Inka´s Birding Route 4 Days

Cusco & Machu Picchu Birdwatching Route 4 Days

Birdwatching in Cusco and 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.

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 Birdwatching

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 dominated 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.