The department of Cusco presents a great diversity of bird species, both local and migratory, which are appreciated by ornithologists and enthusiasts from all over the world.

The Tambomachay valley is located in the northern part of the city of Cusco and is one of the best spots for the sighting of some specific species of birds of the region, especially within the archaeological park of Saqsayhuaman.

This birding program takes you walking through polylepis forest and grasslands (Andean thatch), and some Inca remains.

This program combines grasslands and polylepis forests, agricultural areas, archaeological sites not frequently visited.

Highlights

• Nature
• Polylepis Woodland and grassland
• Lagoon birds
• Endemic birds
• Archaeological Sites

We pick you up at your hotel at 5:30 a.m. to drive to the Wayllarcocha lagoon to start our activities. In this place we will observe some lagoon birds. From here we walk in the direction of the Huayllarcocha Community, here we start our hike uphill, in order to see birds in their natural habitat and around the field houses, such as Thrushes, Seed eaters, Tanagers, Hummingbirds, Tinamous, Wrens, Finches, Chat-tyrants and others.

We continue walking upwards to reach the meadow and polylepis forest, here is the best spot to observe some endemic birds such as:

• Creamy crested Spinetail
• Rusty fronted Canastero
• Junín Canastero
• Crestnut-breasted Mountain-finch

Also, we can find other birds such as:

• Streak fronted Thornbird
• Streak-throated Canastero
• Streak-backed Canastero
• Buffed-breasted Earthcreeper
• Andean Tinamou
• Taczanowski’s Tinamou
• Tit-like Dacnis
• Yellow-billed Tit-Tyrant
• D’Orbignys’ Chat-Tyrant
• Brown-Backd Chat-Tyrant
• Band-Tailed Seedeater
• Plain-Colored Seedeater
• Andean Hillstar
• Black-Tailed Trainbearer
• Giant Humminbird
• Black-Troated Flowerpiercer
• Shining Sunbeam
• And much more…

You can also see finches, seed eaters and Tit tyrants. Then to leave this valley we walk up to reach some grassland, have a great view of Cusco city and its surroundings, this is a good place to observe Raptors, Cinclodes, Miners, Earth creepers, Gulls.

We finish the walking tour at Huayllarcocha community, ending our tour program and returning to Cusco, leaving you at your hotel.

Includes:

• Snacks
• Entrance ticket
• Professional guide specialized in birds and photography

Not included:

• Other requirements
• Birdwatching equipment*
• Gratuities recommended for staff
• Services not mentioned

* If you don’t have some of the required equipment, we can rent one.

To enjoy our tour, don’t forget to bring:

• Passport or ISIC card OBLIGATORY
• Binoculars
• Tripod and a spotting scope (if you have one).
• Photograph equipment
• Extra batteries
• Camouflaged clothes
• Sun block SPF 45 – 90
• Hat or cap for the sun and sunglasses
• Raincoats or rain ponchos (all year)
• Extra cash in (soles and dollars, optional).