Machu Picchu Itinerary
Trip Description
Machu Picchu hardly needs any introduction, and, for birders, the Polylepis forest at the Abra Malaga pass, with so many endemics, is almost as famous.
This tour is ideal for serious birders as it is designed to best allow you to see all the endemic and special birds in the region, including species of the temperate wet and dry Polylepis forests at Abra Malaga. Since there are a lot of endemic and near-endemic birds here, these are critical sites you need to visit when birding near Cusco. Most of these birds are difficult or non-existent on the Manu Road. We also spend sufficient time at the Machu Picchu Citadel to allow you to feel the magic of this location.
The grading of the tour is "moderately difficult" because of the walking one does at altitude at Abra Malaga and the many stairs at Machu Picchu. The birding, in contrast, is quite easy.
Arriving at the ruins, birding takes a back seat for once as we are taken on a guided tour of this mystical archeological complex. You will, however, take time to notice the White-tipped Swifts flying overhead.
The main targets of this tour will be Inca Wren, Masked Fruiteater, Cuzco Brushfinch, Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Lyre-tailed Nightjar, Green-and-white Hummingbird, Creamy-crested Spinetail, Chestnut-breasted Mountain Finch, White-tufted Grebe, Slate-colored Coot, Wren-like Rushbird, Yellow-winged Blackbird, White-eared Solitaire, Sclater’s Tyrannulet, Mitred Parakeet, Bolivian Tyrannulet, Silver-backed Tanager, White-tipped Swift, Hooded Siskin, Band-tailed Seedeater, Pale-eyed Thrush, Oleaginous Hemispingus, Capped Conebill, Long-tailed Sylph, Torrent Duck, White-capped Dipper, Cinnamon Teal, Puna Teal, Many-colored Rush Tyrant, Bare-faced Ground Dove, Andean Flicker and Peruvian Sierra-Finch, among many others.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Arrivals into Cuzco; PM Transfer to Ollantaytambo
Day 2: Early train to Machu Picchu. Birding on train,
enjoying Machu Picchu ruins and some birding in area.
Day 3: Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu, afternoon train to Ollantaytambo.
Day 4: Birding full day Road to Abra Malaga and Ollantaytambo Area.
Day 5: Birding from morning Road to Abra Malaga and Ollantaytambo Area. That afternoon returns to Cuzco for 2 PM flights to Lima.
More details about this Trip: