BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY IN MACHUPICCHU & MANU NATIONAL PARK

Early arrival to Cusco and start our journey to Manu Road starts early in the morning in Cusco through intermontane valleys visiting first Huacarpay the famous RAMSAR Wetlands are located in the vicinity. We have chances for native waterfowl and the endemic Bearded Mountaineer (E) and Rusty-Fronted Canastero (E) .

Later, the road takes us to the highlands where we can find Slender-billed Miner, Andean Flicker, Peruvian Sierra-finch, Andean Ibis  along the road. Mountain Caracara and Variable Hawk use to be present gracing the Andean landscape with their presence. Creamy-crested Spinetail (E) , Scribble-Tailed Canastero, Taczanowski's Tinamou, the elusive Puna Tapaculo and the charming Yungas Pygmy-owl are among the highlights of this birdwatching journey. Once on Ajanaco pass, the gateway to Manu, we may find Grass Wren, Moustached Flowerpiercer, Puna Thistletail can be found next to the Grasslands and scrubby vegetation. After our picnic lunch, we will start our way down towards the amazon basin with a dramatic change of habitat where colorful canopy dwellers use to ve hidden among the lush vegetation y mist, we have great chances of Golden-collared Tanager, Scarlet-bellied & Hooded Mountain-tanager, Gray-breasted Mountain-toucan, etc. and others, wrapping up a day filled with exceptional bird species. The journey towards Wayqecha Lodge provides a rich tapestry of avian encounters.

Nights in Wayqecha Lodge

San Pedro is located at 1500 meters elevation, lower and  warmer than Wayqecha.

After breakfast, we will spend few hours at the garden where  Buff-thighed Puffleg, Rufous-booted Racket-tail, Peruvian Piedtail (E), Violet-fronted Brilliant, Speckled Hummingbird comes to the nectar feeders while a mixed flock regularly visits the fruit feeders with Paradise, Golden, Golden-eared & Blue-necked Tanager, Versicolored Barbet and Yungas Manakin can be found few meters into the trails.

After lunch at the lodge, the afternoon is saved for one of the most emblematic shows of nature, the Cock of the Rock Lek, a wonderful show where groups of bright and colorful males gather here to display. There is a platform conveniently placed at the Lek to enjoy it. On the way back to the lodge, we may spend some time a few kilometers above searching for Lyre-tailed Nightjar  and Rufescent-Screech-Owl in the dusk.

Night in Cock of the Rock Lodge.

Villa Carmen serves as our base for exploring the rich biodiversity of the lowlands of the buffer zone of the emblematic Manu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its astonishing array of wildlife. We will start our day at a local garden and feeders where we have excellent chances for otherwise difficult species to photograph such as Amazonian Antpitta, Rufous-sided Crake, Scarlet-hooded Barbet, Fine-barred Piculet, Yellow-billed Nunbird, etc. Hummingbirds come daily to the garden, the charming Rufous-crested Coquette, Blue-fronted Lancebill, Black-eared Fairy, Golden-tailed Sapphire, White-necked Jacobin, Rufous-breasted Hermit, Pale-tailed Barbthroat, Black-throated Mango, etc. and the surroundings presents great chances for Black-tailed & Blue-crowned Trogon, Brazilian Teal, King Vulture and others.

For the afternoon, the serene ambiance of Villa Carmen Lodge, we will explore the garden and the patches of Guadua bamboo where Rufous-headed Woodpecker, White-cheeked Tody-tyrant, Manu Antshrike, estc. Other beautiful species are Boat-billed Flycatcher, Long-tailed Tyrant, Silver-beaked Tanager, Yellow-tufted Woodpecker are among the highlights. Finally, in the dusk, Tropical Screech-owl is a good possibility.

Night in Villa Carmen.

After breakfast and a last time exploring Villa Carmen, we will start the way back to Cusco visiting the places we were before in order to get captures of  birds we missed in the way in.

We stop at San Pedro area for lunch at a local fruit and nectar feeders where Saffron-crowned, Golden-naped, Slaty,& Beryl-spangled Tanager and where our birding guide, Danny Vargas recently reported Green-throated Tanager; Bluish & Fiery-eyed Flowerpiercer are all common visitors to the garden.

We will arrive around 5 pm at Cusco and transfer to your hotel.

Night in Ollantaytambo

We start the day at the town of Aguas Calientes, birding early in the morning where Masked Fruiteater (E), Black-streaked Puffbird, Andean Motmot, Long-tailed Sylph, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Silvery Tanager, etc. Later, our adventure unfolds amidst the ancient mystique Inca City. Photography in Machupicchu, one of the world's most cherished and enigmatic archaeological sites. As the sun casts its first rays upon the citadel, you step into a world where the Inca civilization's secrets await discovery.

Exploration of Machu Picchu starts on a 20 minute bus ride which ascends on the misty mountains of Machu Picchu. Once there, you'll have the chance to explore and photograph this ancient Inca city, an architectural masterpiece nestled among the Andean peaks. Your lens will frame the intricate stonework, terraces, and panoramic views that make Machu Picchu a true photographic gem. This day is a visual odyssey, culminating in the awe-inspiring wonder of Machu Picchu. Through your photographs, you capture the magic of these experiences, preserving their beauty and significance for years to come.

As the day unfolds, the shifting sunlight adds dimension to your shots, unveiling new perspectives and moods within this atmospheric setting. Llamas graze in the terraced fields, contributing to the timeless allure of the site.

Later in the afternoon, we will embark on the train journey that will carry you back to the Sacred Valley.

Night in Urubamba.

Arriving to Cusco and transport to the Hotel. Due to the elevation it's wise to take it easy and acclimatation. After lunch, we will visit the Ancient capital of the Inka. We will get into two of the best sites here, Temple of the Sun “Qoricancha” and “Saqsaywaman” right out of the town, not as famous as Machupicchu, this place is a true gem among archeological sites, constructed in megalithic style is a great site to appreciate the skills of the pre-hispanic cultures in the New World.

TRANSFER TO AIRPORT AT APPROPIATE TIME

If you are interested in adding some extra species, you may be interested in our birding extensions of Abra Málaga (See more details here ) or Vilcabamba Mountains (See more details here) both are world class birding sites and among our favorites short routes for birding and photography.