Archivo del Autor

Day 1  Lima – Tarapoto

This morning we fly from Lima to Tarapoto, located at the foothills of the northern Peruvian Andes. Upon arrival, we will visit the Ricuricocha wetlands, an excellent location for waterbirds, including the distinctive Comb Duck.

Later, we will drive approximately 45 minutes to a hummingbird photography site where we will spend the afternoon photographing some of the region’s most attractive species.

Possible species include:

• Gould’s Jewelfront
• Koepcke’s Hermit
• Blue-fronted Lancebill
• Gray-breasted Sabrewing
• Blue-crowned Trogon
• White-tailed Trogon
• Golden-tailed Sapphire
• Fork-tailed Woodnymph
• White-necked Jacobin

Overnight: Tarapoto
Meals: B, L, D

Gouls jewelfront

Day 2   Tarapoto – Salto de la Bruja- Waqanki lodge

After breakfast, we drive to Salto de la Bruja, an exciting new hummingbird photography location approximately 45 minutes from Tarapoto. The feeders provide excellent opportunities to photograph a variety of hummingbird species at close range.

We will spend most of the day birding and photographing at the feeders before continuing our journey to Waqanki Lodge near Moyobamba (approximately 3 hours).

Overnight: Waqanki Lodge
Meals: B, L, D

Day 3   Waqanki Lodge full day Birding

An early start allows us to take advantage of the best light conditions around the lodge gardens and hummingbird feeders.

Waqanki Lodge is one of the premier birding destinations in northern Peru, offering excellent opportunities to photograph hummingbirds and colorful foothill species.

Possible species include:

• Rufous-crested Coquette
• White-necked Jacobin
• White-chinned Sapphire
• Great-billed Hermit
• Black-throated Hermit
• Amethyst Woodstar
• Black-bellied Tanager
• Paradise Tanager
• White-tailed Trogon
• Yellow-tufted Woodpecker
• Gilded Barbet
• Oilbird

Overnight: Waqanki Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
Elevation: 860 m / 2,750 ft

Rufous crested coquette

Day 4   Waqanki to Owlet Lodge

We depart early and head toward Aguas Verdes, one of the best hummingbird locations in northern Peru. Feeders here attract a remarkable variety of species and offer excellent photographic opportunities.

Afterward, we ascend through the Alto Mayo Valley, stopping at several elevations along the route to photograph birds characteristic of different habitats.

Upon arrival at Owlet Lodge, we will spend the afternoon enjoying the gardens and feeders.

Possible species include:

• Wire-crested Thorntail
• Blue-fronted Lancebill
• Rufous-crested Coquette
• Golden-tailed Sapphire
• Fork-tailed Woodnymph
• Paradise Tanager

Overnight: Owlet Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
Elevation: 2,300 m / 7,360 ft

Booted racket tailed

Day 5   Owlet Lodge full day

Today we visit several nearby locations targeting some of the region’s most sought-after endemic and cloud forest birds.

Our main targets include:

• Chestnut Antpitta
• Rusty-tinged Antpitta
• Green-and-black Fruiteater

The remainder of the day will be dedicated to hummingbird photography around the lodge feeders.

Possible hummingbirds include:

• Long-tailed Sylph
• Emerald-bellied Puffleg
• Chestnut-breasted Coronet
• Collared Inca
• Fawn-breasted Brilliant

Late in the afternoon, we will make our first attempt to locate the endemic Long-whiskered Owlet.

Overnight: Owlet Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
Elevation: 2,300 m / 7,360 ft

Chestnut antpitta

Day 6   Owlet Lodge full day activities

Today we visit the Alto Nieva Reserve, one of the finest hummingbird locations in northern Peru.

This area is particularly well known for its endemic and range-restricted species.

Possible species include:

• Royal Sunangel
• Greenish Puffleg
• Booted Racket-tail
• White-bellied Woodstar
• Bronzy Inca
• Fawn-breasted Brilliant
• Violet-fronted Brilliant
• Long-tailed Sylph

Additional opportunities may arise for cloud forest specialties and another chance for Long-whiskered Owlet.

Overnight: Owlet Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
Elevation: 2,300 m / 7,360 ft

Long whiskered owlet

Day 7  Owlet Lodge to Huembo Lodge

After breakfast, we travel toward Pomacochas Lake before continuing to Huembo, home of one of Peru’s most spectacular endemic hummingbirds.

The Huembo Interpretation Center offers outstanding opportunities to photograph the world-famous Marvelous Spatuletail.

Other species frequently visiting the feeders include:

• Little Woodstar
• White-bellied Hummingbird
• White-bellied Woodstar
• Lesser Violetear
• Silvery Tanager
• Streaked Saltator

Overnight: Huembo Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
Elevation: 2,000 m / 6,400 ft

Day 8   Huembo Full day activities

A full day dedicated to photographing the remarkable hummingbirds of Huembo.

