Peru – Wildlife & Archaeology Treasures

Arrival in Lima, (Jorge Chávez Lima-Callao International Airport; LIM) at any time today. Meet & greet and transfer to the Costa del Sol Hotel, conveniently located just across from the departures terminal. Please note that regular check-in is from 2:00 PM; if you require early access to your room, we will be happy to request this service from the hotel; although additional charges may apply. No activities are planned for today, so you can rest after your travels. (No meals included today).

After an early breakfast at the hotel, we set out toward the southern outskirts of Lima to visit the Pachacamac Oracle, an impressive archaeological complex. Along the way, we’ll pause at several coastal viewpoints overlooking the Pacific, where boobies, terns, and other seabirds are often spotted. As we make our way back along the same route, we’ll have additional opportunities for birding. Today we aim to dedicate ample time to exploring this extensive site, which dates back roughly 1,800 years and was developed by multiple cultures, the Lima, Wari, and Ychsma peoples, as well as the Inca.

The Pachacamac sanctuary comprises temples, plazas, palatial structures, and pyramids, and flourished for nearly 1,300 years until the Spanish conquest. Revered as the “place where God speaks,” it was home to the renowned Pachacamac oracle. After visiting both the ruins and the museum, our journey continues south to the charming fishing village of Pucusana, where we’ll enjoy a tasty local lunch.

Set along a sheltered bay rich in marine life, Pucusana offers wonderful conditions for observing seabirds. We’ll take a boat ride through the bay to look for species linked to the cold Humboldt Current, nesting Guanay and Red-legged Cormorants, resting Peruvian Boobies and Inca Terns, and possibly a Humboldt Penguin, along with the endemic Seaside Cinclodes. Many of our previous groups have begun their Peru explorations here, it’s a fantastic introduction to the region!

After spending a few hours in Pucusana, we continue farther south to Paracas, an area renowned for its ancient culture and artistic traditions between 800 and 200 BC. Archaeological findings include finely woven textiles made with natural dyes and evidence of sophisticated irrigation systems that once shaped the desert landscape. Overnight at San Agustin Paracas Hotel. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we will travel south to the town of Pisco. Along the coastal road, your guide may make strategic stops to look for interesting bird species common to this rich marine-desert ecosystem, such as Peruvian Booby, Inca Tern, Gray Gull, Band-tailed Gull, and the elegant Chilean Flamingo feeding in coastal lagoons.

Upon arrival in Pisco, we will head to the airfield from where the small aircraft depart for the Nazca overflight. This unforgettable experience offers a bird’s-eye view of the world-famous Nazca Lines, massive geoglyphs etched into the desert floor whose origin and meaning remain one of archaeology’s most fascinating mysteries. The flight lasts approximately two hours, and the exact departure time will depend on weather conditions.

Please remember to bring your passport, as this is a commercial flight, all passengers must check in and pass-through security procedures similar to those of a regular airport.

After this thrilling adventure, we will enjoy lunch at a welcoming local restaurant. In the afternoon, we continue to the Ballestas National Reserve, where you will visit the local museum and explore the dramatic coastal landscapes known for their biodiversity. This is an excellent opportunity for birdwatching along the coast, with chances to spot species such as Peruvian Pelican, Guanay Cormorant, and Blackish Oystercatcher.

Return to the hotel for dinner and a well-deserved rest in preparation for the next day’s activities. Overnight at San Agustin Paracas Hotel. (B, L, D)

Note: The morning activity may be rescheduled depending on weather conditions. Guests will remain in the surrounding area until clearance is granted for the scheduled overflight. In some cases, it may be necessary to reverse the order of activities due to weather or temporary airport closures. If you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend taking appropriate medication prior to the flight.

We start early this morning as you board a speedboat for an exciting visit to the Ballestas Islands, often referred to as “the mini-Galápagos” of Peru. This nickname comes from the islands’ extraordinary concentration of wildlife, thriving colonies of sea lions, thousands of seabirds, Humboldt Penguins, and dramatic rock formations carved by wind and waves. While smaller in scale, the Ballestas offer a similar sense of raw, untouched nature and remarkable biodiversity, making it one of the most memorable coastal experiences in the country.

Finishing the excursion by midmorning, we begin our return journey north toward Lima. Along the way, we stop for lunch before continuing to the Pantanos de Villa Marshes, a protected wetland and a vital stopover for migratory birds. Here, you may observe species such as the Many-colored Rush Tyrant, Great Grebe, Andean Duck, and several herons and shorebirds that thrive in this costal ecosystem.

In the late afternoon, we head back to our convenient airport hotel in Lima to get ready for tomorrow’s early flight to Trujillo. If you prefer to travel with less baggage for the next part of the journey, you may leave any extra luggage stored safely at the hotel. Overnight at Costa del Sol Hotel. (B, L, D)

This morning, we make our way back to the airport, conveniently located just across the street, to catch our flight to Trujillo. The trip takes just over an hour, offers pleasant views, and saves us a long drive. Upon arrival in Trujillo, we visit the colonial site of Huaca Arcoiris before continuing to the fishing village of Huanchaco for a Peruvian lunch. Huanchaco is known for its coastal traditions, maritime history, and the iconic reed boats still used by local fishermen. We also make a birding stop at nearby marshes along the Pacific Coast.

