Per person ?The price listed above is based on a minimum of 4 people in double occupancy. If you have any questions please refer to FAQ of send us a message.
Explore the extraordinary world of bird photography in southern Peru, with up to 42 possible hummingbird species across the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes, lush cloud forests, and Amazonian foothills of Manu. This remarkable journey offers exceptional photographic opportunities, with our main targets including Sword-billed Hummingbird, Cuzco Starfrontlet, Rufous-crested Coquette, Wire-crested Thorntail, Peruvian Piedtail, Rufous-booted Racket-tail, Shining Sunbeam, Gould’s Jewelfront, Buff-tailed Sicklebill, and White-bellied Woodstar, alongside other spectacular birds such as Urubamba, Red-and-white, Leymebamba, and Undulated Antpittas; Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Golden-headed and Crested Quetzals, Paradise Tanager, and Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan, among many others.
We begin our journey in the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas, where the renowned Ensifera Hummingbird Sanctuary and nearby gardens provide excellent photographic opportunities for some of the Andes’ most remarkable hummingbirds, including the extraordinary Sword-billed Hummingbird. From here, we travel toward Paucartambo and descend into the magnificent cloud forests of Manu Road, one of the most biodiverse birding routes in South America.
At Wayqecha Biological Station, specialized feeding stations offer exciting opportunities to photograph elusive antpittas, colorful mountain tanagers, and a remarkable variety of high-elevation hummingbirds. Continuing into the cloud forest, we explore the gardens and feeders around Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge and Tío Víctor’s Garden, where dazzling hummingbirds, mixed-species tanager flocks, quetzals, and the spectacular courtship displays of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock provide unforgettable photographic encounters.
Our journey then takes us into the Amazonian foothills of Manu, visiting productive photography locations such as Manu Endemic Lodge, Pico de Hoz, Inkamazonia, and Manu Bio Lodge. Here, hummingbird diversity reaches another level, with spectacular coquettes, hermits, woodnymphs, and sapphires, while specialized feeders and surrounding forests offer possibilities for antbirds, crakes, colorful tanagers, and even King Vulture. Beyond birds, these forests also provide exciting opportunities to photograph primates, including the endemic Urubamba Titi Monkey, and fascinating Amazonian wildlife such as Hoatzin.
Throughout the expedition, we explore habitats ranging from high-Andean valleys and mist-covered cloud forests to tropical gardens and Amazonian wetlands, taking advantage of carefully selected photographic locations and opportunities for both daytime and nocturnal wildlife photography.
This expedition is designed specifically for bird photographers, combining productive feeding stations, comfortable lodges, small groups, and a carefully planned pace that allows time to capture natural behavior, beautiful compositions, and memorable wildlife encounters. Our goal is not simply to see remarkable birds, but to create exceptional opportunities to photograph them in some of Peru’s most spectacular natural environments.
See a Trip Report of one of our Birding Tours in Northern Peru here.
For some of our suggestions of Bird Photography see here.
Upon arrival at Cusco Airport, preferably on a morning flight, our team will welcome you and transfer you directly to the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas. Descending from Cusco into the warmer and more sheltered valley, we begin our photographic adventure among the spectacular Andean mountains.
In the afternoon, we visit Ensifera Hummingbird Sanctuary, one of the most rewarding locations in southern Peru for high-altitude hummingbird photography.
The gardens and strategically positioned feeders provide outstanding opportunities to photograph the extraordinary Sword-billed Hummingbird, famous for having a bill longer than its body. Other colorful visitors include Shining Sunbeam, Green-tailed Trainbearer, and Giant Hummingbird.
We will dedicate our afternoon to photographing these remarkable birds, taking advantage of natural perches and the soft afternoon light.
Hummingbird targets: Sword-billed Hummingbird, Shining Sunbeam, Green-tailed Trainbearer, Black-tailed Trainbearer, Giant Hummingbird, Sparkling Violetear, White-bellied Hummingbird.
Other highlights: Peruvian Pygmy-Owl, Golden-billed Saltator, and other Andean garden birds.
