Southern Peru: Birding the Enchanting Manu Road - October 2026
Dates: October 1 - 11, 2026
Leader: Doris Valencia
E-bird
Total Species: 233 birds
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Overall Summary
Our journey along the legendary Manu Road was once again a wonderful reminder of why this extraordinary corner of Peru ranks among the world's finest birding destinations. With five enthusiastic travelers, we explored an astonishing variety of habitats, from the high Andean wetlands near Cusco to the lush cloud forests and Amazonian foothills, recording an impressive list of 233 bird species despite unusually dry conditions and reduced bird vocal activity.
Our adventure began at the Huacarpay Wetlands upon the group's arrival in Cusco, where Chilean Flamingos and an assortment of Andean waterbirds welcomed us before we crossed the Andes and descended into Manu's magnificent cloud forest. At Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge, one of our most memorable experiences was watching up to 10 brilliantly colored male Andean Cock-of-the-rocks performing their spectacular courtship displays. The surrounding forests and gardens delighted us with remarkable hummingbirds, including the localized Buff-tailed Sicklebill, which came to a perch and just hung in there, giving us killer looks; the endemic Peruvian Piedtail; and a fabulous male Wire-crested Thorntail, among several others. Wonderful encounters with three species of monkeys added another exciting dimension to our days.
Descending into the Amazonian foothills, we spent three exceptional nights at Manu Biostation, where the birding was particularly rewarding. Highlights included an Amazonian Umbrellabird at its nest during our drive, the fascinating and bird-celebrity Hoatzin, beautiful Capped Herons, and memorable encounters with three elusive tinamou species. One unforgettable moment came when an Amazonian Antpitta perched in full view and vocalized, allowing us to observe its remarkable behavior.
A visit to a family-run hummingbird garden established by Ada and Yonatan was especially rewarding, offering outstanding views of the localized Butterfly Coquette, Rufous-sided Crakes, a nesting Fine-barred Piculet, and a roosting Common Potoo. Equally meaningful was learning about the conservation and scientific research taking place at Manu Biostation.
Our final destination, Wayqecha Biological Station, introduced us to the fascinating upper montane forests, where Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Barred Fruiteater, and several beautiful mountain tanagers were among our highlights. Particularly exciting were encounters with three antpitta species: the endemic Urubamba and Red-and-white Antpittas and the near-endemic Leymebamba Antpitta. On our last morning, another family-run garden rewarded us with exceptional views of an Undulated Antpitta and the inspiring enthusiasm of a young, aspiring local bird guide.
Beyond the impressive birdlife, this journey highlighted the importance of conservation, habitat restoration, scientific research, and community involvement in protecting these remarkable ecosystems.
Although the forest was noticeably drier and quieter than in previous years, our group enjoyed outstanding wildlife encounters, beautiful landscapes, and memorable experiences throughout the journey. Manu remains a truly exceptional destination, where breathtaking biodiversity and dedicated conservation efforts come together to create an unforgettable natural history experience.
Day-by-Day Summary
October 1 - Arrive in Lima, night at Grand Costa del Sol Airport Hotel, conveniently located across from the terminal. Evening at leisure.
October 2 - Morning assistance for flight to Cusco (10,990 ft) upon arrival meet main guide and begin the descent toward Manu National Park. Bird at Laguna Huacarpay for Puna Ibis, White-tufted Grebe. Drive pass the charming town of Paucartambo, continue and cross Ajanacu Pass (12,000 ft) into lush eastern slopes alive with tanagers, mountain-toucans, and orchids. Continue to Cock of the Rock Lodge (5,000 ft) in the Kosñipata Valley.
October 3 - Two full days exploring forest trails and roadside birding.Visit the Andean Cock-of-the-rock lek for spectacular morning displays.Look for quetzals, hummingbirds, and tanagers in flowering trees.Evening excursions for owls and Lyre-tailed Nightjar.
October 4 - Two full days exploring forest trails and roadside birding for colorful tanagers, quetzal, hummingbirds and more.
October 5 - Travel from cloud forest into humid foothill rainforest. Excellent roadside birding for Black-streaked Puffbird, Crested Oropendola, Black-backed Today-flycatcher. Arrive at Manu Biological Station in mid-afternoon on time for birding around lodge clearing (1,800 ft).
October 6 - Explore forest trails and gardens rich with hummingbirds and tanagers. Search for White-lined Antbird, Goeldi’s Antbird, and Blue-headed Macaw. Visit local feeding stations for Green & Purple Honeycreeper and Turquoise Tanager.
October 7 - Explore forest trails, lodge gardens & clearing excellent for Black-tailed Trogon, Scarlet-hooded Barbet, Blue-throated Piping Guan and many more.
October 8 - Ascend through transitional forest back into the high Andes. Stop for mixed flocks of tanagers and flowerpiercers, plus Blue-banded Toucanet and Inca Flycatcher. Arrive at Wayquecha Biological Station (10,000 ft) by afternoon on time to enjoy gardens for Long-tailed Sylph, Shining Sunbeam & Amethyst-throated Sunangel.
October 9 - Morning birding for Andean Guan, Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager and endemics Red-and-white & Urubamba Antpitta. Possible encounters with Chestnut-crested Cotinga and Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan.
October 10 - Early birding or orchid garden visit before departure. Scenic drive back to Cusco with birding stops for mountain species. Afternoon flight back to Lima; overnight at Grand Costa del Sol Airport Hotel.
October 11 - Morning departures from Lima for return flights to the United States.
Wildlife Seen:
Common Wooly Monkey
Tufted Capuchin Monkey
Common Squirrel Monkey
Brown Agouti
Bolivian Squirrel
Bicolored-spined Porcupine
Long-nosed bats
Tegu Lizard
Ameiva Lizard