Abra Malaga Birdwatching - Full Day
Experience the ultimate Cusco birdwatching adventure with our Abra Malaga Birdwatching Day, a comprehensive program set in the heart of Cusco's most coveted birding territory. Delve into the rich biodiversity of this remarkable region, where two unique ecosystems await exploration in a single day. With its...
About this tour
Experience the ultimate Cusco birdwatching adventure with our Abra Malaga Birdwatching Day, a comprehensive program set in the heart of Cusco's most coveted birding territory. Delve into the rich biodiversity of this remarkable region, where two unique ecosystems await exploration in a single day. With its diverse habitats of Polylepis woodlands and bamboo patches, Abra Malaga presents an unparalleled opportunity to encounter a myriad of Cusco's most prized birds. This full-day Cusco birdwatching tour offers the chance to observe some of the most significant bird species endemic to Cusco, all within the stunning backdrop of Malaga Pass. From the iconic Parodi's Hemispingus to the elusive Inca Wren, Marcapata Spinetail, and Unstreaked Tit-Tyrant, each stop along our journey unveils a new array of feathered wonders. Whether you're an avid birder or a nature lover, the allure of Abra Malaga lies in its ability to showcase the unique adaptations of birds thriving within these Peruvian specialized ecosystems.
Operated by Machu Picchu Cusco Birding and led by local specialists, this program combines focused birdwatching with the route logistics described below. Sightings depend on season, weather and wild bird activity.
Itinerary ▼
We will start our Fullday Tour on Malaga Pass early in the morning picking you up from your Ollantaytambo hotel. We will drive by the road that connects Cusco city with its jungle. After three hours driving through the Abra Malaga we will have our first stop in San Luis area. Located on the east slopes of Malaga pass. Here we will look for the most important Cusco birds and the Cusco endemic birds like Parodi´s Hemispingus and Cuzco Brushfinch but paying special attention to the bamboo patches for the Inca wren, Marcapata Spinetail and Unstreaked Tit-Tyrant. From San Luis area we will return to Abra Malaga (38 kms) doing some stops at strategic places. At appropriate time we will start our trek downhill to the polylepis woodland to look for Royal Cinclodes, White-browed Tit-Spinetail (E), Ash breasted Tit-tyrant (NE), Andean Hillstar, Tawny Tit-spinetail (NE), Line-fronted Canastero (NE), Stripe-headed Antpitta (NE), Puna Tapaculo (NE), Brown-backed Chat-tyrant, Rufous-webbed Bush-Tyrant, Giant Conebill, D'Orbigny's Chat-tyrant, White-tufted Sunbeam (E), Shining Sunbeam, Tit-like Dacnis (NE) and other birds. In this peaceful area we will enjoy our boxlunch then we will start our trek uphill at slow pace looking for some of the birds that we couldn't see at the beginning of the trek. At 4:00 pm, ending our Abra Malaga Birdwatching tour we will bring you back to your Ollantaytambo hotel or transfer to the city of Cusco (arriving at 7:00 PM)
Locations & map
- San Luis cloud forest - Cusco Region Peru
- Abra Malaga Pass - Cusco Region Peru
- Polylepis woodland - Cusco Region Peru
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request
Transport & stays
- Private vehicle
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.