This 15-day adventure is crafted for passionate birders who want to experience Peru’s rich avian diversity without missing the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu, the legendary Inca citadel. While the itinerary emphasizes intense birding, it also includes one full day to enjoy the awe-inspiring history and scenery of one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites.

We begin the tour with a day of birding along the coastal wetlands and rocky shores near Lima, where we search for Humboldt Penguins, Inca Terns, and the distinctive Peruvian Thick-knee—a perfect start to our birding journey.

Next, we travel to Cusco, gateway to the eastern slopes of the Andes. For the next 10 days, we will be birding along the renowned Manu Road, one of the most biodiverse birding routes on Earth. Our first stop is the Wayqecha Cloud Forest Lodge, where we explore high-elevation grasslands and elfin forests in the buffer zone of Manu National Park. Species here include Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Puna Thistletail, and Masked Flowerpiercer.

We then descend to the Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge, where we enjoy close views of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock at its display lek, as well as vibrant flocks of tanagers, barbets, and hummingbirds at the feeders. Continuing to lower elevations, we stay at Manu Biolodge, where the warmer climate and lush foothill forest bring a spike in bird diversity—including Amazonian Umbrellabird, Blue-headed Macaw, and dozens of antbirds, manakins, and flycatchers.

After thoroughly birding the Manu Road, we return to Cusco for a highlight of the trip: Machu Picchu. Alongside the awe-inspiring ruins, we’ll search for specialties such as the Inca Wren, Green-and-white Hummingbird, and mixed flocks of tanagers in the surrounding cloud forest.

To complete our route, we travel to the Abra Málaga pass, a montane hotspot famous for its Polylepis forest specialists, including rare and highly localized species such as the Royal Cinclodes, Ash-breasted Tit-Tyrant, and White-browed Tit-Spinetail.

This tour is ideal for experienced birders who seek high bird diversity, scenic variety, and a taste of Peruvian history and culture. The pace is active but balanced, with expert guides, private transport, and carefully chosen accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges to biological stations with great access to the birds.