Birding Abra Malaga Full Day
| Difficulty: Moderate
Unleash Your Inner Birder: Discover Peru’s Avian Wonders on the Abra Malaga Full Day Tour
Embark on an unforgettable birding adventure in Peru with our exclusive Birding Abra Malaga Full Day tour. Designed for passionate birdwatchers, nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and avian photographers, this immersive experience takes you deep into the heart of the Andean cloud forests and high-altitude ecosystems, revealing a spectacular array of endemic birds and breathtaking landscapes. If you’re searching for the best birding tours in Peru or a full-day birdwatching trip from Cusco, your quest ends here.
Why Abra Malaga is a Birder’s Paradise
The legendary Abra Malaga Pass, nestled within the majestic Peruvian Andes, stands as a premier destination for birding in Peru. This incredible area is a vibrant tapestry of diverse ecosystems, including expansive valleys, unique Puna grasslands, rare Polylepis forests, and dense Chusquea bamboo patches. This rich biodiversity makes Abra Malaga highly recommended for anyone seeking rare bird sightings in Peru and an unparalleled Andean birding experience.
One of the most compelling aspects of the Malaga Pass is the extraordinary opportunity to birdwatch within the Polylepis Woodlands. These ancient, gnarled forests represent one of the rarest and most threatened ecosystems on Earth. Polylepis is a genus of 28 recognized shrub and tree species, exclusively found in the mid- and high-elevation regions of the tropical Andes. These woodlands are not only ecologically significant due to their restricted distribution but also harbor a unique avian community, making them a focal point for conservation birding and eco-tourism in Peru.
Our birding tour specifically targets the Thastayoq Polylepis Reserve, a critical habitat where highly restricted Andean bird species thrive, many of which are endemic to Peru. This commitment to exploring such vital ecosystems ensures a truly unique and rewarding wildlife observation experience.
The Abra Malaga Itinerary
Your full-day birding expedition begins with an early start from Cusco at 5:00 AM. For your convenience, we offer pickups from various locations in the Sacred Valley, including Urubamba, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo. Our comfortable private transport will whisk you along the scenic Cusco-La Convencion road, ascending towards the iconic Abra Malaga Pass (4440 m – 14,435 ft).
Upon reaching the pass, a short, invigorating walk leads us directly into a pristine patch of Polylepis Forest. This carefully curated birding hike spans approximately 4 miles, with a gentle 10% uphill climb and a predominantly downhill descent (90%). This accessible trail allows for focused bird photography and observation without strenuous effort, making it an easy birding trip suitable for most fitness levels.
Despite its seemingly small size, this particular Polylepis Forest represents less than 5% of the remaining original woodlands, yet it serves as a vital sanctuary for an astonishing array of Andean birds. Here, you’ll have the chance to spot highly sought-after species such as the Ash-breasted Tit-Tyrant (near-endemic), the elusive Royal Cinclodes (endemic to Peru), the charming White-browed Tit-Spinetail (endemic to Peru), and the distinctive Tawny Tit-Spinetail. Other incredible sightings may include the Striped-headed Antpitta,Giant Conebill, Cordilleran Canastero,Black Siskin,Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant, Lined-fronted Canastero, Tit-like Dacnis, Blue-mantled Thornbill, Thick-billed Siskin, and majestic raptors like the Andean Condor and Mountain Caracara. Depending on the season, various ground-tyrants can also be observed in the paramo.
As our rewarding birding trek concludes, our private transport will meet us at a designated point on the road, ready to transfer you back to Cusco or the Urubamba Valley, ensuring a comfortable and seamless return after a day filled with Peruvian avian wonders.
What’s Included
We ensure a hassle-free and enriching birding tour with comprehensive inclusions:
- Pre-Departure Briefing: A comprehensive and detailed tour briefing conducted at your hotel in Cusco prior to your departure, ensuring you are fully prepared for your Andean adventure.
- Private Transport: Comfortable, dedicated vehicle for your entire journey from pickup to drop-off.
- Professional Birding Guide: An expert, passionate, and knowledgeable local birding guide who will enhance your experience with their insights into Peruvian birdlife and ecosystems.
- Entrance Fee: All necessary entrance fees, including access to the exclusive Thastayoq Polylepis Reserve, are covered.
- Delicious Meals: Enjoy a freshly prepared box lunch, refreshing mineral water, and an assortment of snacks and fruits to keep you energized throughout your birdwatching adventure.
Not Included
- Soft Drinks (available for purchase)
- This Abra Malaga Full Day Birding Tour is recognized as a premier birding day trip from Cusco, offering an accessible yet incredibly rewarding opportunity to witness the rich biodiversity of Peru.
PRICES FOR THIS TOUR:
- 1 Person: USD 700.00 per person
- 2 Persons: USD 420.00 per person
- 3 Persons: USD 320.00 per person
- 4 Persons: USD 250.00 per person
- 5 Persons: USD 230.00 per person
- 6 Persons: USD 210.00 per person
- 7 Persons: USD 200.00 per person
- 8 Persons: USD 195.00 per person
Packing List for Your Birding Adventure:
- Current passport is required. If your passport expired between booking and starting
your tour, bring both the old and new passports! - Short-sleeved
- Shirts, long-sleeved shirts, fleece, thermals, wool socks, lightweight pants,warm hat
- Smallpack to carry things that you will need during the day
- Rain gear or poncho
- Hiking boots with ankle support
- Binocular,Camera,fil and batteries
- Hydrating face and body lotion
- Sun block and insect repellent
- Water bottles (Nalgene or metal ones are required, plastic bottles are not allowed)
- Toilet paper and tissues
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