

Private Peru Bird Photography Tour: Andes & Manu Road – 13 Days
Private Peru Bird Photography Tour: Andes, Hummingbirds & Manu Road – 13 Days
Discover Peru through your camera on a fully private 13-day bird photography expedition combining the spectacular Andes, specialized bird photography gardens, high-elevation cloud forests, and the extraordinary biodiversity of Manu Road.
Designed for dedicated bird photographers and wildlife enthusiasts, this expedition travels from the historic city of Cusco and the wetlands of the Sacred Valley to the dramatic landscapes of Abra Málaga, Chonta Canyon, Machu Picchu, and the cloud forests of the Manu region.
Unlike a conventional birdwatching tour, this experience prioritizes photographic opportunities. We allow time to work on bird behavior, attractive natural perches, clean backgrounds, flight photography, and detailed portraits. Our route includes selected hummingbird gardens, tanager feeding stations, cloud-forest birding areas, and specialized antpitta photography opportunities, subject to access and current bird activity.
Photograph Peru's Remarkable Birdlife
The expedition begins in the Cusco region, where Andean wetlands and mountain landscapes provide opportunities to photograph high-Andean waterbirds and birds in their natural habitats. At Ensifera Garden and Sacred Garden, we focus on hummingbirds and other garden birds, including opportunities to photograph the spectacular Sword-billed Hummingbird and Bearded Mountaineer, depending on local activity.
At Chonta Canyon, we search for Andean Condors soaring above the Apurímac Valley. Abra Málaga introduces us to high-elevation habitats and cloud-forest bird communities, with potential targets including the Royal Cinclodes, Giant Conebill, mountain-tanagers, and specialized hummingbirds.
The second part of the expedition follows the Manu Road through changing elevations and habitats. We visit selected bird photography locations, including Wayqecha Biological Station, Manu Birds Sanctuary, Manu Tanager Garden, Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge, Manu Endemic Lodge, Bambu Lodge, Inka Amazonia, and Pico de Hoz Mirador.
Depending on the season and current bird activity, these locations offer opportunities to photograph hummingbirds, antpittas, colorful tanagers, toucans, forest birds, and other regional specialties.
A Private Photography Experience
With private ground transportation and a flexible photographic schedule, we can spend more time at productive locations instead of rushing between stops. Our approach is designed to accommodate changing light, weather, bird activity, and your photographic priorities.
The expedition also includes the cultural landscapes of the Sacred Valley and a guided visit to Machu Picchu, adding Inca architecture, mountain scenery, traditional Andean life, and landscape photography to the experience.
Tour Highlights
Fully private 13-day bird photography expedition in Peru.
Bird photography in the Andes, Sacred Valley, and Manu Road region.
Hummingbird photography at selected gardens and feeding stations.
Opportunities for antpitta photography at authorized locations.
Andean Condor photography at Chonta Canyon.
High-elevation bird photography at Abra Málaga.
Colorful tanagers and foothill forest birds along Manu Road.
Visits to selected bird photography lodges, gardens, and biological stations.
Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley cultural photography.
Private ground transportation throughout the scheduled itinerary.
Specialist bird photography guiding, with the guide arrangements confirmed before booking.
Duration: 13 days / 12 nights
Service: Fully private
Ideal for: Bird photographers, wildlife photographers, nature enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a personalized photography expedition.
Important: Wild bird sightings cannot be guaranteed. Target species depend on season, weather, habitat conditions, local bird activity, and access arrangements. Feeder visits, antpitta sessions, and accommodation must be confirmed before the expedition is finalized.
Day 1 : Arrival in Cusco and acclimatization
Overnight: Costa del Sol, Cusco
Meals: Dinner, depending on arrival time
Arrive in Cusco, where your private driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is reserved for acclimatization and preparation.
If you arrive early and feel comfortable at altitude, enjoy a relaxed photographic walk through the historic center. Photograph Inca stonework, colonial architecture, traditional streets, and details of everyday life.
