A relaxed 7-day “Birding and Inca Culture” tour in southern Peru. The tour focuses on the most iconic historic sites around Lima and Cuzco. These excursions are mixed with birding activities around the archaeological sites, along with visits to well-known birding spots in the Cuzco area.

First, the tour devotes a half day to visit the city of Lima. Of course, the city centre still preserves its colonial spirit in its buildings and streets. Moreover, we include a visit to the Larco Museum, Lima’s most important and impressive museum. The museum features exquisite art from the Incan and pre-Incan periods. In fact, the most remarkable artifacts are the silver and gold artwork pieces.

Then, the “Birding and Inca Culture” tour explores the rich cultural heritage of the city of Cuzco and its surroundings. Upon arriving in Cuzco, the tour visits the City Cathedral and the Temple of the Sun. Other important historic site is the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, built with immense stones weighing up to 120 tons. Also, we visit the archaeological sites of Pisac and Ollantaytambo; and the Incan salt pans of Maras.

Of course, the itinerary includes ample time for birdwatching at well-known birding spots around Cuzco. The tour visits lake Huacarpay, the Sacsayhaman fortress, the humid forest around Machu Picchu, and the road to Abra Malaga. Important bird species for this trip are Rusty-fronted Canastero, Bearded Mountaineer, Andean Gull, Giant Hummingbird, Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, White-tufted Sunbeam, just to mention a few. Expect to see about 200 bird species during this trip.

In brief, our “Birding and Inca Culture” tour offers a well-balanced experience of Peruvian culture and birdwatching.