The primary target is the endemic:

Marvelous Spatuletail (Loddigesia mirabilis)

Additional species may include:

• Purple-throated Sunangel
• White-bellied Hummingbird
• White-bellied Woodstar
• Little Woodstar
• Lesser Violetear
• Brown Violetear
• Andean Emerald
• Chestnut-breasted Coronet

Overnight: Huembo Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
Elevation: 2,000 m / 6,400 ft

Marvellous spatuletail (Loddigesia mirabilis)

Day 9  Huembo Town to Jaen town( or Tarapoto airport) and Lima

After breakfast, we descend into the Marañón Valley (or heading to tarapoto airport)  one of Peru’s most important centers of endemism.

Meals: B, L

End of the Tour

DAY 1  CUSCO – HUACARPAY LAKE AND WAYQUECHA STATION (MANU ROAD)

Our photography adventure begins upon arrival in Cusco. After breakfast, we head south to Huacarpay Lake, one of the best high-Andean bird photography locations near Cusco. The wetlands, reedbeds, and surrounding agricultural areas offer excellent opportunities to photograph several endemic and highland species.

Target species include the endemic Bearded Mountaineer, Rusty-fronted Canastero, Many-colored Rush Tyrant, Puna Ibis, and a variety of waterbirds and Andean passerines.

After a box lunch, we continue along the famous Manu Road, stopping at strategic photography locations through inter-Andean valleys and high-elevation habitats. Species of interest include Andean Flicker, Black-throated Flowerpiercer, Creamy-crested Spinetail, Scribble-tailed Canastero, Line-fronted Canastero, Diademed Tapaculo, and Puna Tapaculo.

As we descend toward the cloud forest, mixed-species flocks become increasingly common, providing opportunities to photograph Mountain Tanagers, Gray-breasted Mountain Toucan, White-collared Jay, and Mountain Cacique.

We arrive at Wayqecha Biological Station in the late afternoon, surrounded by pristine cloud forest and excellent photographic possibilities around the station grounds.

Overnight: Wayqecha Biological Station
Elevation: 2,900 m / 9,300 ft
Meals: Box Lunch, Dinner

Many colored rush tyrant

DAY 2  WAYQUECHA TO COCK OF THE ROCK LODGE

Today we descend through spectacular cloud forest habitats, one of the richest bird photography regions in Peru. Throughout the day we make frequent stops to photograph mixed flocks, fruiting trees, and hummingbird activity.

Target species include Barred Fruiteater, Chestnut-crested Cotinga, Violet-throated Starfrontlet, White-bellied Woodstar, Versicolored Barbet, Golden-eared Tanager, Highland Motmot, and Crested Quetzal.

As we continue descending, we search for additional photographic opportunities with Masked Trogon, Crimson-bellied Woodpecker, Black-streaked Puffbird, Paradise Tanager, Golden Tanager, Saffron-crowned Tanager, and the impressive Amazonian Umbrellabird.

By late afternoon we arrive at Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge, where feeders and forest trails provide excellent close-range photography opportunities.

Overnight: Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge
Elevation: 1,400 m / 4,900 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Grass green Tanager

DAY 3  COCK-OF-THE-ROCK LODGE FULL DAY

This full day is dedicated to bird photography around the lodge and nearby viewpoints.

Early morning is spent photographing mixed-species flocks around El Mirador, where target species include Blue-necked Tanager, Paradise Tanager, Bush Tanager, Mountain Woodcreeper, Mountain Foliage-Gleaner, Blue-banded Toucanet, Chestnut-tipped Toucanet, Golden-olive Woodpecker, and Highland Motmot.

After lunch, we focus on the lodge gardens and hummingbird feeders, excellent locations for close-up photography of species such as Booted Racket-tail, Wire-crested Thorntail, and several other hummingbirds.

In the afternoon we visit one of Manu’s most iconic photography locations: the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek. Here photographers can capture spectacular images of displaying males as they perform their courtship dances in the forest.

Overnight: Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge
Elevation: 1,400 m / 4,900 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Andean  cock of the rock

DAY 4   COCK-OF-THE-ROCK – VILLA CARMEN BIOLOGICAL STATION

This morning offers another opportunity to photograph the Cock-of-the-Rock lek before continuing toward the Andean foothills and lowland rainforest.

The changing habitats provide excellent photographic diversity, with chances to photograph Dusky-cheeked Foliage-gleaner, Red-billed Scythebill, Chestnut-backed Antshrike, Foothill Antwren, White-backed Fire-eye, Stripe-chested Antwren, and Cabanis’s Spinetail.

Special attention will be given to photographing regional specialties such as the endemic Peruvian Piedtail and Fine-barred Piculet.

Upon arrival at Villa Carmen Biological Station, we will explore gardens, forest edges, and nearby trails, all excellent locations for bird photography.

Overnight: Villa Carmen Biological Station
Elevation: 550 m / 1,760 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Goulds jewelfront

DAY 5  VILLA CARMEN TO CUSCO

Our final morning offers one last opportunity for bird photography in the foothill forests before returning to Cusco.

