BIRDING VILCABAMBA MOUNTAIN (And Abra Malaga)
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Trip Outline
If you’re an avid bird-watcher and are planning a trip to Peru, then you definitely don’t want to miss out on birding in the Vilcabamba Mountains. This cloud forest is not only home to some of the most beautiful and unique birds in the world but also has a rich historical significance. The Vilcabamba Mountains were once a refuge for the Inkas during their resistance against the Spanish conquest. In fact, it was from here that the Inkas launched fierce attacks against the Spaniards for almost 40 years, with Manco Inca leading the resistance.
Despite its historical significance, birding in this area has remained relatively unknown until recently, and as a result, it’s still a highly pristine and unspoiled region. However, with the improvement of roads, access to the area has become easier and more comfortable, allowing bird-watchers to explore the Urubamba and Vilcabamba Mountains by car.
One of the most remarkable aspects of birding in this region is the highly restricted bird species that can only be found here. From the Marcapata Spinetail to the Royal Cinclodes, you’ll have a chance to spot some of the rarest and most beautiful birds in the world. And with the help of an experienced guide, you’ll be able to identify these species and learn more about their unique behaviors and habitats.
In addition to birding in the Vilcabamba Mountains, we visit Abra Malaga, one of the most biodiverse birding places in Peru. Here, you’ll have a chance to spot over 300 different bird species, including the Andean Condor, the Giant Hummingbird, and the Rufous-breasted Antpitta. The scenery is breathtaking, and the experience is unforgettable.
So if you’re planning a birding trip to Peru, don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the Vilcabamba Mountains and Abra Malaga. Not only will you have a chance to spot some of the rarest bird species in the world, but you’ll also be able to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the region.
Itinerary
Abra Málaga and Urubamba Valley
Early morning, after 2 hours of car ride, we will start birding in the opposite side of the mountains covering Puna, Elfin and Cloud forest searching speciallities such as Marcapata Spinetail (Endemic), Urubamba Antpitta (E) and Red-and-White Antpitta (E), Parodi´s Hemispingus (E), Unstreaked Tit-tyrant (E), Inca Wren(E), Taczanowski´s Tinamou, White-Throated Hawk, Sword-Billed Hummingbird, Amethist-throated Sunangel, Scaled Metaltail, Diademed Tapaculo, Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Black capped Hemispingus, Scarlet-Bellied Mountain-Tanager, Plushcap, Yellow-Billed Cacique, Among others. Breakfast and Lunch will be at the field and dinner and Overnight at IPAL lodge in the Dry Urubamba Valley where Tropical Screech-Owl is possible.
Vilcabamba Mountains
We leave the Urubamba Valley after 2 hours of driving towards the Cordillera Vilcabamba, an isolated mountain range where endemism is very high. Possibilities here are Marcapata ("pale crested") Spinetail (E), a rare endemic; Jhonson´s Tody-flycatcher very isolated population in south; Urubamba Anttpitta (E), Vilcabamba Tapaculo (E), Red-and-White Antpitta (E) and Vilcabamba Thistletail among many other are possible here. This area haven´t been explored much so we may expect for surprises.
Polylepis Forest (Thastayoq)
Thastayoq is one of the few villages envolved in reforestation and Environmental Care based in tourism. Our destination is a very fragile ecosystem that congregates some of the rarest and most restricted bird species. After the breakfast, we will spend some time at the lodge where Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, Red-crested Finch, among others are possible and after a car ride we will go back towards the Abra Málaga for about an hour and start a downhill hike to get to the Polylepis patch, where we will pursuit for Blue-Mantled and Purple-Backed Thronbill, Andean Condor, Junin Canastero(E), Tawny Tit-Spinetail, White-Browed Spineatil (Endemic), Puna Tapaculo, Stripe-Headed Anpitta, Ash-Breasted Ti-Tyrant (Near Endemic), Giant Conebill and Royal Cinclodes (Near Endemic). Among others At mid day we will get a lunch and after it visit briefly Peñas Ruins looking for Creamy-Crested Spinetail (Endemic), Chestnut-Breasted, Mountain-Finch (Endemic), White-Tufted Sunbeam (Endemic), Great Sapphire-wing, etc. and after it we will head back to Ollantaytambo or Cusco.
