Escape the city and discover why birding near Cusco is so rewarding—even in just half a day. This morning tour takes you to the high-Andean wetlands of Huacarpay Lake and a vibrant Hummingbird Garden in the Sacred Valley area, where birds gather in close, photo-friendly settings. Expect a mix of waterbirds, raptors, and dazzling hummingbirds, with chances for regional specialties and endemics. It’s the perfect add-on to Machu Picchu and Cusco travel plans.
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Cusco isn’t only the gateway to Machu Picchu—it’s also one of the best places in Peru for a short, high-reward birdwatching tour. Our half-day birding near Cusco visits two proven hotspots: the Huacarpay Lake wetlands (Lucre–Huacarpay) and a nearby Hummingbird Garden (Sacred Garden area). In just a morning, you’ll bird across high-Andean wetlands, reedbeds, scrub, and eucalyptus edges—habitats that concentrate species and make sightings surprisingly productive.
Located about 30 km southeast of Cusco, Huacarpay is a protected wetland complex that provides food and shelter for 70+ bird species. It’s an excellent place to look for regional specialties and endemics such as:
The Download Files tab provides travelers with easy access to all essential documents related to the Tambopata Rainforest tour. Organized in a simple PDF format, this section ensures that you can quickly view, save, and print the information you need for your journey.
I went out with Herbert for a half day (my partner was sick). I had a great time – Herbert talked a lot and was very knowledgeable about the birds (including endemic species), and also culture. En route we passed by pre-incan ruins, and went to several different areas including lake, farmland, rivers, and a beautiful garden in a small town for snacks. I saw 40 bird species that Herbert kept track of for me with eBird and shared the list at the end. Really fun – even if you don’t know much about birds.
Herbert was an excellent bird guide to the Huacarpay wetland and Cusco surroundings. Saw loads of new species. Would highly recommend it.
My recent morning birding experience at Huacarpay Lake was an absolute delight. I was fortunated enough to spot a couple of endemic species and few raptors. The knowledgeable guide accompanying me was instrumental in identifying the various bird species and providing fascinating insights into their behaviors and habitats. Their passion for birds was contagious, and their ability to spot and locate even the tiniest of feathered creatures added an extra layer of excitement to the experience. The peaceful and scenic surroundings of Huacarpay Lake added to the overall charm of the morning’s birding expedition.
