5-Day Birding Tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu

This is one of our most highly recommended birding programs for visitors seeking the classic Peruvian experience of Machu Picchu and the high Andes.

Focusing on high-Andean and cloud forest birds, this tour explores Huacarpay Lake, high Andean lakes, Polylepis forests, and inter-valley mountains—delivering an exceptional combination of wildlife, landscapes, and culture.

Along the way, you will enjoy comfortable accommodations, delicious Peruvian cuisine, and the guidance of our expert birding guides, all dedicated to ensuring the most rewarding birding experience possible.

The ultimate reward? Observing wildlife and stunning bird species while exploring some of southern Peru’s most iconic routes, including rare and endemic species alongside colorful favorites.

Day 01: Cusco – Huacarpay Lake – San Salvador Lakes – Ollantaytambo

We start early from Cusco to reach Huacarpay Lake, a protected Ramsar wetland located just 35 minutes from your hotel. This high-Andean site offers excellent opportunities to see endemic species such as the Bearded Mountaineer (Oreonimpha nobilis), Rusty-fronted Canastero (Asthenes ottonis), and the Giant Hummingbird (Patagona gigas), among many others.

After lunch, we continue to the San Salvador high-Andean lakes (over 13,000 feet / 4,000 m) to spot Silvery Grebe, Giant Coot, Shining Sunbeam, White-capped Dipper, swallows, and more. We end the day in Ollantaytambo, ready for an early start to Abra Málaga the next morning.

Day 02: Ollantaytambo – Abra Malaga Polylepis forest – Ollantaytambo

We depart early for the Abra Málaga Polylepis Forest (4,200 m / 13,500 ft), one of Peru’s top birding sites. This area is home to rare Andean species including White-browed Tit-Spinetail, Royal Cinclodes, Blue-mantled Thornbill, Tawny Tit-Spinetail, Stripe-headed Antpitta, and many others.

A scenic drive, combined with a boxed lunch along the way, provides more opportunities to spot additional species as we descend through the high-Andean landscapes.

Day 03: Ollantaytambo – Abra Malaga Cloud forest – Aguas Calientes

We begin early to explore the cloud forest side of Abra Málaga, with its incredible diversity of tanagers, chat-tyrants, hummingbirds, ovenbirds, flycatchers, hawks, and eagles. Breakfast with hot drinks is served in a prime birding spot to maximize sightings.

From here, we travel toward the edge of the Amazon jungle near Quillabamba before returning to Ollantaytambo to catch the train to Aguas Calientes.

Day 04: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Mandor

We visit the iconic Machu Picchu archaeological site early in the morning (AM or PM depending on your ticket). After exploring the ruins, we descend along the surrounding forests for additional birding, including tanagers, flycatchers, vireos, parakeets, antpittas, and hummingbirds. Optional birding at Mandor Mountain allows for even more species sightings and checklist additions.

Day 05: Aguas Calientes – Urubamba River – Cusco

The final day begins with early birding along the Urubamba River, home to Torrent Ducks, White-capped Dipper, Torrent Tyrannulet, Silver-backed Tanager, and many more. After enjoying the final birding stops, we return by train to Cusco and transfer to your hotel.

Included:

• Private transportation (car)
• Professional birding guide (English/Spanish) with telescope
• Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks)
• Entrance to private conservation areas (Thastayoc – Abra Málaga)
• Train tickets to Machu Picchu (round trip)
• Bus tickets Aguas Calientes ↔ Machu Picchu
• Machu Picchu entrance ticket
• Hotel accommodations (optional)

Not Included:

• Soft drinks
• Dinners not included in itinerary
• Tips

What to bring?

• Cotton clothing & T-shirts
• Binoculars & camera
• Sunglasses & hat
• Insect repellent
• Rain poncho
• Cash for personal expenses

Why Choose This Tour?

This 5-day program offers a perfect balance of high-Andean and cloud-forest birding, comfortable accommodations, expert guidance, and the chance to see rare and endemic species. Whether you are a serious birder or an enthusiastic nature lover, this tour delivers a once-in-a-lifetime Peruvian birding adventure.

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