Experiencing the Best Birding Lodges 6 days

Best Birding Lodges in Peru

Exploring the Premier Birding Lodges in Manu

Peru’s Manu Road is a mecca for birdwatching enthusiasts, renowned worldwide for its breathtaking landscapes and exceptional biodiversity. Offering a thrilling adventure through pristine rainforests and cloud forests, this iconic route is a must-visit for bird lovers.

When it comes to birdwatching, Manu Road is one of the best places to go. There are so many different types of birds that you can see, and the rainforest is such a unique environment. However, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind if you want to have a successful birdwatching trip from the Andes, Cloud Forest, and Rainforest.

To enhance your birding experience, we have curated a list of the best birding lodges along Manu Road. These lodges not only provide comfortable accommodations but also facilitate optimal bird observation opportunities and access to diverse and rare avian species.

Avid Birder’s Haven: Discovering the Finest Lodges in Manu on a 6-Day Birding Adventure

Unveiling the Top Lodges in Manu

Wayquecha Lodge.

(2,903 meters / 9,525 feet)

The only lodge with certainly a privileged location. Surrounded by elfin forest, the underlying of the Andean mountains. As a result, this location is a niche for birds such as the barred Antthrush, Cuzco Brushfinch, Golden-collared Tanager, Andean Potoo, Purple Backed Thornbill, Red-and-white Antpitta, and Marcapata Spinetail. Chestnut-crested Cotinga, and many more. Currently, this location holds around 303 bird species according to Ebird.

Cock of the Rock Lodge

(5000 feet (1600 m) of elevation)

The Lodge sits in the heart of the Manu Cloud Forest on 1,500 meters of elevation surrounded by lush vegetation and a humid forest. The specialties living here are; Cock of the Rock, Crested Quetzal, Rufous-winged Antwren, Handsome Flycatcher, Solitary Eagle, Lyre-tailed Nightjar, Geoffroy’s Daggerbill, Wire-crested Thorntail, Peruvian Piedtail, Lanceolated Monklet, Amazonian Umbrellabird, Olive Finch, and Cerulean-capped Manakin, among many many others. This location holds around 500 bird species according to Ebird

Guadalupe Lodge

(635 meters / 2084 feet)

This location is ranked as a hotspot by Ebird counting over 390 bird species. In turn, making it one of the best locations along Manu Road. This location is one of the newest birding hotspots and covers different birds habitats from the mature bamboo forest, Mauriche Palm forest, Second growth, Riverine, and the Foothill Forest, you will be able to spot; Blue-Headed Macaw,  Buff-tailed sicklebill, Peruvian Recurbill, Black-backed Tody-flycatcher, White-cheeked Tody-Flycatcher, Flammulated Pygmy-Tyrant, Yellow Tyrannulet, Manu Antbird, Yellow-Billed Nunbird, Golden-collared toucanet, Red-billed Pied Tanager, Black-banded woodcreeper, Rufous-headed Woodpecker, Fine Barred Piculet, Harpy Eagle and many more.

Eco Manu Lodge

(492 m / 1615 Feet)

The Eco Manu Lodge holds currently 266 bird records according to Ebird, this is a sustainable lodge with a solar-powered system. This is a new paradise for birding adjacent to the riverside of the Alto Madre de Dios and the fabled Amazonia Lodge. The area is prime for observing the following; Amazonian Antpitta, Koepcke’s Hermit, Rufous-crested Coquette, Lemon-throated Barbet, Agami Heron, Rusty-belted Tapaculo, Plum Throated Cotinga, and others interesting birds nestling in the foothill forest.

Other Top Locations Best Birding Lodges in Peru

Cocha Machuhuasi

An oxbow lake attracts a large number of Amazonian birds such as; egrets, hoatzins, herons, kingfishers, rails, crakes, horned screamers, caciques, and oropendolas. The lake sits at an elevation of around 500 meters approx, Currently, there is a list of 421 species of birds recorded at this location. But this is forever rising, check the updated list on Ebird.

Laguna Patria

Another bonus location to look for is Amazonian aquatic birds, migrants, and second-growth specialists. The location congregates; Hoatzin, Capped heron, Least Grebe, Sunbittern, Amazonian Antpitta, Brazilian Teal, Red Capped Cardinal, Spot Breasted  Woodpecker, Black Billed SeedFinch, and others.

