Bird Watchers Cusco–Apurímac: The Ultimate Andean Birding Adventure
Experience one of Peru’s most unforgettable birding journeys with our Birding Tour Peru: Cusco, Machu Picchu & Apurímac Jewels. Designed especially for passionate birders, this exclusive 8-day itinerary takes you through a spectacular mix of high Andean passes, Polylepis forests, cloud forests, and deep mountain valleys—habitats that host some of the richest concentrations of endemic and range-restricted bird species in the Andes.
Birding at Cusco Apurimac
Bird Watchers Cusco Apurimac: A Journey Through Avian Wonders
Our "Bird Watchers Cusco Apurimac - Cusco and Apurímac Jewels" itinerary is a meticulously crafted expedition that unveils an exceptional array of endemic, range-restricted, and iconic Andean bird species. Over the course of eight days, you will immerse yourself in diverse ecosystems, from high-altitude Polylepis forests to lush cloud forests, encountering a breathtaking variety of birdlife found nowhere else on Earth.
Birding at Cusco Apurimac 8 days
- Location: cusco .
- Type of service: Private or Group
- Start Point : Pick-up from the Hotel/Aiport or Bus Terminal in Cusco.
- Ending Point: Drop off the Hotel/Airport or Bus Cusco.
- Departure: Every Day
- Activities:
- Altitude: Best time to visit: March – November Accomodation : 7 night in hotel Private Showers and Bathrooms .
- Meals: 7 Breakfast /8 Lunch /7 Dinner
- Tour Guides Professional :(well-equipped with guiding gear)
- Minimum of participants: 2
- Maximum of participants: 10
Birding at Cusco Apurimac 8 days
Bird Watchers Cusco Apurimac Experience the ultimate Peruvian birding adventure with our Birding Tour Peru: Cusco, Machu Picchu & Apurímac Jewels. This exclusive one-week itinerary is specially crafted for birding enthusiasts seeking to discover a stunning variety of endemic, range-restricted, and classic Andean bird species in some of the most breathtaking locations in South America.
Why Choose This Tour – Birding at Cusco Apurimac 8 days
Cusco is world-renowned for its rich cultural heritage and archaeological wonders, but few realize that it also boasts diverse ecosystems teeming with rare and endemic bird species. This tour takes you beyond the well-trodden paths, offering unparalleled birding opportunities in spectacular Andean landscapes. amazon birding
Birding in Cusco & Apurímac: A Journey Through Peru’s Andean Biodiversity .
Embark on an unforgettable birdwatching adventure through the Cusco and Apurímac regions, two of Peru’s most spectacular birding destinations. This itinerary blends world-class archaeology with remarkable biodiversity, offering travelers the chance to encounter rare endemics, breathtaking landscapes, and the living pulse of the Andes. Whether you’re a dedicated birder or a nature-loving traveler, this route brings you closer to some of South America’s most iconic species. Andean birds.
Days 1–3: Cusco Exploration – Gateway to Andean Avifauna .
Your journey begins in Cusco, a city celebrated for its Inca history and vibrant culture—and equally impressive for its birdlife.
The nearby Huacarpay Wetlands, one of the region’s top birding hotspots, offer early encounters with Andean waterbirds and specialties such as the Rusty-fronted Canastero, an endemic that often delights visitors with its active, curious behavior.Cloud Forest Birding:
From there, the Sacred Valley welcomes you with its sweeping mountain vistas. During your stay at Hotel Pakaritampu in Ollantaytambo, you can observe the dazzling Bearded Mountaineer, a striking endemic hummingbird frequently seen feeding among the hotel’s gardens.
A highlight of these first days is the excursion to Abra Málaga Pass, a high-altitude site where Polylepis woodlands shelter rare and localized species. Here, birders search for treasures like the White-browed Tit-Spinetail, Creamy-crested Spinetail, Ash-breasted Tit-Tyrant, and the critically endangered Royal Cinclodes, one of Peru’s most sought-after endemics.
Days 4–5: The Birds of Machu Picchu .
No visit to Cusco is complete without experiencing Machu Picchu, and for birders, the site offers even more magic.
After a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, you’ll explore trails surrounded by lush cloud forest rich in life.
