Southern Peru – Birds & Andean Heritage

Arrival in Lima, (Jorge Chávez Lima-Callao International Airport; LIM) at any time today. Meet & greet and transfer to 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. Since your onward flight to Cusco on Day 2 may depart in the morning, we recommend arriving a day early in order to rest after your journey and to allow for any potential delays. Some travelers may choose to arrive early and spend a day or two in Lima touring the city; our office will be pleased to assist with additional arrangements, such as extra hotel nights or a city tour. The airport is located in the municipality of Callao, away from Lima’s commercial areas and historical sites. (No meals included today).

Early in the morning, you will board your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, your guide will welcome you and lead you on a gentle walk through the Main Plaza, the historic heart of the ancient Inca capital. Surrounded by impressive colonial churches, elegant arcades, and vibrant daily life, this iconic square offers a perfect first glimpse into Cusco’s rich cultural legacy and Andean heritage. Take a moment to absorb the atmosphere, admire the architecture, and enjoy the contrast between Inca stonework and Spanish colonial façades.

Afterwards, we begin our journey toward the Sacred Valley of the Incas, stopping first at the beautiful Huacarpay Lake. Located in a high Andean wetland system, this reserve is home to a variety of aquatic birds and offers wonderful opportunities for wildlife observation and photography, framed by dramatic mountain scenery.

Continuing deeper into the valley, we will visit the charming Sacred Garden in San Salvador Inka village, where a remarkable diversity of hummingbirds can be observed up close among terraces and native floral gardens. Some of the species commonly seen here include: Giant Hummingbird, Sparkling Violetear, Green-tailed Trainbearer, Andean Hillstar, White-bellied Hummingbird, Bearded Mountaineer (local specialty).

In the afternoon, we drive onward to the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo, where you will settle in for a two-night stay. Situated at an elevation of approximately 9,100 feet, this living Inca town offers a unique blend of ancient stone streets, traditional culture, and majestic surrounding landscapes, an ideal base for the days ahead. Overnight at Tierra Viva Hotel.  (B, L, D)

After early morning birding around the gardens and grounds of Pakaritampu Lodge, followed by breakfast, we will set out to explore the Ollantaytambo Ruins. Considered the last living Inca town in the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo preserves its original urban layout, narrow stone streets, irrigation channels, and ancestral homes that continue to be inhabited to this day. As we explore the archaeological complex -with its fortress-like terraces ascending the mountainside, ceremonial temples, granaries, and lookout points- we will also keep an eye out for high-Andean birds that frequent the area, including: Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Rust-and-yellow Tanager, Streak-fronted Thornbird, Aplomado Falcon, Peruvian Sierra-Finch, Golden-billed Saltator, Black-throated Flowerpiercer.

This site offers not only a remarkable perspective into the strategic engineering and sacred traditions of the Inca Empire, but also outstanding birding opportunities framed by dramatic mountain scenery.

At midday, we will enjoy a warm and authentic experience in Yanahuara, as we visit the private bird garden of César Cusihuamán and his family. César has created a peaceful sanctuary devoted to the conservation of native flowers and birds, where an impressive diversity of species can be observed at close range. Birds commonly visiting this garden include: Blue-and-yellow Tanager, White-sided Flowerpiercer, Ochraceous-breasted Flycatcher, Plushcap, Black-tailed Trainbearer, White-bellied Hummingbird, Purple-collared Woodstar, Rusty-fronted Canastero. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about Andean flora, local conservation efforts, and to photograph these extraordinary birds while sharing a home-cooked family lunch.

In the afternoon, we continue to two of the most unique sites in the Sacred Valley. First, a scenic drive will take us to Maras, known for its traditional salt pans, an impressive mosaic of thousands of terraced pools fed by a naturally saline spring used since Inca times. The surrounding valley and scrub habitat provide chances to observe species such as: Rufous-naped Ground-Tyrant, Ash-breasted Sierra-Finch, Cinereous Harrier, Band-tailed Sierra-Finch, Creamy-breasted Canastero, Variable Hawk.

Afterwards, we visit Moray, an enigmatic archaeological complex made up of concentric circular terraces descending into a vast natural depression. Believed to have served as an agricultural research center, Moray showcases the Inca mastery of microclimates and altitude-based cultivation, and its surrounding highland fields often harbor species like: Andean Flicker, Chiguanco Thrush, Mountain Caracara, Black-winged Ground-Dove.

