Birdwatching Manu Machu Picchu 10 days
Discover the Untamed Beauty of Manu Biosphere Reserve and Birdwatching Manu -Machu Picchu .
Embark on an extraordinary journey to the Manu Biosphere Reserve, the most biodiverse protected area on Earth. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure takes you through breathtaking landscapes and an astonishing variety of habitats, from misty cloud forests to the heart of the pristine Amazon rainforest.
Birdwatching Manu Machu Picchu 10 days
Day 1: Cusco to Huacarpay Lake – Huayquecha Biological Station .
Day 2: Cloud forest Huayquecha – Manu Road – Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge .
Day 3: Andean Cock-of-the-Rock and Cloud Forest Birding.
Day 4: Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge – Atalaya Port to Amazonia Lodge.
Day 5: Amazonia Lodge – Lowland Rainforest Birding.
Day 6: Amazon Parrot Clay Lick to Ollantaytambo .
Day 8: Tropical forests to Aguas Calientes.
Day 9: Machu Picchu – Birdwatching and Inca History.
Day 10: Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco.
Birdwatching Manu -Machu Picchu .
Unrivaled Biodiversity and Wildlife EncountersImmerse yourself in a world where wildlife thrives undisturbed. Explore the lush cloud forests, where the elusive Spectacled Bear roams and the vibrant Andean Cock-of-the-Rock performs its dazzling courtship displays. Descend into the Amazon basin, home to 13 species of primates swinging through the canopy and serene oxbow lakes where Giant Otters glide gracefully through the water.
With over 1,000 species of birds recorded, including colorful macaws and rare harpy eagles, bird enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise. This journey offers intimate encounters with some of the planet's most fascinating creatures in one of the last great wilderness areas.
Birdwatching Manu Machu Picchu 10 days
- Tour Name: 100% Local Company – Peru Bird: Specialist in Birdwatching
- Elevations: 2900mts/9280ft to 550mts/1760ft
- Group Size:
- Minimum: 2 people
- Maximum: 10 people
- Departure Point: Pick-up from your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco
- Tour Return: Drop-off at your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco
- Daily Departure: Based on availability
- Tour Duration: (Birdwatching Manu Machu Picchu 10 days )
- Transportation:Round-trip private bus from Cusco to our jungle lodges
- Lodging (9 Nights):
- Dietary options: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals available at no extra cost (upon request)
- Specialist Bird Guide: Professional bilingual local guide (fully equipped)
- Cook: Professional chef.
Birdwatching Manu Machu Picchu 10 days
Birdwatching Manu Machu Picchu: 10-Day Peru Birding Tour – Discover the incredible bird diversity of Peru on a 10-day birdwatching tour through Manu National Park and Machu Picchu. This spectacular journey takes you from the high Andes and Huacarpay wetlands through the Manu cloud forests and Amazon rainforest before ending at the legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Birdwatching Adventure.
Along the route, you’ll explore some of Peru’s most productive birding habitats, with opportunities to see Andean endemics, hummingbirds, tanagers, antpittas, macaws, toucans, tinamous, cotingas, and the spectacular Andean Cock-of-the-Rock.
With experienced birding guides, specialized lodges, excellent viewing locations, and comfortable transportation, this is an ideal Peru birdwatching tour for serious birders and nature enthusiasts.
Itinerary : Birdwatching Manu Machu Picchu 1o days .
Birdwatching Manu & Machu Picchu
A Bucket-List Birding Adventure in the Andean Highlands and the Amazon
Experience one of the world’s most spectacular birding routes on this Manu & Machu Picchu birdwatching tour, a journey that blends Andean peaks, cloud forests, Amazon lowlands, and the ancient Inca citadel. Over ten unforgettable days, you’ll travel the legendary Manu Road, explore Manu National Park, and finish your expedition at the mystical Machu Picchu. birding Tours adventure
With expert guides, high-quality optics, and comfortable birding lodges, this trip gives you a rare chance to observe Andean endemics, Amazon specialists, mixed flocks, hummingbirds, tinamous, macaws, antpittas, and more than 500 possible species along one of the richest biodiversity corridors on Earth.Manu National Park
Day 1: Cusco to Huacarpay Lake – Huayquecha Biological Station .
Begin your birdwatching adventure in Cusco and travel to Huacarpay Lake, an important high-Andean birding site.