A key target here is the Inca Wren, an elegant endemic often heard before it’s seen, singing among dense bamboo
stands. The forests also reveal colorful species such as the Masked Fruiteater, Slaty Tanager, and Highland Motmot,
all adding to the diversity of your Machu Picchu bird list.
Days 6–8: Apurímac – A Haven for Endemics .
The final stretch of your expedition leads into the dramatic Apurímac Valley, one of Peru’s top destinations for
localized Andean endemics. This region is home to specialties found almost nowhere else, including the Apurímac
Spinetail, Apurímac Brushfinch, and the elusive Vilcabamba Tapaculo.
A visit to Chonta, perched high above the valley, offers one of the most unforgettable moments of the tour: watching
Andean Condors soaring effortlessly along the cliffs. For the dedicated birder, the possibility of spotting the Buff-
fronted Owl adds a thrilling nocturnal challenge to the experience.
Why This Tour Is Perfect for Birdwatchers
This Cusco–Apurímac birding itinerary is crafted for travelers seeking meaningful encounters with Peru’s unique
landscapes and wildlife. From high Andean passes to cloud forests and canyon viewpoints, every stop delivers a
chance to observe rare species and deepen your connection with nature.
Join us for an extraordinary journey into the heart of Andean birdlife—where culture, wildlife, and adventure come
together in one unforgettable expedition.
Birding at Cusco Apurimac .
From the iconic landscapes of Cusco and Machu Picchu to the little-known biodiversity hotspot of Apurímac, you’ll search for some of Peru’s most sought-after species, including rare hummingbirds, elusive Polylepis specialists, colorful tanagers, and dramatic raptors such as the majestic Andean Condor.
Whether you’re building a life list or visiting Peru for the first time, this one-week birding experience delivers exceptional opportunities to observe endemic birds found nowhere else on Earth, all set against some of the most breathtaking scenery in South America.
Join Us for an Unforgettable Birding Expedition Bird Watchers Cusco Apurimac. This expertly guided tour blends world-class birding, breathtaking scenery, and rich cultural experiences, making it perfect for passionate birders and nature lovers alike.
Birding at Cusco Apurimac 8 days
- Days 1–3: Cusco Exploration – Gateway to Andean Avifauna .
- Days 4–5: The Birds of Machu Picchu .
- Days 6–8: Apurímac – A Haven for Endemics .
- Bilingual local tour guide.
- Meals according to requirement (vegetarian).
- Purified water.
- Transfer transportation to the airport.
- Rooms with private bathroom.
- First-aid kit.
Our itinerary “Birding Tour Peru:
Cusco and Apurímac is designed to provide you with one of the best selections of endemic, range-restricted, and classic Andean species in one of the most popular and famous locations in South
America and the world, Cusco – and in one week only. Cusco is visited by thousands of tourists every year due to its rich culture and archaeology, but few people know that the Cusco Region also possesses a
large number of different ecosystems and holds several endemic birds that are only found here.
We will start our trip in Cusco, visiting the Huacarpay wetlands as an introduction to several Andean
species and looking for our first endemic, Rusty-fronted Canastero. Then the trip will take us to the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo to stay at the comfortable Hotel Pakaritampu. The gardens of this
beautiful, small hotel hold our second target of the day, the endemic Bearded Mountaineer. We will use
the Hotel Pakaritampu as our base for the next three nights in order to explore the famous Abra Malaga Pass mountain area.
The Polylepis temperate forest is one of the most endangered ecosystems in the Andes,
with only a few patches of forest remaining. We will spend a full day at the base of the snow-capped Veronica mountain, looking for the endemic and near endemic Ash-breasted Tit-Tyrant, White-browed
Tit-Spinetail, Tawny Tit-Spinetail, Creamy-crested Spinetail, Junin Canastero, White-tufted Sunbeam, and with luck the Critically Endangered (IUCN) Royal Cinclodes. Below the mountain pass the road
descends into the cloudforest, where several flocks of mountain tanagers are often seen, including the endemic Parodi’s Hemispingus, and here we have our first chance for the endemic Inca Wren and Cuzco Brushfinch.
