The Full Day Birding in Cusco
Looking for an Unforgettable Birdwatching Experience in Cusco?
You’re in the right place! Cusco is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to an incredible variety of species—from the iconic Sword-billed Hummingbird to rare endemic treasures found nowhere else in the world.
Our full-day birdwatching tour offers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the region’s rich avian diversity. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious nature enthusiast, this experience is designed to delight.
Full-Day Birding in Cusco & the Sacred Valley
Are you searching for an unforgettable birdwatching experience in Cusco? Look no further!
Cusco and the Sacred Valley are true birding paradises, home to an extraordinary range of habitats and species—from dazzling hummingbirds to rare Andean endemics. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just beginning your birdwatching journey, this region offers sights and sounds that will inspire awe.
Our full-day birdwatching tour gives you the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the diverse ecosystems of the Andes. With visits to some of the region’s top birding hotspots, you'll have the chance to spot a wide variety of species in one day.
What We Provide:
- High-quality birding equipment
- Expert local guides
- Field tips and identification support
- Transportation to top birding locations
Let us take you through Cusco’s stunning landscapes while you focus on spotting lifers and capturing unforgettable moments. Join us and discover the wild side of the Andes
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 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
Full-Day Birding Tour in Cusco
Discover some of the best birdwatching spots around Cusco on a full-day Andean birding adventure. From wetlands
and Sacred Valley farmland to high-altitude puna landscapes, each stop offers a different selection of birds and scenery. tour birding tambopata
Birding Highlights
Huacarpay Lake: Look for White-tufted Grebe, Puna Ibis, Puna Teal, Andean Duck, Andean Lapwing, Cinereous Harrier, and Many-colored Rush-Tyrant.
Sacred Garden: Explore native vegetation and Andean farmland while searching for Bearded Mountaineer, Giant Hummingbird, Sparkling Violetear, Peruvian Pygmy-Owl, and Mitred Parakeet.
High-Andean Puna: Continue into the mountains for species such as Andean Goose, Andean Flicker, Andean
Hillstar, White-tufted Sunbeam, Rusty-fronted Canastero, and Chestnut-breasted Mountain Finch.
What’s Included
Enjoy expert birding guides, quality birding equipment, and visits to top birdwatching locations including Huacarpay Lake, the Sacred Garden near Pisac, and Laguna de Rumichaca.
Birding Tip: Bring your scope if you have one. The wide-open landscapes and distant birds make a scope especially useful.
Join us for a day of birdwatching in Cusco and discover the incredible diversity of birds found across the Andes.
Sacred Valley Hummingbird Sanctuary Tour from Cusco.
Discover one of the Sacred Valley’s most enchanting wildlife experiences on our Sacred Valley Hummingbird Sanctuary Tour from Cusco. Just a short and scenic drive from Cusco, you’ll reach Ensifera Camp, a peaceful haven where colorful hummingbirds thrive among native plants and Andean landscapes.
This half-day hummingbird tour is perfect for birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, nature enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a relaxing experience away from the busy tourist routes. Watch these tiny, spectacular birds hovering around feeders and flowers while enjoying the tranquility of the Sacred Valley.
With its combination of hummingbird watching, Andean scenery, and nature photography, this tour offers a memorable opportunity to experience the biodiversity of the Cusco region while exploring the landscapes once inhabited by the Inca civilization.
Sacred Valley Hummingbird Sanctuary Tour: Itinerary
Early Morning Departure from Cusco: Your Sacred Valley hummingbird tour begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco. Settle into our comfortable vehicle and enjoy a scenic drive through the Andean landscape as we make our way toward Yanahuara and Ensifera Camp.
The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours, giving you the chance to leave the busy streets of Cusco behind and enjoy the peaceful scenery of the Sacred Valley.
Hummingbird Watching at Ensifera Camp
When we arrive at Ensifera Camp, we’ll head to the bird hide and get ready for the highlight of the experience: hummingbird watching in their natural environment.
You’ll have around three hours to observe, photograph, and enjoy these remarkable birds as they move rapidly between flowers and feeders. Their speed and vibrant colors make them especially rewarding subjects for wildlife photographers, while birdwatchers can take their time identifying different species.
Whether you’re an experienced birder or simply fascinated by Andean wildlife, this peaceful setting offers a memorable opportunity to connect with nature away from the crowds.
Return to Cusco .