Early morning birding may reveal Bearded Mountaineer, Plumbeous Rail, Cinnamon Teal, Puna Teal, Yellow-billed Pintail, White-tufted Grebe, Cinereous Harrier, Rusty-fronted Canastero, and Creamy-crested Spinetail.
Continue toward Manu and cross the high pass before descending into the spectacular cloud forest. Along the Manu Road, look for hummingbirds, tanagers, toucanets, flycatchers, and mixed-species flocks.
Spend the night at Huayquecha Biological Station, with an opportunity for nocturnal birding.
Day 2: Cloud forest Huayquecha – Manu Road – Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge .
Continue deeper along the famous Manu Road, one of Peru’s premier birdwatching routes.
Possible sightings include Golden-collared Tanager, Grass-green Tanager, Scaled Metaltail, White-collared Jay, Barred Parakeet, Chestnut-crested Cotinga, Marcapata Spinetail, Red-and-white Antpitta, and Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant.
Arrive at Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge and enjoy an evening birding session.
Day 3: Andean Cock-of-the-Rock and Cloud Forest Birding.
Rise before sunrise to visit an Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek, where you may observe males performing their famous courtship displays.
Continue exploring the cloud forest in search of Highland Motmot, Versicolored Barbet, Yungas Manakin, White-crowned Tapaculo, Slaty Gnateater, Chestnut-breasted Wren, Amazonian Umbrellabird, Masked Trogon, Paradise Tanager, and Brown Tinamou.
The lodge gardens are excellent for hummingbirds, including Booted Racket-tail, Long-tailed Sylph, Peruvian Piedtail, and Sparkling Violetear.
Night birding may produce Lyre-tailed Nightjar and Rufescent Screech-Owl.
Day 4: Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge – Atalaya Port to Amazonia Lodge.
Descend from the cloud forest toward the Amazon lowlands. Keep your binoculars ready for Black-backed Tody-Flycatcher, Fiery-capped Manakin, Blue-headed Macaw, Ornate Flycatcher, and Chestnut-backed Antshrike.
From Atalaya, take a boat along the river to Amazonia Lodge, an excellent base for lowland Amazon birdwatching.
Possible hummingbird sightings include Rufous-crested Coquette, Violet-headed Hummingbird, Koepcke’s Hermit, Golden-tailed Sapphire, and Amethyst Woodstar.
An evening walk provides opportunities for nocturnal species such as potoos and owls.
Day 5: Amazonia Lodge – Lowland Rainforest Birding.
Spend the day exploring the Amazon rainforest around Amazonia Lodge.
At the canopy tower, look for Plum-throated Cotinga, Spangled Cotinga, Turquoise Tanager, Striolated Puffbird, and Military Macaw.
Forest trails may produce Scarlet-hooded Barbet, Lemon-throated Barbet, Fine-barred Piculet, Red-billed Tyrannulet, Double-toothed Kite, Blue-crowned Trogon, Red-throated Caracara, tinamous, and antbirds.
Day 6: Amazon Parrot Clay Lick to Ollantaytambo .
Start early with a visit to a parrot and macaw clay lick, where colorful flocks may include Blue-headed Parrot, Amazon Parrot, and Chestnut-fronted Macaw.
After birding, travel upriver to Atalaya before continuing by road toward Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley.
Day 7: Ollantaytambo to Andean Abra Málaga.
Travel toward Abra Málaga, an outstanding destination for Andean birdwatching.
Possible species include Inca Wren, Marcapata Spinetail, Cuzco Brush-Finch, Parodi’s Hemispingus, and Puna Thistletail.
Return to Ollantaytambo in the afternoon.
Day 8: Tropical forests to Aguas Calientes.
Explore a high-elevation Tropical forest, where specialized Andean species can be found.
Target birds include White-browed Tit-Spinetail, Royal Cinclodes, Puna Tapaculo, Giant Conebill, White-tufted Sunbeam, and Chestnut-breasted Mountain Finch.
After birding, take the scenic train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Day 9: Machu Picchu – Birdwatching and Inca History.
Enjoy morning birdwatching around Machu Picchu.
Possible sightings include Masked Fruiteater, Ocellated Piculet, Slaty Tanager, Sclater’s Tyrannulet, Torrent Duck, Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, and Highland Motmot.
After birding, explore the archaeological sanctuary of Machu Picchu with your guide before returning to your accommodation.
Day 10: Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco.
Enjoy your final visit to Machu Picchu, with an optional Huayna Picchu hike if permits are available.
Later, travel by train to Ollantaytambo and continue by road to Cusco, concluding your 10-day Manu and Machu Picchu birdwatching adventure.
