Birdwatching & Wildlife Photography Tour Peru Abra Málaga, Machu Picchu & Manu National Park 10 Days
The Birdwatching & Wildlife Photography Tour Peru – Abra Málaga, Machu Picchu & Manu National Park is a 10-day immersive birding and photography expedition designed for birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, and nature lovers seeking Peru’s most biodiverse regions in one expertly guided journey.
This tour connects three of the best birding destinations in Peru:
Abra Málaga Pass – a legendary high-Andean birdwatching hotspot
Machu Picchu cloud forest – rich in hummingbirds and endemic species
Manu National Park – one of the most biodiverse places on Earth
With professional local guides, strategic photography locations, and carefully paced days, this tour offers exceptional bird photography opportunities, deep ecological diversity, and access to over 1,000 bird species, including many endemics.
This is not a standard birding tour — it is a carefully curated wildlife photography experience in Peru, optimized for light, species diversity, and ethical observation.
Tour Highlights
Abra Málaga Birdwatching – Start your journey in the spectacular Andes cloud forests, home to diverse Andes cloud forest birds and spectacular high-altitude species.
Cusco Birdwatching Tour – Explore the rich habitats around Cusco with guided birdwatching Peru, spotting endemic and regional specialties.
Machu Picchu Birding Tour – Combine culture and nature on this unforgettable segment, ideal for spotting rare Andean birds and enjoying panoramic vistas.
Manu National Park Birdwatching – Spend several days in the legendary Manu Biosphere, one of the richest birding ecosystems on Earth, perfect for Manu rainforest birding and seeing iconic species.
Endemic Bird Species Peru – Throughout the journey, encounter Peru’s incredible array of endemics and sought-after sightings with support from expert birding guides Peru.
What You’ll See
This birdwatching adventure Manu & Machu Picchu delivers extraordinary wildlife moments:
Hundreds of species from Andes cloud forests to Amazon lowlands
Opportunities to photograph spectacular birds for wildlife photography Peru
A focus on rare and birds of Peru endemic species
Why This is One of the Best Birding Tours in South America
Our itinerary is recognized as one of the best birding tours in Peru and South America due to:
A balanced route linking mountain, cloud forest, and rainforest ecosystems — the best birdwatching route Peru
Small group sizes and experienced naturalist guides with deep local knowledge
Comfort, safety, and logistics tailored for serious birders and photographers
Ideal For
This is your perfect birdwatching vacation Peru if you are:
A passionate birder seeking diversity — from hummingbirds to macaws
A nature photographer aiming for stunning shots of Amazon & Andes birdwatching
Looking for an immersive Peru birding adventure with cultural richness
Manu National Park Birding Amazon Rainforest Paradise
Today we leave at 5:30am from the hotel heading towards laguna Huacarpay which will take approximately 45 minutes where we can see the ENDEMIC ***Bearded Mountaineer (Oreonympha nobilis) that is a special hummingbird found in the area. It is not the only hummingbird you can see in the region of Cusco but it does not exist in other parts of the world. We can also observe many other types of birds such as: Plumbeous rail (Pardirallus sanguinolentus), Cinnamon teal (Anas cyanoptera), Puna teal (Anas puna),Yellow billed pintail (Anas georgica),White tufted grebe (Rollandia rolland),Cinereous harrier (Circus cinereus), Black chested buzzard Eagle (Geranoaetus melanoleucus), Streak fronted thornbird (Phacellodomus striaticeps), Many colored rush tyrant (Tachuris rubrigastra), ***Rusty fronted canastero (Asthenes ottonis),and ***Creamy crested spinetail (Cranioleuca albicapilla),which are also an ENDEMIC birds, and many others; afterwards, we will have a quick breakfast and then continue looking for more birds around the lake. Later we will take the bus to Manu. Later we arrive in the highest part of the tour to have lunch at the entrance of the national park of Manu (3565masl.) From hear we will enter the cloud forest to see tanagers hummingbirds, antpittas, tyranulets, flycatchers, toucans and toucanets and many other bird species. We will arrive to our lodge Huayquecha around 4:30pm. At night before sleep we will look for Swallow tailed nightjars.
DAY 1: CUSCO – HUACARPAY - HUAYQUECHA BIOLOGICAL STATION.