As we ascend Manu Road, we revisit cloud forest habitats searching for mixed flocks, tanagers, flycatchers, and high-Andean specialties. The changing scenery provides spectacular photographic backdrops throughout the day.

Target species may include Mountain Tanagers, Chat-Tyrants, Elaenias, and a variety of cloud forest birds that may have been missed earlier in the tour.

After a box lunch, we continue toward Cusco, arriving in the late afternoon and concluding this remarkable bird photography journey through one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.

Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch

Golden headed Quetzal

This full-day tour is specially designed for bird photographers, combining high-Andean wetlands, hummingbird photography setups, and riverine habitats of the Sacred Valley. Throughout the day, we will focus on obtaining high-quality photographic opportunities with some of the most sought-after bird species of the Peruvian Andes.

We start early from Cusco or Ollantaytambo and drive to Piuray Lagoon, a beautiful high-Andean wetland that offers excellent photographic conditions during the morning light. Here we will search for species such as Andean Gull, Puna Teal, Yellow-billed Teal, Andean Teal, Slate-colored Coot, Common Gallinule, Burrowing Owl, Silvery Grebe, Brown-bellied Swallow, Many-colored Rush Tyrant, Greenish Yellow-Finch, Plumbeous Rail, Spot-winged Pigeon, Puna Ibis, and Black-faced Ibis.

After our photography session at the lagoon, we continue into the Sacred Valley to visit the renowned Yanahuara Hummingbird Sanctuary, one of the best locations in the Cusco region for hummingbird photography. The feeders provide exceptional close-range opportunities to photograph species such as Green-and-white Hummingbird, Giant Hummingbird, Tyrian Metaltail, Sparkling Violetear, Shining Sunbeam, and the spectacular Sword-billed Hummingbird. Other possible species include Creamy-crested Spinetail, Chestnut-breasted Mountain Finch, Red-crested Cotinga, and several colorful tanagers and flycatchers.

For photographers seeking professional-quality images, we can use multi-flash techniques at the feeders. Our guides have extensive experience assisting photographers and understand the best positions, backgrounds, and lighting setups to maximize photographic results while ensuring minimal disturbance to the birds.

After lunch, we continue to the Pachar area, where we focus on two of the region’s most iconic species: the beautiful Torrent Duck along the Urubamba River and the endemic Bearded Mountaineer, one of Peru’s most sought-after hummingbirds. The afternoon light often provides excellent opportunities for photography before we return to Cusco or Ollantaytambo.

Photography Highlights

• Sword-billed Hummingbird
• Bearded Mountaineer (Peruvian endemic)
• Giant Hummingbird
• Torrent Duck
• Many-colored Rush Tyrant
• Tyrian Metaltail
• Sparkling Violetear
• Shining Sunbeam
• Red-crested Cotinga

This tour is ideal for photographers of all levels looking to capture a diverse selection of Andean birds in a single day while enjoying the spectacular scenery of the Sacred Valley.

Sword billed hummingbird

Santuario de Picaflores

Shinning sunbeam

Santuario de Picaflores

Day 1 Arriving to  Lima- Hotel in Miraflores

Upon arrival in Lima, our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in the Miraflores district. Depending on the arrival times of participants, there may be an opportunity to relax, prepare camera equipment, and receive a briefing about the photography expedition ahead.

Overnight: Casa Andina, Miraflores
Meals: Dinner
Elevation: Sea Level

Day 2  Hotel in Miraflores,Palomino island-Tarapoto city.

Our photography adventure begins with an early excursion to the Palomino Islands, one of Peru’s premier locations for seabirds and marine wildlife photography. During the boat excursion, we will photograph species such as Inca Tern, Peruvian Pelican, Guanay Cormorant, Peruvian Booby, Red-legged Cormorant, and numerous other coastal birds.

After lunch, we will visit the wetlands of Pantanos de Villa, where excellent photographic opportunities include Many-colored Rush Tyrant, Black Skimmer, White-cheeked Pintail, Puna Ibis, and a variety of migratory species.

In the afternoon, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Tarapoto, gateway to the northern Peruvian Amazon.

Overnight: Tarapoto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Inka tern

Day 3  Tarapoto – Koepckes Reserve- Waqanki lodge

After breakfast, we travel to Koepcke’s Reserve, located approximately 45 minutes from Tarapoto. This remarkable hummingbird photography location offers excellent feeder setups and natural perches, allowing photographers to capture some of Peru’s most sought-after hummingbird species.

We will spend most of the day working on flight photography, perched portraits, and behavioral images.

Possible species include:

• Gould’s Jewelfront
• Koepcke’s Hermit
• Gray-breasted Sabrewing
• Blue-fronted Lancebill
• Fork-tailed Woodnymph
• Golden-tailed Sapphire
• White-necked Jacobin
• Sapphire-spangled Emerald
• Long-billed Starthroat
• Amethyst Woodstar
• Many-spotted Hummingbird
• Blue-tailed Emerald

In the afternoon, we continue to Waqanki Lodge.

