Machu Picchu Quillabamba Birding 7 days

Machu Picchu – Quillabamba Birding

Machu Picchu Quillabamba Birding is a meticulously designed and captivating program that offers a comprehensive and immersive experience for nature enthusiasts and avid birdwatchers. Set amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Quillabamba, this week-long journey is curated to showcase the region’s remarkable biodiversity and avian treasures.

Over the course of seven days, participants are invited to explore the natural wonders of Quillabamba and its surrounding environs. The program’s core focus is on birdwatching, making it an exceptional opportunity for both beginners and seasoned birding enthusiasts to witness a diverse array of avifauna in their native habitats.

The itinerary spans various captivating locations, each chosen for its unique ecological significance and potential for bird sightings. Led by expert guides with an intimate understanding of local ecosystems, participants will embark on guided excursions into lush forests, verdant valleys, and serene lakesides. These expeditions are thoughtfully tailored to maximize birdwatching opportunities and provide insights into the fascinating behaviors and characteristics of each species encountered.

Machu Picchu and Quillabamba Birding 7 Days

Ultimately, Machu Picchu Quillabamba Birding stands as a testament to the profound beauty and complexity of nature. It provides a platform for individuals to forge a deep and lasting connection with the environment while contributing to its conservation through education and appreciation. Whether for the love of avian wonders, the allure of captivating landscapes, or the desire to engage with local cultures, this program promises a transformative and unforgettable journey into the heart of Quillabamba’s natural and cultural tapestry.

Day 1: Scenic Train Journey to Machu Picchu – Abra Malaga to Aguas Calientes

Your Peru adventure begins as you arrive in Ollantaytambo, a charming town nestled in the Sacred Valley, where you’ll board the scenic train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to the ancient wonder of Machu Picchu.

A Journey Through the Sacred Valley: Stunning Views and Early Birding Opportunities
As the train departs from Ollantaytambo, prepare for an unforgettable ride through the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The train route winds through dramatic landscapes—steep cliffs, rushing rivers, and lush forests.

Keep your eyes peeled for early birding opportunities as you pass through the Andean foothills. The region is home to a wide variety of native bird species, including: In the evening, rest up for tomorrow’s exciting exploration

Day 2: Birdwatching at Machu Picchu – A Journey Through History and Nature

Today, we embark on an unforgettable adventure to Machu Picchu, , the iconic Inca citadel set against the stunning backdrop of the Andes. Known for its historical significance and breathtaking views, Machu Picchu is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, teeming with a variety of species that thrive in the surrounding cloud forests.

Beyond its archaeological wonders, Machu Picchu is a prime birdwatching destination. The cloud forests and Andean

montane ecosystems surrounding the citadel are home to a variety of unique bird species. Among the highlights of

the day, we’ll search for the elusive Inca Wren, an endemic species that can only be found in this region. which is rich in birds with many good species such as Torrent Duck, White-capped Dipper, Mitred Parakeet, Barred Parakeet,

Andean Guan, Cock-of-the Rock, Ocellated Piculet, White-eared Solitaire, Highland Motmot, Variable Antshrike,

Grey-breasted Mountain-Toucan, White-crowned, Sierran and Highland Elaenias, Saffron-crowned, Flame-faced, Rust-and-Yellow and Beryl-spangeled Tanagers, Mottled-cheeked and Sclater´s Tyrannulet and many more.

In the late afternoon we shall look for Lyre-tailed Nightjar. Night in Aguas Calientes.

Day 3: Birding the Rail Track Below Puente Ruinas Bridge – Machu Picchu to Quillabamba

Today’s birding adventure continues along one of the most picturesque and bird-rich areas on our tour: the rail track below Puente Ruinas Bridge, heading towards Hidroeléctrica. Nestled in the heart of the Andes, this section offers a perfect combination of stunning landscapes and exciting birding opportunities, making it an unforgettable experience for nature lovers

Additional species we seek today are Masked Fruiteater, Black-streaked Puffbird, the local race of Pale-legged Warbler which may correspond to a seperate speceis, Gould’s Inca, Rufous-breasted Wood-Quail and others.
We walk and bird the rail track to Hidro Electrica untill midday (around 6km light down hill) and via Santa Teresa continue to bird our way to Quillabamba. Night in Quillabamba.