Return to the hotel in the early evening to rest and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Overnight at Tierra Viva Hotel. (B, L, D)

This morning we will embrace our first challenge at high elevation as we travel toward the legendary Abra Málaga Pass, one of the Sacred Valley’s most iconic high-Andean biodiversity hotspots. We depart early, gradually ascending through changing ecosystems until reaching the highest point at approximately 14,160 ft. Throughout the ascent we will make several planned stops in key habitats, searching for remarkable and often highly localized mountain species. Among the specialties we may encounter today are: Royal Cinclodes, Chestnut-breasted Mountain-Finch, Stripe-headed Antpitta, Tawny Tit-Spinetail, Andean Goose, Puna Snipe, Shining Sunbeam, Amethyst-throated Sunangel, Creamy-crested Spinetail.

These rugged landscapes -framed by glaciers, puna grasslands, and swirling cloud formations- make for an unforgettable morning of Andean birding.

Our journey continues downslope toward the lush eastern flank of the pass, where we will visit two exceptional Bird Gardens. Our first stop is the community-led Inkatambo Project, where native gardens, feeders, and high-Andean vegetation attract an outstanding variety of forest-edge and cloud forest species. Among the birds often seen here are: Buff-winged Starfrontlet, Masked Flowerpiercer, Golden-collared Tanager, Moustached Flowerpiercer.

We then visit Tunkiwasi Lodge, a true sanctuary for birds, orchids, and native flora. In addition to its incredible scenery, Tunkiwasi is home to a living collection of more than 600 native orchid species, carefully conserved on its grounds. Here we focus on cloud forest hummingbirds, tanagers and mixed feeding flocks, species commonly recorded include: Sword-billed Hummingbird, Slaty Finch, White-collared Jay, Violet-throated Starfrontlet, Chestnut-bellied Mountain-Tanager.

We will enjoy a long visit here, including a relaxing picnic lunch surrounded by orchids, bromeliads, and pristine mountain forest. Over the course of the day, additional strategic birding stops will be made along the road, allowing us to explore multiple microhabitats and elevation layers.

Around mid-afternoon, at approximately 3:00 p.m., we begin our return toward Ollantaytambo, descending as the sun colors the sky behind the Urubamba Mountain Range. Weather permitting, we will enjoy spectacular views of the glacier-capped Mount Veronica and Huacayhuilca glowing in the golden light of sunset.

Arrive at the lodge in the early evening for dinner and well-earned rest. Overnight at Tierra Viva Hotel. (B, L, D)

Today we experience one of the greatest highlights of the entire journey: Machu Picchu, the celebrated New Wonder of the World.

We begin early in the morning. After breakfast, we walk to the nearby station to board our train toward the world-famous citadel. Departing from Ollantaytambo Station, only 10 minutes from our hotel, the one-and-a-half-hour journey follows the dramatic course of the Urubamba River, descending from high Andean valleys into lush montane forest. Along the route, the changing landscapes offer excellent opportunities for birding from the train, especially along the riverbanks and boulder-lined rapids. In addition to the iconic Torrent Duck and White-capped Dipper, this stretch is also favorable for species such as Saffron-crowned Tanager, Highland Motmot, Montane Foliage-gleaner, White-winged Black-Tyrant, Mitred Parakeet, Golden-naped Tanager.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town), we will transfer our luggage to the hotel before heading to lunch at the renowned Indio Feliz Restaurant, one of the best culinary experiences in town and a favorite among travelers.

In the afternoon, we board the shuttle bus up the winding mountain road to enter the sanctuary of Machu Picchu, exploring this extraordinary archaeological masterpiece accompanied by our expert guide. As we walk through ceremonial plazas, agricultural terraces, sacred temples, finely carved chambers, and astronomical observatories, we delve into the history, engineering and spiritual meaning of this citadel, masterfully built in perfect harmony with its surrounding cloud-forest landscape.

The biodiverse setting of Machu Picchu also shelters a unique bird community, many species visible along paths and forest edges. With some luck, we may encounter: Inca Wren, Ocellated Piculet, Oleaginous Hemispingus, Masked Trogon, Sickle-winged Guan, Andean Solitaire, Green-and-white Hummingbird.

