Birds, Archeology & Andean Landscapes
Full-Day Birding in Cusco & Sacred Valley
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What's included
- Activities Listed in the Program
- Duffel Bags for Repacking
- Entrances Fees to the Birding Sites
- Free Storage Room in Cusco
- Meals (according the itinerary)
- Purified Water to Refill
- Snacks (Fresh Fruits, Cookies Juices )
- Transport (Air Conditioned Minivan or SUV)
- Alcoholic Drinks
- Binoculars (Available to rent)
- First Day Breakfast
- Single Supplement Upgrade
Birding in Cusco Full-Day
Huacarpay Lake, Sacred Garden & Laguna de Rumichaca
Introducing our premier birding program in Cusco – the ultimate choice for experienced birdwatchers and avid bird photographers seeking to elevate their sightings without extensive travel.
This meticulously designed tour offers a perfect blend of convenience and accessibility, ensuring a hassle-free experience. With easy booking and availability year-round, we provide flexibility to suit your schedule.
Embark on a captivating journey that seamlessly integrates archeology, nature, landscape, and diverse bird species within a single-day excursion. Our expert guides will accompany you through breathtaking landscapes, revealing the hidden treasures of Cusco’s avian world.
As you immerse yourself in the magic of these high-elevation habitats, marvel at the pre-Inca ruins of the Wari culture, enhancing your birding adventure with a touch of history and culture. Prepare to be awed as your sightings multiply and your camera captures breathtaking moments.
Hotspot Locations Birding in Cusco
Huacarpay lake
These beautiful wetlands are also home to many plants that allow nature to thrive. And in turn, come the birds. The wild Tobacco and eucalyptus shrubs growing around the lake are the most effective in attracting hummingbirds in this area. Such as; the Giant Hummingbird, Sparkling Violetear, and Green-tailed Trainbearer.
In addition, this vegetation and eucalyptus forest have created a habitable environment for owls and also birds such as; the Streaked Fronted Thornbird, and Yellow-Billed Tit-Tyrant. High reeds surround the Lake’s edges which makes it an easy spot to see the birds that dwell here; Yellow Winged Black-bird, Wren-like Rushbird, and the Many Colored Rushtyrant.
Furthermore, there is a collection of interesting species here, including most of the aquatic birds; Slate-colored Coots, Common Gallinule, Puna Teals, Yellow Billed Pintail, Cinnamon Teal, Puna Teal, and seasonally Chilean flamingos, and more.
This makes it highly possible to see around 40 species by day. Check Huacarpay Lake Bird List on E-Bird
Sacred Garden near Pisac
The Sacred Garden near Pisac and San Salvador Town. This lush garden and its surroundings are home to over 40 species of birds, including the Endemic Bearded Mountaineer, Giant hummingbirds, and Creamy Crested Spinetail. The garden also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visitors to the Sacred Garden can explore its trails to see the local plantations of Quinua, Corn, and Quiwicha. Birding in Cusco
During your visit, you may spot some of the more common species such as Sparking Violetears, Mitred Parakeets, and Black-Blacked Grossbeaks. But you may also be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Peruvian Pygmy Owls.
Discover the full bird list of the Sacred Garden on E-Bird!
Rumichaca Lake
Keep your eyes peeled for species such as the Andean Goose, known for its striking appearance, as well as other elusive birds like the Peruvian Sierra Finch, Chestnut-breasted Mountain Finch, Andean Flicker, Rusty-fronted Canastero, Andean Hillstar and the Creamy-crested Spinetail.
Prepare for an unforgettable day of birding and immerse yourself in the wonders of these high-elevation habitats. Discover the full bird list of the Sacred Garden on E-Bird!
Exploring Archeological Sites
During this exciting birding day, not only will you have the pleasure of observing a wide range of bird species, but you will also have the unique opportunity to encounter the remnants of the Wari culture, adding an extra layer of fascination to your adventure.
The Pre-Inca ruins of the Wari culture serve as a captivating backdrop, adorning the landscapes with their ancient structures and mystique. As you navigate the natural habitats and search for elusive avian treasures, you’ll also be immersed in a magical landscape where nature and history seamlessly intertwine.
Truly, this birding experience offers much more than bird sightings – it provides a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Cusco region.
Which are the Endemic Species?