 Day 4: Quillabamba-Cirialo-Kiteni- Ayacucho Road .

We shall make a very early start towards Cirialo. Here there is rain shadow and dry vegetation. Recent explorations around here have revealed many dry forest birds that are difficult to see elsewhere in Peru are relatively commong here such as Small-billed Tinamou, Ocellated Crake, Plain-breasted Ground-Dove, Cinereous-breasted Spinetail,

Rusty-backed Antwren, Plain-crested Elaenia, Pearly-vented Tody-Tyrant, Green-backed Becard and Purplish Jay,

Other more common birds include Yellow-headed Caracara, Stripe-necked Tody-Tyrant, Fiery-capped Manakin, Black-faced Tanager, Red-crested Finch and Dull-coloured Grassquit.

Higher up, the dry scrub makes away for coffee and Inga trees as shaddow where it is not uncommon to find Yungas Antwren, Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, Streaked Flycatcher, Rufous Casiornis, Blue-crowned Trogon, Yellow-tufted

Woodpecker and Bar-breasted Piculet in season Cerulean Warbler and Western Wood-Pewee. Soon we find ourselves beyond 1800m and lush cloud forest. Here is a completely different set of birds with Creamy-bellied

Antwren, Unadorned and Flavescent Flycatchers, Masked Fruiteater and Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager.

In the afternoon we shall return towards Cirialo looking out for Scissor-tailed Nightjar, White-tailed Hawk and Yungas Tyrannulet.

We spend the night in a basic hotel in Kiteni

Day 5: Kiteni – Ayacucho Road – Birding  Wildlife .

Today, we explore one of the most exciting, off-the-beaten-path birding locations in Peru—the newly constructed road from Kiteni to Ayacucho. This remote route crosses the rugged Cordillera Vilcabamba, offering unique birdwatching opportunities in previously unexplored territories.

A Hidden Gem for Birders: Cordillera Vilcabamba to Ayacucho Road
The Ayacucho Road winds through diverse ecosystems, covering altitudes ranging from 650 to 2400 meters. From lush subtropical forests to temperate highlands, this area promises a thrilling day of birding, where few have ventured before.

As the first birding tour to travel this newly built route, you’ll have the rare opportunity to discover species that are often overlooked in more popular birdwatching spots. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a nature enthusiast, you’re in for a treat as we traverse this unexplored wilderness.

Exactly what we will find we don’t really know, but studies in neighboring areas have produced the follwing: Black Tinamou, Peruvian Piedtail, Cerulean-capped Manakin, Yungas Manakin, Bolivian Tyrannulet, Blue headed Macaw, Vilcabamba Brush-Finch, Scimitar-winged Piha, Yungas Antwren and many more.

If we find bamboo patches we can expect Yellow-billed Nunbird, Cabani’s Spineatail, Peruvian Recurvebill, Crested Foliagegleaner, Ornate Antwren, Dot-winged Antwren, Peruvian Warbling Antbird and Large-headed Flatbill.

The following bamboo species could well also occur, especially at lower altitudes Rufous-breasted Piculet, Bamboo Antshrike, Striated Antbird, Manu Antbird, White-lined Antshrike, Yellow Tyrannulet. White-faced Todyu-Tyrant, Flammulated Bamboo-Tyrant, Dusky-tailed Flatbil, etc.

The big prize, but for which one would have to cross the Pongo, would be Selva Cacique. You never know. Night in Cirialo

Day 6: Return to Quillabamba with Additional Birding Opportunities

We continue birding along the Ayacucho Road, searching for any species that may still be missing from our list. This area offers additional chances to find rarities like Blue-headed Macaw and Bolivian Tyrannulet, as well as other species we may have missed earlier.

In the afternoon, we return to Quillabamba to relax and reflect on the incredible biodiversity encountered during our trip.

Day 7: Final Birding at Abra Malaga & Departure

On our final day, we take one last opportunity to bird the Abra Malaga area before heading back to Cusco. This is

your chance to see any species you may have missed earlier, such as Gould’s Inca and White-crowned Elaenia, before

we drive back to Ollantaytambo.

Return to Cusco by evening with unforgettable memories and an extensive birding list from this incredible journey.