DAY 2: HUAYQUECHA BIOLOGICAL STATION - COCK OF THE ROCK LODGE
Today we will head to Cock of the Rock lodge. In the way we will search birds such as: Golden collared tanager (Iridosornis jelskii),Grass green Tanager (Chlorornis riefferii), Scaled metaltail (Metallura aeneocauda), Mountain Cacique (Cacicus chrysonotus), white collared jay (Cyanolyca viridicyanus), Barred parakeet (Bolborhynchus lineola), Barred fruiteater (Pipreola arcuata), Band tailed fruiteater (Pipreola intermedia), *** Marcapata Spinetail (Cranioleuca marcapatae), Red and white antpitta (Grallaria erythroleuca), Blue Banded Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus coeruleicinctis), Hooded Mountain Tanager (Buthraupis montana), Black and Chestnut Eagle (Spizaetus isidori), Black solitary Eagle (Buteogallus solitarius), White throated Antpitta (Grallaria albigula), Slaty Tanager (Creurgops dentatus),Slaty Backed Chat tyrant (Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris), Fulvous Wren (Cinnycerthia fulva), Chestnut crested Cotinga (Ampelion rufaxilla), Crested Quetzal (Pharomachrus antisianus),Golden Headed Quetzal (Pharomachrus auriceps), Black Streaked Puffbird (Malacoptila fulvogularis),Yellow Throated Tanager (Iridosornis analis), Buff Breasted Mountain Tanager (Dubusia taeniata),Superciliary Hemispingus (Hemispingus superciliaris) and many more. This night we will look for Rufous-bellied Nighthawk (Lurocalis rufiventris).
DAY 3: COCK OF THE ROCK LODGE ALL DAY.
In order to visit the “Lek” of the Peruvian National Bird called the Andean Cock of the Rock we will have to start the tour very early in the morning. At the lek we can see the “Gallito de las Rocas” displaying; besides the Andean Cock of the Rock we can also see species like: White crowned Tapaculo (Scytalopus atratus), Yungas Manakin (Chiroxiphia boliviana),Crested Quetzal (Pharomachrus antisianus), Versicolored Barbet (Eubucco versicolor), Orange Eared Tanager (Chlorochrysa calliparaea), Highland Motmot (Momotus aequatorialis), and many more. After the morning activity we will return to the lodge for breakfast then go out for a walk along a trail to see more birds and such as: Slaty Gnateater (Conopophaga ardesiaca), Chestnut breasted Wren (Cyphorhinus thoracicus), Cinnamon faced Tyranulet (Phylloscartes parkeri), Spotted Nightingale Thrush (Catharus dryas), Amazonian Umbrellabird (Cephalopterus ornatus), Tyrannine Woodcreeper (Dendrocincla tyrannina), Masked Trogon (Trogon personatus), Crimson Bellied Woodpecker (Campephilus haematogaster), Black Streaked puffbird (Malacoptila fulvogularis), Paradise Tanager (Tangara chilensis), Saffron Crowned Tanager (Tangara xanthocephala), Golden Tanager (Tangara arthus), Brown Tinamou (Crypturellus obsoletus), and possibly monkeys. Later we will return to the lodge for lunch, around the lodge we have flowers that attacks hummingbirds; in total we will be able to see around 13 species of them: Booted Racket Tail (Ocreatus underwoodii), Wire crested Thorntail (Discosura popelairii), Green Hermit (Phaethornis guy), Buff Tailed Sicklebill (Eutoxeres condamini), Many Spotted Hummingbird (Taphrospilus hypostictus), Violet Fronted Brilliant (Taphrospilus hypostictus),White Bellied Woodstar (Chaetocercus mulsant),Peruvian Piedtail (Phlogophilus harterti), long Tailed Sylph (Aglaiocercus kingi), Wedge Billed Hummingbird (Schistes geoffroyi),Speckled Hummingbird (Adelomyia melanogenys),Fawn Breasted Brilliant (Heliodoxa rubinoides), and common Sparkling Violetear (Colibri coruscans), are the species of hummingbirds we can see. After lunch we will take another walk along the road to see the (Uropsalis lyra) and the Rufescent Screech Owl (Megascops ingens). Then we will return to the lodge to have dinner.
