Santa Eulalia and the High Andes: Three-Day Birding Journey
Spend three days birding from Lima’s coast to the high puna and Santa Eulalia canyon, with two nights in the valley and searches for Andean and coastal specialists.
About this tour
This three-day journey connects a coastal birding day with the high Andes and the Santa Eulalia valley. Two nights in Santa Eulalia reduce the need to return to Lima between the mountain outings. The coastal opening can follow either the northern Lachay route or the southern Pucusana and wetland route, giving the trip a choice of dry-country birds or seabird colonies.
On the first day, bird around Lachay for species such as Coastal Miner and Raimondi’s Yellow Finch, or head south for Humboldt Penguin, Inca Tern and birds of the coastal wetlands. These are alternative opening routes. After lunch, travel inland to Santa Eulalia and settle into a local hotel for the first night.
The second day climbs to puna habitats at about 4,500 m. High lakes, boggy ground and open mountain slopes provide the setting for searches for Diademed Sandpiper-Plover, Olivaceous Thornbill, Puna Tinamou and Grey-breasted Seedsnipe. Giant Coot, Black Siskin and Glacier Finch are further possibilities. Endemic interests include White-bellied Cinclodes, Black-breasted Hillstar and Junin Canastero. Lunch is taken along the route, followed by a second night in Santa Eulalia.
The final day works through lower valley habitats up to about 2,920 m. Hummingbirds, brushfinches and scrub birds replace the high-puna assemblage. Great Inca Finch, Bronze-tailed Comet, Rusty-bellied Brushfinch and Black-necked Woodpecker are among the birds sought; Andean Condor is another possibility before the return to Lima. The package covers private transport, an English-speaking birding guide, two hotel nights, meals, water and programme entry fees. This route reaches genuine high-altitude terrain; discuss individual travel and access needs when arranging the journey. Dates and sightings depend on the agreed arrangements and conditions.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Peru.
Birds you can spot
Oreotrochilus melanogaster
target
Polyonymus caroli
target
Phegornis mitchellii
target
Incaspiza pulchra
target
Asthenes virgata
target
Chalcostigma olivaceum
target
Tinamotis pentlandii
target
Cinclodes palliatus
target
Itinerary
Day 1
Choose the coastal birding route
Spend the first part of the day on either the Lachay northern route or the Pucusana and wetland southern route. The alternatives emphasize dry coastal endemics or marine birds respectively. After lunch, drive to Santa Eulalia for an overnight stay at a local hotel.
Day 2
Puna lakes and bogs at about 4,500 m
Set out early for high-elevation lakes, wet ground and open puna. Search for the Diademed Sandpiper-Plover, seedsnipe and hummingbirds, with further chances for coots, finches and endemic cinclodes. Have lunch along the route and return to Santa Eulalia for a second hotel night.
Day 3
Valley woodland and Andean scrub
Explore the Santa Eulalia valley up to about 2,920 m for hummingbirds, Great Inca Finch and other woodland and scrub birds. Watch the river and scan for soaring Andean Condor where conditions allow. Finish the journey by returning to Lima.
Locations & map
- Lachay or Pucusana coastal route - Peru
- Santa Eulalia - Peru
- High Andean puna - Peru
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request
Included
- English-speaking professional birding guide
- Private vehicle transport
- Two nights in a local Santa Eulalia hotel
- Programme meals and box lunches
- Drinking water
- Programme entry fees
Not included
- Guide and driver gratuities
- Personal extras
Transport & stays
- Private vehicle Coastal opening, high-Andean outing, Santa Eulalia birding and return to Lima.
Accommodations
- Local hotel in Santa Eulalia (days 1-2)
Policies & FAQ
Are Lachay and Pucusana both visited on day one?
The first day uses one of two alternatives: the northern Lachay route or the southern Pucusana and wetland route. Choose the coastal option when arranging the journey.
How high does the programme go?
The puna day reaches about 4,500 m. The final valley day includes birding up to approximately 2,920 m.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.