Best To Grow Your Birdlist in short time!
Huacarpay Here We Come!
- Information
- Tour Plan
- Route
- Gallery
- Reviews
- Download Info
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What's included
- Birding Specialized Guide + Spotting Scope
- Entrances Fees to the Birding Sites
- Purified Water to Refill
- Shareable Checklists on Ebird
- Snacks (Fresh Fruits, Cookies Juices )
- Storage Room in City
- Transfer in City, Airport, Bus Station
- Transport (Air Conditioned Minivan or SUV)
- Binoculars (Available to rent)
- Box Lunch
- First Day Breakfast
Birding Near Cusco: Avian Delights
Quick Birdwatching Escape in Cusco
Cusco is more than just a gateway to Machu Picchu; it’s a treasure trove of biodiversity, offering unique birdwatching experiences right at its doorstep. The region’s varied landscapes and altitudes make it a hotspot for bird species you won’t want to miss.
Despite being a short journey, this birding morning in Cusco is filled with wonder and discovery. Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or a curious traveler, the combination of Huacarpay Lake’s serene vistas and the lively atmosphere of the Hummingbird Garden makes for an unforgettable experience.
Get your binoculars ready and prepare for an unforgettable birding adventure filled with fascinating sightings and memorable moments.
As well as the best times of year to see specific bird species. It provides considerable food and refuge for various threatened species such as; the Peregrine and Aplomado Falcon and the 2 endemics; Bearded Mountaineer, and Rusty fronted Canastero.
A Must-Do Tour for Birding Enthusiasts
Experience the Serenity of Huacarpay Lake and its Birds
Begin your day with a visit to Huacarpay Lake, located just 30 km southeast of Cusco. This high-Andean wetland is a haven for over 70 bird species, including the endemic Bearded Mountaineer and the rare Rusty-fronted Canastero. As you stroll along the tranquil lake, enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and watch as migratory and resident birds flit across the water and its reeds.
The Huacarpay Lagoon is part of a protected natural area, formed by singular and beautiful wetlands, full of wild Tobacco and eucalyptus shrubs. Due to this, these plants are very effective in attracting the hummingbirds in the area, such as; Giant Hummingbird, Sparkling Violetear, and Green-tailed Trainbearer. The vegetation and eucalyptus forest are also perfect for owls; Great Horned Owls and others like Streaked Fronted Thornbirds, and Yellow-Billed Tit-Tyrant.
There is a collection of interesting species found in the area including most of the aquatic birds; Andean Coots, Common Gallinule, Puna Teals, Billed Pintail, Cinnamon Teal, Puna Teal, and seasonally Chilean flamingos amongst others.
This lake is surrounded by reeds which makes it easy to see birds such as; the winged Blackbird, the Wren-like Rushbird, and the coloured Rushtyrant. As a result, it is possible to check around 40 species by day. See the complete Huacarpay Lake bird list via E-Bird
Marvel at the Hummingbird Garden
Next, immerse yourself in the vibrant world of hummingbirds at the nearby Hummingbird Garden. This charming sanctuary provides the ideal setting to observe these tiny, iridescent creatures in their natural habitat. With several species of hummingbirds, including the dazzling Sparkling Violetear and the Giant Hummingbird, you’ll be mesmerized by their rapid flight patterns and delicate beauty
This Tour reaches the Sacred Garden is located between Pisac and San Salvador Town. This lush garden and its surroundings are home to over 60 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.
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.
Other Places to Explore ..
The ruins of Urpicancha were built by the Wari culture, its name could be translated as the “House of the Doves”. Its structures reveal the traditional Wari techniques. It is located on a small plateau with a huge mountain behind to the east of the lagoon Huacarpay in Cusco.
Furthermore, there are also a few other archaeological sites in the vicinity of the lake such as; Qaranqayniyuj, Choquepucjio, Kunturqaqa, and Piquillacta.
Taste of Avian Diversity:
As part of our commitment to providing a comprehensive birding experience, we want to ensure that you have all the information you need before embarking on your journey with us. That’s why we invite you to explore the links to the Ebird database platform for each of the locations we visit this morning!
- Check the Ebird List: Humedal Lucre-Huacarpay
- Check the Ebird List: Puente Huambutio
- Check the Ebird List: Sacred Garden
For bookings and more information of much longer Birding Tours in Manu, feel free to contact us. Happy birding!
- Day 1
Cusco - Huacarpay 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 Rush birds, 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 Thorn bird, 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 such; Giant Hummingbird (Southern & Northern), Bearded Mountaineer (Endemic) White Bellied Hummingbird, Green Tailed Trainbearer and some other species Chestnut Breasted Mountain Finch (Endemic), Blue and Yellow Tanager, Black Back grossbeak. Immerse yourself in the beauty of these tiny avian wonders, as they hover and flit through the garden's vibrant flora then we will be returning to Cusco by noon and transfer to the hotels.
Travelicious Review
"Observe the most amazing bird species near Cusco"
More about this tour
- Download the Full Itinerary in PDF
User Reviews & Comments
Cameron Dunkin
I went out with Herbert for a half day (my partner was sick). I had a great time - Herbert talked a lot and was very knowledgeable about the birds (including endemic species), and also culture. En route we passed by pre-incan ruins, and went to several different areas including lake, farmland, rivers, and a beautiful garden in a small town for snacks. I saw 40 bird species that Herbert kept track of for me with eBird and shared the list at the end. Really fun - even if you don’t know much about birds.
30 December, 2023
Dean Post
Juan was a great guide and we enjoyed the opportunity to see more birds from Peru. The logistics were perfect. Nice vehicle. Good driver. The snacks were great. Thanks again
28 November, 2023
Luke Bentley
Herbert was an excellent bird guide to the Huacarpay wetland and Cusco surroundings. Saw loads of new species. Would highly recommend it.
16 October, 2023
Tamara Loomis
My recent morning birding experience at Huacarpay Lake was an absolute delight. I was fortunated enough to spot a couple of endemic species and few raptors. The knowledgeable guide accompanying me was instrumental in identifying the various bird species and providing fascinating insights into their behaviors and habitats. Their passion for birds was contagious, and their ability to spot and locate even the tiniest of feathered creatures added an extra layer of excitement to the experience. The peaceful and scenic surroundings of Huacarpay Lake added to the overall charm of the morning's birding expedition. The serene lake, surrounded by rolling hills and patches of lush vegetation, provided a tranquil backdrop against which these magnificent creatures thrived. It was a truly immersive experience, connecting with nature . Overall, my morning birding at Huacarpay Lake was a memorable and fulfilling experience. The abundance of bird species, the expertise of the guide, and the stunning natural surroundings all contributed to a truly exceptional outing. I highly recommend Huacarpay Lake to anyone seeking a unique and rewarding birdwatching adventure.
23 July, 2023
Nancy Dean, Noah Dean, Jason Dean
A relaxed morning birding with Luis. We saw a lot of waterbirds and the endemic hummingbirds. Really nice. Luis had good equipment and after huarcapay lake we visited an archelogical site where we saw more hummingbird species. Thanks Luis for a excellent morning activity!
10 February, 2020