The Full Day Birding in Cusco
Full-Day Birding Tour
The Full Day Birding in Cusco Huacarpay Lake • Sacred Garden • High Andean Lake
Embark on an unforgettable full-day birding journey through three of Cusco’s most diverse and scenic habitats. From wetlands teeming with waterbirds to endemic-rich gardens and high-elevation puna grasslands, this tour offers an immersive experience for serious birders and nature lovers alike. manu birding road
The Full Day Birding in Cusco Stop 1: Huacarpay Lake (Early Morning)
Located just 25 km (approx. 16 miles) south of Cusco at over 10,500 feet (3,200 meters), Huacarpay Lake is one of the region’s richest birding areas. These high Andean wetlands include a shallow crater lake and saltpan-like lagoons, both lined with nutrient-rich marsh vegetation and surrounded by dry ravines, shrubs, cacti, and tree tobacco.
This is one of the most accessible and rewarding birding spots near Cusco, offering excellent viewing conditions—especially in the morning light. sandoval lake bird watching
Birding Highlights: The Full Day Birding in Cusco
Waterbirds & Waders: White-tufted Grebe, Puna Ibis, Puna Teal, Yellow-billed Pintail, Andean Duck, Plumbeous Rail, Andean Lapwing
Wetland Raptors & Specialists: Cinereous Harrier, Wren-like Rushbird, Yellow-winged Blackbird, Many-colored Rush-Tyrant
Scrubby Hillside Species: Bare-faced Ground-Dove, Giant Hummingbird, Streak-fronted Thornbird, Greenish Yellow-Finch, Ash-breasted Sierra-Finch, Band-tailed Seedeater
Endemics: Rusty-fronted Canastero, Bearded Mountaineer
Raptors: Aplomado Falcon, Chested Buzzard-Eagle
Tip: Bring your scope! Your guide will have one as well, but the expansive views and distant birds make a scope invaluable. manu trips birding
The Full Day Birding in Cusco Stop 2: Sacred Garden (Late Morning)
After exploring Huacarpay, we’ll travel along the scenic Sacred Valley road, passing Andean farmlands, dramatic mountain backdrops, and Incan archaeological sites.
Our next stop is the Sacred Garden near San Salvador, a birding oasis known for its vibrant hummingbird activity and endemic species.
Highlights:
Endemic & Highland Hummingbirds:
Bearded Mountaineer, Giant Hummingbird, Sparkling Violetear
Other Possibilities: Mitred Parakeet, Peruvian Pygmy-Owl, Creamy-crested Spinetail, Black-backed Grosbeak
Take a peaceful stroll through trails lined with native vegetation, quinoa, corn, and kiwicha fields, all with stunning views of the Sacred Valley. tour birding tambopata
Lunch Stop: Enjoy a relaxing lunch in a nearby Andean town.
Stop 3: High Andean Lake & Puna Grasslands (Afternoon)
In the afternoon, we ascend into the high puna grasslands—a dramatic shift in both elevation and birdlife. This area features rugged alpine landscapes and cold-adapted species, many of which are highly range-restricted.
Highlights:
Andean Goose, Andean Flicker, Peruvian Sierra-Finch, Chestnut-breasted Mountain Finch (endemic)
Creamy-crested Spinetail (endemic), White-tufted Sunbeam (endemic), Andean Hillstar, Rusty-fronted Canastero
This section of the tour is perfect for photographers and seasoned birders seeking high-elevation specialties
surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery.
What’s Included?
We provide high-quality birding equipment, expert guides, and insider tips to help you spot and identify species throughout the day.
Top Locations:
Visit Cusco’s best birding hotspots, including Huacarpay Lake, the Sacred Garden near Pisac, and Laguna de
Rumichaca, where stunning landscapes and rich ecosystems await.
Join us for a full day of birdwatching in the Andes—and go home with unforgettable memories and a checklist full of lifers!
