Birds, Archeology & Andean Landscapes
Full-Day Birding in Cusco & Sacred Valley
- Information
- Tour Plan
- Route
- Gallery
- Reviews
- PDF Info
- Similar Tours
What's included
- Bird-listing on Ebird App
- Box Lunch
- Entrances fees to Birding Sites (gardens, leks, lagoons)
- Free Storage room in Cusco Office
- Private Overland (minivan, SUV) Transport
- Specialized Birding Guide
- Unlimited Purified Water
- Alcoholic Drinks
- Breakfast (Day 1)
Birding in Cusco – Day Tour
Huacarpay Lake & Sacred Valley are must-see locations for Birds.
Undoubtedly one of the best-located sites for birding near Cusco city. With spectacular views, and most importantly, a range of birds only seen in certain regions of the world. It is the perfect spot to spend a few hours or the entire day, to see species of high-elevation aquatic birds. Up to 60 residents are situated here or use the lake as a vital resting ground.
Birding at the Archeological Sites
Part of the Pikillaqta Archeological Park, this High-Andean wetland is situated at an altitude of 9908 Feet. This wetland area there comprises, four permanent and one temporary lagoon, two swamps, and two rivers. As a result, this provides considerable food and refuge to various threatened species such as; Peregrine and Aplomado Falcon and the 2 endemics; Bearded Mountaineer, and Rusty fronted Canastero.
Tucked in between the Mountain ranges, is an especially great spot for birds to come together. This area in which the environment and nature work as one is humbling. The lake is the perfect location to explore.
Which bird Species can be seen?
The Huacarpay Lagoon is part of a protected natural area. These beautiful wetlands are also home to many plants which 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 has 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 colorful 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 50 species by day. See the complete Huacarpay Lake bird list via E-Bird
What are the endemic bird species?
Cusco is a paradise for birdwatchers, in effect the endemic species that are regularly seen at Huacarpay Lake are; Bearded Mountaineer, and Rusty Fronted Canastero.
The ride along the Sacred Valley and birding at Ensifera Camp provides chances to observe; Chestnut–breasted Mountain–Finch, White Tufted sunbeam, and the majestic Sword Billed Hummingbird. Cusco has a diverse selection of birds to explore.
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; 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.
Conclusions “Birding in Cusco”
If you are looking for an unforgettable birdwatching experience in Cusco? Look no further! Our full-day birdwatching tour in Cusco provides you with the perfect opportunity to take in the incredible birds of Cusco and Sacred Valley. The tours are guided by expert birding guides. They have the right equipment as well as tips and tricks for your birdwatching excursion. You’ll get to visit the best birdwatching spots in Cusco and explore some archeological sites. So, come join us for a full day of birding in Cusco and create lasting memories!
Are you looking for longer birding tours?
- Full Day
Huacarpay Lake - Sacred Valley - Ensifera Camp
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 Black 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. Following the Urubamba River and passing by the Pisac, Calca, and Urubamba towns in the heart of the Sacred Valley provides exceptional views of the Inca Terraces. later we drive off the road and uphills for 10 minutes to reach Ensifera Camp garden to have lunch and observe the Sword Billed hummingbird, White Tufted Sunbeam, Chestnut-breasted mountain finch, and other interesting birds and return to Cusco before 5:00 Pm and transfer to your hotel.
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