The endemic species that are regularly seen at Huacarpay Lake are the Bearded Mountaineer and Rusty rusty-fronted canastero. The ride uphills towards Rumichaca Lake will favor the observation of Chestnut–breasted mountain Finch, White Tufted Sunbeam, Creamy Crested Spinetail
Recommended Birding Apps
Are you a birdwatching enthusiast looking for the perfect tools to enhance your experience? Look no further! With the right apps, you can easily access the latest bird lists. Find the best birdwatching spots, and get important tips and tricks. Here are some of the most useful apps for birdwatchers. EBird, which offers a comprehensive list of the different species of birds in Cusco; this includes a list at the Hotspots; Laguna de Huacarpay, Puente Huambutio, Sacred Garden, and Ensifera Camp
- Merlin App is a free download app that is a handy field guide for identifying different birds; and provides detailed information on bird habitats and behaviors. So, download these essential apps and get ready to explore the wonders of birdwatching!
- Ebird, with so much to see and explore, it’s important to stay up to date on the latest bird lists in the area. That’s why we recommend using the Ebird App to get the most accurate and up–to–date information. With eBird, you’ll be able to easily access a comprehensive list of the different species of birds in Cusco and any other locations on the globe.
Discover more Peru Birding Tours here Birding in Cusco
- Full Day
Huacarpay Lake - Sacred Garden -High Andean Lake
We will visit the lake early morning, located some twenty-five kilometers south of Cusco, which is situated above 10,500 feet. One of the lakes resembles an extensive saltpan interrupted here and there by beds of reeds, another a shallow crater. Both are lined with marsh vegetation, which is highly rich in nutrients, attracting birds for miles around. The lakes are surrounded by xeric ravines (quebradas in Peruvian Spanish) and rocky hills covered with shrubs, various cacti, tree tobacco, and small trees. The area deserves at least several hours of attentive birding and is definitely a popular place to start our tour since the viewing conditions are easy. You'll want your scopes for this area, though your guide will have a scope along too. The marshy shores and waters of the lakes support Andean water birds and waders, including; White-tufted Grebe, Puna Ibis, Puna Teal, Yellow-billed Pintail, and Andean Duck, Plumbeous Rail, and Andean Lapwing. In addition, there are usually a few boreal shorebird non-breeders or migrants (quite a few later in the season). The extensive rush beds shelter Cinereous Harriers, Yellow-winged Blackbirds, Wren-like Rushbirds, and the beautiful Many-colored Rush- Tyrant. The scrubby slopes are home to a number of land birds, including; Bare-faced Ground-Dove, Giant Hummingbird (at nine inches, the largest-bodied of the hummers). Streak-fronted Thornbird, large flocks of Greenish Yellow-Finches (usually). Ash-breasted Sierra-Finches, Band-tailed Seedeaters, and the endemic Rusty-fronted Canastero. Another Peruvian endemic, the spectacular Bearded Mountaineer, feeds on the tubular yellow flowers of the wild Tree Tobacco that grows in the outwash plains near the lakes. Hanging above the slopes on occasion are chested buzzard eagles and below them hurtle Aplomado Falcons in pursuit of some unsuspecting dove. After birding around the lake we will drive along the Sacred Valley road passing by interesting Andean landscapes and Incan Ruins. As part of the morning time, we will make a stopover at the renowned Sacred Garden. Here, bird enthusiasts can indulge in the joy of observing a variety of endemic hummingbird species. Immerse yourself in the beauty of these tiny avian wonders, as they hover and flit through the garden's vibrant flora. Lunch in Town. Later prepare for a captivating journey as we drive uphill, unveiling a collection of endemic bird species amidst the awe-inspiring beauty of the Andean lake and landscape. Upon reaching the Puna grassland, you will be treated to sightings of unique avian wonders that call this habitat home. Spend the afternoon surrounded by majestic mountains, overlooking the Sacred Valley, as you immerse yourself in the natural splendor of the Andes. Return drive to Cusco and arrival expected at 4:00 PM
Travelicious Review
"Discover the most amazing and endemic bird species in Cusco"
More about this tour
- Download the Full Itinerary in PDF
User Reviews & Comments
Mark Konop
I was in Cusco with an extra free day and sent an email the day before to see if there was an opportunity to do some birding in the area. Luis got right back to me and we arranged a day tour of Lake Huarcapay and the Sacred Valley. The trip, even though there was rain, was awesome. He picked me up from the hotel, we visited several areas, he took care of lunch and really knew where to go and what to see. Awesome trip. I will definitely travel with them again.
26 May, 2023
Marina Fiften
A relaxed day of birding with Luis. We saw a lot of waterbirds and hummingbirds. Really nice. Luis had good equipment and after Huarcapay lake we visited an archeological site where we saw the endemic hummingbird. Because of the rain, we could not go up the mountain but visited a beautiful campsite full of hummingbirds. Amazing! Thanks, Luis for a great day birding.
10 February, 2020