Southern Peru: Feathers & Traditions - September 2026
Dates: September 1 - 12, 2026
Leader: Doris Valencia Puclla
E-bird
Total Species: 142 birds
Click Here to view list.
Overall Summary
Early September marks the beginning of my guiding season in Cusco, and there is no better way to start than with one of my favorite and fairly new VENT itineraries, Feathers & Traditions. The name says it all: this tour combines the natural richness of the Andes and cloud forests with Peru’s cultural traditions, history, and everyday life. It is more than a birding trip; it is a way of experiencing Peru through feathers, landscapes, traditions, and, most importantly, people.
Our group of five first-time VENT travelers came together in Cusco on September 2. For me, there is something especially rewarding about showing people around my home region, not only its birds and landscapes but also my culture, people, and stories. The pace of this itinerary was another highlight. We started our mornings early enough for excellent bird activity, but never at unreasonable hours, and enjoyed hearty breakfasts and plenty of snacks and drinks throughout the day. The weather also cooperated beautifully, allowing us to follow the itinerary with only minor adjustments.
Our first birding took us to the high-elevation wetlands of Huacarpay, where we enjoyed ducks, ibises, gulls, passerines, and Chilean Flamingos. In the Urubamba Valley, two local hummingbird gardens provided fabulous views of several species, including the localized Bearded Mountaineer, Black-tailed Trainbearer, Tyrian Metaltail, and others. We were especially fortunate to encounter the elusive Undulated Antpitta, which allowed wonderful views and photographs thanks to the patience of Rocío, the garden owner.
The cultural side of the tour was equally memorable. At Moray, we enjoyed the mysterious concentric terraces almost entirely to ourselves before visiting my friend Flora and her Andean community. There, local women shared the traditional process of weaving, from preparing and spinning natural fibers to creating intricate designs on backstrap looms. Their stories highlighted both the beauty of these traditions and the challenges of keeping them alive for younger generations.
At Málaga Pass, reaching 14,200 feet, we enjoyed spectacular Andean scenery and excellent high-elevation birding. Highlights included Creamy-crested Spinetail, White-tufted Sunbeam, Tit-like Dacnis, Puna and Andean Ibises, and a Rufous-webbed Bush-Tyrant, a species I do not encounter often.
Machu Picchu was, of course, one of the trip’s highlights. Two full days allowed us to explore the archaeological site without rushing while also enjoying excellent birding around the hotel and trails, including Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Gould’s Inca, Versicolored Barbet, and the elusive Blue-banded Toucanet.
In the Apurímac Valley, we found several Apurímac Brushfinches, Red-crested Cotinga, and the endemic Koepcke’s Screech-Owl. The hike to the condor lookout was another unforgettable moment, with a magnificent male Andean Condor soaring remarkably close above the canyon.
We finished in Cusco, exploring Qorikancha, Sacsayhuamán, and other historic sites, with enjoyable birding along the way. Evenings were filled with delicious Peruvian food, conversation, laughter, and two birthday celebrations.
Looking back, this tour embodied exactly what I hoped Feathers & Traditions would become: a journey where birds, landscapes, history, food, and living traditions come together. For me, guiding this group was a privilege, and I hope our travelers felt the same. Peru has so much to share with those who come looking for feathers, but also for the stories behind them.
Day-by-Day Summary
September 1 - Arrival in Lima
Arrive in Lima and settle into a conveniently located airport hotel to rest after the journey and prepare for flight to Cusco next day.
September 2 - Lima – Cusco – Huacarpay – Sacred Valley
Fly to Cusco and gently acclimate while birding Huacarpay Wetlands for Puna Teal, Cinereous Harrier, Andean Lapwing and Puna Ibis. Continue to Urubamba Valley for Bearded Mountaineer, Sparkling Violetear, Giant Hummingbird, and Black-tailed Trainbearer before visiting the archaeological site of Pisac.
September 3 - Moray – Maras – Sacred Valley
Explore the circular Inca terraces of Moray, an extraordinary agricultural center. Nearby habitats offer White-browed Chat-Tyrant, Rusty-fronted Canastero, and Andean Ibis. Visit local weaving community to learn about Andean textiles. Walk the historic Maras Salt Pans, where salt has been harvested for centuries, then enjoy lunch surrounded by bird-filled gardens with Tyrian Metaltail, Shining Sunbeam, and more.
September 4 - Abra Málaga – Ollantaytambo
Ascend Abra Málaga through temperate forest, puna grasslands, and upper montane forest. Mixed flocks may include Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager, Spectacled Redstart and White-winged Tyrannulet. Search bamboo patches for Inca Wren and Marcapata Spinetail, then explore the massive stone terraces and lively town of Ollantaytambo.
September 5 - Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu
Take a scenic train through deep river gorges into the lush cloud forests of Machu Picchu. Explore gardens for tanagers, flowerpiercers, Green-and-white Hummingbird, Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, and Andean Motmot. Afternoon guided visit to Machu Picchu, with spectacular archaeology, mountain vistas, and White-tipped Swifts overhead.
September 6 - Machu Picchu – Optional Morning
Choose a second morning visit to Machu Picchu for photography and archaeology, or enjoy relaxed birding around the hotel gardens and forest edges for Saffron-crwoned Tanager, Speckle-faced Parrot, Blue-naped Chlorophonia, and mixed flocks. Afternoon at leisure to rest, shop, or simply enjoy the surroundings.
September 7 - Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Apurímac Valley
Return by train to Ollantaytambo, then travel west through changing Andean landscapes toward the Apurímac Valley. Afternoon birding focuses on the endemic Apurímac Brush-Finch & Spineatail. After dinner, an evening owling session near camp offers possibilities for Buff-fronted Owl and the endemic Koepcke’s Screech-Owl.
September 8 - Chonta – Andean Condors – Cusco
Walk to the dramatic Chonta viewpoint, where Andean Condors rise on morning thermals above spectacular canyon scenery. Explore the surrounding puna slopes for canasteros, ground-tyrants, Andean Tinamou, and other highland species before continuing to Cusco in the afternoon.
September 9 - Cusco – Inca Heritage & Andean Traditions
Visit Qorikancha, the fabled Temple of the Sun, then explore San Pedro Market and the artisan quarter of San Blas for textiles, crafts, local foods, and everyday Andean life. Evening visit to the Cusco Planetarium for southern-sky constellations and Andean astronomical traditions.
September 10 - Sacsayhuamán – Huayllarcocha – Farewell
Bird among the massive stones of Sacsayhuamán for Andean Flicker & sierra finches. Continue to Huayllarcocha Lagoon for Andean Goose, Yellow-billed Teal, Plumbeous Rail, and other waterbirds. Celebrate the journey with a farewell dinner in historic Cusco.
September 11 - Cusco – Lima
Morning transfer to Cusco airport and flight to Lima. Settle into a conveniently located airport hotel and enjoy a relaxed afternoon to rest, explore or prepare for the journey home.
September 12 - Departure
Enjoy a final morning at leisure for rest, repacking, or one last taste of Peruvian cuisine before departing Lima for home.
Wildlife Seen:
Wild Guinea Pig (Cavia tschudii)
Anomalous Cercosaura (Machupicchu lizard)
Andean White-eared Wooly Opossum (Didelphis pernigra)
Bolivian Squirrel (Sciurus ignitus)