Birdwatching in Peru 5 days

Day 1: Cusco to Huacarpay Lagoon & Birdwatching in Peru  – Manu National Park –

Your adventure begins with an early departure from Cusco at 5:30 AM. After a scenic drive, we will arrive at Huacarpay Lagoon, a stunning birdwatching hotspot just 45 minutes outside Cusco. Here, you’ll have the chance to observe the endemic Bearded Mountaineer, a special hummingbird found only in this region. You’ll also spot a variety of other bird species, such as:

Plumbeous Rail
Cinnamon Teal
Puna Teal
Yellow-billed Pintail
White-tufted Grebe
Cinereous Harrier
After a quick breakfast, we’ll continue our journey towards the Manu Cloud Forest, passing through Manu National Park’s entrance (3,565 meters above sea level). Here, we’ll observe high-altitude birds like Tanagers, Toucans, Flycatchers, and Antpittas. We’ll arrive at Huayquecha Lodge in the late afternoon, where we’ll enjoy dinner and head out to search for Swallow-tailed Nightjars after dark.

Day 2: Birdwatching at Huayquecha Biological Station

On Day 2, we start early at 5:40 AM to explore the rich birdlife at Huayquecha Biological Station, situated at 3,600 meters above sea level. Some of the species we’ll encounter include:

Rufous Antpitta
Puna Tapaculo
Golden-plumed Parakeet
Scaly-naped Parrot
Buff-breasted Mountain Tanager
Yungas Pygmy Owl
After a break for lunch and rest, we’ll continue exploring the area’s diverse habitats, searching for species like the White-winged Black Tyrant and the Crimson-mantled Woodpecker. As night falls, we’ll head out once again to search for Swallow-tailed Nightjars.

Day 3: Birdwatching in Peru Manu Park –  Journey to Cock of the Rock Lodge –

Today, we will venture towards the Cock of the Rock Lodge, one of the best places to see the iconic Andean Cock of the Rock. On our way, we’ll keep an eye out for species such as:

Golden-collared Tanager
Mountain Cacique
Crested Quetzal
Barred Parakeet
Black-and-Chestnut Eagle
Once at the lodge, we’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading out to search for the striking Gallito de las Rocas at their lek (display site). In addition to the famous Andean Cock of the Rock, you’ll spot other species like the Versicolored Barbet, Orange-eared Tanager, and Black Streaked Puffbird. We’ll also hike along the trail to see more birds, including the Masked Trogon and the Golden Tanager.

After lunch, we’ll head out again, looking for hummingbirds attracted to the lodge’s beautiful gardens. The area is home to up to 13 species of hummingbirds, including:

Booted Racket-tail
Violet-fronted Brilliant
Speckled Hummingbird
Fawn-breasted Brilliant
In the late afternoon, we’ll continue birdwatching along the road, where we may encounter the Lyre-tailed Nightjar and the Rufous-tailed Screech Owl.

Day 4: The Andean Cock of the Rock Lek and Lower Manu Cloud Forest-Birdwatching in Peru 5 days

On Day 4, we rise early to visit the Andean Cock of the Rock lek once again, where males perform their captivating displays to attract females. Afterward, we’ll return to the lodge for breakfast before heading out to explore the trails around the Lower Manu Cloud Forest, which is rich in species like:

Slaty Gnateater
Crimson-bellied Woodpecker
Chestnut-breasted Wren
Tyrannine Woodcreeper
Golden Tanager
As the day progresses, we’ll explore the local gardens, where hummingbirds continue to flit around the flowers. You may even spot species like the Wire-crested Thorntail and the Peruvian Piedtail.

In the evening, we’ll enjoy a final look at the birdlife and a farewell dinner at the lodge.

Day 5: Return to Cusco

On our final day, we’ll do a bit of last-minute birdwatching in the Lower Manu Cloud Forest, making sure we haven’t missed any notable species. Afterward, we’ll begin our journey back to Cusco, reflecting on the incredible birding experience we’ve shared.