DAY 4: COCK OF THE ROCK LODGE - AMAZONIA LODGE
After breakfast we will drive towards our third lodge, in the way we will have chances to observe birds like Ornate flycatcher (Myiotriccus ornatus), Lanceolated monklet (Micromonacha lanceolata),Peruvian piedtail (Phlogophilus harterti),Black backed tody flycatcher (Poecilotriccus pulchellus), Black faced tanager (Schistochlamys melanopis), Blue headed Macaw (Primolius couloni),Chestnut fronted Macaw (Ara severus), Fiery capped Manakin (Machaeropterus pyrocephalus), White eyed parakeet (Psittacara leucophthalma), Chestnut backed Antshrike (Thamnophilus palliatus), Golden Tanager (Tangara arthus), Orange eared Tanager (Chlorochrysa calliparaea), Black solitary eagle (Buteogallus solitarius),and much more. Once we reach Atalaya we will switch our transportation and start sailing down river for about 15minutes. At the Lodge we will be able to see: Rufous crested coquette (Lophornis delattrei), Violet headed hummingbird (Klais guimeti), Golden tailed sapphire (Chrysuronia oenone),koepcke’s Hermit (phaethornis koepckeae),Amethyst woodstar (Calliphlox amethystina), Rufous webbed Brilliant (Heliodoxa branickii),and Gould´s jewelfront (Heliodoxa aurescens). Along the trails we can also see: Amazonian Antpitta (Hylopezus berlepschi), Blue headed macaw (Primolius couloni),Great Tinamou (Tinamus major), Spot back antbird (Myrmeciza exsul), Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin),Sungrebe (Heliornis fulica),Chestnut capped puffbird (Bucco macrodactylus), among other birds. After dinner we will return to the trail to observe owls such as: Tawny bellied screech owl (Megascops watsonii), Long tailed potoo (Nyctibius aethereus), Black bandad owl (Strix huhula), Great potoo (Nyctibius grandis), and Band Bellied owl (Pulsatrix melanota).
This day we will start our day after breakfast and do some birding along the trail as well as from a observation tower where we may see canopy bird species such as: Plum-throated Cotinga (Cotinga maynana), Spangled Cotinga (Cotinga cayana), Opal rumped tanager (Tangara velia), Turquoise tanager (Tangara mexicana), Round tailed Manakin (Ceratopipra chloromeros), Striolared puffbird (Nystalus striolatus), Half collared Gnatwren (Microbates cinereiventris), Tawny-throated Leaftosser (Sclerurus mexicanus), Razor billed Corassow (Mitu tuberosum), Military Macaw (Ara militaris), and much more. Then we will return to the lodge for lunch before hiking into another trail to observe: Scarlet Hooded Barbet (Eubucco tucinkae), Lemon throated Barbet (Eubucco richardsoni), Buff Throated Woodcreeper (Xiphorhynchus guttatus), Red Billed Tyrannulet (Zimmerius cinereicapilla), Fine Barred Piculet (Picumnus subtilis), Double Toothed Kite (Harpagus bidentatus), Undulated Tinamou (Crypturellus undulatus), Rufous breasted Piculet (Picumnus rufiventris), and Plain browen Woodcreeper (Dendrocincla fuliginosa), Blue crowned Trogon (Trogon curucui), Red Throated Caracara (Ibycter americanus), Chestnut fronted Macaw (Ara severus), Black Capped Tinamou (Crypturellus atrocapillus), Cinereous Tinamou (Crypturellus cinereus), Bluish fronted Jacamar (Galbula cyanescens), Pygmy Antwren (Myrmotherula brachyura), Goldi’s Antbird (Myrmeciza goeldii), and others. Late in the afternoon we will return to the lodge for dinner.
DAY 5: AMAZONIA LODGE ALL DAY
DAY 6: AMAZONIA LODGE – PARROT CLAY LICK - OLLANTAYTAMBO
Early in the morning we will visit a Parrot Clay Lick, this is a clay Lick wall on the riverside, where different species of parrots and macaws come down each morning to extract necessary minerals for their diet balance. The Parakeets, Amazon Parrot, the Blue headed Parrot, Chestnut fronted Macaw, and the Blue Headed Macaw give an unforgettable pallet of colored wild life. After this activity we will sail up river towards Atalaya from where we will continue our tour by bus all the way to Ollantaytambo.
This day we will start our day after breakfast and do some birding along the trail as well as from a observation tower where we may see canopy bird species such as: Plum-throated Cotinga (Cotinga maynana), Spangled Cotinga (Cotinga cayana), Opal rumped tanager (Tangara velia), Turquoise tanager (Tangara mexicana), Round tailed Manakin (Ceratopipra chloromeros), Striolared puffbird (Nystalus striolatus), Half collared Gnatwren (Microbates cinereiventris), Tawny-throated Leaftosser (Sclerurus mexicanus), Razor billed Corassow (Mitu tuberosum), Military Macaw (Ara militaris), and much more. Then we will return to the lodge for lunch before hiking into another trail to observe: Scarlet Hooded Barbet (Eubucco tucinkae), Lemon throated Barbet (Eubucco richardsoni), Buff Throated Woodcreeper (Xiphorhynchus guttatus), Red Billed Tyrannulet (Zimmerius cinereicapilla), Fine Barred Piculet (Picumnus subtilis), Double Toothed Kite (Harpagus bidentatus), Undulated Tinamou (Crypturellus undulatus), Rufous breasted Piculet (Picumnus rufiventris), and Plain browen Woodcreeper (Dendrocincla fuliginosa), Blue crowned Trogon (Trogon curucui), Red Throated Caracara (Ibycter americanus), Chestnut fronted Macaw (Ara severus), Black Capped Tinamou (Crypturellus atrocapillus), Cinereous Tinamou (Crypturellus cinereus), Bluish fronted Jacamar (Galbula cyanescens), Pygmy Antwren (Myrmotherula brachyura), Goldi’s Antbird (Myrmeciza goeldii), and others. Late in the afternoon we will return to the lodge for dinner.
