Birding Abra Malaga & Machu Picchu Tour – 3 Days
| Difficulty: Moderate
Discover Peru’s Avian Wonders and Ancient Mysteries
Designed for passionate birdwatchers, dedicated nature lovers, and aspiring wildlife photographers, this exclusive 3-day tour immerses you in the breathtaking landscapes of Peru’s high Andes and the lush cloud forests of the Cusco region. Prepare for an unparalleled Peru birdwatching tour experience, where the thrill of spotting rare and endemic bird species in the renowned Abra Malaga birding hotspot culminates in the awe-inspiring cultural journey to Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This unique itinerary seamlessly blends world-class Andean birding with the historical grandeur of the Incan Empire, offering exceptional Machu Picchu wildlife photography opportunities.
Tour Highlights: Your Journey into Peru’s Natural and Cultural Heritage
- Expert-Guided Birding Expedition: Explore diverse ecosystems, from the high Andean peaks to the vibrant cloud forests, accompanied by a knowledgeable Peruvian expert birding guide. Gain insights into Peru’s rich avian biodiversity and discover prime habitats for elusive species.
- Spot Endemic & Rare Bird Species: Witness unique and elusive birds found only in this region, including the highly sought-after Parodi’s Hemispingus, Chestnut-breasted Mountain Finch, and the iconic Andean Cock-of-the-rock. This tour is a dream for those seeking endemic Peruvian birds and exceptional bird photography moments.
- Machu Picchu at Sunrise Experience: Experience the magic of the ancient Incan citadel bathed in the golden morning light. Combine your passion for nature with cultural exploration, offering unique perspectives for Machu Picchu birding and Incan citadel photography.
- Personalized & Seamless Service: Enjoy a meticulously planned and tailored experience from start to finish, ensuring maximum comfort and focus on your birding and cultural adventure.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco to Abra Malaga – High Andean Birding & Polylepis Forest Exploration
Your Peru birding adventure begins with an early pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 AM. Enjoy a scenic drive through the picturesque Sacred Valley of the Incas in our private transportation, ascending towards the legendary Abra Malaga (4,300m / 14,107ft). This high Andean pass is a globally recognized birding hotspot and a crucial habitat for numerous specialized species.
Our intensive birdwatching experience commences amidst the unique Polylepis forest, a critical ecosystem for many rare and endemic bird species. Here, we may spot the elusive Parodi’s Hemispingus, the vibrant Chestnut-breasted Mountain Finch, the striking White-tufted Sunbeam, the charming Cusco Brush Finch, and the enigmatic Inca Wren. Other potential sightings include various Tit-tyrants, the Creamy-crested Spinetail, and the Rusty-fronted Canastero. This area provides unparalleled opportunities for high Andean bird photography.
After a delightful picnic lunch amidst the stunning high Andean landscape, we continue our descent, encountering even more diverse Andean bird species along the way. By evening, we arrive at the comfortable Huayopata Lodge (1,890m / 6,200ft) for a delicious dinner and a restful overnight stay, surrounded by the sounds of the cloud forest.
Day 2: Huayopata to Aguas Calientes – Cloud Forest Birding & Urubamba River Wildlife
Wake up to the symphony of nature and embark on an invigorating morning birding session around the lodge, discovering more incredible species inhabiting the cloud forest ecosystem.
After a hearty breakfast, we head to the rejuvenating Cocalmayo Hot Springs in Santa Teresa (1,511m / 4,957ft), where you can relax in the warm, natural waters surrounded by lush jungle. After an hour and a half of rejuvenation, we continue to Hidroelectrica for lunch, preparing for the next leg of our Peru wildlife tour.
From Hidroelectrica, we begin a scenic hike along the Urubamba River, a vibrant corridor for diverse avian life. This riparian habitat is home to the magnificent Andean Cock-of-the-rock, the colorful Blue-gray Tanager, the distinctive Andean Motmot, the delicate Speckled Hummingbird, the iridescent Collared Inca, the unique Booted Racket-tail, the striking Masked Trogon, the intelligent Green Jay, and the melodious Oropendola. This section is particularly rewarding for wildlife photography enthusiasts seeking diverse species in a stunning natural setting.
Arriving in Aguas Calientes (2,040m / 6,692ft) in the late afternoon, the gateway to Machu Picchu, we check into our comfortable hotel, enjoy dinner, and rest for the highly anticipated day ahead.
Day 3: Machu Picchu to Cusco – Incan Citadel Birding & Historical Exploration
After an early breakfast at the hotel, we take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu (2,400m / 7,874ft) to witness the unforgettable sunrise over this world-famous Incan citadel. This iconic moment offers breathtaking panoramic views and incredible Machu Picchu photography opportunities.
Before delving into the archaeological wonders, we dedicate time to birdwatching within the Machu Picchu sanctuary, a unique chance to observe species like the Inca Wren and the vibrant Green-and-White Hummingbird, which are commonly seen in the area. This provides exceptional opportunities for Machu Picchu wildlife photography against the backdrop of ancient ruins.
Afterward, we embark on a comprehensive guided tour of Machu Picchu, uncovering its fascinating history, architectural marvels, and the mysteries of the Incan civilization. Our expert guide will bring the ancient city to life, providing deep insights into its significance.
Following our enriching visit, we return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before taking a scenic train ride with panoramic windows to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private transportation will comfortably drive you back to your hotel in Cusco, concluding your extraordinary Peru birding and cultural tour.
What’s Included?
- Pre-Departure Briefing: A detailed tour briefing at your hotel before departure, ensuring you are fully prepared for your Peru birding adventure.
- Transportation: Private vehicle from Cusco to Hidroelectrica and from Ollantaytambo to Cusco, ensuring comfortable and efficient transfers,Train with panoramic windows from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, offering stunning scenic views. Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu, for convenient access to the citadel.
