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If you are passionate about birds and ancient civilizations, this is the trip of a lifetime. Our Birdwatching in Peru & Inca Empire tour is one of the most remarkable wildlife and cultural journeys on the planet. This 16-day adventure combines expert-guided birdwatching in Peru with immersive exploration of the legendary Inca Empire, weaving together two extraordinary worlds into a single unforgettable experience.
Our overland route is meticulously designed to cross an extraordinary variety of life zones and diverse ecosystems — from stark Andean puna highlands to lush cloud forests and the pristine Amazon rainforest of Manu National Park — found nowhere else in such close proximity on Earth. Birdwatching in Peru at these altitudinal gradients allows birders to encounter species that exist only in Peru, making every day a discovery.
We traverse high-altitude farming valleys, elfin forests draped in cloud, layers of ever-changing tropical vegetation, and lowland river systems teeming with macaws, toucans, and antbirds. Throughout the journey, our expert birding guides lead you through the habitat of hundreds of resident and endemic bird species. Whether you are a seasoned ornithologist or a passionate amateur, birdwatching in Peru with Neotropic Peru guarantees experiences that will stay with you forever.
Beyond the birds, the majesty of the Inca Empire awaits: the sacred city of Cusco, the breathtaking citadel of Machu Picchu, and the living communities of the Sacred Valley offer a cultural richness that perfectly complements the natural wonders. This is birdwatching in Peru at its finest — where history, culture, and wildlife unite.
Our Neotropic Peru representative will be waiting at the airport to escort you to your hotel in Lima.
Cusco City Tour & First Birdwatching in Peru
Our representative will meet you at the airport in Cusco and transfer you to your hotel. At noon, your guide picks you up for an immersive city tour combining Inca history with your first birdwatching in Peru opportunities. You will visit the legendary Koricancha (Temple of the Sun), the majestic Sacsayhuaman fortress — built with stones weighing up to 120 tons — and birdwatch at the scenic Wayllarcocha Lagoon. The day concludes at Tambomachay (Temple of the Water) amidst a beautiful patch of polylepis forest, ideal for spotting endemic high-altitude species.
Huacarpay Wetlands · Andahuaylillas · Sacred Garden
Today’s birdwatching in Peru takes us south of Cusco to the remarkable Huacarpay Lagoon, a high-altitude wetland at 3,020 meters and one of the region’s most productive birding sites. Home to nearly 60 resident avian species and a vital staging ground for migratory birds, Huacarpay is a treasure of birdwatching in Peru. Look for the electrifying Sparkling Violetear, brightly colored Rush-Tyrants, Yellow-winged Blackbirds, the elusive Plumbeous Rail, multiple flycatcher species, ducks, and a diverse selection of raptors — including hawks and falcons that soar as thermals build through the morning.
We then continue to the colonial gem of Andahuaylillas, often called the ‘Sistine Chapel of the Americas’ for its extraordinary baroque church interior. The village and surrounding farmland offer additional birdwatching in Peru opportunities, with Andean birds mingling among the ancient adobe walls. Our day concludes at the Sacred Garden — a specialist birding site renowned for the Bearded Mountaineer, one of Peru’s most charismatic endemic hummingbirds, along with numerous nectar-feeding species and tanagers.
Piuray Lagoon · Ensifera Garden · Ollantaytambo
We begin with a dawn visit to Piuray Lagoon, a pristine Andean lake surrounded by open grasslands and agricultural terraces — prime habitat for Ground-Tyrants, Sierra Finches, and waterfowl that make this a rewarding birdwatching in Peru destination. We then pass through the weaving village of Chinchero (optional stop), where Quechua artisans carry on centuries-old textile traditions against a backdrop of Inca ruins.
Our next stop is the Ensifera Garden, a private hummingbird garden celebrated among birdwatchers for the remarkably rare Sword-billed Hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera) — whose bill is longer than its body — alongside other high-Andean hummingbirds. The afternoon brings us to the magnificent Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, where massive carved terraces and stone temples rise dramatically above the Sacred Valley. En route, keep binoculars ready for Variable Hawk, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Cream-winged Cinclodes, Peruvian Sierra-Finch, Rusty-fronted Canastero, and many more Andean passerines. Overnight in Ollantaytambo.