Photography focus:
Inca masonry and architectural details
Colonial streets and historic buildings
Cultural and environmental photography
Evening city scenes, depending on the light
Day 2 : Lake Huaypo, Ensifera Garden and Sacred Garden
Overnight: Costa del Sol, Cusco
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Start early with a private excursion to the wetlands around Lake Huaypo and Chacán. These high-Andean environments offer opportunities to photograph waterbirds, including ducks, coots, grebes, ibises, and Andean Lapwings.
Continue to Ensifera Garden in the Sacred Valley for a dedicated hummingbird photography session. The Sword-billed Hummingbird is a principal target, alongside other hummingbirds and birds recorded at the location.
In the afternoon, visit Sacred Garden near San Salvador. Photograph hummingbirds and other garden birds using natural perches, flowering plants, and feeding stations.
Photography priorities:
High-Andean waterbirds and birds in flight
Sword-billed Hummingbird portraits and feeding behavior
Hummingbirds against natural backgrounds
Bearded Mountaineer and other potential garden specialties
Mountain landscapes and environmental bird portraits
Bird targets are possibilities, not guaranteed sightings. Confirm the gardens' operating arrangements and photographic access before booking.
Day 3: Chonta Canyon and Andean Condor photography
Overnight: Costa del Sol, Cusco
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Travel by private vehicle through the Limatambo region to Chonta Canyon, overlooking the Apurímac Valley.
Spend time at the viewpoint observing condor movements and identifying suitable photographic positions. When conditions are favorable, the rising air currents along the canyon can create opportunities to photograph Andean Condors soaring against dramatic mountain backgrounds.
Allow time for flight photography rather than treating the visit as a quick stop.
Photography priorities:
Andean Condors in flight
Wing detail and flight sequences
Raptors and other birds of the inter-Andean valleys
Canyon landscapes and environmental wildlife photography
Other species may be encountered depending on the habitat and conditions.
Day 4: Abra Málaga and high-Andean bird photography
Overnight: Tierra Viva, Ollantaytambo
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Travel toward Abra Málaga, exploring selected habitats along the route. The region offers a transition between high-Andean grasslands, Polylepis woodland where accessible, and humid montane forest.
The day's route should be planned around the elevations and habitats associated with your priority species. This is particularly important because different bird species occupy different ecological zones.
Potential photographic targets include:
Royal Cinclodes
White-browed Tit-Spinetail
Giant Conebill
Tawny Tit-Spinetail
Sword-billed Hummingbird
White-tufted Sunbeam
Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager
Cuzco Brushfinch
Inca Wren
After the photography sessions, transfer to Ollantaytambo for the night.
Photography priorities: Endemic and range-restricted birds where present, natural perches, forest-edge birds, hummingbirds, and environmental portraits.
Day 5: Sacred Valley culture and transfer to Machu Picchu Pueblo
Overnight: Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, subject to confirmed arrangements
Explore the cultural landscapes of the Sacred Valley, combining traditional Andean life, Inca heritage, and opportunities for highland bird photography.
Visit selected locations such as Chinchero, Moray, and Maras, according to the final route and available time. Photograph traditional weaving, agricultural landscapes, Inca terraces, salt-production patterns, and historic architecture.
Continue to Ollantaytambo, where you will board the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo. Spend the night there to prepare for the following morning's visit to Machu Picchu.
Photography priorities:
Traditional Andean communities and textile traditions
Inca agricultural terraces
Maras salt ponds and geometric patterns
Ollantaytambo's streets and stonework
Highland birds in suitable habitats
Important: The cultural visits and train departure must be coordinated carefully. If the full Sacred Valley route cannot be completed comfortably, prioritize the locations most important to you.
Day 6 : Machu Picchu photography and return to Cusco
Overnight: Costa del Sol, Cusco
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Take an early shuttle bus to Machu Picchu, subject to the confirmed entrance time and official access arrangements.