- Accommodation: Ipal Eco Lodge (Night 1) – Double occupancy, providing a tranquil retreat in the cloud forest, Hotel in Aguas Calientes (Night 2) – Double occupancy (Upgrades available upon request), strategically located for early access to Machu Picchu.
- Meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners. Enjoy delicious and nourishing meals throughout your journey. (Vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options available – please specify dietary needs when booking.)
- Entrance Fees: Cocalmayo Hot Springs (Santa Teresa), Machu Picchu – Your entry to the iconic Incan citadel.
- Expert Bilingual Birding Guide: A highly experienced and knowledgeable guide specializing in Peruvian bird species and the local ecosystems, ensuring an enriching birdwatching experience.
Not Included
- First breakfast (Day 1)
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes (Day 3)
- Tips & personal expenses
Tour Pricing & Private Group Rates
At Birding Peru Trips, we offer 100% private birding tours in Peru, including the iconic Birding Abra Malaga & Machu Picchu experience. Perfect for birders, wildlife lovers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts, our tours are designed for flexibility, comfort, and the best possible sightings.
Group Size and Price Per Person (USD)
- 1 Person: USD 1590.00 per person
- 2 Persons: USD 930.00 per person
- 3 Persons: USD 790.00 per person
- 4 Persons: USD 730.00 per person
- 5 Persons: USD 680.00 per person
- 6 Persons: USD 660.00 per person
Custom Groups (6+ Travelers)
Traveling in a larger group? We offer custom private birding tours in Peru with an additional guide to ensure the best experience.
Contact us today to plan your Birding Abra Malaga & Machu Picchu tour in Peru and receive a personalized quote.
Essential Packing List
Preparing for a Peru birding tour requires careful consideration of the diverse ecosystems you will encounter, from the high-altitude Polylepis forests of Abra Malaga to the humid cloud forests of Machu Picchu. To ensure you have the best experience spotting endemic Peruvian birds and capturing stunning wildlife photography, we recommend the following gear and clothing.
- Optics: Binoculars (8×42 or 10×42), Spotting Scope
- Clothing:The weather in the Cusco region can change rapidly. You will experience freezing temperatures at the mountain passes and warm, humid conditions near Aguas Calientes. Layering is the most effective strategy.
- Insulation: A high-quality fleece or down jacket is mandatory for the Abra Malaga birding portion of the trip.
- Outer Shell: A breathable, waterproof rain jacket and pants. The cloud forest is named for its frequent mist and rain.
- Footwear: Waterproof trekking boots with excellent grip for muddy trails and uneven Incan stone paths.
- Colors: Wear neutral colors like olive, brown, or khaki to blend into the environment and avoid startling the birds.
- Sun Protection: High-SPF sunscreen, lip balm, and a wide-brimmed hat. The Andean sun is exceptionally strong due to the altitude.
- Insect Repellent: A strong repellent with DEET or Picaridin is essential for the lower elevations and the hike along the Urubamba River.
- Altitude Management: Consider bringing altitude sickness medication (consult your doctor) and stay hydrated with plenty of water.
- Daypack: A comfortable, waterproof 20-30L backpack to carry your gear, water, and extra layers during the day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To help you plan your ultimate Peru birdwatching tour, we have compiled answers to the most common questions asked by our travelers, birders, and photographers.
1. What is the best time of year for birding in Abra Malaga and Machu Picchu?
The best time for birding in Peru is generally during the dry season, which runs from April to October. During these months, the trails are clearer, and the weather is more predictable for photography. However, the “shoulder” months of March and November can also be excellent, as many birds are active and vocal. The rainy season (December to March) offers lush landscapes but can make high-altitude birding at Abra Malaga more challenging due to fog and rain.
2. Which endemic bird species can I expect to see on this tour?
This 3-day itinerary is specifically designed to target some of Peru’s most iconic endemics. At Abra Malaga, we search for the Royal Cinclodes, White-browed Tit-Spinetail, and Parodi’s Hemispingus. In the cloud forests near Machu Picchu, you have a high chance of seeing the Inca Wren, Green-and-white Hummingbird, and the spectacular Andean Cock-of-the-rock.
3. Is this tour suitable for professional wildlife photographers?
Absolutely. We understand the needs of wildlife photographers. Our guides are experienced in positioning groups for the best light and angles. We visit key leks and feeding stations where you can capture high-quality images of tanagers, hummingbirds, and trogons. Please note that while tripods are great for the cloud forest, they are generally restricted inside the Machu Picchu citadel unless you have a special permit.
4. How difficult is the hiking on this birding trip?
The difficulty is rated as moderate. The most challenging part is the altitude at Abra Malaga (over 4,300 meters). We move slowly to accommodate birding and photography, but you should be in good physical condition. The walk from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes is flat but takes about 3 hours. We recommend spending at least two days in Cusco prior to the tour to acclimate to the altitude.
5. What are the group sizes for your birding tours?
To ensure a personalized experience and minimize disturbance to wildlife, we keep our groups small, typically between 2 to 8 participants. This allows our expert birding guides to provide individual attention and ensures everyone gets a clear view through the spotting scope.
6. Are binoculars and field guides provided?
We recommend that all participants bring their own binoculars (8×42 is ideal) for the best experience. However, our guides always carry a high-end spotting scope for the group to share. We also have reference field guides available, but many birders prefer to bring their own copy of “Birds of Peru” for personal notes.
7. Do I need a special permit for birding in Machu Picchu?
Your standard Machu Picchu entry ticket allows you to see many birds within the sanctuary. However, our tour is timed to enter early when bird activity is highest. We handle all the logistics, including train tickets, bus transfers, and entrance fees, so you can focus entirely on the Machu Picchu wildlife photography and birding.
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