Birds of the Northern Kingdoms of Peru Pre-trip

Peruvian Plantcutter © Andrew Whittaker

A multi-themed program blending history, culture, and birds. Northern Peru showcases the less visited archaeological treasures, monumental pyramids, and adobe brick cities of the pre-Inca nations of the north combined with excellent birding and natural history observation.

The archaeological wonders of northern Peru serve as a window onto Peru’s earliest complex societies. Stretching from the modern-day cities of Chiclayo to Trujillo, the Pacific-hugging landscape was the setting for cultures that flourished here long ago, cultures sustained by the life-giving, nutrient-rich waters of the Pacific coast environment. On this short trip, we’ll travel the territory of the former Moche and Chimú kingdoms on an epic adventure promising a fascinating blend of birding and cultural highlights. The territory of this part of Peru is laced with ancient pre-Inca sites like the massive and largest adobe complex of Chan Chan, the exquisitely decorated Temple of the Moon, the most modern and highly acclaimed Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum, and the enormous Túcume Pyramids surrounded by lush and unique Algarrobo forests. Our birding and natural history pursuits will focus on the famous Tumbesian bio-region, an endemic bird area with many range-restricted species such as the Peruvian Plantcutter, Tumbes Tyrant, Rufous Flycatcher, Tumbes Swallow, and the rare, enigmatic White-winged Guan. Key birding locations include the Pomac Forest Historical Sanctuary with its protected mesquite forest, the Chaparri Ecological Reserve, the forested valleys around Casupe, and the Dam of Tinajones. Central to the amazing mix of culture and birds, this trip brings exposure to the wonders of the famous Peruvian cuisine. The menus offered by the lodges and restaurants will reflect the country’s unique fusion of cooking styles. During our days of travel, we will certainly indulge our palates with an unparalleled gastronomic experience in a country that has become one of the top culinary destinations in the world.

Accommodations range from good to excellent; delicious Peruvian world-class cuisine; birding activities intermingled with walking tours and visits to archaeological wonders; one long drive with various stops; travel by comfortable air-conditioned van; tour pace moderate with midday breaks; easy walking on well-kept trails; highest elevation 2,000 ft.; warm to hot dry weather expected, little chance of rain unless experienced by the Niño event.

Royal Tombs of the Lord of Sipan © Doris Valencia