South Birding Perú

From $150 USD

15D/14N

South Birding Perú

From $150 USD

15D/14N

Birding at the Inca country Empire, with an amazing Andes to the Amazon Rainforest tour, this trip is designed to provide both casual and serious birders with the opportunity to get a taste of the birds and wildlife that southern Peru offers. We will explore famous and iconic destinations like the Andes, including the legendary archeological site of Machu Picchu standing in the cloud forest mountains of Manu Road in Cusco, and the Tambopata National Reserve in the Amazon rainforest. We were able to feast our eyes on classic bird species, including Hoatzin, Sunbittern, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Giant Hummingbird, Torrent Duck, Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Amazonian Umbrellabird, Paradise Tanager, Blue-and-yellow Macaw, White-throated Toucan, Laughing Falcon, Buff-tailed Sicklebill and King Vulture, to name a few.

The route also offers a selection of the most range-restricted species for serious birders and listers, such as White-throated Jacamar, Inca Wren, Rusty-fronted Canastero, Cinnamon-faced Tyrannulet, Inca Flycatcher, Slaty Tanager, White-lined and Striated Antbirds, Bamboo Antshrike, Yungas Manakin, Black-backed Tody Tyrant, Peruvian Piedtail, Bearded Mountaineer, Blue-banded Toucanet, plus a few species of antpittas, including Red-and-white, Rufous-breasted and Urubamba Antpittas. We had fantastic encounters with other species such as Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan, Blue-and-yellow Macaw and Versicolored Barbet.

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Itinerary

Morning (Arrival & Transfer): Arrive at Puerto Maldonado Airport (PEM). A guide will meet you and transfer you to a local office in town to register and repack essentials into a duffel bag; your main luggage will be stored securely. You will then travel by 4×4 vehicle for about two hours, then take a short boat ride up the Tambopata River to your lodge (e.g., Collpas Tambopata Inn, Chuncho Lodge).
Lunch & Afternoon (Introductory Birding Walk): Settle into your private bungalow. After lunch, take an introductory guided walk through the surrounding secondary and primary rainforest trails. Focus on understory birds, medicinal plants, and general jungle ecology. Keep an eye out for Black-capuchin Monkeys and Squirrel Monkeys.
Evening (Caiman Spotting & Night Walk): Before dinner, embark on a nocturnal boat trip along the river with a flashlight to spot Black and White Caimans, Capybaras, and nocturnal birds. Afterward, go on a guided night walk in the forest to look for insects, amphibians, and other creatures of the dark jungle.

Early Morning (Macaw Spectacle): Wake up at 4:30 AM for a 1-hour 30-minute boat trip upstream in the dark to the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick, located deep within the Tambopata National Reserve. Arrive before sunrise and sit in silence on the riverbank to witness hundreds of Scarlet Macaws, Red-and-green Macaws, Blue-and-yellow Macaws, and various parrots and parakeets descend to eat the mineral-rich clay. Breakfast will be served while you enjoy the spectacle.
Late Morning (River Journey & Canopy): Return downriver to the lodge, actively birding along the banks for riverside species, large raptors soaring above, and potentially a Jaguar or Tapir by the water’s edge (a rare but possible sighting). After lunch and a rest, ascend the Canopy Tower (up to 50 meters high) for eye-level views of the forest canopy, excellent for spotting toucans, tanagers, and arboreal monkeys.
Afternoon & Evening (Mammal Clay Lick/Ethnobotany Walk): In the late afternoon, your guide may lead a hike to a terrestrial mammal clay lick, a natural gathering point for peccaries, deer, and other forest animals. Alternatively, an ethnobotanical walk can be arranged to learn about how local communities use forest plants. Dinner at the lodge.

Morning (Transfer to Sandoval Lake): After an early breakfast, bid farewell to the jungle lodge and travel back to the Puerto Maldonado office to pick up your main luggage, then transfer to a different port to head towards Sandoval Lake within the reserve. A 40-minute boat ride and a 3 km forest walk will bring you to the lake entrance.
Mid-day (Canoeing & Giant Otters): Board a paddle canoe to explore the serene, mirror-like waters of the oxbow lake. This is a prime location for seeing the endangered Giant River Otters, Black Caimans, and a host of aquatic birds like Hoatzins, Anhingas, Cormorants, and Jacanas.
Afternoon & Evening (Sunset & Nocturnal Life): Return to the partner lodge at the lake for lunch and a rest. In the late afternoon, take the canoe back onto the lake to enjoy the spectacular sunset and observe wildlife moving to their roosting spots. After dark, continue your exploration by flashlight to search for black caimans and nocturnal creatures along the lake shore.

