Birding Photography Machu Picchu -2 days

Important Trip Information.

CLIMATE: Be prepared for a wide range of weather conditions. The lowlands can be hot and humid, while Abra Malaga can get very cold. Keep in mind that during a dry season, there’s a chance of a “Friaje,” a cold front bringing cooler weather and rain from the south.

DIFFICULTY: This trip falls under moderate difficulty. Expect long journeys and early starts, but the walking is generally easy. The hike up to Polylepis is optional, and those who opt out can stay with the bus.

ACCOMMODATION: Accommodations range from comfortable yet simple jungle lodges with limited electricity to standard hotels in key locations. Hotel choice in Lima depends on flight schedules, offering convenience or a quieter stay.

Bird Photography: Photography opportunities are rewarding.

Linkable Amazon Birding: Explore Central & Northern Peru.

Birding Photography Machu Picchu -2 days

 Birding Photography Machu Picchu  – beyond its historical significance, is a haven for avian enthusiasts. A tapestry of 443 bird species call this extraordinary place home.

Among all vertebrates, birds reign with the highest specific diversity, encompassing a staggering 23.9% of Peru’s avifauna.

Within the Sacred Historical Sanctuary (SHM), a haven for conservation, 16 species of threatened birds find refuge. Among these captivating creatures, a symphony of color and life unfolds.

The majestic Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) soars above, a symbol of grandeur and freedom.

The Andean Toucan (Andigena hypoglauca) graces the skies with its vibrant plumage, a testament to nature’s artistry.

In the undergrowth, the Royal Churrete (Cinclodes aricomae) dances with elegance, while the Cacique de Koepcke (Cacicus koepckeae) adds its own charm to the avian orchestra.

Among the remarkable company is the Front Canastero (Asthenes urubambensis), a master of disguise in its habitat.

Machu Picchu’s avian inhabitants are not merely feathered residents;

they are a vital thread in the intricate fabric of this ecosystem.

They echo the history, celebrate the beauty, and remind us of the precious balance that sustains life in this enchanted land.

As you explore this extraordinary destination, take a moment to appreciate the vibrant tapestry of life that thrives within the verdant embrace of Machu Picchu.

Birding Photography Machu Picchu -2 days

Bird Day 1: Cusco to Aguas Calientes Town (Machupicchu) – Birding Photography Machu Picchu  .

Birding Photography Machu Picchu- This morning we will travel from Cusco to Ollantaytambo by Bus/Van two hours journey.

To take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes town (2000 m). Travelling down the scenic Urubamba Valley, where Torrent Duck and White-capped Dippers can regularly be seen along the fast flowing river.

This afternoon we spent birding at the botanic garden, we may see: Green Hermit, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Speckle-faced Parrot, Sclater´s Tyrannulet, Glossy-black Thrush and the endemic Masked Fruiteater,

Torrent Tyrannulet, Fawn-breasted Tanager, Saffron-crowned Tanager, Slaty Tanager, Silver-backed Tanager, Capped Conebill, Chestnut-capped Brush-Finch, Orange-bellied Euphonia and many more Night at Aguas Calientes. B:L:D.

Bird Day 2: Aguas calientes Town to Cusco. Birding Photography Machu Picchu .

For birding and visit to the Citadel of Machupicchu (2400m) “lost city” of the Incas is so well known from the

numerous photographs and articles that feature this extraordinary place that it seems almost unnecessary to describe its dramatic setting amongst the Andes.

The city is perched on a narrow ridge high above the Urubamba River and on seeing the precipitous slopes on all sides one can easily appreciate why it remained undiscovered for so many years.

The area around Machupicchu has been cleared of forest and so scrub and bamboo thickets are now the predominant habitat, inhabited by the noisy endemic Inca Wren, although some forest patches can be found along the river valley.

Other species we may find in the area include Mitred Parakeet, White-tipped Swift, the endemic Green-and-white Hummingbird, Collared Inca, Ocellated Piculet, Streaked Xenops, Variable Antshrike, Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet,

Rusty Flowerpiercer, Oleaginous Hemispingus, Yellow-bellied Seedeater and Hooded Siskin. In the late afternoon we will return to Cusco.B:L.