Birds You May See in Manu National Park & Birdwatching Manu Machu Picchu .
Manu National Park is renowned for its exceptional bird diversity, and this itinerary passes through habitats supporting hundreds of species.
Depending on weather, season, local conditions, and luck, your birding list may include:
- Andean Cock-of-the-Rock
- Bearded Mountaineer
- Royal Cinclodes
- Marcapata Spinetail
- Red-and-white Antpitta
- Paradise Tanager
- Booted Racket-tail
- Long-tailed Sylph
- Military Macaw
- Chestnut-fronted Macaw
- Blue-headed Macaw
- Amazonian Umbrellabird
- Highland Motmot
- Torrent Duck
- Giant Conebill
- Various antbirds, tanagers, cotingas, hummingbirds, and tinamous
The exact species observed cannot be guaranteed because bird activity varies according to season, weather, habitat conditions, and natural behavior. Manu Biosphere Reserve
Best Birdwatching Manu Machu Picchu & Destinations on the Tour.
Huacarpay Lake : A productive high-Andean wetland near Cusco, ideal for beginning the tour with waterbirds and highland species.
Manu National Park : One of Peru’s most famous biodiversity destinations, with an exceptional range of ecosystems and bird habitats.
Huayquecha Biological Station : Located in the cloud forest, this area offers excellent opportunities for observing Andean and cloud-forest species.
Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge : A prime location for observing the spectacular Andean Cock-of-the-Rock and a wide variety of cloud-forest birds.
Manu Cloud Forest : The transition between the Andes and Amazon creates exceptional habitat diversity, supporting hummingbirds, tanagers, antpittas, toucanets, and mixed-species flocks.
Amazonia Lodge : An excellent base for exploring lowland rainforest and observing Amazonian bird species from trails and canopy viewpoints.
Abra Málaga and Polylepis Forest : These high-elevation habitats are particularly valuable for birders searching for Andean specialists and high-altitude species. Tour Tambopota Reserved
Why This Is a Signature Peru Birdwatching Experience – Birdwatching Manu Machu Picchu .
This Manu & Machu Picchu birdwatching tour combines two of Peru’s greatest attractions: extraordinary biodiversity and world-famous Inca heritage.
You’ll experience:
- Birdwatching across multiple ecosystems
- Manu cloud-forest and Amazon rainforest birding
- High-Andean endemic species
- Hummingbirds and mixed-species flocks
- Andean Cock-of-the-Rock displays
- Parrot and macaw clay-lick birding
- Specialized birding lodges
- Expert local birding guides
- Scenic travel through the Andes and Amazon
- A guided visit to Machu Picchu
From the highlands around Cusco to the Amazon lowlands of Manu, this 10-day Peru birdwatching tour offers an exceptional combination of wildlife, landscapes, culture, and adventure.
Book Your Birdwatching Manu Machu Picchu Adventure.
If you are looking for a birdwatching tour in Peru that combines Manu National Park and Machu Picchu, this 10-day itinerary offers an outstanding introduction to the country’s remarkable bird diversity.
Contact us to check availability, travel dates, group size, and the best season for your Manu birdwatching adventure. birding Tours adventure
Birdwatching Manu – Machu Picchu 10 days
Birdwatching Manu Machu Picchu : Discover Peru’s Extraordinary Biodiversity on a Premier Birdwatching Adventure.
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime birdwatching expedition through one of the world’s most biodiverse regions—Manu National Park, located in the heart of Peru. This immersive tour will take you through the diverse ecosystems of the cloud forests, high jungle, and lowland Amazon, where you’ll encounter a wide array of fascinating and non-native bird species. Spend most of your time at our specialized birding lodges, strategically located to offer optimal
opportunities for spotting remarkable birdlife – Birdwatching Manu -Machu Picchu .
Day 1: Cusco – Huacarpay – Huayquecha Biological Station .
Your adventure begins with a warm welcome in Cusco and an orientation to the upcoming Manu birding route. At dawn, depart toward Laguna Huacarpay, one of Cusco’s top high-Andean wetland hotspots. Here you’ll search for the endemic Bearded Mountaineer, along with Plumbeous Rail, Cinnamon Teal, Puna Teal, Yellow-billed Pintail, White-tufted Grebe, Cinereous Harrier, and Streak-fronted Thornbird.
