BIRDING AND CULTURE AT NORTHERN PERU
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Trip Outline
Northern Peru is a cultural treasure trove and a paradise for birders! In this diverse region rich in history, you will find a captivating blend of ancient civilizations and astonishing biodiversity that will leave you in awe. We start our trip with the mysterious Moche civilization, which thrived over 1,500 years ago. The Moche left behind an astonishing legacy of temples, pyramids, and tombs adorned with breathtaking artworks. A visit to the Lord of Sipán, an extraordinary archaeological discovery, will immerse you in the grandeur of this pre-Inca culture. As you explore these ancient wonders, keep your eyes peeled for the vibrant birdlife that inhabits the coastal región since northern Peru offers unparalleled opportunities for birding, including numerous endemics and rarities, you can embark on birdwatching adventures like no other. Keep your binoculars ready to spot the resplendent Andean cock-of-the-rock, the elusive Marvelous Spatuletail, Peruvian Plantcutter, Little inca Finch, Marañon Crescentchest, Marañon & Chinchipe Spinetail, Marañon Antshrike, etc
Once in Utcubamba valley, we will enjoy the vibrant culture of the Chachapoyas culture, known for their intricate cliffside mausoleums and the iconic fortress of Kuelap. You’ll experience a journey through time, a tapestry of cultures, and a symphony of bird calls. So, whether you’re a history buff or a bird watching enthusiast, this enchanting region promises unforgettable adventures and discoveries.
Finally, as we move towards the region of Cajamarca, you’ll encounter yet another facet of Peru’s rich heritage. The andean city of Cajamarca is renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture and is the site of the famous meeting between the Inca Atahualpa and the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. Explore the charming streets and immerse yourself in the history that unfolded here as long as we search for Yellow-faced Parrotlet, Buff-briddled Inca-Finch, Great Spinetail, Spot necked Woodpecker, Coppery & Black Metaltail, Golden, Black crested Tit-tyrant, etc.
Come and explore Northern Peru, where culture and nature intertwine to create an extraordinary travel experience.
Itinerary
Lima - Chiclayo (Señor the Sipan)
We begin our day with an early morning departure from Lima to Chiclayo. After a brief domestic flight, you'll arrive at Chiclayo's airport, where we will venture to Puerto Eten, a coastal area renowned for its birdwatching opportunities where Gray, Belcher´s & Kelp Gull, Coastal Miner, Fasciated Wren, Amazilia Hummingbird, Many-colored Rush-tyrant, Peruvian Meadowlark and Tawny-throated Dotterel are possibilities here..
Later, we will head towards Rafan where the wonderful Peruvian Plantcutter, Amazilia Hummingbird, Tumbes Tyrannulet, Fasciated Wren, Scarlet-backed Woodpecker, Cinereous Finch among others are resident.
Once back in Chiclayo and enjoy a typical Peruvian lunch we will head towards the Señor de Sipan Museum in Lambayeque. This museum houses a remarkable collection of artifacts and treasures from the ancient Moche civilization, including the famous Señor de Sipan tomb. It's a fascinating journey into the history and culture of the region.
Night in Tucume
Bosque de Pomac and Museo Túcume
We start with a short birding around the lodge in Tucume. After breakfast we will spend our morning exploring the forest trail at Bosque Pomac, a dry forest reserve is a unique ecosystem as home to a variety of bird species, including Pacific Parrotlet, Streak-headed Woodcreeper, Necklaced Spinetail, Peruvian Plantcutter, Rufous Flycatcher, Tumbes Swallow, Superciliated Wren, Peruvian Thicknee, Tumbes Pewee, Tumbes Chat-tyrant, Peruvian Pygmy Owl, etc. If we go silently, we may find Sechura Fox around the trail.
After your exciting morning of birdwatching, we will take a break for lunch. We can either enjoy a picnic amidst the natural surroundings of Bosque Pomac or return to Tucume for a meal at a restaurant.
In the afternoon, we will visit the Museum of Tucume, situated near the Tucume archaeological complex. This museum provides valuable insights into the history and archaeology of the region, including the ancient Lambayeque culture. Explore the exhibits that detail the rich past of the Tucume archaeological site, shedding light on pre-Columbian civilizations and their significance.
