Discover the Scenic Back Birding Road Abra Malaga : An Affordable Adventure
Birding Road Abra Malaga : If you’re seeking a more adventurous and budget-friendly way to reach Machu Picchu, the back route via Santa Teresa offers a unique alternative to the costly train journey from Ollantaytambo or Cusco. This scenic path winds through breathtaking landscapes, providing an immersive experience for nature lovers and backpackers alike.
The Journey: From Cusco to Santa Teresa and Beyond Birding Road Abra Malaga
Your adventure begins with a drive over the Abra Malaga Pass, a stunning high-altitude route with panoramic views of the Andean mountains. As you descend into the lush cloud forest, you’ll arrive at the charming jungle town of Santa Teresa. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and natural hot springs, Santa Teresa is a perfect spot to relax and explore before continuing toward Machu Picchu.
From Santa Teresa, a bridge crosses the Urubamba River, leading to a narrow, picturesque track toward Hidroelectrica – the hydroelectric plant and a key transit point. Here, you can either take a short, affordable train ride or enjoy a scenic 10-kilometer walk along the railway to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu Birding .
Why Choose the Back Route .Birding Road Abra Malaga
Cost-Effective Travel: Avoid the expensive direct trains from Cusco or Ollantaytambo by taking this budget-friendly route.
Stunning Scenery: Experience the diverse landscapes of the Andes, cloud forests, and jungle valleys.
Adventure-Friendly: Ideal for backpackers and independent travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience.
Explore Santa Teresa: A Hidden Gem
Santa Teresa offers more than just a stopping point. The town features affordable, cozy hotels and is famous for its Cocalmayo Hot Springs, where you can unwind in natural thermal waters surrounded by verdant hills.
Discover Mandor: A Birder’s Paradise
Just below Aguas Calientes and along the railway track to Machu Picchu lies Mandor, an ecological haven renowned among birdwatchers. It is home to the spectacular Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek – a must-see for wildlife enthusiasts. Nestled within this serene area is a charming guesthouse, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of nature. Amazon Birding Manu
How to Plan Your Back Route Adventure
Start in Cusco: Arrange transportation to Santa Teresa via the scenic Abra Malaga Pass.
Stay in Santa Teresa: Enjoy the local hospitality and relax in the hot springs.
Travel to Hidroelectrica: Cross the bridge and follow the track to the hydroelectric plant.
Reach Aguas Calientes: Choose between a short train ride or a picturesque walk.
Explore Machu Picchu: Rise early to visit the awe-inspiring ancient city.
This back route to Machu Picchu blends adventure, affordability, and stunning natural beauty. Perfect for those craving a unique travel experience, it promises unforgettable memories along the road less traveled.
Your Next Adventure Awaits You in Peru Birds
Birding Road Abra Malaga – hardly needs any introduction and, for birders, the Polylepis Forest at the Abra Malaga pass with many endemic species is almost as famous. There are four types of programs available and the number of days can be varied:
Explore the Most Fascinating Attractions of This Tour
Birding Road Abra Malaga Peru 5 Days
- A Program: Arrival from Manu road in the evening of day 1 in the afternoon of the program below
- B Program: Start in Cusco with pick up at the airport in the morning of day 1 on program below
- C program: Combining culture and birds. This has a special program below.
- D program: Super short. For those with very little time this is an extremely short program of only two days, going directly to Abra Malaga from the airport early in the morning and concentrating the effort at the Polylepis at the pass and naturally makes the obligatory visit to Machu Picchu concentraing the effort here to see the Inca Wren.
We can run this tour any day of the year. We recommend spending two nights at Machu Picchu and two full days on the Abra Malaga road (programs A, B and C). This will make the program less hectic.
The grading of the tour is “moderately difficult” because of the walking one does at altitude at Abra Malaga and the many stairs Machu Picchu. The birding itself is quite easy.
These are programs that combine birding at the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu and the temperate wet and dry Polylepis forests at Abra Malaga. Abra Malaga is the prime site you need to visit near Cusco, since there are a lot of endemic and near-endemic birds here, most of which are difficult or non-existent on the Manu road. If you are interested in having a stronger focus on culture and archaeology, check out the C program below.
Tour Overview in
Machu Picchu &Birding Road Abra Malaga (5 Days)
Embark on a birdwatching adventure that blends history, nature, and the unparalleled beauty of the Andean landscapes. This 5-day tour takes you through the breathtaking regions of Machu Picchu and Abra Malaga, renowned for their rich biodiversity and endemic bird species.
Tour Options:
Program A: Arrival from the Manu Road in the evening of Day 1.
Program B: Start in Cusco with airport pickup on the morning of Day 1.
Program C: A special itinerary combining cultural exploration with birding.
Program D: An express 2-day tour focusing on Abra Malaga and Machu Picchu for those with limited time.
We operate this tour year-round and recommend spending two nights at Machu Picchu and two full days on the Abra Malaga road (Programs A, B, and C) for a more relaxed and immersive experience.
Tour Difficulty: Moderately difficult due to walking at high altitudes in Abra Malaga and the many stairs at Machu Picchu. The birding itself is relatively easy.
Day 1: Cusco – Huacarpay Lake – Ollantaytambo
Begin your journey with early morning birding at Huacarpay Lake. Expect to see species like the Bearded Mountaineer, Streaked-fronted Thornbird, Cinnamon Teal, and Giant Hummingbird. In the afternoon, travel through the Sacred Valley, stopping to observe more bird species before arriving at Ollantaytambo for an overnight stay.
Day 2: Ollantaytambo – Abra Malaga – Cloud Forest
Depart early for Abra Malaga, a prime site for birding with many endemic species. Look for the Inca Wren, Marcapata Spinetail, Cusco Brush Finch, and Parodi’s Hemispingus. Spend the day exploring the cloud forest before returning to Ollantaytambo for the night.
Day 3: Ollantaytambo – Abra Malaga – Aguas Calientes
At 4,316 masl, explore the Polylepis forest, home to specialized bird species like the White-browed Tit-Spinetail, Royal Cinclodes, and Giant Conebill. After lunch, return to Ollantaytambo and take the train to Aguas Calientes, where you will stay overnight.
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Birding
Spend the day birding around Machu Picchu, where the lush forests host unique species like the Masked Fruiteater, Ocellated Piculet, Slaty Tanager, and the iconic Andean Cock-of-the-Rock.
Day 5: Machu Picchu Tour – Return to Cusco
After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of the Machu Picchu archaeological site. Explore the ruins and, if desired, hike Huayna Picchu Mountain. In the afternoon, return to Cusco via train and bus, concluding your unforgettable birding adventure.