Ultimate Birding Cusco Apurimac Endemics : Explore Rare Birds
in the Apurimac Valley and Beyond
Birding Cusco Apurimac Endemics: Embark on a meticulously crafted birding tour through the heart of Cusco
and the renowned Apurimac Valley. This carefully designed itinerary offers an unparalleled opportunity to encounter
the region’s most captivating and range-restricted bird species.
Highlights of the Birding Cusco Apurimac Endemics Tour:
Prime Birding Locations: Discover a curated selection of the best birding hotspots, including the iconic
Apurimac Valley, the diverse Huacarpay Lake, and the high-altitude wonder of Abra Malaga.
Rare and Endemic Bird Species: Spot elusive and endemic birds unique to these regions. From high-elevation
specialists to valley-dwelling rarities, every location offers the chance to expand your birding life list.
Altitude Adventure: Experience birding at elevations ranging from 3,200m (10,500 ft) to over 4,200m (13,800 ft),
offering a variety of ecosystems and birdlife.
Active Exploration: This tour involves moderate to challenging walks to reach prime birding areas. A good level of
fitness is required to fully enjoy the experience.
Explore Cusco’s Best Birding Cusco Apurimac Endemics Spots:
Apurimac Valley: Famous for its breathtaking scenery and rare bird species, including the Apurimac Spinetail and
Apurimac Brush-Finch. This valley is a must-visit for serious bird enthusiasts.
Abra Malaga: Home to an extraordinary variety of range-restricted birds, this high-altitude pass offers sightings of
Polylepis forest specialists and other hard-to-find species.
Huacarpay Lake: A birding gem near Cusco, this picturesque wetland is perfect for observing waterbirds and
several Andean endemics Apurimac .
2-Day Birding Tour to Soraypampa: Discover 8 Rare Endemic Bird Species
Embark on an unforgettable 2-day birding adventure to Soraypampa, a hidden gem for bird enthusiasts and nature
lovers. Located along the breathtaking route to Salkantay Mountain, this birding tour offers a unique opportunity to
observe 8 rare and endemic bird species found only in the diverse ecosystems of the Peruvian Andes and Amazonia Birding
Why Choose the Soraypampa Birding Tour?
This tour is perfect for both seasoned bird watchers and curious explorers seeking exclusive bird species in their
natural habitat. With diverse landscapes ranging from high-altitude grasslands to cloud forests, Soraypampa is a
hotspot for bird diversity, offering sightings you won’t find anywhere else.
Endemic Bird Species You Can Observe:
During this immersive birding experience, you will have the chance to spot 8 fascinating and
endemic bird species that thrive in the Soraypampa region:
Chestnut-Breasted Mountain Finch (Poospiza caesar)Known for its striking chestnut plumage, this elusive
finch is often found flitting among Andean shrubs and bushy slopes.
Rusty-Fronted Canastero (Asthenes ottonis)Recognizable by its rusty-colored forehead, this small passerine bird
prefers dry scrub and open grasslands.
Creamy-Crested Spinetail (Cranioleuca albicapilla)With its distinctive creamy-white crest, this spinetail is a
highlight for birders exploring the region’s dense vegetation.
Apurimac Spinetail (Synallaxis courseni)Endemic to the Apurimac River Valley, this species is known for its long
tail and preference for montane forests.
Apurimac Brush Finch (Atlapetes forbesi)This colorful brush finch, exclusive to the Apurimac region, thrives in
the undergrowth and bamboo thickets.
Vilcabamba Thistletail (Asthenes vilcabambae)An iconic species of the Vilcabamba range, this thistletail is often
seen clinging to shrubbery along steep mountain slopes.
White-Tufted Sunbeam (Aglaeactis castelnaudii)A dazzling hummingbird with iridescent plumage and distinctive
white tufts on its legs, found only in specific Andean habitats.
Koepcke’s Screech Owl (Megascops koepckeae)A nocturnal wonder, this owl is named after the renowned
ornithologist Maria Koepcke and can be heard calling at dusk.
