Manu Road and Cusco Birding - 7 Days
A seven-day route combining Manu Road’s Andean-to-Amazon gradient with endemic birding in Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Three Manu days lead into four days of highland nature, culture and rail travel.
About this tour
This week-long program joins two complementary birding areas in southern Peru. The opening section descends Manu Road from the high Andes to Pillcopata for lagoons, gardens, bamboo and cloud forest; the second section returns to Cusco for endemics, wetlands, hummingbirds and Machu Picchu.
The broad target list includes Hoatzin and Horned Screamer in the Manu lowlands, Cock-of-the-rock along the forest route, Many-colored Rush Tyrant in Sacred Valley wetlands, and Masked Fruiteater and Inca Wren around Machu Picchu.
Pre-dawn starts, long transfers, high elevation, tropical conditions and cultural walking make this a moderate-to-active journey. All bird observations remain dependent on season, weather and daily movement.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Peru.
Itinerary
Day 1
Cusco to Pillcopata
Leave Cusco at 4:30 am for Manu Road, pausing in Paucartambo to buy water or snacks before continuing to Acjanaco. Descend from about 3,600 metres through elfin and cloud forest, making birding stops as the habitat changes toward the 500-metre lowlands. Reach Pillcopata in the afternoon and stay overnight in town.
Day 2
Machuwasi Lagoon and Hummingbird Gardens
At 6:00 am, explore Machuwasi Lagoon for Hoatzin, Horned Screamer and other Amazonian wetland birds. Continue to Pico de Hoz for hummingbirds, then combine local lunch and garden observation at Inkamazonia. Finish in nearby bamboo habitat before returning to Pillcopata for a second night.
Day 3
Return to Cusco
After breakfast, drive back toward Cusco with short birding stops for species missed on the descent. Pause for lunch along the route and arrive around 6:00 pm. Overnight in Cusco.
Day 4
Cusco Endemics and Culture
Pickup between 6:00 and 6:30 am is followed by the short drive to Balcon del Diablo near Sacsayhuaman. Walk roughly two kilometres for Cusco endemics and other highland species. Around midday, join a brief Peruvian cooking class. The afternoon city program visits San Blas, the Stone of the Twelve Angles and Qorikancha. Overnight in Cusco.
Day 5
Piuray Lagoon and the Sacred Valley
Leave at 7:00 am for the Sacred Valley, using Andean viewpoints for birding stops before Piuray Lagoon and its reed-edge species. Continue to a Peruvian buffet lunch with a local chef, then visit the Ensifera Camp hummingbird garden. Travel to Ollantaytambo and take the train to Aguas Calientes for the night.
Day 6
Machu Picchu Birds and Citadel
Start around 5:30 am with a quiet walk toward the Ruinas Bridge for tanagers, flycatchers, woodpeckers and hummingbirds, including Inca Flycatcher, Masked Fruiteater and Green-and-white Hummingbird. Continue toward Mandor Cascades if time allows. After an early lunch in Aguas Calientes at the guest’s expense, take the bus for a guided Machu Picchu visit and watch bamboo for Inca Wren. Return by train to Ollantaytambo for the night.
Day 7
Ollantaytambo and Andean Textiles
After breakfast, there is an opportunity to visit the Ollantaytambo archaeological site; admission is not included. Stop at a traditional Andean textile workshop on the way back to Cusco. Finish at the guest’s hotel, a local restaurant or the airport; the next Cusco hotel night is not included.
Locations & map
- Paucartambo - Cusco Region Peru
- Acjanaco - Cusco Region Peru
- Pillcopata - Cusco Region Peru
- Machuwasi Lagoon - Cusco Region Peru
- Balcon del Diablo - Cusco Region Peru
- Piuray Lagoon - Cusco Region Peru
- Ensifera Camp - Cusco Region Peru
- Machu Picchu - Cusco Region Peru
- Ollantaytambo - Cusco Region Peru
Availability & pricing
Availability is confirmed after your inquiry.
Transport & stays
Accommodations
- Six nights in Pillcopata, Cusco, Machu Picchu and Ollantaytambo; 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.