunity to admire the citadel and take stunning photographs before returning to the town for a rewarding lunch. Around 3:26 PM or 4:30 PM, you and your guide will take the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, from where our car will drive you to Cusco. Upon your arrival, we will drop you off at your hotel in Cusco.