Explore the archaeological sanctuary with a qualified guide. Focus on the relationship between Inca architecture and the surrounding mountains, making the most of changing cloud cover and morning light when conditions permit.
After the visit, descend to Machu Picchu Pueblo and take the confirmed return train. Your private vehicle will meet you at the designated station for the transfer back to Cusco.
Photography priorities:
Panoramic compositions of Machu Picchu
Inca stonework and architectural details
Agricultural terraces and surrounding mountains
Mist, clouds, and atmospheric landscape photography
The entrance circuit, ticket availability, train schedule, and permitted viewpoints must be confirmed. Sunrise conditions cannot be guaranteed.
Day 7 : Drive to Wayqecha via Mariano's Hummingbird Feeder
Overnight: Wayqecha Biological Station
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Leave Cusco and travel toward Manu Road through Paucartambo and the high-elevation landscapes near Acjanaco Pass.
Stop at Mariano's Hummingbird Feeder, subject to access confirmation, for a dedicated session photographing hummingbirds. Continue through the changing habitats toward Wayqecha Biological Station.
If time and conditions permit, make selected stops for birds and landscapes along the route.
Photography priorities:
Hummingbirds at feeding stations
Andean hummingbirds and mountain-tanagers
High-elevation landscapes
Cloud forest, mist, moss-covered trees, and environmental portraits
Arrive at Wayqecha and prepare for the next day's early photography session.
Day 8: Wayqecha antpittas, Manu Birds Sanctuary and Manu Tanager Garden
Overnight: Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Begin early at Wayqecha with a dedicated antpitta photography session, subject to confirmed access and local arrangements. The itinerary identifies Urubamba Antpitta, Leymebamba Antpitta, and Red-and-white Antpitta as priority targets.
After breakfast, descend along Manu Road, stopping at selected locations according to bird activity.
Visit Manu Birds Sanctuary for hummingbird photography, then continue to Manu Tanager Garden for opportunities to photograph colorful tanagers and other forest birds.
Photography priorities:
Antpittas at authorized photography locations
Hummingbirds and forest-edge species
Colorful tanagers at garden feeding areas
Mixed-species flocks
Cloud forest birds and natural behavior
Continue to Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge for the night.
Day 9: Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge and Manu Endemic Lodge
Overnight: Manu Endemic Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Start the day photographing birds around Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge. Depending on current activity, the lodge's gardens and feeding areas may provide opportunities for hummingbirds, tanagers, fruit-eating birds, and other forest species.
After breakfast, continue down Manu Road toward Manu Endemic Lodge, making selected stops for birds and photographic opportunities.
In the afternoon, work around the lodge's feeders and surrounding forest-edge habitats.
Photography priorities:
Andean Cock-of-the-rock, subject to local activity
Hummingbirds at lodge feeders
Tanagers and fruit-feeding birds
Foothill forest species
Natural perches, feeding behavior, and close-up portraits
Species availability will depend on current conditions and the precise photographic access provided by each lodge.
Day 10 : Manu Endemic Lodge, Bambu Lodge and Biological Station Lodge
Overnight: Biological Station Lodge, subject to confirmation
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Begin with a morning photography session around Manu Endemic Lodge, focusing on hummingbirds and forest birds.
Continue along Manu Road toward Bambu Lodge. Depending on bird activity and the time available, stop for hummingbirds, tanagers, honeycreepers, and other foothill forest species.
After the photography sessions, transfer to the confirmed Biological Station Lodge for the night.
Photography priorities:
Gould's Jewelfront and other potential hummingbird targets
Rufous-crested Coquette and hermits, depending on local activity
Colorful tanagers at feeding areas
Honeycreepers and mixed-species flocks
Forest-edge and garden birds
This day should remain flexible. The best results may come from spending longer at a productive garden rather than trying to photograph every species on a checklist.
Day 11: Pico de Hoz Mirador bird photography
Overnight: Pico de Hoz Lodge, subject to confirmation
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Dedicate the day to Pico de Hoz Mirador near Pillcopata, subject to confirmed access and accommodation arrangements.
