Cusco Birdwatching and Machu Picchu - 4 Days

Our Cusco birdwatching adventure begins with an early pickup (6:00-6:30 am) from your hotel. We'll head in a private vehicle to El Balcón del Diablo, a spectacular birding site located just 20 minutes from the city, near the Sacsayhuamán archaeological complex. Here, we'll walk roughly two kilometers, exploring and searching for Cusco's endemic birds and other Andean species that thrive in this highland ecosystem. Around midday, we'll enjoy a short Peruvian cooking class, learning the secrets behind Peru's most beloved dishes. In the afternoon, our tour continues with a City Tour of Cusco, discovering the charming San Blas neighborhood, the Stone of the Twelve Angles, and the magnificent «Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha)».

Laguna Piuray, Ensifera Camp, Gastronomic Lunch Experience. Our Cusco Birdwatching Tour continues with a 7:00 am hotel pickup to drive toward the Sacred Valley of the Incas. On the way, we'll make a short stop to look for Sacred Valley birds in strategic Andean viewpoints. Next, we'll visit Laguna Piuray, a stunning high Andean lagoon that shelters a remarkable diversity of Peruvian waterbirds and migratory species. Then, we'll explore a small pond surrounded by reeds, habitat of colorful and elusive species like the Many-colored Rush Tyrant, Wren-like Rushbird, and Yellow-winged Blackbird, a highlight for any birdwatcher in Cusco. At the appropriate time, we'll continue toward the Sacred Valley, enjoying breathtaking Andean landscapes until we reach one of the region's finest restaurants. Here, we'll indulge in a Peruvian buffet lunch, guided by a local chef who will introduce us to the richness of Peruvian cuisine. After lunch, we'll visit the Ensifera Camp Hummingbird Garden, one of the most charming spots for hummingbird watching in Cusco. Surrounded by native plants, we'll admire Peru's dazzling Andean hummingbirds, including several endemic species. Finally, we'll head to Ollantaytambo, where we'll board the train bound for Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes).

Our 5 hours - Machu Picchu Birdwatching Tour starts early, around 5:30 am, with a quiet walk to the Ruinas Bridge. Here, we'll begin searching for Machu Picchu birds, including woodpeckers, tanagers, flycatchers, and hummingbirds. Among the highlights are endemic species such as the Masked Fruiteater, Green-and-White Hummingbird, and Inca Flycatcher, along with iconic Peruvian birds like the Andean Motmot, Green Jay, and Cock of the Rock. If time permits, we'll continue our journey towards the Mandor Cascades. The terrain here is flat, offering us opportunities to spot even more birds of Machu Picchu. After building up an appetite, we'll return to Aguas Calientes for an early lunch (not included). At 2:00 pm, we'll take the bus up to the majestic Machu Picchu Citadel for a fascinating 1.5-hour guided tour. Keep your eyes open for the Inca Wren, another endemic treasure found among bamboo patches inside the site. After exploring, we'll board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where we'll spend the night.

After enjoying our breakfast, we will have the opportunity to visit the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site (entrance fee not included, USD 25 per person). On our way back to Cusco, we will stop by a traditional Andean textile workshop, where we can immerse ourselves in a world of vibrant colors and ancient traditions. Upon our arrival in Cusco, we will head to the selected hotel, local restaurant, or the city's airport, marking the end of this unforgettable 4-day Cusco Birdwatching Tour.