Overnight: Inti Punku Hotel (4 star hotel) or similar.
We begin with a second morning photography session at Ensifera, making the most of the early light and giving ourselves another opportunity to capture the Sword-billed Hummingbird, and other species in flight similar to the day before but with other light condition, at flowers, or perched naturally.
Later, we visit Sacred Garden, where different feeding stations provide additional photographic settings and opportunities for a variety of Andean hummingbirds.
Following lunch, we travel through the Andes toward Paucartambo, making a stop at hummingbird feeders in the surrounding area. Our route gradually climbs toward Acjanaco Pass, marking the transition from the high Andes to the humid eastern slopes.
By late afternoon, we reach Wayqecha Biological Station, surrounded by enchanting cloud forest.
Hummingbird targets: Sword-billed Hummingbird, Shining Sunbeam, Green-tailed Trainbearer, White-bellied Woodstar, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Collared Inca, Sparkling Violetear, Tyrian Metaltail, and other Andean hummingbirds.
Other highlights: Andean Guan, Andean mountain birds, and possible mixed-species flocks along the approach to Wayqecha.
Overnight: Wayqecha Biological Station.
At first light, we visit the specialized antpitta feeding stations around Wayqecha, where three exceptional species are possible: Urubamba Antpitta, Red-and-white Antpitta, and Leymebamba Antpitta. These secretive birds are among the most sought-after photographic subjects in the region, and the feeding stations can provide unusually intimate encounters with excellent settings and light conditions.
After breakfast, we turn our attention to the hummingbird feeders and nearby feeding areas. The combination of forest-edge vegetation, natural perches, and strategically placed feeders attracts a remarkable variety of species, including the localized Cuzco Starfrontlet and White-bellied Woodstar.
We will also look for Black-faced Brushfinch, Hooded Mountain Tanager, Grass-green Tanager, and the frequently encountered Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan at the lodge feeders , along with other colorful members of mixed-species flocks near the road such as Golden-collared Tanager.
Following lunch, we begin our descent into the cloud forest along the famous Manu Road. This dramatic change in elevation offers excellent chances for Golden-headed Quetzal, Crested Quetzal, Masked Trogon, and mixed flocks of tanagers moving through the forest canopy.
We will also remain alert for Tschudi's Woolly Monkey, one of the remarkable primates inhabiting these forests.
By late afternoon, we arrive at Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge, where hummingbirds visit the garden feeders. After dark, we may look for Rufescent Screech-Owl in the surrounding forest.
Hummingbird targets: Cuzco Starfrontlet, White-bellied Woodstar, Long-tailed Sylph, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Collared Inca, Amethyst-throated Sunangel, Shining Sunbeam, Scaled Metaltail, Tyrian Metaltail, Bronzy Inca, Violet-fronted Brilliant, Speckled Hummingbird, and Rufous-booted Racket-tail.
Other highlights: Urubamba Antpitta (E), Red-and-white Antpitta (E), Leymebamba Antpitta, Black-faced Brushfinch, Hooded Mountain Tanager, Grass-green Tanager, Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager, Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Golden-headed Quetzal, Crested Quetzal, Masked Trogon, Rufescent Screech-Owl, and Tschudi's Woolly Monkey.
Overnight: Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge.
This morning, we visit a Cloud forest Tanager and Hummingbird Garden, a wonderful location for photographing the spectacular birdlife of the Manu cloud forest.
The feeding stations attract colorful tanagers and an impressive variety of hummingbirds. We will work patiently around the gardens, looking for clean photographic backgrounds, natural behavior, and opportunities to capture birds in flight.
Among our hummingbird targets are Wire-crested Thorntail, Peruvian Piedtail, Rufous-booted Racket-tail, Violet-fronted Brilliant, and Green-fronted Lancebill.
After lunch, we return to the Cock-of-the-Rock area for one of the most memorable photographic experiences in Peru: the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek. Here, brilliant orange-red males gather to perform their extraordinary courtship displays, providing exciting opportunities for behavioral photography.