Cloud Forest Exploration · Huyro Ecolodge
One of the most spectacular days of birdwatching in Peru awaits as we drive from Ollantaytambo up to Abra Malaga pass (approximately 4,350 m / 14,271 ft). This dramatic mountain crossing takes us through multiple altitudinal zones in a single day — a defining feature of birdwatching in Peru that astonishes even experienced ornithologists. We spend the full day working the humid temperate forest and bamboo thickets.
Target species include Peruvian endemics: Unstreaked Tit-Tyrant, Inca Wren, Parodi’s Hemispingus, Cuzco Brush-Finch, and Puna Thistletail. Additional highlights include Black-eared and Black-capped Hemispingus, Golden-collared Tanager, Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager, White-throated and White-banded Tyrannulets, Andean Ibis, Rufous Antpitta, Undulated Antpitta, Diademed Tapaculo, and many more. We arrive at Huyro Ecolodge for an evening surrounded by the sounds of the cloud forest.
Huyro Lodge Trails · Return to Sacred Valley
Morning birdwatching in Peru along the lodge’s trail systems reveals a spectacular array of cloud forest species. The forests here support a dazzling mix of birds: Speckled Chachalaca, Hook-billed Kite, Plumbeous Kite, Russet-crowned Crake, Mitred Parakeet, Golden-headed Quetzal, Versicolored Barbet, Andean Motmot, Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Blue-gray Tanager, Silver-backed Tanager, Blue-necked Tanager, Russet-backed Oropendola, Crested Oropendola, Giant Cowbird, Booted Racket-tail, Green Hermit, Sparkling Violetear, Lineated Woodpecker, Barred Antshrike, Scaled Antpitta, Common Tody-Flycatcher, and many more.
This extraordinary morning of birdwatching in Peru exemplifies the remarkable avian diversity that makes this country the #2 destination for birds in the world. In the afternoon, we return to the historic village of Ollantaytambo.
Machu Picchu Sanctuary
Today we board the scenic train to Aguas Calientes for a visit to UNESCO World Heritage Site Machu Picchu — one of the greatest achievements of the Inca Empire and one of the world’s premier birdwatching in Peru destinations. The 32,592-hectare Machu Picchu Sanctuary harbors approximately 406 recorded bird species, making it extraordinary for birdwatchers and ornithologists alike.
The Sanctuary’s altitude range creates a mosaic of habitats: cloud forest, polylepis woodland, bamboo thickets, and open grasslands — each supporting distinct bird communities. While exploring the iconic stone terraces and temples, listen for the haunting call of the Torrent Duck along the Urubamba River, spot White-capped Dippers on river boulders, and watch for Versicolored Barbets, Inca Wrens, and Masked Trogons in the surrounding forest. We allow ample time to truly feel the magic and mystery of this timeless citadel.
Free Day – Optional Excursions Available
Enjoy a well-earned rest day in Cusco to explore at your own pace. Stroll the cobblestone streets of the historic center, visit local markets, sample extraordinary Peruvian cuisine, or join optional excursions. Ask your guide about optional add-on activities.
Andean Crossing · Wayquecha Lodge
Today marks the beginning of the Manu chapter of your birdwatching in Peru experience — and it is truly unforgettable. We travel through inter-Andean valleys offering excellent chances to find endemic species including the Bearded Mountaineer and the Chestnut-breasted Mountain-Finch. Other Andean highlights include Andean Flicker, Mountain Caracara, Andean Lapwing, and seasonal Dotterels in agricultural fields.