As the day comes to an end, we will return to the lodge, for dinner at a local restaurant, savoring traditional Peruvian cuisine and flavors. Night in Tucume.
Abra Porculla - Jaen
After breakfast, we will head towards the mountains for a day filled with birding. First, we will visit Abra Porculla, a mountain pass in the vicinity. This area provides an excellent opportunity for birdwatching in mid - altitude forests where Tschudi´s Nightjar, Peruvian Sheartail, Purple-collared Woodstar, Tumbes Pewee, White-winged, Gray-browed & Bay-crowned Brushfinch, Black-crested Warbler, Black-cowled Saltator, Elegant Crescentchest, Porculla Hermit, Mouse,gray Flycatcher etc.
Following a thrilling morning of birdwatching, enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the picturesque mountain landscapes.
In the afternoon, we will continue our birding adventure as we go towards Jaen, pausing along the journey to explore the Dry Marañón Valley. This valley is distinguished by its arid and distinctive landscapes, providing a habitat for a range of bird species adapted to this environment where Little Inca-Finch, Striped Cuckoo, Chapman´s Antshrike, Northern, Slaty Antshrike, Rufous-fronted Thornbird, Marañon Tyrannulet among others.
As the day comes to a close, arrive in Jaen, where you can enjoy dinner at the hotel, indulging in the flavors of northern Peruvian cuisine.
Night in Jaen.
Dry Marañon Valley and Marvelous Spatuletail
After breakfast we will head towards the forested areas in the vicinity of the Marañon Valley. This area is known for its high endemism, and where we will have great chances to spot unique species adapted to this particular environment such as Peruvian Pigeon, Ecuadorian Ground-Dove, Tropical Gnatcatcher, Purple-throated Euphonia, Red-crested Finch, Tataupa Tinamou, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Spot-throated Hummingbird, Peruvian Screech-Owl, Marañon Crescentchest, Marañon Spinetail, Fulvous-faced Scrub-Tyrant, Yellow-tailed Oriole, among others.
After an exhilarating morning of birdwatching we will get back to the hotel for a time for packing and continuing our trip towards Cocachimba.
In the afternoon, we will explore the Utcubamba Valley and the surroundings of Cocachimba, a picturesque town near the stunning Gocta Waterfall. While enjoying the scenery, we will end our day adding additional bird species where the stunning Marvelous Spatuletail, one of the top targets in the country, comes regularly to a local garden and forages near the town; other bird species are Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Marañon Thrush, Lesser Goldfinch, Speckle-chested Piculet, Lesser Violetear, Buff-bellied Tanager, Little Woodstar, Collared inca, Utcubamba TApaculo, etc
We will spend the night in the charming town of Cocachimba.
Gocta waterfalls
In the morning, we will venture into the lush surroundings of Cocachimba, known for its rich birdlife. Nestled within the cloud forest, this charming town provides an ideal habitat for a variety of bird species; after breakfast we will set out on a trek to the awe-inspiring Gocta Waterfalls. These falls are among the world's highest, cascading dramatically from the cliffs of the cloud forest with the outstanding Andean Cock-of-the-rock as one of the specialities here. As you hike through the dense vegetation, remain attentive to the bird species that inhabit the area, such as Green Jay, Bronzy Inca, Andean Emerald, Southern Emerald-Toucanet, White-crowned Tapaculo, Slaty-capped Flycatcher, Flavescent Flycatcher, Speckle-breasted Wren, Metallic-green Tanager, Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, and others.
We will return to Cocachimba for a late lunch for resting after our hike and, if we haven't seen Marvelous Spatuletail again, we may go to wait for it at a local feeder and finally spend a tranquil evening in this idyllic town, savoring the peaceful ambiance of the cloud forest in Cocachimba.
Kuelap and Leymebamba
After breakfast in Cocachimba, we will embark on an exciting journey to explore ancient history and breathtaking landscapes spending our morning by setting out for the remarkable Kuelap fortress. This archaeological site is an emblem of the Chachapoyas culture, known for its towering stone walls and fascinating history. Your journey to Kuelap may include a combination of transportation methods, such as a drive followed by a cable car ride with spectacular scenic views of the Andean landscapes. Upon arrival at Kuelap, delve into the mysteries of this ancient fortress. Wander through the massive stone structures, intricate carvings, and historic remnants that tell the story of the Chachapoyas civilization. Your guide will provide insights into the significance of this archaeological gem.
