Among the world’s hummingbirds—those jewels of the air—the Purple-backed Sunbeam holds a very special place. Endemic to a few isolated ridges in northern Peru, this dazzling and mysterious species has captivated birders for decades. Elusive, radiant, and found nowhere else on Earth, it is the crown jewel of this focused journey.

But the road to the Sunbeam offers many other marvels.

We begin along the arid slopes outside Lima, where the desert meets the Andes. Here, among cactus-dotted hills and rugged cliffs, we search for Peruvian Sheartail, Amazilia Hummingbird, Black-breasted Hillstar, and the high-elevation Olivaceous Thornbill. The scenery is stark and dramatic, and surprises abound—Andean Condor, Diademed Plover, and Black Siskin are all possible.

From there, we fly north to Cajamarca, gateway to the central Andes. These montane valleys host some of Peru’s most prized hummingbirds: the glowing Grey-bellied Comet, the bold Black Metaltail, the subtle Spot-throated Hummingbird, and the iconic Giant Hummingbird—the largest of its kind. Higher slopes offer Green-headed Hillstar and Shining Sunbeam, shimmering through crisp Andean air.

As we move eastward toward Cajabamba and Huamachuco, the landscape changes—and so do the birds. Here, the forest fragments and alpine scrub host endemics like Buff-bridled Inca-Finch, Rusty-crowned Tit-spinetail, Striated Earthcreeper, and the charismatic Tit-like Dacnis.

And finally, in the high ridges near El Molino, we reach the climax of the trip. With patience and a bit of luck, we may observe the stunning Purple-backed Sunbeam—iridescent, enigmatic, and utterly unforgettable. For many, this is a bucket-list bird, a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

After seeing the Sunbeam, we descend to the coastal city of Trujillo, where the main journey comes to an end. For those who wish to keep the magic going, optional tour extensions are available—designed to explore new regions and search for even more dazzling hummingbird species.

The Purple-backed Sunbeam tour has been designed for those who appreciate the art of seeking rare birds in wild places. The pace is balanced, the landscapes grand, and the reward… unmatched.

If hummingbirds move your heart, this journey is calling.