Overnight: Waqanki Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Gouls jewelfront

Day 4 Waqanki Lodge full day Birding

Today is dedicated entirely to bird photography at Waqanki Lodge. The lodge’s renowned feeding stations provide exceptional opportunities for close-range hummingbird photography with natural backgrounds and excellent lighting conditions.

Special attention will be given to photographing the spectacular Rufous-crested Coquette, one of the most desired hummingbirds in South America.

Additional species may include:

• White-necked Jacobin
• Brown Violetear
• Gray-breasted Sabrewing
• Many-spotted Hummingbird
• Golden-tailed Sapphire
• Sapphire-spangled Emerald
• Great-billed Hermit
• Black-throated Mango
• Long-billed Starthroat
• Violet-headed Hummingbird
• White-chinned Sapphire
• Buff-tailed Sicklebill
• Black-eared Fairy
• Fork-tailed Woodnymph

Overnight: Waqanki Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: 860 m / 2,750 ft

Rufous crested coquette

Day 5  Waqanki to Owlet Lodge

We depart early and visit Aguas Verdes, one of the finest hummingbird photography locations in northern Peru. Multiple feeding stations and forest-edge habitats provide excellent opportunities for action and portrait photography.

Continuing through the Alto Mayo Valley, we will stop at strategic locations to photograph birds at different elevations before reaching Owlet Lodge.

Species may include:

• Wire-crested Thorntail
• Blue-fronted Lancebill
• Green-fronted Lancebill
• Rufous-crested Coquette
• Golden-tailed Sapphire
• Fork-tailed Woodnymph
• Green Hermit
• Reddish Hermit
• Violet-headed Hummingbird
• Long-billed Starthroat

The afternoon will be spent photographing birds in the lodge gardens.

Overnight: Owlet Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: 2,300 m / 7,360 ft

   Booted racket tailed

Day 6  Owlet Lodge full day

A full day devoted to photography around Owlet Lodge’s gardens and specialized feeding stations.

Target species include:

• Long-tailed Sylph
• Emerald-bellied Puffleg
• Bronzy Inca
• Collared Inca
• Chestnut-breasted Coronet
• Fawn-breasted Brilliant
• White-bellied Woodstar
• Sword-billed Hummingbird
• Amethyst-throated Sunangel
• Lesser Violetear
• Speckled Hummingbird

Overnight: Owlet Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: 2,300 m / 7,360 ft

 Chestnut antpitta

Day 7  Owlet Lodge full day activities

Today we explore two of the most productive hummingbird photography locations in the region: Alto Nieva Reserve and Llantaria.

These locations offer opportunities to photograph several regional specialties and endemic species.

Possible species include:

• Royal Sunangel
• Greenish Puffleg
• Long-tailed Sylph
• Rufous-vented Whitetip
• Violet-fronted Brilliant
• Bronzy Inca
• Chestnut-breasted Coronet
• White-bellied Woodstar
• Rufous-booted Racket-tail
• Many-spotted Hummingbird

In the evening, we may search for the legendary Long-whiskered Owlet.

Overnight: Owlet Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: 2,300 m / 7,360 ft

 Long whiskered owlet

Day 8 Owlet Lodge to Huembo Lodge

Today we travel to Pomacochas and Huembo Lodge, home of one of the world’s most extraordinary hummingbirds.

The lodge’s feeding stations provide superb opportunities to photograph the endemic Marvelous Spatuletail under ideal conditions.

Overnight: Huembo Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: 2,000 m / 6,400 ft

Day 9   Huembo Full day activities

A full day dedicated to photographing the endemic Marvelous Spatuletail (Loddigesia mirabilis), one of the rarest and most spectacular hummingbirds in the world.

Additional species may include:

• White-bellied Hummingbird
• Little Woodstar
• Purple-throated Sunangel
• Andean Emerald
• Sparkling Violetear
• Lesser Violetear
• White-bellied Woodstar
• Black-tailed Trainbearer
• Rufous-capped Thornbill
• Violet-fronted Brilliant

Overnight: Huembo Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: 2,000 m / 6,400 ft

Marvellous spatuletail (Loddigesia mirabilis)

Day 10   Huembo Lodge   to Tarapoto city

We return to Tarapoto, with opportunities for bird photography along the route depending on weather and lighting conditions.

Overnight: Tarapoto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: 356 m / 1,140 ft

Day 11  Tarapoto- Lima city – Puerto Maldonado city

Morning flights connect us through Lima to Puerto Maldonado. Upon arrival, we travel by road and river to Collpas Tambopata Inn Lodge.

The afternoon offers opportunities to photograph Amazonian birds around the lodge grounds.

Overnight: Lodge Tambopata
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 12   Chuncho Macaw clay lick

Before sunrise we navigate the Tambopata River to the famous Chuncho Clay Lick.