We also spend time photographing birds around the lodge's gardens and feeders, where we may encounter groups of Large-headed Capuchin Monkey.
An optional evening session may provide another chance for Rufescent Screech-Owl.
Hummingbird targets: Wire-crested Thorntail, Peruvian Piedtail, Rufous-booted Racket-tail, Violet-fronted Brilliant, Green-fronted Lancebill, Green Hermit, Speckled Hummingbird, Bronzy Inca, Long-tailed Sylph, and Lesser Violetear at feeders.
Other highlights: Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Paradise Tanager, Golden Tanager, Golden-eared Tanager, Blue-gray Tanager, Versicolored Barbet, Orange-bellied Euphonia, Orange.eard Tanager all at feeders. Rufescent Screech-Owl and Large-headed Capuchin Monkey.
Overnight: Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge.
We leave the cloud forest early and descend into the warmer Amazonian foothills, where a new collection of hummingbirds and tropical forest birds awaits us.
Our first destination is Manu Endemic Lodge, in the Chontachaca area, where we dedicate the morning to photographing hummingbirds and other species attracted to the gardens and feeding stations. As we descend in elevation, the hummingbird community changes dramatically, with more hermits, sapphires, and other lowland species.
After lunch, we continue to Manu Bio Lodge, where we settle into our accommodation and spend the afternoon exploring the lodge's gardens and nearby lake.
This is an excellent opportunity to photograph a different assemblage of Amazonian wildlife. The extraordinary Hoatzin, with its prehistoric appearance and distinctive crest, is one of our main targets. We will also look for Capped Heron, Black-capped Donacobius, kingfishers, and other birds associated with tropical wetlands.
After dinner, we may explore the lodge surroundings for nocturnal wildlife.
Hummingbird targets: Rufous-crested Coquette, White-necked Jacobin, Fork-tailed Woodnymph, Gray-breasted Sabrewing, Golden-tailed Sapphire, Many-spotted Hummingbird, Great-billed Hermit, Reddish Hermit, White-bearded Hermit, and Sapphire-spangled Emerald.
Other highlights: Hoatzin, Capped Heron, Black-capped Donacobius, Ringed Kingfisher, Amazon Kingfisher, Green Kingfisher, and other wetland wildlife.
Overnight: Manu Bio Lodge.
This morning we visit Pico de Hoz, one of the most productive photographic locations in the Amazonian foothills of Manu.
The hummingbird gardens offer remarkable diversity and the chance to photograph several species at close range. Particular attention will be given to the spectacular Rufous-crested Coquette, as well as colorful jacobins, woodnymphs, sapphires, and hermits.
Besides the hummingbirds, specialized feeding stations offer opportunities to photograph secretive understory birds, including White-browed Antbird, White-lined Antbird, and Rufous-sided Crake.
This area is also especially rewarding for mammals, with excellent possibilities for the endemic Urubamba Titi Monkey and Bolivian Black-capped Squirrel Monkey.
After lunch, we continue to Inkamazonia Hummingbird Garden, another outstanding photography location. Here, we focus on additional hummingbird species, particularly hermits and other specialties that may have eluded us earlier.
Fruit-feeding stations also attract an assortment of colorful tanagers and other tropical birds. Depending on current activity, we may have an opportunity to photograph King Vulture at a feeding station.
After returning to Manu Bio Lodge, we can explore the grounds after dark. Possible nocturnal targets include Tropical Screech-Owl, Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl, Striped Owl, and Black-banded Owl.
Hummingbird targets: Rufous-crested Coquette, White-necked Jacobin, Fork-tailed Woodnymph, Amethyst Woodstar, Gray-breasted Sabrewing, Many-spotted Hummingbird, Sapphire-spangled Emerald, Golden-tailed Sapphire, Long-billed Starthroat, Gould's Jewelfront, Buff-tailed Sicklebill, Pale-tailed Barbthroat, Black-throated Mango, Great-billed Hermit, Reddish Hermit, White-bearded Hermit, and Blue-tailed Emerald.
