Manu Amazon Birdwatching & Photography Expedition – 4 Days / 3 Nights
The Manu Amazon Birdwatching & Photography Expedition is a 4-day / 3-night immersive journey into one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. Located in southeastern Peru, Manu National Park is globally recognized as a top birdwatching destination, home to over 1,000 bird species, including macaws, toucans, hummingbirds, tanagers, and rare endemic Amazonian birds.
Designed specifically for birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, and nature lovers, this expedition offers strategic photography locations, expert local guides, and access to pristine Amazon rainforest habitats rarely visited by mass tourism. With carefully timed outings at dawn and dusk, this tour maximizes light conditions, bird activity, and photographic opportunities.
This is not a sightseeing trip — it is a true birding and photography expedition in the Amazon.
A Premier Bird Photography Tour in Peru
Our birdwatching tours Peru focus on quality sightings and photographic results rather than rushed itineraries. The route passes through some of the best cloud forest birdwatching Peru zones, home to iconic species such as tanagers, trogons, hummingbirds, toucans, and cotingas. As we descend toward the Amazon, the diversity increases dramatically, offering unforgettable tropical bird photography tour opportunities.
This Manu cloud forest bird photography expedition also highlights mammals, reptiles, and macro subjects, making it a complete birding & wildlife tour Peru. It is consistently ranked among the best bird photography tours Peru due to its biodiversity, logistics, and expert leadership.
Why Choose This Birdwatching Adventure in Peru?
Expert-led guided birdwatching tours Manu
Exceptional Amazon birdwatching photography Peru locations
Ideal for wildlife and nature photography Peru
Small groups for personalized instruction
Carefully timed for peak bird activity
Whether you are an experienced birder or a passionate photographer, this bird photography tour Amazon offers one of the richest visual and ecological experiences in South America.
Book birdwatching photography tour today and explore why Manu is considered the crown jewel of Peru birdwatching tour packages.
Manu National Park Birdwatching & Photography Tour
Early departure from Cusco along the scenic Manu Road.
Birding en route in the high Andes: Mountain Caracara, Andean Flicker, Hooded Siskin.
Afternoon arrival and birding near Wayqecha Lodge, a gateway to the Cloud Forest.
Targets: Grey-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager, Barred Fruiteater.
Night at Wayqecha Lodge.
Day 1: Cusco – Wayqecha Cloud Forest Lodge (2900 m)
Sunrise photography and birding in the cloud forest.
Midday descent into the lush mid-elevation zone.
Stop at hummingbird feeders and orchid-rich trails.
Late afternoon visit to the Cock-of-the-Rock lek – chance to photograph vibrant males in display!
Targets: Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Versicolored Barbet, Blue-banded Toucanet.
Night at Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge
Day 2: Wayqecha – Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge (1600 m)
Morning birding around the lodge – great light for photography.
Descend into the lowland rainforest, observing the dramatic change in bird species.
Arrival at Manu Biological Station Lodge – deep in the jungle.
Afternoon riverbank birding and photography session.
Targets: Hoatzin, Amazonian Umbrellabird, Cream-colored Woodpecker, Chestnut-fronted Macaw.
Night at Biological Station Lodge.
Day 3: Cock-of-the-Rock – Manu Biological Station (500 m)
Day 4: Manu Biological Station – Cusco
Early morning boat ride or trail walk for dawn bird activity.
Depart mid-morning for return journey to Cusco with birding stops en route.
Final checklist session and photo sharing.
Why Photographers Love This Tour
What's Included:
Golden hours in each zone with flexible time to set up tripods and shoot.
Multiple ecosystems: Highland, cloud forest, and lowland rainforest in one trip.
Lodges with feeding stations and proximity to trails.
Chance to capture over 300 bird species in just 4 days.
Expert bilingual guides with birding scopes and photographer-friendly pacing.
Wayqecha Biological Station & Cloud Forest Lodge ???
Location: ~2,900 meters above sea level, on the edge of the cloud forest near the entrance to Manu National Park.
Purpose & Importance:Managed by ACCA (Asociación para la Conservación de la Cuenca Amazónica).
Functions as a high-elevation research station, protecting a transitional zone between the Andes and the Amazon.
Home to many cloud forest endemics, orchids, mosses, and rare birds like the Grey-breasted Mountain-Toucan.
Supports long-term ecological studies on climate change, species migration, and biodiversity.
For Nature & Conservation:
Preserves fragile cloud forest ecosystems that are highly sensitive to climate shifts.
Hosts scientists and students conducting biodiversity and ecosystem research.
Offers eco-friendly lodging for birders, photographers, and nature lovers to support conservation financially.
Private ground transport from Cusco
3 nights lodging: Wayqecha, Cock-of-the-Rock, Biological Station
All meals and snacks
Birding guide with photography experience
Entrance fees and permits.
Manu Learning Centre / Manu Biological Station Lodge
Location: ~500 meters elevation in the lowland Amazon rainforest, along the Madre de Dios River.
Purpose & Importance:Operated by CREES Foundation, a conservation NGO.
Acts as a lowland Amazon research station in one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
Focuses on forest regeneration, wildlife monitoring, and community engagement.
For Nature & Conservation:
Located in regenerating rainforest—shows how nature rebounds with the right support.
Important site for studying Amazon ecology, mammals, birds, reptiles, and plants.
Provides environmental education and promotes sustainable tourism as an alternative to deforestation.
Why Visit These Stations on a Birding Tour?You're directly supporting conservation-based tourism.
You get access to prime wildlife habitats not overrun by general tourism.
Your stay helps fund research, reforestation, and local employment.
Price Birding person: 2026
1.- traveller $2300.00
2.- travellers $1300.00
4.- travellers $1200.00
6+ travellers $1100.00.