After your hummingbird-watching session, we’ll begin the return journey to Cusco. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery as we provide a comfortable and safe transfer back to your hotel, completing your half-day hummingbird tour from Cusco.
Hummingbird Species You May See .
One of the highlights of visiting Ensifera Camp is the opportunity to look for a variety of hummingbirds and other Andean bird species. Depending on the season and conditions, your birdwatching experience may include sightings of:
Sword-billed Hummingbird, Giant Hummingbird , Shining Sunbeam , White-tufted , Sunbeam , Tyrian Metaltail , Creamy-crested Spinetail ,
And other local and endemic bird species .
Bring your camera and binoculars if you have them—the fast-moving hummingbirds can be challenging to photograph, but capturing one hovering beside a flower is an unforgettable reward.
What’s Included
- Private, comfortable transportation from your hotel in Cusco.
- A professional, English-speaking birding guide.
- All entrance fees to Ensifera Camp.
- Snacks and fruits to keep you energized throughout your birdwatching adventure.
Not Included:
- Extra expenses and tips
Birds of Huacarpay Wetlands – Full Species List
Why Choose a Hummingbird Tour from Cusco?
If you’re looking for something different from the traditional archaeological tours around Cusco and the Sacred Valley, this experience offers a chance to discover the region’s birdlife and high-Andean landscapes.
With an early departure, a scenic drive, dedicated time at the bird hide, and a return to Cusco the same day, the tour is ideal for travelers who want to add wildlife watching to their Peru itinerary without committing to a full-day or multi-day birding expedition.
Waterfowl & Wetland Birds
| Spanish Name | English Name | Scientific Name |
|---|---|---|
| Cerceta de la Puna | Puna Teal | Spatula puna |
| Ánade Maicero | Yellow-billed Pintail | Anas georgica |
| Malvasía Andina | Andean Duck | Oxyura ferruginea |
| Focha Andina | Andean Coot | Fulica ardesiaca |
| Gallineta Americana | Common Gallinule | Gallinula galeata |
| Rascón Gallineta | Plumbeous Rail | Pardirallus sanguinolentus |
| Avefría Andina | Andean Lapwing | Vanellus resplendens |
| Morito de la Puna | Puna Ibis | Plegadis ridgwayi |
| Garceta Grande | Great Egret | Ardea alba |
| Garza Cuca | Cocoi Heron | Ardea cocoi |
| Gaviota Andina | Andean Gull | Chroicocephalus serranus |
| Zampullín Pimpollo | White-tufted Grebe | Rollandia rolland |
| Ánade Juarjal | Crested Duck | Lophonetta specularioides |
| Cigüeñuela Cuellinegra | Black-necked Stilt | Himantopus mexicanus |
Shorebirds & Migrants
| Spanish Name | English Name | Scientific Name |
|---|---|---|
| Falaropo Tricolor | Wilson’s Phalarope | Phalaropus tricolor |
| Andarríos Maculado | Spotted Sandpiper | Actitis macularius |
| Andarríos Solitario | Solitary Sandpiper | Tringa solitaria |
| Archibebe Patigualdo Grande | Greater Yellowlegs | Tringa melanoleuca |
| Archibebe Patigualdo Chico | Lesser Yellowlegs | Tringa flavipes |
| Correlimos Pectoral | Pectoral Sandpiper | Calidris melanotos |
Pigeons & Doves
| Spanish Name | English Name | Scientific Name |
|---|---|---|
| Paloma Moteada Común | Spot-winged Pigeon | Patagioenas maculosa |
| Palomita Cascabelita | Bare-faced Ground-Dove | Metriopelia ceciliae |
| Palomita Alinegra | Black-winged Ground-Dove | Metriopelia melanoptera |
| Zenaida Torcaza | Eared Dove | Zenaida auriculata |
| Paloma Bravía | Rock Dove | Columba livia |
Hummingbirds
| Spanish Name | English Name | Scientific Name |
|---|---|---|
| Colibrí Gigante | Giant Hummingbird | Patagona gigas |
| Colibrí Colilargo Menor | Tyrian Metaltail (Lesser Tail) | Lesbia nuna |
| Colibrí Colilargo Mayor | Great-tailed Hummingbird | Lesbia victoriae |
| Colibrí Rutilante | Sparkling Violetear | Colibri coruscans |
| Amazilia Ventrinívea | White-bellied Hummingbird | Elliotomyia chionogaster |