Back in the Utcubamba Valley we will enjoy a lunch in the vicinity of Kuelap, enjoying the flavors of Peruvian cuisine amid the stunning natural surroundings.
We will finish our day on a journey to Leymebamba, a tranquil town known for its cultural heritage.
Night in Leymebamba
Leymebamba
We will start our day in the Leymebamba, birding the valley of Atuen where Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, Gray-breasted Mountain-toucan, Scarlet-bellied Mountain-tanager, Large-footed Tapaculo, Rainbow Starfrontlet, Golden-headed Quetzal, Maroon-belted Chat-tyrant, Masked Trogon, Black-necked Woodpecker, Puna Ibis,etc.
We will return to Leymebamba for lunch and later head to the Leymebamba Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Chachapoyas artifacts, including the famous mummies of Revash, discovering the preserved mummies and the intricate artifacts that provide a window into the history and culture of the Chachapoyas civilization.
As the day comes to an end, we will take some time to relax and reflect on your journey through ancient history and the stunning landscapes of the Andes.
Night in Leymebamba
Abra Barro Negro to Celendin
We will start our day in Leymebamba and after an early breakfast, we will prepare for an exciting birding adventure. Head towards Abra Barro Negro, a high mountain pass in the region. This area is a haven for birdwatchers, especially those interested in high-altitude species. Keep your binoculars at the ready to spot birds such as Many-striped Canastero, Grass Wren, Yellow-breasted Brushfinch, Purple-backed Thornbill, Sapphire-vented Puffleg, Yungas Pygmy-Owl, Chachapoyas & Leymebamba Antpitta, White-chinned Thistletail, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Paramo Pipit, etc.
Later, on the other side of the pass, we will take a break for a picnic lunch surrounded by the stunning mountain landscapes, and continue the journey as we travel towards Balsas, where Buff-bridled & Gray-winged Inca-Finch, Yellow-faced Parrotlet, Black-necked Woodpecker.
As the day comes to a close, we will conclude on a peaceful evening in the charming town of Celendin for dinner and night.
Celendin to Cajamarca
We start our day in Celendin for another exciting birding day. Today, your journey takes you from Celendin through Cruz Conga and Sangal towards the city of Cajamarca.
Set out early in the morning to explore Cruz Conga and Sangal, both known for their diverse birdlife. The cloud forests and high-altitude ecosystems in this region offer excellent opportunities to spot unique avian species. Keep your binoculars and camera handy to capture sightings of birds like the Great Sapphirewing, Cajamarca Antpitta, Slender-billed Miner, Peruvian Sierra-finch, Plain-tailed Warbling-finch, Black-crested Tit-tyrant, Rusty-crowned Tit-Spinetail, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Rufous-eared Brushfinch, Gray-bellied Comet, Giant Hummingbird among others.
As the day progresses, continue your journey towards Cajamarca, enjoying the scenic landscapes along the way. The drive will take you through picturesque Andean villages and provide glimpses of rural life in northern Peru.
We will spend our night at Cajamarca.
Cajamarca
We will spend our mourning in Cajamarca with a city tour in the morning, where we will explore the historical and cultural treasures of this charming city. Cajamarca is known for its rich heritage, and your tour will take you to key sites that showcase its history. We´ll visit the Plaza de Armas, the heart of Cajamarca, adorned with colonial architecture and surrounded by picturesque balconies. You can also explore the Cathedral of Cajamarca, an impressive structure that dates back to the 17th century. Inside, you'll find beautiful religious art and a tranquil atmosphere. Continue your city tour with a visit to the Santa Apolonia Hill, providing panoramic views of the city and its surrounding landscapes. This hill is also home to the impressive Ransom Room (Cuarto del Rescate), where the Inca Atahualpa was held captive by the Spanish conquistador Pizarro.
After a morning of exploration, indulge in local cuisine by savoring a traditional Peruvian lunch at one of Cajamarca's charming restaurants.
In the afternoon, it's time to prepare for your departure as you transfer to the airport. Reflect on the cultural and historical richness of Cajamarca as you bid farewell to this enchanting city. This one-day itinerary offers a balance of cultural immersion and convenience, allowing you to make the most of your time in Cajamarca before your onward journey.
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