This is one of the world’s greatest wildlife photography spectacles, with hundreds of parrots and macaws gathering along the riverbank.

The afternoon is dedicated to photography around the lodge gardens.

Overnight: Collpas Tambopata Inn Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Photography Highlights: Scarlet Macaw, Red-and-green Macaw, Blue-and-yellow Macaw, Chestnut-fronted Macaw

Day 13  Chuncho Macaw clay lick and Canopy tower

A second visit to the clay lick provides additional opportunities for photography under different lighting conditions.

After lunch, we visit the canopy tower, offering eye-level photography of canopy species and spectacular rainforest landscapes.

Overnight: Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Chuncho clay lick

Day 14  Collpas Tambopata Inn Lodge to Puerto Maldonado city – Cusco (Ollantaytambo)

After returning to Puerto Maldonado, we fly to Cusco and continue to the Sacred Valley.

If conditions allow, we may stop at Piuray Lake for high-Andean bird photography.

Overnight: Ollantaytambo

Day 15  Ollantaytambo to Machupicchu

Morning photography session at Ensifera Camp, featuring specialized hummingbird feeders and Andean cloud forest species.

Targets include:

• Sword-billed Hummingbird
• Giant Hummingbird
• Green-and-white Hummingbird
• Tyrian Metaltail
• White-bellied Woodstar
• Shining Sunbeam
• White-tufted Sunbeam
• Chestnut-breasted Mountain Finch

In the afternoon, we board the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo.

Overnight: Machu Picchu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

            Sword Billed hummingbird

Day 16    Exploring  Machupicchu

Morning guided exploration of the magnificent Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

This day combines cultural photography, dramatic landscapes, and opportunities for bird photography around the sanctuary.

Overnight: Machu Picchu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Machupicchu

Day 17  Machupicchu -Cusco City

Morning bird photography around Aguas Calientes, focusing on Torrent Duck, tanagers, euphonias, and cloud forest specialties.

Possible species include:

• Torrent Duck
• Blue-and-yellow Tanager
• Blue-gray Tanager
• Saffron-crowned Tanager
• Blue-necked Tanager
• Silvery Tanager
• Thick-billed Euphonia

After lunch, we return by train to Ollantaytambo and continue to Cusco.

Overnight: Cusco

Day 18 Cusco- Lima city

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima and onward international connections.

End of Tour

DAY 1 CUSCO, HUACARPAY LAKE AND WAYQUECHA STATION (MANU ROAD)

The day begins when we pick you up at the Cusco airport. The airport is at an altitude of 11,000 feet and Cusco temperatures drop quickly in the evening so bring layers of warm clothing. After a delicious breakfast, we head to Huacarpay Lake, about twenty-five kilometers south of Cusco. As we slowly walk around the lake and marshy grassland we’ll look for two endemic species, the Bearded Mountaineer and the Rusty-fronted Canastero, as well as numerous other high Andean species.

We’ll stop along the Manu road for a tasty box lunch and continue on to several spots in the mountain valleys to look for the Andean Flicker, Black-throated Flowerpiercer, and Creamy-crested Spinetail (endemic). As we approach the Andean pass of Aicanaco we will have beautiful views of the Andes behind us and the Amazon Basin before us. At the pass we’ll have a chance to see the Scribble-tailed and Line-fronted Canastero and the Puna and Diademed Tapaculo. Working our way down the eastern slope of the Andes, the forest becomes more continuous and we’ll find mixed-species flocks of Mountain Tanagers, flycatchers, Gray-breasted Mountain Toucan, White-collared Jay and Mountain Cacique. In the late afternoon we arrive at the Wayqecha Station. Here, we’ll relax in comfortable lodgings with private bathrooms and hot water.

We will overnight at the Wayqecha Station (9300ft).

DAY 2 WAYQECHA STATION – FULL DAY

After an early breakfast we will bird along Manu Road, looking for mixed flocks of tanagers, Golden-collared Tanager, Grass-green Tanager, Scaled Metaltail, White-collared Jay, Black-throated Tody Tyrant, Barred Fruiteater, Band-tailed Fruiteater, Marcapata Spinetail (endemic), Blue-banded Toucanet, Hooded Mountain Tanager, Black and Chestnut Eagles, Solitary Eagle, Slaty Tanager, Slaty-backed Chat Tyrant, Fulvous Wren, Chestnut-crested Cotinga, Crested Quetzal, Yellow-throated Tanager, Buff-breasted Mountain Tanager, and Superciliared Hemispingus. After lunch and a siesta will have another chance to see more birds like the Mountain Tanager, finches, chat-tyrants, Barred Woodpecker, Rufous-capped Thornbill and others.

We will overnight at the Wayqecha Station.