You may also spot three Cusco endemics:
- Bearded Mountaineer
- Rusty-fronted Canastero
- Creamy-crested Spinetail
After breakfast, continue toward Manu, reaching the high pass at 3,565 m. As you enter the cloud forest, expect tanagers, hummingbirds, antpittas, toucanets, flycatchers, and mixed flocks.
Arrive at Huayquecha Biological Station by late afternoon and search for Swallow-tailed Nightjar after dark.
Day 2: Huayquecha Biological Station – Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge .
Travel deeper along the Manu Road, one of the world’s most celebrated birding routes. Keep an eye out for Golden-collared Tanager, Grass-green Tanager, Scaled Metaltail, White-collared Jay, Barred Parakeet, and Chestnut-crested Cotinga.
You may encounter endemics such as:
- Marcapata Spinetail
- Red-and-White Antpitta
- Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant
Arrive at Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge, perfectly situated for cloud-forest birding. In the evening, look for Rufous-bellied Nighthawk.
Day 3: Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge – Cloud Forest Birding .
Before sunrise, walk to the famous Cock-of-the-Rock lek to watch males perform their dramatic displays. Other specialties here include Highland Motmot, Versicolored Barbet, Yungas Manakin, and White-crowned Tapaculo.
After breakfast, explore forest trails where you may find:
- Slaty Gnateater
- Chestnut-breasted Wren
- Amazonian Umbrellabird
- Masked Trogon
- Paradise Tanager
- Brown Tinamou
Around the lodge gardens, you can spot up to 13 hummingbird species, including Booted Racket-tail, Long-tailed Sylph, Peruvian Piedtail, and Sparkling Violetear.
Sunset brings opportunities for Lyre-tailed Nightjar and Rufescent Screech-Owl.
Day 4: Birdwatching Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge – Amazonia Lodge .
Descend into the foothills toward your next location. Along the route, you may find Black-backed Tody-Flycatcher, Fiery-capped Manakin, Blue-headed Macaw, Ornate Flycatcher, and Chestnut-backed Antshrike.
From Atalaya, switch to a boat for a short river journey to Amazonia Lodge, one of Manu’s best lowland birding bases. Manu Biosphere Reserve
Here you may encounter hummingbirds such as:
- Rufous-crested Coquette
- Violet-headed Hummingbird
- Koepcke’s Hermit
- Golden-tailed Sapphire
- Amethyst Woodstar
A night walk offers chances to observe Long-tailed Potoo, Black-banded Owl, Great Potoo, and Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl.
Day 5: Birding in Amazonia Lodge – Lowland Rainforest Birding .
Begin your day at the canopy tower where species like Plum-throated Cotinga, Spangled Cotinga, Turquoise Tanager, Striolated Puffbird, and Military Macaw often appear.
Afternoon trails may reveal Scarlet-hooded Barbet, Lemon-throated Barbet, Fine-barred Piculet, Red-billed Tyrannulet, Double-toothed Kite, Blue-crowned Trogon, Red-throated Caracara, and a variety of tinamous and antbirds.
Day 6: Birdwatching Amazonia Lodge – Parrot Clay Lick to Ollantaytambo.
Rise early to witness a Parrot & Macaw Clay Lick, where species such as Blue-headed Parrot, Amazon Parrot, and Chestnut-fronted Macaw gather in vibrant flocks. Tour Tambopota Reserved
Afterward, navigate upriver to Atalaya and continue by road to Ollantaytambo for a night in the Sacred Valley.
Day 7: Birdwatching to Ollantaytambo – Abra Málaga .
Climb toward Abra Málaga, one of Peru’s most reliable regions for Andean endemics. Today’s highlights include:
- Inca Wren
- Marcapata Spinetail
- Cuzco Brush-Finch
- Parodi’s Hemispingus
- Puna Thistletail
Return to Ollantaytambo in the afternoon.
Day 8: Ollantaytambo – Polylepis Forest – Aguas Calientes .
Start at 4,316 m in a pristine Polylepis forest, home to some of the Andes’ rarest specialists, such as:
- White-browed Tit-Spinetail
- Royal Cinclodes
- Puna Tapaculo
- Giant Conebill
- White-tufted Sunbeam
- Chestnut-breasted Mountain Finch
After lunch, take the scenic train to Aguas Calientes.
Day 9: Aguas Calientes & Machu Picchu – Birding and Ruins .
Enjoy morning birding near Machu Picchu, where you may find:
Masked Fruiteater
- Ocellated Piculet
- Slaty Tanager
- Sclater’s Tyrannulet
- Torrent Duck
- Andean Cock-of-the-Rock
- Highland Motmot
Then explore the lost city of the Incas with your guide before returning to Cusco by train.