After three nights in Ollantaytambo we will take a train to Aguas Calientes (now officially Machu Picchu Pueblo) and visit Machu Picchu. We shall spend a couple of hours on the site for those who want to
briefly visit and take pictures of the site, but, most importantly, we will have another chance for Inca Wren. Birding the lush tropical forest below Machu Picchu will provide also good chances for the
endemic Masked Fruiteater and the range-restricted Slaty Tanager.
Finally, the Apurímac valley near Cusco
provides excellent chances to add more endemic birds to the trip list, such as Apurímac Spinetail, Apurímac Brushfinch, Chestnut-breasted Mountain Finch, the localized Vilcabamba Tapaculo, and Koepcke’s Screech Owl.
In addition to this amazing list of species you will be able to have close-up views of the majestic Andean Condor at the condor viewpoint at Chonta and a good opportunity for the mysterious Buff-fronted Owl.
This itinerary could easily be combined with custom dates for our Central Peru Tour, Northern Peru Tour, and Northern Ecuador Tour with one night in Lima required. Please ask us for details.
General Information
What is the duration of the Bird Watchers Cusco Apurímac tour?
The tour lasts 8 days, covering key birdwatching sites in Cusco and Apurímac.
What makes this tour unique?
This itinerary is carefully designed to showcase endemic, range-restricted, and iconic Andean bird species in breathtaking landscapes, including Polylepis forests, cloud forests, and high-altitude wetlands.
What type of habitats will we explore?
You’ll visit a variety of ecosystems, including wetlands, temperate forests, cloud forests, and high-altitude grasslands, each home to unique bird species.
Is this tour suitable for beginner birdwatchers?
While this tour is ideal for experienced birders, beginners with a passion for nature and birds are welcome. Our expert guides will assist in spotting and identifying species.
How physically demanding is the tour?
Some sections involve hiking at high altitudes (up to 4,300 meters/14,100 feet), but most birding locations are accessible by vehicle with short to moderate walks.
Birdwatching Details
What are the highlight species we may see?
Endemic species include Bearded Mountaineer, White-tufted Sunbeam, Inca Wren, Apurímac Spinetail, and Royal Cinclodes. You’ll also look for the Andean Condor, Giant Conebill, and Tawny Tit-Spinetail.
How many bird species can we expect to see?
While numbers vary, you can expect to spot 200+ species, including many Andean endemics.
Do we need to bring our own binoculars and field guides?
Yes, we recommend bringing your own binoculars. A spotting scope will be available for group use, and our guides will have local field guides for reference.
Will we have opportunities for bird photography?
The itinerary includes multiple opportunities for photography, especially at Machu Picchu, Abra Málaga, and Chonta for Andean Condors.
Are night birding activities included?
Yes, we’ll look for Buff-fronted Owl, Pacific Pygmy Owl, and Apurímac Screech Owl during night birding sessions.
Logistics & Accommodation
What type of accommodation is included?
You’ll stay in comfortable lodges and hotels such as Hotel Pakaritampu (Ollantaytambo), Casa Andina (Cusco & Machu Picchu), and Yoga Limatomba Guesthouse (Limatambo).
Are meals included?
all meals are included throughout the tour, with a focus on fresh, local cuisine.
Is transportation included?
all ground transportation, train tickets to Machu Picchu, and airport transfers are
included in the package.
Will altitude sickness be a concern?
Some locations are at high altitude (above 3,500 meters/11,500 feet). We recommend acclimatizing in Cusco before the trip and staying hydrated.
Do we need travel insurance?
travel insurance is required and should cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and high-altitude trekking.
Booking & Additional Considerations
What is the best time of year for this tour?
The best time is April to November, during the dry season, when bird activity is high and conditions are favorable.
What is the group size for the tour?
Groups are small, usually 4-8 participants, ensuring an intimate experience and personalized guiding.
What should we pack for the trip?
Essentials include binoculars, a camera, a field guide, comfortable hiking shoes, a rain jacket, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, and layers for changing temperatures.
Are there any cultural experiences included?
You’ll visit Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, and local Andean communities, offering a mix of birding and cultural immersion.
How do I book this tour?
You can contact us directly via our website or email to reserve your spot. A deposit is required to confirm your booking.