The itinerary describes hummingbird feeders, fruit-feeding stations, and areas that attract insectivorous birds. These varied feeding environments offer different photographic possibilities.
Spend time working on portraits, feeding behavior, bird interactions, and flight photography. Where access permits, explore the surrounding vegetation for additional species.
Photography priorities:
Hummingbirds at sugar-water feeders
Colorful tanagers at fruit stations
Antbirds and other insectivorous species where present
Hummingbird flight sequences
Detailed plumage portraits and natural behavior
The Buff-tailed Sicklebill is a potential target associated with suitable flowering Heliconia, but its presence will depend on flowering conditions and local activity.
Day 12: Inka Amazonia, Pico de Hoz and return to Wayqecha
Overnight: Wayqecha Biological Station
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Begin with a morning photography session at Inka Amazonia, focusing on hummingbirds and other birds visiting the garden and feeding stations.
Continue to Pico de Hoz Mirador if access and timing permit. Use the session to photograph species missed earlier, improve existing images, and work on different backgrounds or behavior.
After lunch, begin the return journey along Manu Road toward Wayqecha. Make selected stops as the elevation changes, prioritizing suitable habitats and bird activity.
Photography priorities:
Hummingbirds and foothill forest birds
Tanagers and honeycreepers
Versicolored Barbet and other potential forest specialties
Quetzals and trogons where present
High-elevation hummingbirds and mountain-tanagers approaching Wayqecha
Overnight at Wayqecha before the return to Cusco.
Important: The route and stops must be adjusted to ensure a safe and realistic driving schedule.
Day 13: Final morning photography and transfer to Cusco Or Aitport
Meals: Breakfast, subject to departure arrangements
If your flight schedule allows, begin with a short morning photography session around Wayqecha Biological Station. Photograph birds around the lodge and nearby habitats before packing your equipment and luggage.
Transfer privately to Cusco or Airport via Manu Road and Paucartambo.
The drive is subject to road conditions and weather. The flight time must be confirmed before the final itinerary is approved. For greater security, consider an additional night in Cusco if your onward flight is early or if missing it would be costly.
Photography priorities:
Final hummingbird and cloud-forest bird opportunities
Last-minute target species
Cloud forest landscapes and environmental portraits
This concludes the private Peru bird photography expedition.
Which lodges are best for bird photographers?
For Photo Tours Peru, I would present the accommodation as a photography-focused route with selected birding lodges and gardens, not as a generic hotel package. Each property or location should have a clear purpose in the itinerary.
The descriptions below are based on the locations and photographic opportunities identified in your uploaded itinerary. They are not independent inspections or guarantees of current feeder activity.
Lodge or location Role in the tour Why it matters to bird photographers Costa del Sol, Cusco Comfortable base at the beginning and end of the Cusco-region sectionProvides a practical base for early departures to Lake Huaypo, Chonta Canyon, and other Cusco-area photography locations.Tierra Viva,
Ollantaytambo Overnight base near the Sacred Valley and train connectionsHelps organize the Abra Málaga and Sacred Valley sections before the journey to Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu Pueblo accommodation Overnight before the Machu Picchu visitMakes an early visit more practical without needing to travel from Cusco that same morning.
Wayqecha Biological Station High-elevation cloud-forest baseA key stop for high-elevation birds, hummingbirds, cloud-forest photography, and the antpitta session described in the itinerary.
Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge Cloud-forest bird photography stopThe itinerary highlights its garden and feeding areas for hummingbirds, tanagers, fruit-feeding birds, and potential Andean Cock-of-the-rock photography.
Manu Endemic Lodge Foothill forest photography baseProvides time for hummingbird photography around feeders and for exploring surrounding forest-edge habitats.
Bambu Lodge Bird photography stop along the Manu RoadAdds another location for tanagers, hummingbirds, and other foothill forest birds. Confirm the exact photographic access and whether an overnight is required.
