"See the Wonders of Cusco! and Don't Miss Out on the Birds!"
Birding & Cultural Exploration 4 Days
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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
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Hotel in Ollantaytambo
- Meals (according the itinerary)
- Purified Water to Refill
- Round Bus Ticket (Aguas Calientes - Machupicchu)
- Snacks (Fresh Fruits, Cookies Juices )
- Train Station Tranfer
- Transfer in City, Airport, Bus Station
- Transport (Air Conditioned Minivan or SUV)
- Alcoholic Drinks
- Binoculars (Available to rent)
- First Day Breakfast
- Single Supplement Upgrade
Birding in Machupicchu 4 Days
Birding in Machupicchu is an amazing experience unlike any other. This ancient Incan city and the surrounding areas are home to some of the most spectacular and diverse bird species. This tour will begin in Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. From there, we will take you through the stunning Andes Mountains and the Sacred Valley.
We will also venture into the Cloud Forest, where you will see an array of endemic birds and emblematic such as the Andean Cock of the Rock, Tanagers, Quetzals, and even Antpittas.
Discover the Hidden Avian Treasures of Machu Picchu: Unforgettable Birding Tour in Peru
In the high–altitude mountains of Abra Malaga, visitors can spot the Andean condor, the largest flying bird in the world. The condor is a symbol of the Incan Empire and is an iconic bird of Peru.
Our expert guides will provide you with an in-depth education on the birds of the region, the history of the Inca Empire, and the culture of the people who still inhabit these lands.
Machu Picchu Ruins
The ruins of Machu Picchu are indeed one of the world’s great travel destinations, but they are, in themselves, just a brief chapter in a long and fascinating history of human occupation of the Urubamba River valley.
Other Locations for Birding next to the Machupicchu
The Cusco & Machupicchu Birdwatching program also offers access to a few other locations and Ebird hotspots.
Abra Malaga Pass
This is the last study for ornithology by the world-famous Ted Parker, the wet side of the Abra Malaga passes its incredibly diverse area. That contains a large number of different habitats and consequently a large number of species of birds.
The west side of the Pass is traversed by the road and allows access to the interesting bamboo chusquea forest. Here the road provides easy access to high mountain forests with their often enveloped in clouds and laden with epiphytic plants in most of the slopes dense stands of bamboo dominate the vegetation surface.
Puna – High Andes
One of the most interesting features of the mountain grasslands is the lagoons that are scattered throughout the mountain range. The Andean lagoons are home to a variety of species, including some that are considered endangered or threatened such as; the Andean goose, This habitat provides a unique habitat for these birds, as they offer a safe place to nest, rest, and feed.
The shallow depths of the lagoons are perfect for wading birds, such as; phalaropes, stilts, ibis, and teals. The mountain grasslands are also an important source of water for these birds, as the lagoons are filled with fresh water runoff from the mountains.
The landscapes are adorned with glaciers and llamas and vicuñas that graze the grass to the Andean condors that soar in the sky, this high-altitude region is full of surprises. See the Ebird List
The Polylepis Forest
The Polylepis forest is an ideal location for birdwatchers, as it harbors a variety of endemic bird species, many of which are quite rare and interesting to observe.
Birders can look out for these unique species, as well as the more common birds that frequent the area; Royal Cinclodes, White-browed Tit-Spinetail, Ash-breasted Tit-Tyrant, Giant Conebill, see the list by Ebird.
Huacarpay Lake.
This High-Andean wetland comprises four permanent and one temporary lagoon, two swamps, and two rivers, and is part of the Pikillaqta Archeological Park. This wetland 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. See the list in Ebird.
Embark on an unforgettable birding adventure in Machu Picchu, Peru’s iconic ancient citadel. Explore the diverse habitats surrounding this archaeological wonder and discover a rich avian paradise.
Book your Birding in Machupicchu Tour now for an extraordinary encounter with unique bird species and breathtaking landscapes.
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
Cusco - Huacarpay Lagoon - Ollantaytambo
- Pick from the hotel in Cusco from 5:30 AM
- Drive to Huacarpay Lake (40 minutes)
- Birding at Huacarpay Lake Shores, Watchtowers, Ecotone, and Eucalyptus Forest for owls (Check the list on Ebird )
- Snacks at the Urpikancha ruins.
- Drive to Huambutio bridge to look for; Torrent ducks, White-capped Dipper, review the Ebird List
- Drive and a brief stop at the Sacred Garden, review the Ebird List
- Drive and arrive at Ollantaytambo Town overnight.
Ollantaytambo - Abra Malaga (Wetside)
- Breakfast at Ollantaytambo Hotel
- Drive uphills to the Abra Malaga Pass (4,400 m) and birdwatching at the high elevation, review the list on Ebird
- Box Lunch and Snacks.
- Downhills driving and birding along the bamboo forest of San Luis and Quebradas Hotspots
- Birding at much lower elevations of Temperate Forest (3400-3200m)
- Return to Ollantaytambo overnight.
Abra Malaga (Dry Side) - Aguas Calientes
- Morning breakfast at the hotel in Ollantaytambo
- Drive uphills to reach the Peñas archeological site, birding for around 1 hour, and check the Ebird List.
- Arrival driving to the Caserío Waqracancha
- Exploration of the high elevation at the Abra Malaga Pass by foot and walk along the Polilepys forest (downhill) to look for the following species, see the Ebird List.
- Return to Ollantaytambo and drive to the Train Station
- Train ride to Aguas Calientes
- Overnight at Aguas Calientes
Birding at Machupicchu - Trailrail - Cusco
- Morning breakfast at Hotel
- Birding walk along the road, to look for the following species, check the Ebird List
- Birding along the trails rail towards mandor waterfall see the Ebird List
- Return by foot to Aguas Calientes town to catch the minibus that takes you to the Machupicchu Archeological site (2 hours excursion)
- return and Lunch at Aguas Calientes town.
- Train Back to Ollantaytambo or Poroy
- Transfers to your Hotel in Cusco
Travelicious Review
"Discover an Ancient World of Wonders with Our Birding Tour of the Inca Empire!"
User Reviews & Comments
Ellen Shelton
My husband and I did a 4 days birding tour in Cusco with Luis. He was a great organizer and tour guide. We had a fantastic time exploring rough bird habitats and exploring world-famous ruins and learning more about them. We saw around 235 bird species. Luis did a great job of helping us (avid birders). Next time I'm in Peru. I will definitely want to plan a trip with WWP. Can't recommend enough!
14 March, 2023