Abra Malaga East and West Slopes - 2 Days
For avid birdwatchers, a tour to Malaga Pass is an absolute must. Situated along the road connecting the Andes region of Cusco to the Cusco Cloud Forest, this strategic location offers unparalleled opportunities to observe a diverse array of Cusco birds and Cusco endemic species across multiple ecosystems, all...
About this tour
For avid birdwatchers, a tour to Malaga Pass is an absolute must. Situated along the road connecting the Andes region of Cusco to the Cusco Cloud Forest, this strategic location offers unparalleled opportunities to observe a diverse array of Cusco birds and Cusco endemic species across multiple ecosystems, all within the span of a 2-day Cusco birdwatching excursion. Moreover, as you traverse the Malaga pass and venture towards the east, you'll encounter a remarkable gradation of distinct habitats, each teeming with unique avian life. From lush cloud forests to rugged mountain slopes, the variety of ecosystems present at Malaga Pass makes it an exceptional destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. The allure of Abra Malaga lies in its ability to showcase the unique adaptations of birds thriving within these Peruvian specialized ecosystems.
Operated by Machu Picchu Cusco Birding and led by local specialists, this program combines focused birdwatching with the route logistics described below. Sightings depend on season, weather and wild bird activity.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Peru.
Itinerary ▼
We will start our birdwatching at Malaga Pass departing at 4:30 am from your hotel in Ollantaytambo or Cusco city to the Polylepis woodland at almost 4000 masl close to the Malaga Pass. At noon we will have our boxlunch and later we will walk uphill to catch the vehicle to continue to the east slope of Malaga Pass looking for more Cusco birds. On the road we will do some stops on different strategic spots according to the altitudes until we arrive to our Lodge in the Cusco Cloud Forest. Check in, dinner and sleep.
At 5:30 am we will start our Cusco birdwatching tour exploring the Cusco Cloud Forest looking for different Cusco birds including the colorful Cock-of-the-Rocks. At appropriate time we will have our breakfast at the Lodge. At 10:00 am we will return to Cusco doing some stops on the way looking for the Cusco birds that we couldn´t see the day before. Around 2:00 pm we will do a stop in Ollantaytambo town to have our lunch (Not included). Later, we will lead to Cusco city
Locations & map
- Abra Malaga Pass - Cusco Region Peru
- Polylepis woodland - Cusco Region Peru
- San Luis cloud forest - Cusco Region Peru
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request
Transport & stays
- Private vehicle
Accommodations
- Lodge in the Cusco cloud forest (day 1) Standard room
Policies & FAQ
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Are bird sightings guaranteed?
No. The itinerary visits habitats selected for the listed species, but all observations depend on season, weather and the movements of wild birds.