Biological Station Lodge Overnight stop during the lower Manu Road sectionCan support the route between bird photography locations, but the exact property and its facilities must be identified before marketing it as a photography lodge.
Pico de Hoz Lodge / Pico de Hoz Mirador Dedicated bird photography stop and proposed overnightThe itinerary describes hummingbird, fruit, and insect-feeding stations, making this a potentially important stop for close-up bird photography. Confirm the exact lodge name and overnight arrangements.
Mariano's Hummingbird Feeder Scheduled photography stop, not an overnight lodgeOffers a planned opportunity to photograph hummingbirds on the journey toward Wayqecha, subject to access and current activity.
Ensifera Garden and Sacred Garden Dedicated bird photography gardensAdd specialist hummingbird and garden-bird sessions to the Cusco and Sacred Valley portion of the tour.
Manu Birds Sanctuary and Manu Tanager Garden Dedicated photography visitsProvide additional sessions for hummingbirds, colorful tanagers, and other birds using garden and feeding areas.
Inka Amazonia Dedicated bird photography visitAdds another opportunity to photograph hummingbirds and foothill forest birds during the lower Manu Road section
FAQ
These questions can support the page's long-tail SEO and help customers decide whether the expedition is right for them.
Is this a private bird photography tour in Peru?
Yes. The itinerary is designed as a private expedition with private ground transportation and personalized photography sessions. The final proposal should specify whether the professional photographer-guide accompanies the clients throughout the entire journey or whether specialist local guides join particular sections.
Which birds can I photograph on this tour?
Potential subjects include hummingbirds, tanagers, antpittas, Andean Condors, high-Andean waterbirds, and cloud-forest birds. The actual species photographed will depend on weather, habitat, seasonal conditions, and local bird activity.
Does the tour include hummingbird photography?
Yes. The itinerary includes planned visits to selected hummingbird gardens and feeding stations, including Ensifera Garden, Sacred Garden, Mariano's Feeder, and locations along Manu Road. Access and current feeder activity must be confirmed before departure.
Can I photograph antpittas along Manu Road?
The itinerary includes a planned antpitta photography session at Wayqecha. Access, feeding-station arrangements, and the presence of the target species must be confirmed in advance. Wild sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Is Machu Picchu included?
Yes. The proposed itinerary includes a guided Machu Picchu visit, entrance ticket, shuttle bus, and round-trip train arrangements, subject to availability and final confirmation.
What camera equipment should I bring?
For bird photography, a telephoto lens in the 300–600 mm range is useful. A shorter telephoto or 70–200 mm lens can help with environmental portraits and landscapes. Bring spare batteries, memory cards, rain protection, and a stable support suitable for your equipment. Your ideal setup will depend on whether you prioritize small birds, flight photography, or wider environmental compositions.
Choose the correct guide service
A birdwatching guide and a dedicated bird photography guide do not necessarily provide the same service.
Dedicated bird photography guide
The guide helps clients locate birds and also understands photographic positioning, backgrounds, light direction, shooting distance, exposure and the practical needs of wildlife photographers.
Best for: Clients who expect a photography-led expedition rather than a conventional birding tour.
Questions to confirm with the guide
Will the same guide accompany the clients for the entire 13-day itinerary?
Are local guides or lodge naturalists included at individual locations?
Does the guide have experience with bird photography?
Can the guide help position clients for suitable backgrounds and light?
Will the guide adapt the schedule when photographic conditions are especially good?
Are guide accommodation, meals, transport and other expenses included?
Is the guide's service available for early-morning and late-afternoon sessions?
Are additional local guides or site fees required?
My recommendation: Market the product as a private bird photography expedition only if the guiding arrangements genuinely support that promise.
Plan the transport and realistic driving times
The route includes highland roads, cloud forest and remote areas. Driving times can vary because of road conditions, weather, traffic, stops and the time spent photographing birds.
A private vehicle for the entire land itinerary, or clearly defined vehicle changes.
An experienced driver familiar with the Manu Road and the planned lodges.