As the afternoon light softens over the citadel, we descend by shuttle back to the valley floor. After 5:00 p.m., transfer to your lodge for a two-night stay at Inkaterra Hotel, surrounded by lush gardens and pristine subtropical forest. (B, L, D)

We begin the day immersed in nature. Before breakfast, your guide will lead a relaxed walk throughout the hotel’s private gardens and feeding stations. Inkaterra’s grounds, surrounded by dense cloud forest, offer exceptional early-morning birding. In addition to the iconic Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, the area is often productive for a surprising diversity of hummers, tanagers, and forest specialists. Among the species frequently recorded here are: Booted Racket-tail, Speckled Hummingbird, Silver-beaked Tanager, Capped Conebill, Tropical Kingbird, Yellow-billed Cacique.

After breakfast, at around 10:00 a.m., we head once again toward the Machu Picchu Sanctuary for our second entrance. This visit focuses on exploring areas and viewpoints not covered the previous day, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the site’s complexity. Accompanied by our expert guides, we will walk through lesser-visited precincts including the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Quarters, the Sacred Fountains, and the ancient workshop complexes, gaining further insight into the religious symbolism, astronomical alignment techniques, and urban planning that define this extraordinary civilization.

As we move through the terraces and stone pathways, we also continue observing the wildlife that thrives within this World Heritage Site. It is not unusual to encounter species such as: Saffron-crowned Tanager, Streak-necked Flycatcher, Andean Motmot, Blue-banded Toucanet, Blue-capped Tanager, Dusky-green Oropendola.

Following our visit, we enjoy a well-deserved lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge Hotel, located right at the entrance of the site, an unbeatable setting overlooking the mist-laden mountains surrounding Machu Picchu.

Around 3:00 p.m., we return to our hotel to rest and relax. For those who wish, this is an excellent time to explore the gardens, orchid trails, and river paths around the property, or stroll into town for further birding, photography, or craft shopping. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and prepare for the adventures ahead. Overnight at Inkaterra Hotel. (B, L, D)

For those interested in maximizing the morning birding opportunities, there is the option to explore the hotel’s extensive gardens and river-edge trails at dawn, searching for species we may not have seen yet. The lush habitat around the property is ideal for early activity, and often reveals surprises such as: Green Hermit, White-crested Elaenia, Slaty-capped Flycatcher, Black-backed Grosbeak, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Blue-gray Saltator.

After this optional outing, we enjoy breakfast and then depart for the train station to begin our return journey toward the Sacred Valley. The rail segment toward Ollantaytambo offers beautiful views of the canyon walls and subtropical vegetation gradually transitioning back into high Andean terrain.

Upon arrival, our private bus will be waiting to take us across a dramatic mountain pass and into a completely different landscape: the Apurímac Valley and Canyon, one of the deepest river canyons in Peru and a region of remarkable ecological contrasts. As we travel through this new altitudinal range, we will stop at scenic viewpoints overlooking snow-covered summits, including magnificent vistas of the Salkantay Glacier, one of the most sacred peaks in the Andes and a central Apu for local Quechua communities.

The shifting habitats along the route provide opportunities for new species, especially open-country and canyon birds. Sightings may include: Apurímac Brushfinch (regional specialty), Black-chested Mountain-Tanager, Andean Swift, Southern Tropical Pewee, Mountain Caracara, Rusty-fronted Canastero.

In the afternoon we continue toward Mollepata, a peaceful highland village surrounded by terraced farmlands, orchards, and eucalyptus groves. Here we will explore the countryside en route to Pincopata Peru Ecocamp, our base for tonight, with time to enjoy sunset light over the slopes and perhaps some late-day birding around the fields and hedgerows. Dinner and overnight in this serene Andean setting. (B, L, D)

We begin at dawn with an exciting birding session in the foothill woodlands surrounding the lodge. This area is famous for harboring some of the most range-restricted bird species in Peru. Our primary targets this morning are the Apurímac Spinetail and the Apurímac Brushfinch, two highly sought-after endemics that inhabit these dry Andean slopes and shrublands. With patience, we may also encounter other specialties characteristic of this fragmented habitat, such as: Giant Conebill, Black-and-chestnut Warbling-Finch, Spot-winged Pigeon, Golden-rumped Euphonia, Southern Beardless Tyrannulet.

After this splendid early-morning experience, we return to the lodge for breakfast before preparing to depart toward the remote mountain community of Chonta, located at an impressive 12,000 ft of elevation.

From Chonta, we begin a gentle and scenic walk -less than one mile- to reach a series of natural condor lookouts perched directly over the depths of the Apurímac Canyon. Here we spend the afternoon admiring the spectacular landscape while awaiting the moment when Andean Condors begin gliding back toward their vertical roosting cliffs. The geometry of the canyon and the late-day thermal currents create ideal conditions to observe these enormous birds soaring at eye level. With luck, we may also spot other soaring species such as: Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Variable Hawk, Puna Hawk, American Kestrel, Aplomado Falcon.

