Amazon Birding & Machu Picchu Adventure 7-Day

Day-by-Day Itinerary: Your Journey Through Peru’s Amazon & Andes

Day 1: Arrival in Lima – Gateway to Peru’s Wonders

Your Peruvian adventure begins in Lima, the vibrant capital city. Upon your international arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), our dedicated team will warmly greet you and provide a comfortable, seamless transfer to your carefully selected hotel. Take this opportunity to relax and acclimate after your journey, anticipating the incredible birding and cultural experiences that await you in the days ahead. Prepare for an immersive exploration of Peru’s diverse landscapes and rich heritage.

Day 2: Flight to Puerto Maldonado & Immersion in Tambopata Amazon

After a refreshing night, we embark on an early morning flight from Lima to Puerto Maldonado, often referred to as the gateway to the Peruvian Amazon. From here, our journey continues deep into the heart of the Tambopata National Reserve, a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot. This pristine lowland rainforest ecosystem is home to an astonishing array of wildlife, including the majestic Harpy Eagle (a rare but possible sighting), elusive Jaguars, playful Giant Otters, and an incredible diversity of bird species such as vibrant toucans, colorful trogons, and secretive antbirds. You’ll spend the night in a comfortable, eco-friendly jungle lodge, fully immersed in the sights and sounds of the Amazon rainforest, ready for your first true Amazon birding experience.

Day 3: The Spectacle of Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick & Rainforest Trails

Rise before dawn for one of the Amazon’s most extraordinary and visually stunning spectacles: the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick. Located deep within the Tambopata National Reserve, this world-famous site attracts hundreds of macaws, parrots, and parakeets daily. Witness and photograph dozens of Scarlet Macaws, Red-and-green Macaws, and Blue-and-yellow Macaws, alongside various species of parrots and parakeets, as they descend to feed on the mineral-rich clay – a truly unforgettable wildlife photography opportunity. Later, we’ll explore the intricate network of rainforest trails, searching for troops of monkeys, elusive forest raptors, and a myriad of other tropical bird species. Overnight at the Chuncho Lodge, surrounded by the nocturnal symphony of the Amazon.

Day 4: Sandoval Lake – Oxbow Lake Birding & Giant Otter Quest

Today, our Peru wildlife tour takes us to the enchanting Sandoval Lake, a classic Amazon oxbow lake renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. We’ll glide silently by canoe, offering intimate encounters with aquatic species. Keep your binoculars ready for the unique, prehistoric-looking Hoatzin, the elegant Agami Heron, the striking Sungrebe, the vocal Horned Screamer, and the diminutive American Pygmy Kingfisher. With a stroke of luck, we may also encounter the endangered Giant Otter, often seen fishing in the lake’s rich waters. As dusk settles, we return to the lodge for an evening walk, listening for the calls of owls and nightjars, adding another layer to your Amazon birding experience.

Day 5: Flight to Cusco & Sacred Valley Hummingbird Haven

We bid farewell to the Amazon and return to Puerto Maldonado for a scenic short flight to Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. From Cusco, we transfer to the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. Here, amidst the stunning Andean scenery, the gardens of our charming hotel become a haven for spectacular hummingbirds. We’ll search for dazzling species such as the endemic Bearded Mountaineer and the elegant Green-tailed Trainbearer, offering fantastic bird photography opportunities against a backdrop of ancient Inca terraces. Overnight in Ollantaytambo, preparing for the wonders of Machu Picchu.

Day 6: Machu Picchu Birding & Ancient Inca Marvel

Today is a highlight of your Peru cultural and birding tour. We board a scenic train to Aguas Calientes, the town nestled at the base of Machu Picchu, and then ascend to the legendary Machu Picchu – one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Our expert guides will lead you through its iconic ruins, revealing the secrets of this ancient Inca citadel and its breathtaking mountain setting. While exploring this archaeological marvel, we’ll also dedicate time to Machu Picchu birding in the surrounding cloud forest. Keep an eye out for unique species such as the highly sought-after endemic Inca Wren, the colorful Masked Fruiteater, the iridescent Green-and-white Hummingbird, and the striking Andean Cock-of-the-rock. Along the Urubamba River, we’ll search for the distinctive Torrent Duck and the White-capped Dipper. Overnight in Aguas Calientes, with the magic of Machu Picchu still fresh in your mind.

Day 7: Return to Cusco & Departure – A Journey’s End

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Aguas Calientes, perhaps with some final birding around the hotel grounds or a leisurely stroll. We then begin our return journey by train and Private transportation to Cusco, where you will be transferred to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) for your onward flight. This marks the end of your unforgettable Amazon birding and Machu Picchu adventure, leaving you with cherished memories of Peru’s incredible wildlife, ancient history, and vibrant culture.

Target Wildlife & Birds: A Birder’s Paradise

Peru is a treasure trove for birders, and this tour is designed to maximize your sightings of its most iconic and endemic species. Our expert guides will help you identify and appreciate the diverse avian life:

• Macaws & Parrots: Witness the dazzling display of Scarlet Macaws, Red-and-green Macaws, and Blue-and-yellow Macaws at the Chuncho Clay Lick, alongside various species of parrots and parakeets, providing spectacular bird photography opportunities.
• Amazon Highlights: Encounter unique Amazonian species such as the prehistoric-looking Hoatzin, the elegant Sungrebe, the striking Agami Heron, and the elusive Giant Otter (mammal), a true gem of the rainforest.
• Andean Cloud Forest Birds: Discover the avian wonders of the high Andes, including Peru’s endemic Inca Wren, the vibrant Masked Fruiteater, and the iconic Andean Cock-of-the-rock – Peru’s national bird. Look for various tanagers and other colorful montane species.
• Raptors & Waterbirds: Keep an eye to the skies for powerful raptors like the majestic Harpy Eagle (rare but possible) and various forest hawks. Along rivers, spot the distinctive Torrent Duck and the White-capped Dipper.
• Hummingbirds: Marvel at the iridescent beauty of Peru’s hummingbirds, including the impressive Sword-billed Hummingbird, the unique Bearded Mountaineer, the elegant Green-tailed Trainbearer, and the vibrant Green-and-white Hummingbird. These tiny jewels offer incredible photographic subjects.