Day 10: Machu Picchu Visit – Return to Cusco .
Enjoy a final guided visit to Machu Picchu, with the optional hike to Huayna Picchu (tickets not included). In the afternoon, take the train back to Ollantaytambo and continue to Cusco by bus, concluding your Manu & Machu Picchu birding tour.
Why Choose a Manu & Machu Picchu Birdwatching Tour?
Manu is one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, offering an extraordinary variety of habitats within a relatively short distance. During this birdwatching adventure, you’ll travel through:
- High-Andean wetlands
- Cloud forests
- Yungas and foothill forests
- Polylepis forests
- Lowland Amazon rainforest
- River and clay-lick habitats
The combination of these ecosystems creates opportunities to observe an impressive variety of bird species while experiencing the landscapes and cultures of southern Peru.
include in the Birdwatching Manu Machu Picchu.
- Tour guide with binoculars and spotting scope
- Bird Check List
- Transportation in Private Service
- Accommodations in Lodges and Hotels
- All meals except last diner
- All Entrance fee to Private and Natural Reserves.
- Mineral Water
- Snacks
- Rubber boots when needed,
- Cook, if needed
- First aid kit
Exclude in the Birdwatching Manu Machu Picchu .
- Travel Insurance
- Mineral water in the first day
- Last day Dinner
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips for the team
Birdwatching Manu -Machu Picchu 10 days
What is the best time of year for this birdwatching tour?
The best months are April to November when weather conditions are dry and bird activity is high.
Do I need prior birdwatching experience?
No prior experience is required. Our guides cater to all skill levels.
What should I pack for the trip?
Essentials include binoculars, a field guide, comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, a hat, sunscreen, and layered clothing.
Is the altitude challenging?
Some areas, such as Abra Malaga, are at high altitudes (4,316 masl). We recommend acclimatizing in Cusco before the tour.
Are accommodations included?
Yes, accommodations in lodges and hotels throughout the itinerary are included.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes, please inform us in advance of any dietary requirements.
What species might we see?
Expect to see iconic species like the Andean Cock of the Rock, Royal Cinclodes, Scarlet-hooded Barbet, and over 400 other bird species.
Is the tour physically demanding?
Moderate physical activity is involved. Participants should be comfortable walking on trails and uneven terrain.
What languages do the guides speak?
Our guides are fluent in English and Spanish.
Are permits required for Machu Picchu?
Yes, and we handle all necessary permits and entry fees.
Is there internet access during the tour?
Limited access is available at some lodges. Aguas Calientes and Cusco offer reliable connections.
What is the group size?
Group sizes are small (4-8 participants) to enhance the birding experience.
Are transfers included?
All ground and train transfers are included in the package.
What safety measures are in place?
We follow strict safety protocols, and our guides are trained in first aid.
Can I extend my stay in Peru?
Yes, we offer optional extensions to other destinations.
Are children allowed on the tour?
The tour is best suited for participants aged 12 and above due to its duration and physical demands.
What is the cancellation policy?
Contact us for detailed information on our cancellation and refund policies.
How do I book the tour?
Visit our website or contact us directly to reserve your spot
Important Birding Information
Birdwatching is a nature-based activity, and bird sightings cannot be guaranteed. The number and variety of species observed can change according to season, weather, habitat conditions and the natural behavior of the birds.
Our itinerary is designed to maximize birding opportunities by visiting different elevations and habitats, while allowing travelers to experience the remarkable biodiversity of Manu National Park, Abra Malaga and the Machu Picchu region.
Birdwatching Manu Machu Picchu
Birdwatching Manu & Machu Picchu :A Bucket-List Birding Adventure in the Andean Highlands and the Amazon .
Experience one of the world’s most spectacular birding routes on this Manu & Machu Picchu birdwatching tour, a journey that blends Andean peaks, cloud forests, Amazon lowlands, and the ancient Inca citadel. Over ten unforgettable days, you’ll travel the legendary Manu Road, explore Manu National Park, and finish your expedition at the mystical Machu Picchu.
With expert guides, high-quality optics, and comfortable birding lodges, this trip gives you a rare chance to observe Andean endemics, Amazon specialists, mixed flocks, hummingbirds, tinamous, macaws, antpittas, and more than 500 possible species along one of the richest biodiversity corridors on Earth .