GATEWAY FOR THE ENDEMICS
Huacarpay Here We Come!
- Information
- Tour Plan
- Route
- Gallery
- Reviews
- PDF Info
- Similar Tours
What's included
- Birding List on Ebird App
- Entrance Fees to Hummingbird Gardens
- Entrance Tickets to Birding Sites
- Free Storage Room in Cusco
- Overland Transportation (SUV - Minivan)
- Snacks (fresh fruits, cookies, chocolate)
- Specialized Birding Guide with Telescope
- Transfer from the Airport
- Unlimited Purified Wáter
- Binoculars (You can rent )
- Day 1st Breakfast- Last Day Dinner
- Single Supplement
Birding Near Cusco: Avian Delights
Quick Birdwatching Escape in Cusco
Don’t miss the chance to encounter these amazing bird species and more as we embark on this short birding tour near Cusco. Our expert guides will ensure that you have the best opportunities to see and appreciate the unique and diverse birdlife of the Cusco region.
Get your binoculars ready and prepare for an unforgettable birding adventure filled with fascinating sightings and memorable moments.
One of the best-located sites for birding near Cusco city. Huacarpay Lake is an ideal spot for spending a few hours, or even better, the drive only takes around 40 minutes from the City center.
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
Birds at Huacarpay Lake
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 50 species by day. See the complete Huacarpay Lake bird list via E-Bird
What else you will be able to see?
Archaeological Sites
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.
Sacred Garden
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.
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
- Day 1
Cusco - Huacarpay Lake
Breakdown of the day;
- Full day of Birding - Huacarpay Lake.
- Urpicancha Ruins, "House of Doves."
- Return to Cusco.
We will visit the lake early morning located some twenty-five kilometers south of Cusco, are situated above 10,500 feet. One of the lakes resembles an extensive saltpan interrupted here and there by beds of reeds, the other a shallow crater.
Both are lined with marsh vegetation, seem to be rich in nutrients, and attract 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 always seems to be a popular place from which 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, Ruddy 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-coloured Rush- Tyrant, and 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 at 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 down them hurtle Aplomado Falcons in pursuit of some unsuspecting dove.
Travelicious Review
"Observe the most amazing bird species near Cusco"
More about this tour
Travel less than an hour from Cusco to get close to high-elevation aquatic birds. A RAMSAR site that offers great opportunities for bird observation and photography. Enjoy those beautiful wetlands view of pre-Inca ruins, a variety of birds and even migrants can be seen during activities.
- The Huacarpay Lagoon is a wetland that is one of the birder's favorite sites around Cusco, where you can find many more details.
- Welcome to the wonderful world of Cusco and Machupicchu which is one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in the world and also a great location for watching birds in the south of Peru.
- Find the Bird List of Huacarpay lagoon via Ebird HERE
User Reviews & Comments
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