Typical highlights include:

• Wetland birds: White-tufted Grebe, Puna Ibis, Andean Duck, Common Gallinule, Puna Teal, Cinnamon Teal, Yellow-billed Pintail
• Reed specialists: Wren-like Rushbird, Many-colored Rush-Tyrant, Yellow-winged Blackbird
• Raptors and surprises depending on season: Peregrine Falcon, Aplomado Falcon, harriers and other soaring birds
• Seasonal bonus: possible Chilean Flamingos at the right time of year

Endemics to look for around Huacarpay:

• Bearded Mountaineer (endemic)
• Rusty-fronted Canastero (endemic)

The wild tree tobacco and surrounding vegetation can be especially good for hummingbirds and specialties when conditions align.

2) Sacred Garden (Hummingbird Garden near Pisac / San Salvador)

Next, we visit the Sacred Garden, a lush birding stop in the Sacred Valley area where hummingbird activity can be wonderfully close and continuous. The setting also delivers sweeping mountain-and-valley views—excellent for both birdwatching and photography.

Possible species here include:

• Hummingbirds and nectar feeders: Giant Hummingbird, Sparkling Violetear, Green-tailed Trainbearer, and other valley hummingbirds
• Valley birds and mixed flocks: Mitred Parakeet, Black-backed Grosbeak, tanagers and finches depending on the day
• Owl chance: Peruvian Pygmy-Owl (not guaranteed, but always worth scanning for)

You’ll also see local agriculture (quinoa, corn, and other crops), adding a cultural layer to the landscape.

3) Laguna de Rumichaca (High-Elevation Birding)

To finish the day, we head toward Laguna de Rumichaca, where higher elevation habitats can add a completely different set of species. This is an excellent place to target puna birds and highland specialties, especially for birders building a serious Cusco checklist.

Species to watch for may include:

• Andean Goose
• Andean Flicker
• Andean Hillstar
• Peruvian Sierra-Finch
• Additional chances for Rusty-fronted Canastero and other highland birds

Depending on conditions, the uphill sections can also favor species such as Chestnut-breasted Mountain-Finch, White-tufted Sunbeam, and Creamy-crested Spinetail.

Archeology Meets Birding: Wari Ruins & Ancient Landscapes

This is not only a birding day—it’s a Cusco landscape experience. Along the route, you’ll see (and in some areas stop near) remnants of Wari (pre-Inca) culture, including the Pikillacta archaeological zone and nearby structures. Few birding days offer this kind of mix: wetlands and hummingbirds in the morning, highland habitats later, and ancient stonework woven into the scenery.

Which Endemic Species Can You See?

Endemics and key targets vary by habitat, but the most regular regional endemics for this route include:

• Bearded Mountaineer (endemic)
• Rusty-fronted Canastero (endemic)

Additional highland targets may include specialties such as Chestnut-breasted Mountain-Finch (often sought-after in the region) and other puna favorites depending on the season and current bird activity.

Recommended Birding Apps (for IDs and checklists)

To get more from your Full Day Birdwatching in Cusco, we recommend:

• Ebird,(best for hotspot checklists and recent sightings)
• Merlin App (excellent free tool for IDs by photo/sound and local species suggestions)

If you’d like, we can also share the current eBird hotspot links for:

• Laguna de Huacarpay (Lucre–Huacarpay wetlands)
• Sacred Garden area
• Rumichaca / surrounding high-elevation sites