Over this location around 182 bird species have been reported via Ebird.

Visiting the Hummingbird Gardens in Manu

A journey through these enchanting gardens is nothing short of delightful, as birdwatchers are treated to a vibrant display of these fascinating and agile creatures.

The gardens provide the perfect vantage for photography and enjoy watching mesmerizing flight patterns. Their rapid wing beats create a humming sound, giving them their name and adding to the magical atmosphere of the gardens. It’s truly a joy to see them zip from one flower to another, sipping nectar with their long beaks and showcasing their extraordinary agility.

Hummingbirds, known for their tiny size and incredibly fast wing-flapping speed, are a highlight for birding enthusiasts. With their vibrant plumage, iridescent colors, and distinctive beaks, they capture the attention and admiration of all who witness them. These tiny birds have become emblematic of the rich biodiversity found in Manu, and their presence is a testament to the region’s dedication to conservation efforts in the following locations;

Jardin Pico de Hoz

The Pico de Hoz garden is near Pilcopata town, this location holds 356 bird species. The garden is carefully designed and maintained to attract a variety of these beautiful birds. Colorful flowers, nectar feeders, and strategically placed perches are just some of the elements that make these gardens irresistible to hummingbirds. The abundance of nectar and the absence of predators in these gardens create an ideal environment for these fascinating creatures to feed, rest, and display their aerial acrobatics.

Inkamazonia Garden

Prepare to be amazed by the sheer number of hummingbird species you will encounter over here. currently, this location holds 204 bird species among hummingbirds, tanagers, saltators, antbirds, and other emblematic species, You will have the opportunity to observe a diverse range of these incredible birds.

From the dazzling Violet-fronted Brilliant and the vibrant Gould’s Jewelfront to the adorable White-necked Jacobin and the elegant Rufous Crested Coquette, Koepcke’s Hermit, White Bearded Hermit each species has its unique charm and beauty.

As you embark on your birding adventure, keep an eye out for tanagers, honeycreepers, and various species of woodpeckers.

Interesting Birds & Families.

The Antpittas 

In general, antpittas are shy and retiring and as a result of this, can be quite hard to see. More commonly you will hear, as their call from the dense forest understory. Side trails offer the patient observer a chance to glimpse these seldom-seen species. The forest also is home to a gorgeous variety of hummingbirds. These spectacular birds can be found feeding on roadside flowering trees and shrubs.

The Cock of the Rock

Cock of the Rock (Rupicola Peruviana) is another one of the most spectacular and well-known birds in Peru.  It inhibits the lower montane forest below 2,000 m altitude. This large orange bird is often seen feeding on fruit trees. But it’s most impressive when seen at an LEK.

Displaying Site

Here the males gather at the traditional LEK sites in the early morning to display. This is where the action happens. They squeal loudly and dance, bending their heads forward and raising their wings. The duller females visit the Leks to select a male, who after mating, plays no further part in the nesting or feeding of the young.

Hummingbirds

Furthermore, Peru supports an impressive 127 species (39 % of all the hummingbirds) of which Manu National Park is their home. Hummingbirds occur in all the habitats of the region, from the high montane forest to the flooded forest. Even being spotted in the towns and agricultural areas. Consequently most of them you can see in the gardens of these selected lodges specific to this tour.

Tanagers

The tanagers are one the most colorful and distinctive groups of birds in the world. Only in the New World tropics with the highest diversity of species occurring in the forest of the southern Andes. Even more, Manu Park holds an extraordinary number of them. A colorful procession of these fruit-eating birds scores through the sky. Of which you can see in mixed flocks moving through the forest canopy.

How to Prepare?

Finally, you’ll want to make sure you have the right gear for birding. A good pair of binoculars is essential, and a camera can help you capture memories (or evidence!) of your sightings.

Download a couple of apps such as  Merlin (download the Peru bird pack) and  Ebird (quite useful for uploading your bird records, all lodges provide a WIFI connection )

Don’t forget to pack plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent, as well as comfortable walking shoes and clothes that can protect you from the elements. With a little planning and preparation, your trip to see Peru’s amazing birds will be a success!

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