Early Morning (Dawn Chorus & Departure): Begin your final morning with a tranquil pre-breakfast paddle on Sandoval Lake to catch the sunrise and the intense dawn chorus of the jungle. This is an excellent time for final sightings of macaws flying overhead and potentially the giant otters one last time.
Mid-Morning (Return Journey): Return to the lodge for a final breakfast, then pack up and begin the return journey: hike back to the river port, take the boat back to Puerto Maldonado, and transfer to the airport for your departure flight to Cusco.

This itinerary is designed for a morning departure to maximize bird activity before the typical afternoon city tours begin.

Time	Location	Focus & Notes	Target Species
08:30	Depart Cusco Hotel	Travel by private vehicle to the ruins just outside the city center.	Andean Swifts, House Sparrows, Eared Doves around the city.
09:00 – 10:15	Sacsayhuamán Fortress	Explore the massive Incan stone fortress. Look for birds in the fields and scrub surrounding the site.	Andean Flicker, Variable Hawk, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Peruvian Pygmy-Owl (sometimes roosting in eucalyptus).
10:15 – 10:45	Qenqo Ceremonial Site	Visit the labyrinth-like ceremonial center. The natural rock formations provide perches for small flycatchers and seed-eaters.	Tufted Tit-Tyrant, Rufous-collared Sparrow, Ash-breasted Sierra-Finch.
10:45 – 11:45	Puka Pukara & Tambomachay	Drive to the “Red Fortress” (Puka Pukara, a former military post) and the “Water Temple” (Tambomachay). The water channels and scrubby hillsides are good for ground birds.	Rusty-fronted Canastero (endemic), Andean Lapwing, Andean Negrito, Puna Ibis (near water source), Sparkling Violetear (hummingbird).
11:45 – 12:30	Optional Stop: Alpaca Farm/Viewpoint	Many tours stop at a nearby animal farm/handicraft center where you can see Llamas/Alpacas and often enjoy a final panoramic view of Cusco.	Various hummingbirds often at feeders: Bearded Mountaineer (endemic), Giant Hummingbird, White-tufted Sunbeam.
12:30	Return to Cusco	Conclude the tour back at your hotel or the Plaza de Armas.

This itinerary prioritizes the diverse habitats along the route.

Time	Location	Focus & Notes	Target Species
04:30	Depart Cusco (Hotel Pickup)	Early start in private transport towards the Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo train station.	Rufous-collared Sparrow, Eared Dove
06:30 – 08:00	Birding near Ollantaytambo	Stop in the intermontane valley around Ollantaytambo. The scrub and riverbanks are productive.	Bearded Mountaineer (endemic), Giant Hummingbird, Black Phoebe, Torrent Tyrannulet, Golden-billed Saltator
08:30 – 10:00	Train Journey to Aguas Calientes	Board the train. The journey follows the Urubamba River, offering riparian birding opportunities from the window.	Torrent Duck, White-capped Dipper, Andean Goose (on river banks)
10:00 – 12:30	Arrive Aguas Calientes & Birding around Town	Check into your hotel briefly (if staying overnight) or drop luggage at the station’s storage. Start walking the trails and the railway line around town.	Green-and-white Hummingbird (endemic), Collared Inca, White-bellied Hummingbird, Highland Motmot, Saffron-crowned Tanager, Silver-backed Tanager, Glossy-black Thrush
12:30 – 14:00	Lunch & Rest	Lunch at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes town.
14:00 – 17:00	Birding at Mandor Gardens/Road to Machu Picchu	Hike towards the Mandor Gardens area or along the paved road leading up to Machu Picchu ruins for lower montane forest species.	Inca Wren (endemic, found near ruins/Inti Punku trail), Sclater’s Tyrannulet, Ocellated Piculet, Fawn-breasted Tanager, Speckle-faced Parrot, Golden-collared Tanager
17:00 onwards	Evening in Aguas Calientes	Explore the town, check into hotel, and prepare for the next day’s activities (if any).

Afternoon Birding Itinerary: Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco

Time	Location	Focus & Notes	Target Species & SEO Keywords
12:00 – 14:00	Finish Machu Picchu visit, transfer to town	Conclude exploration of the citadel. Take the shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes town. Lunch near the train station.	Andean birding Peru, Machu Picchu wildlife, shuttle bus views
14:00 – 15:45	Birding the Mandor Valley Trail	Walk along the railway line towards the Mandor waterfall and gardens. This lower montane forest habitat is excellent in the afternoon.	Inca Wren (endemic, shy), Green-and-white Hummingbird (endemic), Saffron-crowned Tanager, Silver-backed Tanager, Speckle-faced Parrot, Golden-collared Tanager, Highland Motmot, Ocellated Piculet
15:45 – 16:15	Walk back to Aguas Calientes town	Return to the train station area, birding the river edge.	Black Phoebe, Torrent Tyrannulet, White-capped Dipper, Torrent Duck
16:20	Arrive at Aguas Calientes Train Station	Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in.	Last minute sightings of Eared Dove, Flycatchers.
17:00	Afternoon Train Departs	Board the train (usually a 4:30 PM or 5:00 PM departure option is available). The journey provides final views of the Urubamba river habitat.	PeruRail birding route, Urubamba river birds
18:45	Arrive Ollantaytambo Station	Disembark at Ollantaytambo. Private transport will be waiting to drive you back to Cusco city (approx. 1.5 – 2 hrs drive).	Sacred Valley transport, Ollantaytambo connection
21:00	Arrive Cusco	Arrive back at your hotel after a long day of intensive birding and travel.