DAY 3 WAYQUECHA TO COCK-OF-THE-ROCK LODGE

After an early breakfast we will descend through the elfin forest into the cloud forest. Along the way we will see the Barred Fruiteater, Chesnut-crested Cotinga, Violet-throated Starfrontlet, White-bellied Woodstar, Versicolored Barbet, and Andean Cock-of-the-Rock. Other species we may find are the White-crowned Tapaculo, Yungas Manakin, Crested Quetzal, Versicolored Barbet, Golden-eared Tanager, Highland Motmot and many more. We will keep descending in altitude as we bird along the road looking for the Bar-bellied Woodpecker, White-throated Tyrannulet, Ochraceous-breasted and Unadorned Flycatchers, Barred Becard,  Mountain Wren, Citrine Warbler Slaty Gnateater, Chestnut-breasted Wren, Cinnamon-faced Tyrannulet, Spotted Nightingale Thrush, Amazonian Umbrella Bird, Tyrannine Woodcreeper, Masked Trogon, Crimson-bellied Woodpecker, Black-streaked Puffbird, Paradise Tanager, Saffron-crowned Tanager, Golden Tanager. If we’re lucky we may see gray woolly monkeys. We will arrive to the Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge in late afternoon. Enjoy a welcome drink and settle into your room, before a pre-dinner owl prowl.

We will overnight at Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge (4900ft).

DAY 4-5 COCK-OF-THE-ROCK LODGE

In the early morning we’ll visit an Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek to observe this showy and spectacular bird. From the lek we return to the lodge and watch the action at the hummingbird feeders while we eat breakfast. Some of the hummingbirds we’ll see are the Booted-racket Tail, Wire-crested Thorntail, Many-spotted Hummingbird, Violet-fronted Brilliant, White-bellied Woodstar, and Long-tailed Sylph. After breakfast we’ll explore some of the trails along the road to spot cloud forest birds such as the Southern White-crowned Tapaculo, Andean Guan, Scaly-naped Parrot, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, and various species of tanagers. Back to the lodge for lunch and a break before we continue birding the rest of the afternoon. We’ll spot the Rufous-breasted Wood Quail, Chestnut-collared Swift, Three-striped and Three-banded Warblers, Lanceolated Monklet, Russet Antshrike, Marble-faced Bristle Tyrant, Fulvous-breasted Flatbill, Golden-crowned Flycatcher, Golden-collared Honeycreeper, White-winged Tanager, Yellow-throated Bush Tanager and many more.

We’ll overnight in Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge.

DAY 6 COCK-OF-THE-ROCK LODGE – Villa Carmen Biological Station

After an early breakfast we hop into our vehicles and continue birding along the road down to Villa Carmen Station. The Amazonia Lodge has comfortable rooms . There is  Wi-Fi and electricity.

The rest of the day we will watch the hummingbirds and tanagers as you eat dinner and sip your hot drinks in the dining room.

We’ll overnight at the  Villa Carmen.

DAY 7-8 Villa Carmen Biological Station.

The lodge is in the transitional zone (at 1640 feet of elevation) where the last foothills of the Andes begin to flatten out into the lowland Amazon Basin. Butterfly bushes attract numerous hummingbird species including the Rufous-crested Coquette, Golden-tailed Sapphire, Blue-tailed Emerald, Black-eared Fairy, Wire-crested Thorntail, Amethyst Woodstar and the endemic Kopeck’s Hermit.. We will also see birds in floodplain and hill forest habitats. Some of the species we will be looking for include the Black-capped Tinamou, the Strange Hoatzin, Buckley’s Forest Falcon, Wattled Guan, Military Macaw, Blue-headed Macaw, Pheasant Cuckoo, Bluish-fronted Jacamar, Chestnut-capped Puffbird, Fine-barred Piculet, Red-billed Scythbill, Dark-breasted Spinetail, Dusky-cheeked Foliage-gleaner, Bamboo Antshrike, Chestnut-backed Antshrike, Amazonian and Thrush-like Antpittas, Rusty-belted Tapaculo, Mottle-backed Elaenia, Red-billed Tyrannulet, Johanne’s Tody-tyrant, Yellow-browed Tody-flycatcher, Black-backed Tody-Flycatcher, Ornate Flycatcher, Band-tailed, Fiery-capped and Round-tailed Manakins, Golden-bellied (Cusco) Warbler, Black-faced Dacnis and many more. We will go owling for the Mottled Owl, Black-banded Owl, Tawny-bellied Screech Owl along with Great, Long-tailed and Common Potoos.

We will visit two places where are feeding hummingbirds,crakes,antpittas and great place to see the king vulture at eye level.

• Overnights at Villa Carmen Biological Station

DAY 9 Villa Carmen biological station to Cusco

Today we will drive to Cusco city and wait for the next day to flight to the rain forest to visit the Tambopata National reserve.

• Overnight: Cusco

Day 10 Cusco to Chuncho Lodge in Puerto Maldonado.

Today we will flight to  city of Puerto Maldonado(rainforest) and we will drive the Road Interoceanica an average of 48 km, then enter a dirt road by middle of the forest for approximately 18 km to the banks of the Tambopata River. You will arrive at the Chunho Lodge in the late afternoon.