DAY 7: OLLANTAYTAMBO – Abra MAlaga – Full Day Birdwatching Adventure
DAY 8:AGUAS CALIENTES/MACHU PICCHU ALL DAY
The area of Machu Picchu has very good forest for birding and to see the same endemics and speciality. ***Masked Fruiteater (Pipreola pulchra), Ocellated Piculet (Picumnus dorbignyanus), Slaty tanager (Creurgops dentatus), Sclater´sTyrannulet (Phyllomyias sclateri), Torred Duck (Merganetta armata), White Capped Diper (Cinclus leucocephalus), Andean cock of the rock (Rupicola peruviana), Highland motmot (Momotus aequatorialis) and a lot more species of birds.
DAY 9 – AGUAS CALIENTES/MACHU PICCHU ALL DAY
The area of Machu Picchu has very good forest for birding and to see the same endemics and speciality. ***Masked Fruiteater (Pipreola pulchra), Ocellated Piculet (Picumnus dorbignyanus), Slaty tanager (Creurgops dentatus), Sclater´sTyrannulet (Phyllomyias sclateri), Torred Duck (Merganetta armata), White Capped Diper (Cinclus leucocephalus), Andean cock of the rock (Rupicola peruviana), Highland motmot (Momotus aequatorialis) and a lot more species of birds.
DAY 10 – AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
Today after breakfast we will visit Machu Picchu Incas old town, at Machu Picchu you will have a guided tour for about two hours and after that you will be free to explore the Citadel and take pictures, or if you desire, ascent toward the Huaynapicchu Mountain (entrance ticket not included). At 2:26pm. or 6:03pm. (Depending on availability), you will be taking a train to Ollantaytambo and from there; a bus will drive you to your hotel in Cusco.
Included:- All lodging with a private bathroom & Hot and cold shower.
– All Meals, snacks, drinking water (vegetarian on request). B:L:D.
– Private transportation ( bus/van & boat)
– Professional expert bilingual Natural History Guide with a spotting scope.
– Hotel transfer and entrance fees.
– First Aid Kit with a poison extractor.
– Flora and fauna check list.
Not Included:- Does not include air Cusco-Puerto Maldonado-Cusco, but we will purchase these on request
– Airport tax & Personal expenses
TRIPS CONSIDERATIONS
CLIMATE: Hot and humid in the lowlands. This is a dry season tour, but there is the possibilty of a “Friaje”, a strong cold front moving up from the south that can bring periods of unusually cool weather and rain.
DIFFICULTY: Easy there are some long journeys and early starts, but the walking is usually fairly easy.
ACCOMMODATION: The jungle lodges are comfortable but simple; some do not have full-time electricity, but provide a generator for a few hours a day to charge batteries. Matsiguenka Camping Lodge in the Reserved Zone of Manu National Park has shared bathroom facilities and cold showers. Manu Birding Lodge consists of double rooms with a private toilet and shower facilities. Hot and cold water is always available and all toilet facilities are flush.
Wildlife Photography: Opportunities are worthwhile.
What to Bring
We advise you to bring:
Besides from Binoculars and photo-equipmen(the important Wildlife Enthusiast stuff) we advise:
Flashlight for night walk
Light day pack
A bottle or canteen to carry water on outings
Sunscreen and insect repellent
T-shirts and a long-sleeved shirt
Jeans or other cotton pants are comfortable, as well as quick-drying nylon ones.
Cotton socks
Light jacket, water resistant, or poncho
Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
Sandals for after hours
Hat that will not come off in windy boat rides and sunglasses
Plastic bags for camera, clothes, etc
Personal toiletries (shampoo, towel, etc)
NOTE: In the rainy season we provide umbrella and rubber boots in many popular sizes for rainy days.
Manu Birding Lodge looks forward to welcoming and guiding you soon!
Last minute bookings will be accepted but you must be aware that there is the possibility that we will not get space at the lodge or tour that you need.
information
Price per person:2025
1.- traveller $4950.00
2.- travellers $4450.00
4.- travellers $4200.00
6+ travellers $4000.00.