Manu Road Birding Itinerary: Andes of Cusco to the Amazon Foothills

Day	Itinerary & Activity Details	Key Habitats & Target Birds	Best Lodges for Overnight
Day 08	Cusco to Wayqecha Biological Station Early departure (5:00 AM) from Cusco. Stop at Huacarpay Lake for high-altitude wetlands birding. Continue to Paucartambo and ascend to the Acjanaco Pass (entrance to Manu National Park). Spend the afternoon birding the elfin forest and gardens around the lodge.	High Andean wetlands, Elfin Forest. Bearded Mountaineer (endemic), Rusty-fronted Canastero, Many-colored Rush-Tyrant, Rufous Antpitta, Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager, Swallow-tailed Nightjar (at night).	Wayqecha Biological Station
Day 09	Wayqecha to Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge Full day birding descent along the road, transitioning from high cloud forest to humid lower montane forest. The drive is broken up by numerous strategic stops at key birding locations. Arrive at the lodge in the afternoon and prepare for the evening activity.	Cloud Forest, Lower Montane Forest. Marcapata Spinetail (endemic), Red-and-white Antpitta, Crested Quetzal, Masked Trogon, Blue-banded Toucanet, Golden-collared Tanager, White-collared Jay.	Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge or Paradise Lodge
Day 10	Cock-of-the-Rock Lek & Manu Bio Lodge Very early morning visit to the world’s most accessible Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek to see the males display. After breakfast, descend further down the road, making stops to look for species like the Amazonian Umbrellabird. Arrive at Pona Lodge in the foothills. Afternoon birding in the lodge gardens and surrounding forest.	Cloud Forest, Foothill Forest. Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Versicolored Barbet, Orange-eared Tanager, Lanceolated Monklet, various hummingbirds including Rufous-crested Coquette.	Manu Biolodge & Pico de Oz Lodge
Day 11	Lowland Forest Birding & Machuwasi Lake Spend the day exploring the low-elevation habitats. Morning visit to a parrot clay lick via short boat ride, followed by a trip to Machuwasi Lake, which you explore using a traditional raft. Afternoon exploration of trails and potential night walk.	Lowland Rainforest, Oxbow Lake. Hoatzin, Sungrebe, Horned Screamer, Chestnut-capped Puffbird, Blue-headed Macaw, Great Potoo (at night), Rufous-vented Ground-Cuckoo.	Manu Biolodge & Pico de Oz Lodge
Day 12	Return to Cusco Early morning birding in the lodge gardens for missed hummingbirds or barbets. After breakfast, begin the scenic drive back to Cusco, making a few final stops in the cloud forest region for any missed species. Lunch en route. Arrive in Cusco in the late afternoon/early evening (around 6:00 PM).	Foothill forest on the return journey, various altitudinal stops. Buff-tailed Sicklebill, King Vulture, Lemon-throated Barbet, various Tanagers.

Full-Day Huacarpay Lake & San Salvador Birding Itinerary

This itinerary combines two distinct habitats: the rich wetlands of Huacarpay and the high-altitude scrub/Puna grassland towards San Salvador.

