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

Abra Málaga Birding Tour – 1–2 Days | Andean Endemics

Overview

This short but highly rewarding birding tour from Cusco focuses on one of the most important high-Andean birding areas in Peru: Abra Málaga.

In just one or two days, you will explore Polylepis forests and cloud forest habitats, offering excellent opportunities to observe some of Peru’s rarest and most sought-after endemic species.

Ideal for birders with limited time, this tour combines high-altitude specialists with colorful cloud forest diversity along one of the most scenic routes in the Andes.

Target Birds

Abra Málaga is one of the best locations in Peru for high-Andean endemics and Polylepis specialists:

Royal Cinclodes (Cinclodes aricomae) – critically endangered
White-browed Tit-Spinetail (Leptasthenura xenothorax) – endemic
Tawny Tit-Spinetail (Leptasthenura yanacensis) – near-endemic
Stripe-headed Antpitta (Grallaria andicolus)
Blue-mantled Thornbill (Chalcostigma stanleyi)
Sword-billed Hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera)
Andean Hillstar (Oreotrochilus estella)
Shining Sunbeam (Aglaeactis cupripennis)
Creamy-crested Spinetail (Cranioleuca albicapilla) – endemic

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Abra Málaga – Ollantaytambo

Early departure from Cusco toward Abra Málaga (4,200 m / 13,800 ft), one of Peru’s top birding sites for Polylepis specialists.

We spend the day birding in high-Andean habitats, focusing on endemic and rare species. A boxed lunch is provided in the field.

In the afternoon, we descend gradually, stopping for additional birding opportunities along the valley before continuing to Ollantaytambo for overnight.

Day 2: Ollantaytambo – Carrizales Cloud Forest (Optional)

Optional second day exploring Carrizales, a productive cloud forest site on the eastern slope toward the Amazon Basin near Machu Picchu.

This habitat is particularly rich in tanagers, flycatchers, and ovenbirds, offering excellent opportunities to expand your species list before returning to Cusco.

Tour Details

Duration: 1–2 Days
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (high altitude)
Elevation: 2,000 – 4,200 m
Group Type: Private

Included

Private transportation (vehicle and driver)
Professional birding guide (English/Spanish)
Telescope (scope)
Meals (breakfast, lunch, snacks, and hot drinks during the tour)
Hotel accommodation (1 night, if 2-day option selected)

Not Included

Dinners
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
Personal expenses
Tips for guide and driver

Pricing

Prices vary depending on group size and tour duration (1 or 2 days).
Contact us for a personalized quote tailored to your itinerary.

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