Hummingbirds are among the most captivating birds in the world—tiny, vibrant, and full of personality. Found only in the Americas, these remarkable creatures have fascinated people for centuries, with names as magical as their colors: fairy, sylph, sunbeam, woodnymph. With their shimmering feathers and extraordinary flight skills, they are truly nature’s living jewels.

With this in mind, we’ve created a specialized 12-day tour for hummingbird lovers and photographers, offering extended time at well-maintained feeder stations, combined with light walks in hummingbird-rich habitats. This relaxed yet rewarding itinerary allows ample time for observation, photography, and quiet moments with these dazzling birds.

Over the course of the tour, we expect to see up to 76 hummingbird species, including 7 endemics—an incredible number in such a short period. But this experience is not just about quantity—it’s about enjoying intimate, quality encounters with Peru’s most spectacular species.

Tour Highlights

Lima & Pacific Slope Dry Valleys
We begin in the Lima region, where desert oases and scrublands are home to a unique set of coastal species. Here we focus on hummingbirds like the Peruvian Sheartail, Oasis Hummingbird, and Amazilia Hummingbird, often seen in flowering gardens and dry ravines.

Eastern Slope of the Andes (Tarapoto to Abra Patricia)
Next, we travel north to one of the most bird-diverse regions of the Andes. Between Tarapoto, Moyobamba, and Abra Patricia, we visit a network of private reserves and lodges that host some of Peru’s best hummingbird feeders. At these stops, it’s common to see up to 25 species in a single day. Some of the standout species include:

• Koepcke’s Hermit

• Gould’s Jewelfront

• Rufous-crested Coquette

• Wire-crested Thornbill

• Royal Sunangel

• Booted Racket-tail

• Sword-billed Hummingbird

• Rufous-vented Whitetip

The photographic opportunities here are extraordinary, with carefully designed setups and natural lighting conditions that allow for slow-paced, satisfying sessions.

Marañón Valley & Tributaries
In the final leg of the journey, we descend into the arid canyons and woodlands of the Marañón Valley, a region known for its high level of endemism. Target hummingbirds here include:

• Gray-bellied Comet

• Black Metaltail

• Coppery Metaltail

• Little Woodstar

• Spot-throated Hummingbird

These species inhabit dry montane scrub and remote valleys, offering a beautiful contrast to the lush forests of the eastern Andes.

More than Hummingbirds

While hummingbirds are the focus, this tour also brings opportunities to see many Peruvian specialties and regional endemics, including:

• Johnson’s Tody-Flycatcher

• Gray-winged Inca-Finch

• Cajamarca and Rusty-tinged Antpittas

• Yellow-scarfed Tanager

• Chestnut-backed Thornbird

• Yellow-faced Parrotlet

In total, the complete bird list for the tour includes over 600 species, including colorful tanagers, flycatchers, woodpeckers, and more.

This tour is perfect for birdwatchers and photographers who appreciate slow, immersive experiences, comfortable lodges, and expert guiding. Whether you’re building a life list, photographing your favorite species, or simply enjoying the wonder of hummingbirds in their native habitats, this journey offers an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of Peru’s avian beauty.