Time	Location	Focus & Key Birding Hotspots	Target Species & SEO Keywords
05:00 – 05:30	Depart Cusco	Early departure (private transport recommended) towards the Southern Valley Cusco birding route.	Andean birdwatching, Cusco Peru endemics
06:00 – 09:30	Huacarpay Lake Wetlands	Arrive at the lake for prime morning activity. Focus on the reed beds and open water.	Many-colored Rush-Tyrant, Plumbeous Rail, Puna Teal, Yellow-billed Pintail, Andean Duck, White-tufted Grebe, Puna Ibis, Cinereous Harrier.
09:30 – 11:30	Huacarpay Arid Scrub/Hills	Explore the scrubby slopes and tree tobacco patches around the lake and near the Pikillaqta ruins.	Bearded Mountaineer (endemic), Rusty-fronted Canastero (endemic), Streak-fronted Thornbird, Giant Hummingbird, Andean Flicker, Andean Lapwing, Bare-faced Ground Dove.
11:30 – 12:30	Travel/Lunch	Drive towards San Salvador, potentially having a picnic lunch en route or a meal at a local restaurant.	Scenic drive through the Sacred Valley birding route.
12:30 – 15:30	San Salvador Area	Ascend towards higher elevations and the Puna grassland habitat.	Chestnut-breasted Mountain-finch, Andean Hillstar, Mountain Caracara, White-browed Chat-Tyrant, Ash-breasted Sierra-Finch, Andean Negrito.
15:30 – 17:00	High Andean Scrub	Bird the high-altitude scrub on the return journey, looking for species missed earlier or afternoon raptor activity.	Variable Hawk, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Green-tailed Trainbearer.
17:00	Return to Cusco	Drive back to Cusco as the light begins to fade.	End of a productive full day birding tour Peru.

1 Day Birding Itinerary: Apurímac Endemics & Condors

Time	Location	Targets & Notes
04:00	Depart Cusco	An early start is crucial to maximize morning activity and manage travel times.
06:30	Birding near Mollepata	Focus on the road and nearby scrub for Rusty-fronted Canastero and Chestnut-breasted Mountain-finch. You might also see Variable Hawk and Aplomado Falcon.
08:30	Drive to Soraypampa	Travel up the road, stopping to search for key endemics like Apurimac Spinetail, Apurimac Brushfinch, and Creamy-crested Spinetail in the Polylepis and high-altitude scrub.
09:30	Birding at Soraypampa	Focus efforts on finding the highly localized Vilcabamba Tapaculo in the elfin forest undergrowth near the Salkantay trail head. Other species include White-tufted Sunbeam and Scaled Metaltail.
12:00	Lunch in Limatambo	Drive down to a lower elevation for lunch before heading to the Chonta viewpoint.
13:30	Hike to Chonta Viewpoint	Arrive at the Chonta community and begin the 1 to 1.5-hour hike to the lookout points. Bird along the trail for common species like Creamy-crested Spinetail and Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle.
14:30 – 16:30	Andean Condor Viewing	The prime time to observe the condors as they use the afternoon thermals to soar at eye level or below the viewpoints. You can expect to see 15-20 individuals.
17:00	Depart Chonta	Hike back to the vehicle and begin the return journey to Cusco.
19:30	Arrive in Cusco	Return to your hotel after a long but rewarding day of high-altitude birding.

Details: Visit varied ecosystems in the valley.

Highlights:

Apurimac Tapaculo

Apurimac Brush-finch

Creamy-crested Spinetail

Rusty-fronted Canastero

White-winged Stilt (rare/range-restricted)

Vilcabamba Thistle-tail

Koepcke’s Screech Owl (in forest habitats)

Cusco Flight to Lima

Includes

All ground transportation during the tour as described in the itinerary
Airport transfers (Puerto Maldonado, Cusco, and internal connections as specified)
Accommodation for 14 nights in lodges and hotels mentioned or similar category
All meals during the Amazon and Manu Road portions of the tour
Selected meals in Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu areas (as per itinerary)
All guided birding excursions and wildlife activities described
Services of an experienced professional birding guide throughout the programme
Local guides and lodge naturalists where required
Boat excursions in Tambopata and Manu areas
Entrance fees to:
- Tambopata National Reserve
- Sandoval Lake
- Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary
- Manu Road protected areas
- All archaeological sites listed in the itinerary
Canopy tower access (Tambopata)
Macaw and parrot clay lick visits
Use of rubber boots (where provided by lodges)

Does not include

International flights to and from Peru
Domestic flights (e.g., Lima–Puerto Maldonado, Cusco–Lima)
Train tickets to and from Machu Picchu
Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, drinks, minibar, etc.)
Alcoholic and bottled beverages (unless specified by the lodge)
Travel insurance (mandatory but not included)
Tips/gratuities for guides, drivers, lodge staff, and porters
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Early check-in or late check-out at hotels
Additional costs due to flight delays, weather conditions, or force majeure

Recommendations

Bring binoculars and camera equipment suitable for bird photography
Pack lightweight, quick-drying clothing for both tropical and high-altitude conditions
Include warm layers for cold mornings in the Andes and Manu Road
Use comfortable, waterproof hiking shoes or boots
Bring rain gear (especially for Amazon and cloud forest areas)
Carry sunscreen, insect repellent, and personal medications
Use a small daypack for daily excursions
Have a reusable water bottle
Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is strongly recommended
Moderate physical fitness is advised due to early starts, hikes, and altitude
Acclimatize properly in Cusco before strenuous activities
Respect wildlife, local communities, and park regulations