In the afternoon, we explore the impressive archaeological complex of Chan Chan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once the capital of the Chimu Empire and the largest city in pre-Columbian America, it features extensive mud-brick pyramids and intricately decorated adobe walls. Built around 850 AD and home to an estimated 50,000 inhabitants, Chan Chan is admired for its sophisticated architecture and underground aqueducts that supplied water to this desert city. We spend time walking through its monumental structures and detailed designs, preserved through the centuries. At the end of the day, we enjoy dinner and prepare for the next morning’s birding activities. Overnight at Costa del Sol Centro Hotel, Trujillo. (B, L, D)

We set out early this morning to visit the forest and village of Sinsicap. Located about two hours from Trujillo and sitting at roughly 6,000 feet of elevation, Sinsicap is a small Andean town of around 8,000 residents spread across a valley of roughly 175 square miles. The area is characterized by arid montane scrub, a habitat that supports several noteworthy Peruvian endemic birds. Here we search for species such as Piura Chat-Tyrant, Russet-bellied Spinetail, Purple-backed Sunbeam, Great Spinetail, Giant Hummingbird, Aplomado Falcon, Speckled Hummingbird, Smoky-brown Woodpecker, Scarlet-fronted Parakeet, Unicolored Tapaculo, Rusty-crowned Tit-Spinetail, Rufescent Flycatcher, Jelski’s Chat-Tyrant, White-capped Dipper, Bay-crowned Brushfinch, Black-eared Hemispingus, Fawn-breasted Tanager, and Band-tailed Sierra Finch.

After enjoying a picnic lunch surrounded by this highland scenery, we dedicate the afternoon to exploring a remarkable archaeological site: Huaca del Sol y Luna, or the Temples of the Sun and Moon. Built between 100 and 800 AD during the Moche culture, Huaca del Sol is considered the largest single pre-Columbian structure in Peru and likely served as the main ceremonial and religious center, while Huaca del Luna functioned as the administrative hub of the ancient capital. Although the complex was looted during the Spanish occupation in the 17th century, many impressive artifacts and ceramics are preserved and displayed in the on-site museum.

We return to the hotel in the late afternoon and end the day with a pleasant dinner. Overnight at Costa del Sol Centro Hotel, Trujillo. (B, L, D)

Today is primarily a travel day, with a number of cultural visits and birding stops along the route. During the drive, we often encounter a variety of common species such as Vermilion Flycatcher, Long-tailed Mockingbird, Smooth-billed Ani, Scrub Blackbird, Shiny Cowbird, Black and Turkey Vultures, Harris’s Hawk, Pacific Parrotlet, West Peruvian Dove, Croaking Ground-Dove, Eared Dove, Bananaquit, Blue-and-gray Tanager, Blue-and-white Swallow, Cinerous Conebill, Chiguanco Thrush, Blue-black Grassquit, Southern Beardless Tyrannulet, Amazilia Hummingbird, Rufous-collared Sparrow, Saffron Finch, Band-tailed Seedeater, and Hooded Siskin.

Our first stop is Cerro Campana, where we look for two notable Peruvian endemics: the Cactus Canastero and the Great Inca Finch. From there, we continue to Huaca del Cao, a Moche-era stepped pyramid believed to have served ceremonial and religious purposes. We take time to walk through the site and its museum. In 2006, a remarkably preserved mummy was discovered here, accompanied by exceptional grave offerings and ceremonial clubs. This woman, known as the Señora de Cao, is considered the first female ruler identified in pre-Hispanic Peru and is thought to have governed around 1,700 years ago.

Our journey then leads us to Huaca Rajada, another Moche pyramid complex, famous as the burial site of the Lord of Sipán. Peruvian archaeologists excavated the site between 1987 and 1990, uncovering major artifacts despite previous looting. An exact replica of the tomb is now on display at the site, while many original pieces are preserved in the Royal Tombs Museum, which we will visit later in the itinerary. We also stop at the Tinajones Reservoir to look for waterbirds such as Comb Duck, Puna Ibis, and various kingfishers. Lunch will be arranged either in this area or enjoyed as a picnic in the forest.

Before reaching Chiclayo, we explore the Algarrobo Forest in search of two highly localized Peruvian endemics: the Peruvian Plantcutter and Rufous Flycatcher. Other species we might encounter include Collared Warbling Finch, Tumbes Hummingbird, Yellow-tailed Oriole, Purple-collared Woodstar, Golden-olive Woodpecker, Pacific Hornero, Scarlet-backed Woodpecker, Short-tailed Field Tyrant, and White-browed Gnatcatcher.

