Cusco Hummingbird Photography and Birdwatching - 7 Days
Seven days devoted to hummingbird watching and photography across the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, both sides of Abra Malaga and Manu Road. Feeder gardens alternate with challenging high-altitude field photography and cloud-forest birding.
About this tour
This photography-led route samples hummingbird habitats along a large elevation gradient around Cusco. Gardens with native flowers and feeders provide extended sessions and controlled viewpoints, while the highlands of Abra Malaga require faster handheld work when birds appear.
The journey begins in the Sacred Valley, reaches Machu Picchu and crosses the Andes to east- and west-slope sites before continuing down Manu Road. Later sessions take place at several cloud-forest and rainforest-transition gardens, with a Cock-of-the-rock lek included on day five.
Bearded Mountaineer, Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, Blue-mantled Thornbill, Andean Hillstar, Cock-of-the-rock and Giant Hummingbird are among the stated targets. Early departures, altitude and long photography sessions make this a moderate-to-active program.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Peru.
Birds you can spot
Itinerary
Day 1
Sacred Valley Hummingbirds
Pickup is at 6:00 am for Sacred Garden & Lodge, where native flowers and feeders attract Sacred Valley hummingbirds including Bearded Mountaineer. After roughly three hours, continue through the valley to Yanahuara for the included buffet lunch. Spend the afternoon photographing at Ensifera Camp during the later light, with a Peruvian wine tasting, then transfer to Ollantaytambo for the train to Machu Picchu.
Day 2
Machu Picchu
Visit the Machu Picchu archaeological site early in the day, combining the cultural visit with the journey’s nature focus. Return by train to Ollantaytambo, then climb toward Abra Malaga and cross to the eastern Andes for the night at Tunki Wasi Lodge and Hummingbird Garden.
Day 3
Eastern Abra Malaga Hummingbirds
At first light, visit the Ipal Ecolodge garden, where Swallow-tailed Hummingbird is a principal target. Return later to Tunki Wasi and devote the afternoon to photographing cloud-forest hummingbirds in the lodge garden.
Day 4
Western Abra Malaga Hummingbirds
Climb toward Abra Malaga early to search for Blue-mantled Thornbill, Olivaceous Thornbill and Andean Hillstar. This high-altitude session has no feeders, so opportunities may be brief and handheld. Around midday, when the light becomes less favorable, begin the transfer to Pisaq for the night.
Day 5
Manu Road Cloud Forest
Depart at 4:00 am for Manu Road. From the Acjanaco checkpoint, descend toward Manu Paradise Hummingbird Garden for a cloud-forest photography session and lunch. Continue afterward to a Cock-of-the-rock lek, then travel on to Pillcopata for the overnight stay.
Day 6
Manu Road Hummingbird Gardens
At 6:00 am, photograph at Inkamazonia Hummingbird Garden in the transition between cloud forest and rainforest; the source notes that the seasonal total can exceed 20 species. After lunch, continue to Pico de Hoz and work there until sunset before returning to the hotel.
Day 7
Return to Cusco
Make a final early stop at Manu Endemic Reserve Hummingbird Garden, then start the return journey. Arrival in Cusco is expected at about 2:00 pm.
Locations & map
- Sacred Valley - Cusco Region Peru
- Ensifera Camp - Cusco Region Peru
- Machu Picchu - Cusco Region Peru
- Abra Malaga - Cusco Region Peru
- Pisaq - Cusco Region Peru
- Manu Road - Cusco Region Peru
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request
Price: Price on request
Transport & stays
- Private vehicle
Accommodations
- Six nights along the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Abra Malaga and Manu Road route; exact properties are confirmed with the booking (days 1-6) 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.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.