Birding • Nature • Culture

Testimonies

“We had an absolutely incredible day—everything came together perfectly. The food was exactly what we were hoping for, and we felt truly fortunate to be guided by two knowledgeable and attentive experts.”

Ross & Anne Thompson

**“This was truly one of the highlights of our trip! We absolutely loved our tour with David and Ciro. David’s deep knowledge of the birds made every stop exciting and rewarding, and Ceero made us feel completely safe and well taken care of throughout the journey.

The food was fantastic—delicious meals and snacks that kept us energized for the day—and every location we visited was breathtaking. We even got to learn about other wildlife, including wild guinea pigs, and connect with local Peruvians as we traveled through the stunning Andes.

This experience goes far beyond birdwatching—it’s an unforgettable journey into nature, culture, and the heart of Peru. Highly recommended!”**

Amanda Shafer

“David, our guide, was outstanding—his expertise truly made the difference, and we were able to see an incredible 54 bird species! The breakfast and lunch were delicious and kept us energized and happy throughout the day.

I wouldn’t hesitate for a second to recommend Endemic Peru to anyone visiting Peru. Thank you so much for such an amazing experience—we couldn’t have been happier!”

Kevin, Bob and Ashley

5-Day Birding Tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu

Overview

This 5-day birdwatching tour combines Peru’s most iconic destination—Machu Picchu—with some of the best birding habitats in the Andes and cloud forest.

The tour explores Huacarpay Lake, high-Andean wetlands, Polylepis forests, and the cloud forests of Abra Málaga, offering excellent opportunities to observe endemic and rare bird species.

Designed for birders and nature lovers, this program provides a perfect balance of wildlife, landscapes, and cultural experiences, all led by expert local guides.

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Key Species

Bearded Mountaineer (Oreonympha nobilis) – Endemic
Rusty-fronted Canastero (Asthenes ottonis) – Endemic
Royal Cinclodes (Cinclodes aricomae) – Critically Endangered
White-browed Tit-Spinetail (Leptasthenura xenothorax) – Endemic
Sword-billed Hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera)
Andean Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruviana)
Torrent Duck (Merganetta armata)

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Huacarpay Lake – San Salvador – Ollantaytambo

Early departure from Cusco to Huacarpay Lake, a RAMSAR wetland rich in birdlife. Continue to San Salvador high-Andean lakes for additional species before overnight in Ollantaytambo.

Day 2: Abra Málaga – Polylepis Forest

Full-day birding in Polylepis forest at Abra Málaga, targeting endemic and high-Andean specialists such as Royal Cinclodes and tit-spinetails.

Day 3: Abra Málaga – Cloud Forest – Aguas Calientes

Morning birding in cloud forest habitats with high species diversity. Travel toward the Amazon slope before continuing by train to Aguas Calientes.

Day 4: Machu Picchu – Mandor Forest

Visit Machu Picchu and explore surrounding forests for additional birding opportunities, including tanagers, hummingbirds, and flycatchers. Optional visit to Mandor.

Day 5: Urubamba River – Return to Cusco

Early birding along the Urubamba River for species such as Torrent Duck and White-capped Dipper. Return to Cusco by train.

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Tour Details

Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 2,000 – 4,200 m
Group Type: Private / Small groups

Included

Private transportation
Professional birding guide (English/Spanish)
Telescope (scope)
Meals (breakfast, lunch, snacks)
Train tickets (round trip)
Bus tickets Aguas Calientes ↔ Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu entrance ticket
Entrance to conservation areas

Not Included

Soft drinks
Dinners not specified
Tips
Personal expenses

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