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ANDEAN WORLDS OF BIRDS & HISTORY
Southern Peru: Feathers & Traditions
Southern Peru blends world-class birding with some of the most extraordinary cultural sites on Earth. This relaxed yet immersive journey moves from the Inca capital of Cusco through the Sacred Valley, cloud-draped Machu Picchu, and the grand Apurimac Canyon. Each day pairs iconic landscapes with exceptional Andean birdlife—Giant and Sword-billed hummingbirds, regional endemics like Bearded Mountaineer and White-tufted Sunbeam, and condors rising over vast canyon walls. Along the way, we explore bustling markets, ancient ruins, rich food traditions, and living Andean culture. It’s a beautifully balanced bird-and-culture experience led by expert Peruvian naturalist Doris Valencia.
Starting At
$8,275 per person
12 Days
12 Days
10 Guests
Pace
Tour Overview
Winter transforms Southeastern Arizona into a birder’s paradise. Against a backdrop of golden grasslands and rugged mountain canyons, the region’s signature species shine: Arizona and Gila Woodpeckers clatter in the mesquites, Vermilion Flycatchers flash over desert ponds, and Bridled Titmice flit through oak canopies. Even the uncommon Whiskered Screech-Owl may call from sycamore groves after dusk.
This is also raptor season. Desert skies come alive with Red-tailed and Ferruginous Hawks, Northern Harriers, Prairie Falcons, and the occasional Golden Eagle. On the open flats, wintering sparrows number in the thousands, joined by Green-tailed Towhee, Brewer’s Sparrow, and the rare Rufous-winged Sparrow. At dawn in the Sulphur Springs Valley, the sight and sound of 20,000 Sandhill Cranes filling the sky creates an unforgettable spectacle.
The season also attracts wanderers from Mexico—Ruddy Ground-Dove, Rufous-backed Robin, or the elusive Rufous-capped Warbler—making every day a chance for discovery. From the oak-clad Santa Rita Mountains to the riparian corridors of Patagonia and the wetlands of Sweetwater, our journey through Southeastern Arizona is rich in variety, beauty, and birdlife.
Using Tucson as our comfortable single base, we’ll enjoy six days of exploration and one of the most satisfying winter birding experiences in the country.
Ecosystems Experienced
Southern Peru brings together river-fed wetlands, the fertile terraces of the Sacred Valley, windswept páramo at 14,000 feet, lush cloud forests around Machu Picchu, and deep Andean canyons carved over millennia. Hummingbird gardens glow with flowering shrubs; mossy ridges shimmer with orchids and bromeliads; and high lakes reflect the jagged silhouettes of the surrounding peaks. It’s a region where dramatic geological forces, ancient agriculture, and rich biodiversity meet in a single, breathtaking tapestry.
Expected Climate
Temperature
Expect a wide range of conditions shaped by elevation: mild to warm days in the Sacred Valley, crisp mornings at higher passes like Abra Malaga, and pleasantly cool cloud forest conditions near Machu Picchu. Higher elevations around 13,000–14,000 feet can feel cold at dawn but warm comfortably in the sun. Evenings in Cusco and the Apurimac region are cool and refreshing.
Rainfall
Most days are dry and luminous, especially in the Sacred Valley and highlands, though afternoon clouds can build quickly. Occasional showers are possible throughout the itinerary, with increased likelihood of mist and light rain around Machu Picchu’s cloud forest. Rain is typically short-lived and often adds to the drama of the landscape.
Seasons
Southern Peru’s dry season brings clear skies, sweeping views, and exceptional bird activity, particularly in high Andean habitats. Cloud forest areas remain green and vibrant year-round, with hummingbirds and mixed flocks most active during the cool mornings. Cultural life continues in full rhythm, with markets, agricultural terraces, and local festivals reflecting the region’s living Andean heritage.
Key Species
Giant Hummingbird
Andean Condor
Sword-billed Hummingbird
Leader
+ Local Leader
Doris Valencia
Primary Leader
Peruvian birder and conservationist dedicated to guiding, reforestation, and empowering women in ecotourism while sharing her deep knowledge of Peru’s natural and cultural heritage.
Read MoreItinerary
Day 1
Travel to and arrive in Lima before settling in near the airport for rest from travel.