| Metalura Tiria | Tyrian Metaltail | Metallura tyrianthina |
| Colibrí Noble Oriental | Bearded Mountaineer | Oreonympha nobilis |
Raptors & Falcons
| Spanish Name | English Name | Scientific Name |
|---|---|---|
| Cernícalo Americano | American Kestrel | Falco sparverius |
| Halcón Aleto | Aplomado Falcon | Falco femoralis |
| Aguilucho Vari | Cinereous Harrier | Circus cinereus |
| Águila Mora | Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle | Geranoaetus melanoleucus |
| Busardo Dorsirrojo | Red-backed Hawk | Geranoaetus polyosoma |
| Busardo Gorjiblanco | White-throated Hawk | Buteo albigula |
| Caracara Andino | Mountain Caracara | Daptrius megalopterus |
| Búho Magallánico | Magellanic Horned Owl | Bubo magellanicus |
| Mochuelo Peruano | Peruvian Pygmy-Owl | Glaucidium peruanum |
Passerines, Flycatchers & Finches
| Spanish Name | English Name | Scientific Name |
|---|---|---|
| Junquero | Wren-like Rushbird | Phleocryptes melanops |
| Espinero Andino | Striated Thornbird | Phacellodomus striaticeps |
| Piscuiz Frentirrufo | Rusty-fronted Canastero (endemic) | Asthenes ottonis |
| Cachudito Piquiamarillo | Yellow-billed Tit-Tyrant | Anairetes flavirostris |
| Fiofío Crestiblanco | White-crested Elaenia | Elaenia albiceps |
| Pitajo Gris | White-browed Chat-Tyrant | Ochthoeca leucophrys |
| Gaucho Serrano | Plain-capped Ground-Tyrant | Agriornis montanus |
| Dormilona Chica | Spot-billed Ground-Tyrant | Muscisaxicola maculirostris |
| Dormilona Nuquirroja | Rufous-naped Ground-Tyrant | Muscisaxicola rufivertex |
| Sietecolores | Many-colored Rush-Tyrant | Tachuris rubrigastra |
Songbirds, Tanagers & Seedeaters
| Spanish Name | English Name | Scientific Name |
|---|---|---|
| Mirlo Chiguanco | Chiguanco Thrush | Turdus chiguanco |
| Jilguero Encapuchado | Hooded Siskin | Spinus magellanicus |
| Varillero Aliamarillo | Yellow-winged Blackbird | Agelasticus thilius |
| Tangara Naranjera | Orange-headed Tanager | Rauenia bonariensis |
| Conirrostro Cinéreo | Cinereous Conebill | Conirostrum cinereum |
| Pinchaflor Gorjinegro | Black-throated Flowerpiercer | Diglossa brunneiventris |
| Pinchaflor Ferrugíneo | Rusty Flowerpiercer | Diglossa sittoides |
| Pepitero Piquigualdo | Golden-billed Saltator | Saltator aurantiirostris |
| Monterita Pechicastaña | Chestnut-breasted Mountain Finch | Poospizopsis caesar |
| Chirigüe Oliváceo | Olivaceous Siskin | Sicalis olivascens |
| Chirigüe Sabanero | Grassland Yellow-Finch | Sicalis luteola |
| Yal Plebeyo | Ash-breasted Sierra-Finch | Geospizopsis plebejus |
| Yal Peruano | Peruvian Sierra-Finch | *Phrygil |
Birdwatching in Cusco: A Full-Day Birding Adventure .
Birdwatching in Cusco is an excellent one-day experience for birders, wildlife enthusiasts, and photographers looking to discover the remarkable diversity of Andean birds without spending hours on the road. This carefully designed Cusco birding tour combines three productive birding areas near the city, offering excellent opportunities for endemic and high-altitude species, beautiful mountain scenery, and expert local guiding.
During the day, you’ll explore a variety of habitats, including highland wetlands, reedbeds, Andean scrub, eucalyptus woodland, flowering gardens, and puna grasslands. Each environment attracts different species, giving you the chance to build an impressive bird list within a single day.
The route also combines nature with culture. Along the way, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Cusco Valley and encounter landscapes associated with the pre-Inca Wari civilization, adding a fascinating cultural dimension to your birding experience.
Whether your goal is bird photography in Cusco, searching for Andean endemics, or simply enjoying Peru’s extraordinary birdlife, this full-day tour provides a convenient and rewarding way to explore the birding hotspots surrounding Cusco.