Other highlights: White-browed Antbird, White-lined Antbird, Rufous-sided Crake, King Vulture, Paradise Tanager, Magpie Tanager, Urubamba Titi Monkey, Bolivian Black-capped Squirrel Monkey, Tropical Screech-Owl, Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl, Striped Owl, and Black-banded Owl.
Overnight: Manu Bio Lodge.
Our final morning in the Amazonian foothills is intentionally flexible, allowing us to revisit the most productive hummingbird feeders or focus on species that have proved difficult to photograph during the preceding days.
Depending on our photographic priorities, we may return to Pico de Hoz, Inkamazonia, or another garden with particularly favorable activity. Alternatively, we may choose a morning session around the lake at Manu Bio Lodge to photograph Hoatzins, herons, and other tropical wildlife.
After lunch, we begin our gradual ascent toward Wayqecha, retracing the spectacular Manu Road through the changing habitats of the foothills and cloud forest.
Along the way, we make selected stops for species we may have missed on our initial descent. Mixed flocks, quetzals, tanagers, and trogons remain among our principal targets.
We will also search suitable daytime roosting sites for Common Potoo, a master of camouflage that can provide extraordinary photographic opportunities when located.
By evening, we arrive back at Wayqecha Biological Station for our final night in the forest.
Hummingbird targets: Flexible selection of species missed earlier, potentially including Gould's Jewelfront, Buff-tailed Sicklebill, Wire-crested Thorntail, Peruvian Piedtail, Rufous-crested Coquette, Violet-fronted Brilliant, Bronzy Inca, and Long-tailed Sylph.
Other highlights: Common Potoo, Golden-headed Quetzal, Crested Quetzal, Masked Trogon, mixed-species tanager flocks, Hoatzin, and other previously missed species.
Overnight: Wayqecha Biological Station.
Our final morning begins around the gardens and feeding stations of Wayqecha, where we dedicate a last photography session to the localized Cuzco Starfrontlet, one of the most desirable hummingbirds of the region.
Other hummingbirds may include the diminutive White-bellied Woodstar, Long-tailed Sylph, Shining Sunbeam, and Amethyst-throated Sunangel.
We will also visit a feeding station for the remarkable Undulated Antpitta, a large, beautifully patterned bird that normally remains concealed within dense montane vegetation.
Following our morning photography session, we begin the return journey toward Cusco, crossing the spectacular Acjanaco Pass and traveling through the Andean countryside.
Our final photographic stop will be at Huacarpay Wetlands, where we shift our attention to waterbirds and high-Andean species. The marshes, open water, and surrounding scrub provide good opportunities to photograph ducks, grebes, rails, and other wetland birds.
The surrounding dry slopes also offer possibilities for Andean hummingbirds and localized specialties.
We conclude our expedition with a transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
Hummingbird targets: Cuzco Starfrontlet, White-bellied Woodstar, Long-tailed Sylph, Shining Sunbeam, Amethyst-throated Sunangel, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Sparkling Violetear, Giant Hummingbird, Green-tailed Trainbearer, Black-tailed Trainbearer, and Bearded Mountaineer.
Other highlights: Undulated Antpitta, Many-colored Rush Tyrant, Rusty-fronted Canastero (E), Yellow-billed Teal, Puna Teal, Yellow-billed Pintail, Andean Coot, White-tufted Grebe, and other wetland species.
End of services in Cusco.
Discover Peru’s Best Bird Watching Locations – Unforgettable Destinations for Bird Lovers
The most most outstanding aspects of Peru in a week. Including accesible birding in remote areas, impressive Inca monuments like Machupicchu and Manu Park counted as the most biodiverse place on earth. Representing the essence of the country.
Culture and Nature !!
The most most outstanding aspects of Peru in a week. Including accesible birding in remote areas, impressive Inca monuments like Machupicchu and Manu Park counted as the most biodiverse place on earth. Representing the essence of the country.