Optional evening walk for coastal air and first impressions of Peru’s capital.
Turn in early to prepare for tomorrow’s flight into the Andes.
Day 2
Fly to Cusco and gently acclimate while birding the open marshes of Huacarpay for Puna Teal, Cinereous Harrier, Andean Lapwing, and rust-and-gold canasteros.
Continue to Pisac, scanning scrubby slopes for Bearded Mountaineer, Sparkling Violetear, and mixed-flock tanagers.
Continue to Pisac, scanning scrubby slopes for Bearded Mountaineer, Sparkling Violetear, and mixed-flock tanagers.
Day 3
Wander hummingbird gardens in Yanahuara alive with Giant Hummingbird, White-bellied Hummingbird, and regional endemics feeding among bright verbena stands.
Explore the circular Inca terraces of Moray, watching for sierra finches and hillside flycatchers amid sweeping views.
Walk the famed Maras Salt Pans, where Andean Swallows and tanagers course along the canyon walls.
Day 4
Ascend to Abra Malaga, transitioning from temperate forest to high páramo where Sword-billed Hummingbirds, Shining Sunbeams, and Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanagers move through the flowering shrubs.
Scan bamboo patches for Inca Wren and the elusive White-tufted Sunbeam.
Afternoon visit to the massive stone terraces and storied ruins of Ollantaytambo.
Day 5
Scenic train ride through deep river gorges to Machu Picchu’s lush cloud forest.
Explore gardens alive with tanagers, flowerpiercers, and hummingbirds including Green-and-white Hummingbird.
Guided tour of Machu Picchu, with time for sweeping vistas, archaeology, and soaring swifts overhead.
Day 6
Optional second visit to Machu Picchu for morning photography, archaeology, or birding along quieter paths.
Bird the surrounding gardens and forest edges for Andean Motmot, Golden-crowned Tanager, and mixed flocks.
Afternoon at leisure to rest, shop, or enjoy the setting’s dramatic beauty.
Day 7
Train back to Ollantaytambo, then travel west through changing Andean landscapes toward the Apurimac Valley.
Afternoon birding for Apurimac Brush-Finch, Chestnut-breasted Mountain-Finch, and hillside flycatchers.
Evening owling session near camp for Andean Pygmy-Owl and other nocturnal surprises.
Day 8
Walk to the dramatic Chonta viewpoint where Andean Condors rise on morning thermals over staggering canyon vistas.
Explore the surrounding puna slopes for canasteros, ground-tyrants, and Andean tinamous.
Afternoon drive to Cusco with scenic stops along high-mountain passes.
Day 9
Visit Koricancha, the Temple of the Sun, blending Inca stonework with colonial architecture.
Explore San Pedro Market and the artisan quarter of San Blas for textiles, crafts, and daily Andean life.
Evening at the Cusco Planetarium for southern-sky constellations and Andean astronomical traditions.
Day 10
Bird among the giant stones of Sacsayhuaman, scanning eucalyptus edges and open ridgelines for Andean Flicker, Black-tailed Trainbearer, and sierra finches.
Visit Huayllarcocha Lagoon for Andean waterbirds, grassland species, and late-trip photography.
Celebrate with a farewell dinner in historic Cusco.
Day 11
Morning transfer to Cusco airport and flight to Lima.
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon near the coast or optional birding walk depending on flight arrival.
Turn in for the evening for one final night in Peru.
Day 12
Final morning at leisure for rest, repacking, or one last taste of Peruvian cuisine before transferring to the airport for departures home.
What’s Included
Accomodations & Dining
Settle into comfortable accommodations with modern amenities. Enjoy freshly prepared meals that highlight local flavors and international favorites, with consideration for any dietary needs.
Guided Services & Gratuities
Experience each destination with the help of Leaders who share history, culture, and wildlife insights. Gratuities for crew and local guides are included, ensuring seamless service without extra concerns; tipping for your Leaders is discretionary and not included.
Active Essentials
Every tour includes the core elements that make our field experiences possible so you can stay engaged with a range of activities. All outings include the necessary equipment and full safety support, making it easy to join at your own pace.
Transportation & Logistics
We coordinate every transfer, from airport pickup to port boarding. Whether traveling by bus, boat, or charter, our team ensures smooth connections and stress-free travel.
FAQs
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