•  Overnight at Chuncho Lodge (L, D).

Day 11 Chuncho Clay Lick

We wake up very  early, at 4:30, to leave at 5:00 a.m. our destination, the world’s largest Macaw clay lick, a trip of approximately 1:30 hours boat trip, on the way we will have the incredible opportunity to see Capybaras, which are the largest rodents in the world, tapirs,  and you can even see the South American feline, the Jaguar, many of our customers (35%) have seen this beautiful cat  and they have photographic evidence of these encounters with these  mammals.

Once arrived to the Macaw clay lick we will see hundreds of parrots of different species who come to eat clay on the wall adjacent to the River. We will accommodate us in our chairs to wait to begin one of the most beautiful natural shows of the birds in the world. Species of large macaws the most colorful of America, reds and Greens, blue and yellows and the scarlet’s macaws gather to eat clay needed in they daily diet to eliminate toxins. Parrots such as the blue headed, orange cheek , white eyed, dusky headed, among other come every day to same place for same purpose.

Once we see all the activity we will go back to the lodge and spend the afternoon around the garden and the canopy tower.

• Night at Chuncho Lodge (B, L, D).

Day 12 Chuncho clay lick to Sandoval lake (Tambopata National Reserve)

After a good breakfast, our boat will take us to our car to journey back to Puerto Maldonado, the same path to get back to the city, once arrived in the city we will move to the main port of the city to begin another cruise within the reserve, this time our destination is the famous and beautiful Sandoval Lake. This is an oxbow lake in Tambopata national reserve. After approximately 40 minutes by boat, we started a 3 km hike through the forest until you reach the shore of the Lake. The place is spectacular, many birds, very good opportunity to see a lots of monkeys of several species such as the red howler monkey, brown capuchin, squirrel monkey, dusky tity and saddle back tamarin and some good opportunities see the family of giant river otters.

• Night at lodge .Includes B. L. D.

Day 13 Sandoval lake to Puerto Maldonado

Early in the morning we will explore again the Sandoval lake and in the afternoon go back to Puerto Maldonado and flight back to Lima.

DAY 1 CUSCO (OLLANTAYTAMBO) – ABRA MALAGA

After breakfast we’ll drive and get to wlak the  Polylepis woodland, looking for the  Royal Cinclodes, Ash-breasted Tit-Tyrant and White-browed Tit-Spinetail, Giant Conebill, Line-fronted and Junin Canasteros, Puna  Tapaculo, Stripe-headed Antpitta, Thick-billed Siskin, Tawny Tit-Spinetail, Red-rumped Bush-Tyrant and other species like Chestnut-breasted Mountain-Finch and Golden-billed Saltator.

Late in the afternoon near Ollantaytambo we will visit a place where they are feeding hummingbirds and some other birds (Yanahuara town)

We can see species like Giant Hummingbird, Green and white Hummingbird, Sword-billed Humminfbird, Black-tailed Trainbeared, Tiryan Metaltail, White-bellied Hummingbird, Sparkling Violeteared and some other hummers.

• Overnight : Ollantaytambo

Giant hummingbird

Day 2 Birding Abra Malaga- Cusco

We will wake up very early to  drive to the otherside of the  Abra Malaga pass at 4316mts and this side has elfin forest and cloud forest so we will birding looking for species like Unstreaked Tit-Tyrant, Golden-collared Tanager, Violet-throated Starfrontlet, Parodi´s Hemispingus, Marcapata Spinetail, Tit-like Dacnis, Cusco Brush-Finch, chestnut bellied mountain finch and others.

Red-and-White, Rufous and Undulated Antpitta are often heard so we will try to see some of them.

After a nice picnic lunch, we will look for some birds we did not see one day before.

Late in the afternoon we will go back to Cusco or Ollantaytmabo.

Sword billed hummingbird

Full day

We will wake up very early  fron Cusco or Ollantaytambo to get the Abra Malaga pass at 4316mts and continue to the opposite side of the pass Here we will look for  Unstreaked Tit-Tyrant, Golden-collared Tanager, Violet-throated Starfrontlet, Parodi´s Hemispingus, Marcapata Spinetail, Tit-like Dacnis, cusco Brush-Finch , chestnut bellied mountain tanager etc

Red-and-White, Rufous and Undulated Antpitta are often heard and with some luck we may be able to see some of them.

After seen some of those birds we will comeback to the pass  and walk to get the Polylepis woodland to look some species like Royal Cinclodes, Ash-breasted Tit-Tyrant and White-browed Tit-Spinetail, Giant Conebill, Line-fronted and Junin Canasteros, Puna Tapaculo, Stripe-headed Antpitta, Thick-billed Siskin, Tawny Tit-Spinetail, Red-rumped Bush-Tyrant,  we will probably encounter some ground-tyrants and other species like Chestnut-breasted Mountain-Finch and Golden-billed Saltator.

