BIRDING AT CUSCO (THE INKA CAPITAL)
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- USD 125
- Trip Type
- Activities
- Trip Duration
- Group Size
- Habitats Covered
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.
Trip Outline
If you’re a birder visiting Cusco, you’re in for a treat with the City Tour for Birders. This unique tour offers an exceptional blend of nature and culture, making it a perfect one-day trip to experience the best of Cusco.
The morning will be spent at the beautiful Huacarpay RAMSAR wetland, which is renowned for its native and migratory bird species. With its diverse habitats ranging from dry intermontane valleys with scrubs to Andean lakes with marshes and rushes, Huacarpay is a must-visit for any birding enthusiast. You’ll have the opportunity to spot a wide variety of waterfowl, hummingbirds, endemics, and even the largest hummingbird in the world! Look out for Puna Tinamou, Yellow-Billed Pintail, Puna Teal, Andean Lapwing, Plumbeous Rail, Andean Negrito, White-tufted Greebe, Puna Ibis, Bearded Mountaneer (Endemic), Rusty-fronted Canastero (Endemic), Giant Hummingbird, Many-colored Rush-Tyrant, Streak-fronted Thornbird, Black-tailed Trainbearer, Andean Lapwing, White-crested Elaenia, Variable Hawk, and many more.
After a delicious lunch, we’ll head out to explore the cultural side of Cusco. We’ll visit the most important Inka temple in Cusco, the Qoricancha, where you’ll learn about the ancient history and culture of the Incas. Then, we’ll make our way to the magnificent megalithic site of Saqsaywaman, located just outside the town. This hidden gem is a great site to appreciate the skills of the pre-Hispanic cultures in the New World. And of course, there are birding opportunities here too, with sightings of Peruvian Sierra-finch, Andean Flicker, Chestnut-breasted Mountain-Finch (Endemic), Creamy-crested Canastero (Endemic), Black-throated Flowerpiercer, Yellow-billed Tit-tyrant, Tyrian Metaltail, and more.
The pace of the tour is moderate, allowing you to enjoy both the nature and culture without feeling rushed. This one-day tour is perfect for those who want to experience the best of birding in Cusco and learn about the ancient history and culture of Peru. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore the City of the Incas!
Itinerary
Full Day
Embark on a thrilling birding adventure in Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inka's Empire. Our journey begins early in the morning as we head towards the eastern part of Cusco to explore the remnants of the ancient lake, Huacarpay. This wetland area is a paradise for bird enthusiasts as it encompasses a variety of habitats, including a dry intermontane valley with scrubs, an Andean lake with marshes and rushes, and a section full of Nicotiana sp. (Tobacco!) flowers. Huacarpay also attracts several migratory birds each year, making it an ideal location to spot a variety of waterfowl, hummingbirds, endemics, and even the largest hummingbird in the world.
Some of the bird species that we might encounter during our birding expedition include Puna Tinamou, Yellow Billed Pintail, Puna Teal, Andean Lapwing, Plumbeous Rail, Andean Negrito, White-tufted Greebe, Puna Ibis, Bearded Mountaneer (E), Rusty fronted Canastero (E), Giant Hummingbird, Many-colored Rush-tyrant, Streak-fronted Thornbird, Black-tailed Trainbearer, Andean Lapwing, White crested Elaenia, and Variable Hawk, among others.
After a productive morning of birding, we will return to Cusco for a delicious lunch before embarking on a cultural excursion to explore the ancient capital of the Inka's Empire. Our first stop will be the Temple of the Sun "Qoricancha," one of the most impressive and significant Inka sites in Cusco. Next, we will drive just 15 minutes out of town to visit the megalithic Saqsaywaman, a gem among archaeological sites that showcases the incredible skills of pre-Hispanic cultures in the New World.
The birding opportunities at Saqsaywaman are equally impressive, with potential sightings of Chestnut-breasted Mountain-Finch (E), Creamy-crested Canastero (E), Peruvian Sierra-finch, Andean Flicker, Black-throated Flowerpiercer, Yellow-billed Tit-tyrant, Tyrian Metaltail, and many others. Don't miss out on this amazing experience of birding in Cusco and exploring the ancient history and culture of Peru.
