Small-Group Southeast Highlands Tour
A small-group nine-day high-Andes route through Peru's Apurímac, Urubamba and Vilcabamba regions, with an estimated 175-225 species.
About this tour
This small-group nine-day tour examines the highlands northwest of Cusco across the Urubamba and Vilcabamba cordilleras. Initial stops include Huacarpay Lagoon, the Apurímac Canyon and the Chonta Condor lookout before fieldwork around Bosque Ampay and Mollepata. The route then visits Ensifera Hummingbird Sanctuary and continues to Ollantaytambo.
A full day around Abra Málaga and Carrizales introduces the highest section of the journey. The itinerary then crosses west of the pass, pauses at Ipal Ecolodge, and continues through Vilcabamba to Quillabamba and the Calquiña Valley. Andean Condor, Bearded Mountaineer, Swallow-tailed Hummingbird and Royal Cinclodes are among the specifically mentioned searches, with no sighting guaranteed. The published diversity estimate is 175-225 species.
The pace is moderate and the difficulty is moderate to difficult. Frequent transfers and substantial time at altitude are central features: Abra Málaga reaches around 4,300 meters, and the optional Royal Cinclodes walk involves several hours above the pass. May-June and August-October are the listed windows. Send an inquiry through BirdWatch to discuss acclimatization, fitness, onward Machu Picchu arrangements, availability and final pricing.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Peru.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Cusco
The journey begins on arrival in Cusco, ahead of the first field session. Overnight at a hotel in Cusco.
Day 2
Travel to Limatambo
Travel to Limatambo with birdwatching pauses at Huacarpay Lagoon, the Apurimac Canyon and Chonta Condor lookout. The planned overnight is at Limatambo Ecolodge.
Day 3
Bosque Ampay and the Apurimac Valley
Open the day with time to explore birdlife at Bosque Ampay, located along the Apurimac Valley corridor linking Molletpata with Soraypampa. The second half of the day is used to continue to Mollepata. Tonight's stay is at Limatambo Ecolodge.
Day 4
Birding Apurimac Valley
The initial field period is used to focus the field session at Apurimac Valley. Use the post-lunch period to explore Ensifera Hummingbird Sanctuary. Then travel to Ollantaytambo. The overnight base is a hotel in Ollantaytambo.
Day 5
Birding at Abra Malaga and Carrizales
Continue fieldwork for the entire day at Abra Malaga and Carrizales. Stay overnight at a hotel in Ollantaytambo.
Day 6
Birding west of Abra Malaga
In the morning, continue birdwatching west of Abra Malaga. pause at Ipal Ecolodge for Swallow-tailed Hummingbird. The afternoon brings time to travel to Vilcabamba. Accommodation for the night is at a hotel in Vilcabamba.
Day 7
Birding Cordillera Vilcabamba
Use the morning session to continue birdwatching at Cordillera Vilcabamba. Continue after lunch and travel to Quillabamba. The itinerary uses a hotel in Quillabamba for the overnight.
Day 8
Birding at Calquiña Valley
Spend a complete field day birdwatching at Calquiña Valley. Tonight's stay is at a hotel in Quillabamba.
Day 9
Travel to Ollantaytambo if going to Machu Picchu
Dedicate the morning to make the onward journey to Ollantaytambo if going to Machu Picchu. This stage covers without the Machu Picchu connection, finish at either the Cusco airport or hotel.
Locations & map
- Lima - Peru
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: May-Jun, Aug-Oct
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.