Your Next Adventure Awaits You in Peru Birds
Birding Cusco Apurimac Endemics : Don’t miss the chance to explore one of Peru’s premier birding destinations. Secure your spot on the 2-day Soraypampa Birding Tour and immerse yourself in the beauty and biodiversity of the Andean cloud forests.
Explore the Most Fascinating Attractions of This Tour
Birding Cusco Apurimac Endemics.
Whether you’re a passionate ornithologist or a casual bird lover, the Soraypampa Birding Tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to observe endemic Andean bird species up close. This experience is particularly appealing to those seeking rare sightings and who want to expand their life list with species found nowhere else in the world.
Tour Highlights: Ideal for Birdwatching Enthusiasts
- Expert Birding Guides: Our knowledgeable guides will help you identify and understand the behaviors of these rare species.
- Scenic Landscapes: Explore the awe-inspiring views of Salkantay Mountain and the surrounding valleys.
- Customizable Itinerary: Tailor your experience with optional night birding for a chance to spot the mysterious Koepcke’s Screech Owl.
- Photographic Opportunities: Capture stunning photos of rare birds and the breathtaking Andean scenery.
Tour Overview in
Birding Cusco Apurimac Endemics.
The “Birding Cusco Apurimac Endemics – 2 Days” tour offers a remarkable opportunity for bird enthusiasts to explore the rich avian diversity of the Cusco and Apurimac regions. This journey is shaped by the region’s diverse climatic conditions, fostering a unique habitat for an array of endemic and rare bird species.
The highlight of this expedition is the exploration of the Apurimac Canyon, renowned for its population of Peruvian endemics. Over two days, participants will experience breathtaking landscapes while encountering some of the region’s most elusive bird species. This tour is a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and exceptional birdwatching opportunities.
A standout moment of the trip is the chance to observe the majestic Andean Condor in its natural habitat. With a wingspan of up to three meters, these magnificent birds provide an awe-inspiring spectacle, considered one of the most impressive displays of wildlife in South America.
Whether you are a seasoned birder or a nature enthusiast, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of the avian treasures hidden within the heart of the Apurimac Canyon.
Day 1: Cusco to Apurimac – Birding Adventure
Your journey begins with an early morning departure from your Cusco hotel. Traveling west, we head toward Ancahuasi and cross the high plains and Puna grasslands to the picturesque village of Chonta. From here, we embark on a leisurely two-hour walk to the Condor overlook, birdwatching along the way.
Key species we may encounter include the Golden-billed Saltator, various Sierra Finches, Hooded Siskin, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Variable Hawk, and more. At the overlook, we will observe up to a dozen Andean Condors soaring gracefully against the dramatic canyon backdrop.
After a picnic lunch and ample opportunities for photography, we descend to the Limatambo Valley for a relaxing overnight stay at the Andean Spirit Lodge—a serene retreat nestled in the Andes. In the evening, those interested can search for nocturnal species such as Koepcke’s Screech Owl, Peruvian Pygmy Owl, and the elusive Buff-fronted Owl.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Mollepata and Apurimac Endemics
After an early breakfast, we journey to Mollepata and continue to Soraypampa, located beneath the imposing glaciers of the Salkantay massif. This region is home to the rare and localized Vilcabamba Tapaculo, one of our primary targets.
As we work our way back to Cusco, we prioritize spotting endemic species unique to the Apurimac region.
Potential sightings include:
- Apurimac Brush Finch (endemic)
- Apurimac Spinetail (endemic)
- Chestnut-breasted Mountain-Finch (endemic)
- White-tufted Sunbeam (endemic)
- Creamy-crested Spinetail (endemic)
- d’Orbigny’s Chat-Tyrant
- Peruvian Sierra-Finch
- Crimson-mantled Woodpecker
- Giant Hummingbird
- Andean Lapwing
- Tit-like Dacnis
- White-eared Puffbird
This final leg of the journey offers extraordinary birdwatching amidst stunning mountain scenery. After a rewarding day of exploration, we return to Cusco, concluding an unforgettable birding adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch