Cusco, Condors, Tambopata (EA110)
This birding package offers a great routine to see hundreds of species en few days near Cusco and at the Tambopata National Reserve. See Andean condors soaring in deep canyons, waterbirds from highland lagoons near Cusco, and visit a large and spectacular macaw clay lick in the Tambopata River. Get many more species for your list!
We will observe hundreds of species en few days near Cusco and the Tambopata National Reserve including lots of Andean birds, the Andean Condor, several endemics of Peru and beautiful and colorful rainforest birds such us many large wild macaws and parrots, toucans, tanagers, woodcreepers, and antbirds in relatively short-time. Ideal for photography and digiscoping. One of the best options for any softcore or hardcore birder. Extension to Machu Picchu available upon request.
Available throughout the year
Itinerary
- Day 1: Cusco / Optional: City Tour
- The Cusco, Condor, Tambopata tour starts by arriving to Cusco. Transfer from the Cusco’s international airport to the hotel. Free afternoon
- Day 2: Cusco-Limatambo-Chonta-Sacsayhuamán –Cusco
- Early departure towards the subtropical valleys of Limatambo to see the incredible Andean Condor that domain the heights of the Apurimac Canyon. This day will end visiting the outskirts of the Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park. Our guide and driver will organize several convenient stops to see Andean birds from small wetlands, shrubby vegetation and mixed woodlands along the road to Limatambo. We also will see the Black-Chested Buzzard Eagle, Variable Hawk, Aplomado Falcon, Puna Ibis, Eared Dove, Andean Lapwing, Giant Hummingbird, Golden-billed Saltator, Hooded Siskin, and some endemics such as the Apurimac Brush-Finch, Apurimac Spinetail, White-tufted Sunbeam, Chestnut-breasted Mountain Finch, Creamy Creasted Spinetail and Rusty fronted Canastero. (B, Box L)
- Day 3: Huacarpay Lagoons – Sacred Valley of the Incas –Cusco
- Today we will visit the Southern part of the Cusco Valley to explore the Huacarpay in search of resident and migratory species along the wetland margins and surrounding woodlands and rocky terrain. During the early morning we will see the Andean Caracara, Cinereous Harrier, several ducks such as Yellow-Billed, Puna and Cinnamon Teals, Yellow-billed Pintail, Ruddy Duck, also White-tufted Grebe, Plumbeous Rail, Andean Coot, Andean Gull, Streak-fronted Thornbird, Wren-like Rushbird, Many-colored Rush Tyrant and Yellow-winged Blackbird. The next part will be to drive along the Vilcanota River to travel the warm and greener Sacred Valley of the Incas and have a delicious buffet lunch. Good location to see the Andean Flicker, Andean Negrito, Sparkling Violetear, Black tailed and Green-tailed Trainbearers, White-crested Elaenia, Yellow-billed Tit-Tyrant, White-browed Chat-Tyrant, Rufous-naped and Spot-billed Ground-Tyrants, Greenish Yellow-Finch, Peruvian Sierra-Finch, Mourning Sierra-Finch, Bare-eyed Ground Dove and many more. Back to Cusco and transfer to your hotel. (B, L)
- Day 4: Cusco-Puerto Maldonado- Tambopata National Reserve
- Flight to Puerto Maldonado. Immediate to arrival there will be a transfer to the small port at the Tambopata River to travel up the Tambopata River until the Sachavacayoc Lodge. As we travel this rainforest river we will pass large tracks of successional forests, beaches and terra firme cliffs. Great opportunity to see spectacular species of the Amazon such as the White-throated Toucan, Chestnut-eared Aracari, several species of parakeets, parrots and large macaws including the Mealy Parrot, Yellow-headed Macaw, Blue-headed Parrot, Chestnut-fronted Macaw, Red-bellied Macaw, Capped Heron, Sand-colored Nightjar, Black Caracara, flycatcher, Orinoco Goose, Pied Lapwing, Road-side Hawk, Black and Yellow-headed vultures, Black Skimmer, and other species along river beaches, banks and forests. At Sachavacayoc Lodge, the forest is more pristine and high canopies show Piping y Spix´s Guans, several colorful frugivores like Paradise Tanager, Sayaca Tanager, Green-and-Gold Tanager, Black-faced Dacnis, and other canopy specialists. The towering rainforest also show many species of wood creepers, woodpeckers and antbirds very active in the lower forest levels. Besides birds we will see some monkey species as well and there is always a chance to spot some rainforest mammals along beaches and river banks. We will be birding until sunset and after our dinner we will visit some trails to see and hear nocturnal birds such as Great and Common Potoo, Tawny Screech Owl, Horned Owl, Spectacled Owl, and many other. Night at Finca Sachavacayoc. (B, L, D)
- Day 5: Tambopata National Reserve – Macaw Clay Lick –Condenado Oxbow Lake
- Early departure to the Chuncho Macaw Claylick inside the Tambopata National Reserve. This clay lick in the Chuncho River allows views of several species of small and medium parrots and large macaws. Large numbers of Mealy and Yellow Parrots, Red-bellied Macaw, Chestnut-fronted Macaw, Red-and-Green Macaw, Blue-and-Yellow Macaw and Scarlet Macaw could be observed and photographed. Breakfast will be served while you observe this active clay lick that offers a unique and unforgettable nature spectacle. Later river trip down the Tambopata River and hike to Condenado Oxbow Lake to see more river side species and also more birds from primary rainforest and an oxbow lake. Among the species to be found are the White-necked Heron, Jabiru Stork, Roseate Spatula, Horned Screamer, Muscovy Duck, Amazon Kingfisher, Ringed Kingfisher, Grey-necked Wood-Rail, Yellow-rumped Oriole, Purus Jacamar, Collared Hawk, Great Black Hawk, King Condor, Bat Falcon, Russet-backed Oropendolas, Purple and Violaceous Jays, and more. Back to Finca Sacavacayoc. More owling after dinner. (B, L, D)
- Day 6: Tambopata River – Puerto Maldonado – Flight to Cusco/Lima
- Breakfast while enjoying roaring distant calls of Red-howler Monkeys and also close calls of tinamues, motmots and other frenzy morning bird calls. We leave the Tambopata River as we return to Puerto Maldonado to get our bus transfer to the international airport. Flight to Cusco/Lima. (B)
Included
- Transfer in/out
- Private transport
- Birding guide
- Entrance fees
- Accommodation: 03 nights in Cusco – hotels 3 stars and 02 nights in Finca Sachavacayoq
- Meals described in itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, Box Lunch and D=dinner)
- Flight ticket Cusco – Puerto Maldonado
Not Included
- City tour
- Meals not mentioned
- Flight Puerto Maldonado – Cusco/Lima
- Personal expenses
- Medical insurance
- Alcoholic drinks
- Sodas
- Phone calls
- Tips
Request Info