The viewpoint also opens to dramatic and unforgettable panoramas of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, as well as countless glacial peaks and the immense gorge of the Apurímac Canyon, one of the deepest in South America.

By mid-afternoon, we begin our journey back to the city of Cusco, where we will settle in for the last two nights of the tour. Dinner at leisure. Hotel Novotel Cusco. (B, L)

We dedicate this day to enjoying the magnificent World Heritage City of Cusco, a remarkable opportunity to delve deeper into its millennia of history and cultural legacy. After breakfast, we will embark on a fascinating morning of exploration through the historic center, including a guided visit to the outstanding Machu Picchu Site Museum. We’ll stroll through elegant plazas framed by colonial facades, discover vibrant local markets filled with traditional crafts and regional flavors, and learn about the living heritage that still permeates daily life in Cusco.

A highlight of the morning will be our visit to the revered Koricancha Temple –The House of the Sun- once the most sacred temple in the entire Inca Empire. Famous for its extraordinary stonework and refined ceremonial chambers built during the reign of the great Inca Pachacuti, this iconic sanctuary offers a profound encounter with the spiritual heart of Tawantinsuyo.

After lunch, we will continue our day with an afternoon excursion to the monumental archaeological complex of Sacsayhuamán National Park, situated at an impressive 12,000 feet (3,650 m) of elevation. This sprawling site features imposing megalithic walls, ancient ritual spaces, and panoramic terraces overlooking the entirety of the Cusco basin.

We will wander along peaceful Inca trails bordered by native Polylepis, Gynoxys and Chachacomo woodlands, typical of high Andean ecosystems, where the flora forms sheltered niches that support a unique range of birdlife. As we explore, we may encounter high-elevation specialists including Tit-like Dacnis, Chestnut-breasted Mountain-Finch, White-browed Conebill, Creamy-crested Spinetail, Andean Guan, and the vibrant Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager, among others that inhabit the upper montane shrublands.

As the day draws to a close, we return to our hotel with the golden Cusco sunset spreading across the ancient rooftops—a perfect ending to a day filled with history, culture, and nature interwoven into one unforgettable experience. Dinner at leisure. Overnight at Hotel Novotel Cusco. (B, L)

After an early breakfast, enjoy a relaxed final morning in Cusco, either exploring the historic center alongside your guide or taking some free time to wander at your own pace through the city’s cobbled streets, artisan alleys, and lively plazas. This is a wonderful opportunity to revisit your favorite spots, shop for local handicrafts, or simply savor a last stroll through the ancient capital of the Incas.

Please note that hotel check-out is scheduled for 10:00 AM. You may store your luggage safely in the hotel’s storage room, allowing you to continue enjoying the city without any rush.

At midday, we will gather for an early lunch in Cusco’s historic downtown, celebrating a memorable journey, sharing last impressions, and enjoying one final taste of the region’s traditional Andean cuisine.

Afterwards, we will return to the hotel to collect your luggage and transfer to the airport for the flight back to Lima, departing Cusco around 3:00 PM. If you are planning an international connection tonight, we strongly recommend scheduling your outbound flight from Lima after 9:00 PM, allowing comfortable time for check-in and security. (B, L)

Note: 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).

° As Machu Picchu’s popularity continues to grow, we require that your two-day entrance ticket be purchased in advance through Neblina Forest at the time of booking. Please be aware that permits for Machu Picchu are limited and subject to availability, so early booking is highly recommended. Once the tickets are purchased, they are non-refundable in the event of cancellation.

° For private tours: the hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain also require special additional permits, which must be purchased in advance. These hikes can only be done in the morning. If you wish to add one of these ascents, please let us know at the time of confirming your trip so we can review availability and book them according to your travel date. These permits carry an extra cost and must be paid along with the 15% tour confirmation deposit. All such payments are non-refundable.

Important note:

On the train journey to Machu Picchu, each passenger is allowed:
° One backpack (max. 8 kg) or
° One carry-on bag (max. 12 kg).

Maximum dimensions:
° Backpack 100 cm (length + width + height);
° Carry-on 115 cm (length + width + height).

Any additional luggage may be stored at your hotel in Ollantaytambo. On our return from Machu Picchu, we will make a brief stop at the hotel so you can collect your stored belongings before continuing on to the next destination.