Late in the afternoon near Ollantaytambo we will visit a place where they are feeding hummingbirds and some other birds (Yanahuara town)

We can see species like Giant Hummingbird, Green and white Hummingbird, Sword-billed Humminfbird, Black-tailed Trainbeared, Tiryan Metaltail, White-bellied Hummingbird, Sparkling Violeteared and some other hummers.

Marcapata spinetail

Today we will start early from Cusco and drive for 1 hour to reach the Piuray lagoon, here we will find species such as Andean gulls, puna teals, yellow billed teals, andean teals, slate colored coot, common gallinule, burrowing owl, silvery greebe, brown bellied swallow,many colored rush tyrant,grenish yellow finch,plumbeus rail,spot winged pigeon,puna ibis,black faced ibis, then we continue to the sacred valley and visit the Yanahuara Hummingbird Sanctuary where we will see some species such as green and white hummingbird ,giant hummingbird,tiryan metaltail,sparkling violetear,shinning sunbeam, and other species around like creamy crested spinetail,chestnut breasted mountain finch, red crested cotinga etc.

After a good lunch we will go to Pachar where we will look for the Torrent duck, bearded mountaneer, andean swif, white browned chat tyrant..blue and yellow tanager,peruvian sierra finch,green and black tailed trainbearer.

Afterwards we will return to Cusco before nightfall.

Many colored rush tyrant

Half day Cusco

We will begin at 6:00 am or 6:30 am  and driving for about 30 minutes to get Huacarpay lake, as we slowly walk around the lake and marshy grassland we’ll look for two endemic species, the Bearded Mountaineer and the Rusty-fronted Canastero, as well as numerous other high Andean species like:

Wren-like Rushbird and Many-colored Rush-Tyrant are present in the reeds and Yellow-winged Blackbird can be found. The arid scrub around the lake holds the Peruvian endemic Rusty-fronted Canastero and Streak-fronted Thornbird. Bearded Mountaineer can be seen feeding in the tree tobacco along the roads and Giant Hummingbird occurs as well.

Bearded Mountaineer

Other birds:

White-tufted Grebe,  , Striated Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Puna Ibis, Cinereous Harrier, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Puna Hawk, Mountain Caracara, American Kestrel, Speckled Teal, Puna Teal, Yellow-billed Pintail, Cinnamon Teal, Andean Duck, Plumbeous Rail, Common Gallinule, Andean Coot, Andean Lapwing, , Wilson’s Phalarope, Andean Gull, Spot-winged Pigeon, Band-tailed Pigeon, Eared Dove, Bare-faced Ground Dove, White-collared Swift, Sparkling Violetear, Giant Hummingbird, Andean Flicker, Wren-like Rushbird, White-crested Elaenia, , Andean Negrito, Yellow-billed Tit-Tyrant, Tufted Tit-Tyrant, Many-colored Rush-Tyrant, House Wren, Chiguanco Thrush, Hooded Siskin, Yellow-winged Blackbird, Rufous-collared Sparrow, Blue-and-yellow Tanager, Greenish Yellow-Finch, Band-tailed Seedeater

At noon we will return to the city of Cusco.

DAY 1

Ollantaytambo – Malaga pass

Today we will star really early and we will birding along the road in both sides of the Abra malaga pass (4316m/14,160 ft)

As soon as we get the  elfin forest we will look for species like  Unstreaked Tit-Tyrant, plushcap, sword billed hummingbird,Violet-throated Starfrontlet, Parodi´s Hemispingus, Marcapata Spinetail, Tit-like Dacnis, Cusco Brush-Finch, chestnut bellied mountain tanager ,inca wren some antpittas also like Red-and-White, Rufous and Undulated antpittas.

For some people who are able to walk in a high altitude we can try to visit the polylepis forest where we can find some species like Royal Cinclodes, Ash-breasted Tit-Tyrant and White-browed Tit-Spinetail, Giant Conebill, Line-fronted and Junin canasteros, Puna  Tapaculo, Stripe-headed Antpitta, Thick-billed Siskin, Tawny Tit-Spinetail, Red-rumped Bush-Tyrant, mountain caracara and probably some ground tyrants.

Then we will drive to Mollepata town for 3 hours and half approximately.

• Overnight: Mollepata town

Day 2

Mollepata – Salkantay road – Cusco city

After the breakfast we will drive along the Salkantay -Soraypampa road looking for species like Creamy Crested Spinetail,Apurimac Spinetail, Apurimac Brush Finch, Vilcabamba Thistletail, White Tufted Sunbeam, Vilcabamba Thisthletail. Vilcabamba tapaculo, Red crested Cotinga, Creamy Winged Cinclodes, Tit Like Dacnis, Andean Condor, Mountain Caracara, Variable Hawk, Chestnut-breasted Mountain-Finch and Golden-billed Saltator.

Heading back to Cusco passing the Mollepata town we have some opportunities to see the white eared puffbirds and the pale tailed canastero then we will keep driving to Cusco city.

Cusco Brushfinch