We pass through the beautiful colonial town of Paucartambo before ascending to the Acjanaco pass at 3,600 m — the southern gateway to Manu National Park. Here in the high mountain forest we find Chestnut-bellied Mountain-Tanager, Tawny-rumped Tyrannulet, Band-tailed and Barred Fruiteaters in mixed flocks. As we descend, the vegetation transforms dramatically, and Golden-headed Quetzals, Stripe-faced Wood-Quails, Yungas Pygmy Owls, Blue-banded Toucanets, Crimson-mantled Woodpeckers, and Mountain Caciques appear with increasing frequency. Overnight at Wayquecha Lodge.
Cloud Forest Descent
Early morning birdwatching in Peru along the famous Manu Road explores the breathtaking transition from grassland through elfin forest and into the heart of the cloud forest. This gradient of habitats is the essence of birdwatching in Peru — nowhere else can you witness such biodiversity over such a short distance.
Target species today include Yungas Manakin, Crested Quetzal, Versicolored Barbet, Orange-eared Tanager, Streak-necked Flycatcher, and Andean Motmot. As dusk approaches, keep watch for the spectacular Lyre-tailed Nightjar. Overnight at Cock of the Rock Lodge, nestled in one of the most biodiverse forests on Earth.
Lek Display & Hummingbird Feeders
Rise before dawn for one of the most thrilling experiences in birdwatching in Peru: watching the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola peruvianus) — Peru’s national bird — perform its extraordinary courtship ritual. Dozens of brilliant reddish-orange males gather at their traditional lek to display, dance, and compete for the attention of females in a spectacle that leaves even non-birders speechless.
After this remarkable display, visit the lodge’s famous hummingbird feeders, attracting up to 13 species: Booted Racket-tail, Wire-crested Thorntail, Green Hermit, Buff-tailed Sicklebill, Many-spotted Hummingbird, Violet-fronted Brilliant, White-bellied Woodstar, Peruvian Piedtail, Long-tailed Sylph, Wedge-billed Hummingbird, Speckled Hummingbird, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, and Sparkling Violetear. This is hummingbird birdwatching in Peru at its absolute best. Overnight at Cock of the Rock Lodge.
Into the Amazon Foothills
As we descend further into the Amazon foothills, birdwatching in Peru reaches new heights of diversity. Morning walks offer White-crowned Tapaculo, Yungas Manakin, Crested Quetzal, Versicolored Barbet, Orange-eared Tanager, Streak-necked Flycatcher, Andean Motmot, Slaty Gnateater, Chestnut-breasted Wren, Cinnamon-faced Tyrannulet, Spotted Nightingale-Thrush, Tyrannine Woodcreeper, Masked Trogon, Crimson-bellied Woodpecker, Black-streaked Puffbird, Paradise Tanager, Saffron-crowned Tanager, and Golden Tanager.
Afternoon brings us to lower elevations where Cerulean-capped Manakin, Olive Flycatcher, Ornate Flycatcher, Yellow-bellied Antwren, and — with fortune — the spectacular Amazonian Umbrellabird may be encountered. We arrive at Manu Biolodge, our base for Amazonian birdwatching in Peru.
Amazon Rainforest Exploration
Awaken to the Amazon’s natural symphony — a dawn chorus of hundreds of species that serves as the world’s finest alarm clock. Birdwatching in Peru in the Amazon rainforest is a revelation: the sheer density and diversity of species is unmatched anywhere on Earth.
We explore the bamboo forest — a specialist habitat supporting White-cheeked Tody-Flycatcher, Yellow Tyrannulet, Red-billed Scythebill, Pavonine Cuckoo, Bamboo Antshrike, Blackish Antbird, Dot-winged Antwren, Dusky-cheeked Foliage-Gleaner, and the Black-backed Tody-Flycatcher. Second-growth forest reveals Blue-headed Macaw, Chestnut-fronted Macaw, Fiery-capped Manakin, White-eyed Parakeet, Chestnut-backed Antshrike, Golden Tanager, and Black Hawk-Eagle.
Along the river, birdwatching in Peru continues with Great Blue Herons, Egrets, and Kingfishers. We visit the Machu-Wasy lagoon for Hoatzins — one of the most ancient and peculiar birds in the Amazon — alongside Black-capped Donacobius, Horned Screamers, Wood-Rails, and flycatchers. Blue-and-gold Macaws are often seen from the palm forest at sunset. Common Pauraque and Spectacled Owl may be found after dark. Overnight at Manu Biolodge.
Amazon Lowland Birds & Hummingbird Garden
Our final full day of birdwatching in Peru begins with a visit to the celebrated Pico de Oz / Inkamazonia Hummingbird Garden, where Buff-tailed Sicklebill, Rufous-crested Coquette, and many Amazon lowland hummingbirds gather at feeders. A morning walk along the Alto Madre de Dios River — rocky, fast-flowing, and teeming with life — offers views of Herons, Egrets, Sandpipers, and Kingfishers foraging on gravel bars.
Additional Amazon targets include Peruvian Recurvebill, White-throated Toucan, Russet-crowned Crake, Amazonian Antpitta, Uniform Crake, and remarkable mixed species flocks. This is the perfect final chapter of your birdwatching in Peru journey — a day filled with wonder in one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. A delicious farewell dinner concludes the evening, surrounded by the living orchestra of the Amazon night.
Return Journey with Birding Stops
After breakfast, we depart Manu Biolodge and begin our return to Cusco. True to the spirit of birdwatching in Peru, we make targeted stops along the way, taking advantage of the extraordinary altitudinal gradient to add species to your list. The journey retraces our route through cloud forest, elfin forest, and Andean highlands, each zone offering fresh opportunities for the attentive birder.
Departure
After breakfast and a final transfer to Cusco airport, your birdwatching in Peru adventure concludes with a flight back to Lima for your international connection. We hope you carry with you not just a remarkable bird list, but a profound connection to Peru’s extraordinary natural and cultural heritage. We look forward to welcoming you back to neotropicperu.com for your next adventure.
Birdwatching in Peru takes you to some of the world’s highest inhabited landscapes. Cusco sits at 3,400 m (11,155 ft) and Abra Malaga reaches 4,350 m (14,271 ft). Altitude sickness (soroche) is common and manageable with proper preparation. Symptoms — headache, fatigue, nausea, breathlessness — typically resolve within 24–48 hours as your body acclimatizes.
Our recommendations: arrive in Cusco one day early if possible; stay well hydrated with water and traditional coca tea (used since Inca times to ease altitude effects); avoid alcohol, coffee, and sleeping pills for the first 48 hours; and take it easy on arrival day.
Peru’s biodiversity means birds can be found year-round. However, the dry season (April–October) offers clearer skies, drier trails, and easier photography — ideal for birdwatching in Peru. The wet season (November–March) brings lush vegetation, active breeding behavior, and spectacular migratory species passing through. Many specialist birders prefer the shoulder seasons of April–May and September–October for the perfect balance of conditions.
Peru is a paradise for wildlife photographers. For birdwatching in Peru photography, bring a telephoto lens of at least 400mm (500mm or 600mm preferred for small species). A lightweight carbon fiber tripod or monopod greatly improves results in low-light cloud forest conditions. Always carry extra batteries — cold Andean mornings drain power quickly. Memory cards should be 64GB or larger. Weather-sealed camera bodies are strongly recommended given the humid cloud forest and Amazon environments.
The Machu Picchu train has a carry-on size restriction. All bags traveling to Aguas Calientes must be carry-on sized. Any additional luggage can be stored safely in Cusco — at your hotel or at the Neotropic Peru Travel deposit — and will be collected on departure morning and returned upon your arrival back in Cusco. Please ensure all bags are clearly labeled for easy identification.
Peru’s diverse geography creates dramatically different microclimates. The dry season in Cusco (April–October) offers reliable sunshine, though afternoon rain showers can occur at any time. The Amazon region receives rainfall year-round. Always pack a quality waterproof jacket, rain poncho, and waterproof gloves regardless of season. Layering is essential: mornings in the Andes can be near-freezing, while afternoons warm considerably, and the Amazon is humid and warm throughout.
