Southern Peru is a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering a mosaic of habitats from high Andean peaks to lush Amazonian rainforests. Our meticulously planned expedition aimed to explore these diverse ecosystems, focusing on the unique avian species each area harbors. Join us to discover one of the most pristine National parks in the world with this Birding in Manu National Park – Trip Report
This is a short Birding in Manu National Park of our 13 days in October 2018. This time Birding in the Manu Road includes a Cock of the Rock displaying in a lek, Quetzals, Black and chestnut Eagle´s nest, Manakins, lots of Tanagers.
Keep reading below to accompany us through this incredible birding Trip. See our Birding trips here
See the Ebird Birding trip report in Manu here
For our recomendations about which Field Guides you should use for Birding in Peru see here.
Birding in Manu National Park Day 1 & 2: Wayquecha Biological Station
After an early arrival to Cuzco (11.00. ft),
Our journey began with an ascent to the Wayquecha Biological Station, nestled in the cloud forests of the Andean slopes. The crisp mountain air was filled with the calls of high-altitude species. Highlights included the Red-and-white & Urubamba Antpittas , the Golden-plumed Parakeet, and the dazzling Andean Cock-of-the-rock. The mixed feeding flocks were a spectacle, with tanagers, flycatchers, and hummingbirds flitting about. The evenings were spent searching for the elusive Swallow-tailed Nightjar and the Andean Potoo.
Birding trip report in Manu Day 3-5: Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge
Descending into the cloud forests, we arrived at the Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge in Manu. The lodge’s lek provided an unforgettable display of the namesake birds’ vibrant courtship rituals. Our birding trails were alive with the sounds of the Crested Quetzal, the Amazonian Umbrellabird, and the White-crowned Tapaculo. The undergrowth revealed the secretive Chestnut-crested Cotinga and the Wattled Guan. Hummingbird feeders were abuzz with the Booted Racket-tail and the Violet-fronted Brilliant. Night walks gave us glimpses of the Lyre-tailed Nightjar and the Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl.
Day 6-8: Amazonia Lodge
Our adventure continued as we ventured into the lowland rainforests in Manu National Park in the Amazonia Lodge. Lowland diversity was overwhelming, with flocks of parrots and macaws, including the Blue-headed Macaw and the Red-and-green Macaw. The forest understory was home to the Black-spotted Bare-eye and the Rufous-fronted Antthrush. The lodge’s garden was a haven for the Rufous-crested Coquette and the Fiery-capped Manakin. Riverine habitats provided sightings of the Sunbittern and the Fasciated Tiger-Heron. Nocturnal excursions revealed the Spectacled Owl and the Common Potoo.
Nights at Cock-of-the-Rock lodge are more pleasent since it is warmer.
Day 9-12: Manu Wildlife Center
Deep in the heart of the Manu Biosphere Reserve, the Manu Wildlife Center offered an unparalleled birding experience. Canopy tower allowed us to observe canopy dwellers like the Plum-throated Cotinga and the Scarlet Macaw. The forest floor was teeming with antbirds, including the rare White-throated Antbird and the Hairy-crested Antbird. The highlight was the visit to the Macaw Clay Lick, where hundreds of parrots and macaws gathered in a riot of color. Oxbow lakes were serene, with sightings of the Agami Heron and the Hoatzin. Night walks added the Black-banded Owl and the Long-tailed Potoo to our list.
Day 13: Puerto Maldonado Surroundings
Our final day was spent exploring the surroundings of Puerto Maldonado. The Tambopata River provided sightings of the Pied Lapwing and the Yellow-billed Tern. The forest edges were bustling with the Turquoise Tanager and the Golden-collared Toucanet. As we bid farewell to the Amazon, we reflected on the incredible diversity and beauty of the birdlife in southern Peru. Our hearts were full of gratitude for the unforgettable experiences and the connections made with nature.