We arrive in Chiclayo in the evening for dinner and a good night’s rest. Overnight at Casa Andina Chiclayo. (B, L, D)

We begin the day by visiting a nearby reservoir, an excellent spot for observing a variety of remarkable bird species. Afterward, we continue driving into the highlands until we reach Chaparri, where we spend the day exploring the forest and its diverse habitats.

Chaparri Reserve, is a 133–square mile private conservation area created in 2001. Managed by the surrounding community, this protected region is dominated by coastal dry forest and is well known for its rich wildlife. Nearly 250 species of birds and 23 species of mammals have been recorded here, including Spectacled Bear, Sechuran Fox, White-tailed Deer, and Collared Peccary.

Among the bird species we hope to encounter are White-winged Guan, Andean Condor, King Vulture, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Peruvian Sheartail, Short-tailed Woodstar, Tumbes Hummingbird, Purple-collared Woodstar, Red-masked Parakeet, Guayaquil Woodpecker, Striped Owl, Peruvian Screech-Owl, Collared Antshrike, Elegant Crescentchest, Tumbes Tyrannulet, Fulvous-faced Scrub-Tyrant, Gray-and-white Tyrannulet, Tumbes Chat-Tyrant, Baird’s Flycatcher, White-tailed Jay, Tumbes Swallow, Tumbes Sparrow, White-edged Oriole, Parrot-billed Seedeater, and many other Tumbesian endemics. Overnight at Chaparri Reserve. (B, L, D)

All day at Chaparrí Reserve, continuing our exploration of this remarkable dry forest ecosystem. With a second full day on site, we have the opportunity to venture into different trails and habitats within the reserve, allowing us to search for species that can be harder to find or that may have eluded us the day before. Early morning is especially productive, and we use the cooler hours to scan open areas, ravines, and forest edges where wildlife activity is highest.

One of today’s highlights is spending additional time in zones frequented by Spectacled Bears. The reserve is one of the best places in northern Peru to observe this species in the wild, and with more time in their preferred habitat, our chances of seeing individuals foraging, resting, or moving along the slopes increase. We also keep an eye out for other mammals such as Sechuran Fox, Lesser Long-nosed Bats, or Collared Peccaries that often appear during quiet walks through the forest.

Birding remains superb throughout the day. Chaparrí’s varied microhabitats—brushy hillsides, dry ravines, semi-open woodland, and water sources—provide opportunities to look for species that may be more active later in the morning or in the afternoon. Mixed flocks can be especially exciting, and we take the time to observe their behavior and composition. Raptors circling overhead, woodpeckers working on old trunks, and hummingbirds visiting flowering trees are additional possibilities.

In the afternoon, we may hike to viewpoints that offer expansive views of the reserve, a great opportunity to appreciate the landscape and search for soaring raptors or other wildlife. As the light softens toward the end of the day, mammals sometimes become active again, and we quietly scan clearings and forest edges before heading back.

We return to our lodge in the evening, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of Chaparrí after a rewarding second day immersed in nature.

Overnight at Chaparri Reserve. (B, L, D)

We spend the morning exploring the Museo Tumbas Reales, known in English as the Royal Tombs Museum. This impressive museum houses many of the nearly 600 artifacts uncovered at Huaca Rajada, which we visited earlier in the trip. Among the extraordinary pieces on display are the Lord of Sipán’s finely crafted jewels, copper standards, gold rattles, feathered headdresses, and an ornate gold crown bearing royal emblems. The building’s striking design intentionally echoes the architecture of the original Moche tombs, adding an immersive dimension to the visit.

After lunch, we travel about 45 minutes to the town of Ferreñafe to tour the Sicán Museum, where we deepen our understanding of this remarkable ancient culture through its ceramics, funerary traditions, and artistic legacy.

Following this enriching cultural day, we return to our hotel. In the evening, we gather for a special dinner to celebrate the journey, sharing our favorite sightings, memorable moments, and personal highlights from the trip.

Overnight at Casa Andina Chiclayo. (B, L, D)

This morning we enjoy our final activity of the trip with a visit to the Túcume Valley of the Pyramids, including the excavated area of Las Balsas, a site investigated by explorer Thor Heyerdahl. Before wrapping up the day, we may still add a few more bird species to our list as we spend time birding the nearby wetlands and coastal areas. At these scenic stops, we may encounter Andean Duck, Roseate Spoonbill, Killdeer, Coastal Miner, Yellow-billed Pintail, Burrowing Owl, Blue-winged Teal, White-cheeked Pintail, Slate-colored Coot, Peruvian Pipit, and Grassland Yellow-Finch.

After lunch, we will transfer to the Chiclayo airport for our afternoon flight back to Lima, arriving with sufficient time for international departures. If you are planning an international connection this evening, we strongly recommend scheduling your outbound flight from Lima after 9:00 PM, to allow ample time for check-in and security procedures.

If you require an overnight stay in Lima before your morning flight, we can assist with hotel arrangements. We are also happy to help you plan an additional day should you wish to explore the city’s rich cultural and culinary offerings (extra costs apply). (B, L)