Enough room for two passengers, camera bags, luggage and tripods.
Safe storage for expensive camera equipment during transfers.
Flexibility to stop for birds where road conditions and safety permit.
Realistic departure times for every transfer.
Fuel, parking, driver accommodation and driver meals.
Whether road permits, local entry fees or other charges apply.
A contingency plan for delays or road closures.
A safe arrival time at remote lodges, avoiding unnecessary night driving.
Do not promise unlimited roadside photography stops: stops must be safe and compatible with the itinerary and local conditions.
For this itinerary, I would avoid scheduling a long transfer immediately after an exhausting dawn session unless the clients have agreed to that pace.
Prepare a proper photography equipment list
Recommended camera equipment
Camera bodies and backup body, if available.
Telephoto lens suitable for small birds.
A shorter telephoto or general-purpose lens for larger birds and environmental photographs.
Wide-angle lens for landscapes and lodge surroundings.
Spare batteries and chargers.
Sufficient memory cards and a reliable backup system.
Lens cloths and cleaning supplies.
Rain protection for cameras and lenses.
Binoculars, if desired.
A small flashlight or headlamp for early departures.
Camera support appropriate to the client's style, such as a monopod or tripod where practical.
Dry bags or waterproof covers for equipment.
Laptop or portable storage device if the clients intend to back up images each evening.
Health, altitude and travel preparation
The tour begins in Cusco and includes high-elevation locations before descending toward cloud forest environments. Clients should allow time to acclimatize and discuss any relevant medical concerns with a qualified healthcare professional.
Recommendations
Arrive in Cusco with sufficient time to rest before strenuous activity.
Keep the first day relatively light.
Stay hydrated and avoid overexertion during acclimatization.
Bring personal medication and any prescriptions they normally require.
Discuss altitude-related risks and preventive medication with a healthcare professional before travel.
Bring sun protection, a hat, sunglasses and warm layers.
Bring insect repellent and clothing suitable for warm, humid conditions in lower elevations.
Consider travel insurance that covers medical treatment, emergency evacuation and trip interruption.
Check current health advice for the areas being visited and consult a travel-health professional about recommended vaccinations, including yellow fever where appropriate.
Peru's official travel guidance provides general information on entry requirements, health preparation and practical travel advice:
Tour Highlights
Chonta Canyon Andean Condor Photography: Visit the Chonta Canyon area for opportunities to photograph Andean Condors soaring above the dramatic Apurímac Canyon landscape.
Abra Málaga Pass Bird Photography: Explore the high-Andean and cloud forest habitats around Abra Málaga, searching for high-elevation birds and other species associated with these ecosystems.
Machu Picchu Photography: Photograph the iconic Inca sanctuary and its surrounding mountain scenery, combining cultural heritage and landscape photography with the bird photography expedition.
Manu Road Bird Photography: Explore a remarkable transition of Andean and cloud forest habitats, with opportunities to photograph hummingbirds, tanagers and other regional birdlife.
Hummingbird Photography Gardens: Visit selected feeder gardens, subject to confirmation, for opportunities to photograph hummingbirds at relatively close range.
Tanager and Antpitta Photography: Include planned visits to selected birding locations and photography gardens where access and conditions permit.
Andean Landscapes and Cultural Photography: Combine bird photography with mountain scenery, traditional Andean communities and selected cultural locations.
Private Photography Schedule: Travel with a private arrangement for two guests, allowing the guide to adapt photography sessions to weather, light and wildlife activity where practical.
A. Chonta Canyon — Andean Condor Photography
Purpose: Dedicated photography excursion for Andean Condors and canyon landscapes.
Before confirming the tour, verify:
Whether the Chonta Canyon excursion is operating on the planned date.
The current access fees and any local guide requirements.
The realistic walking time to the condor viewing area.
The expected departure and return times from Cusco.
Whether a private vehicle can be used for the excursion.
Whether there is sufficient time for photography without rushing the clients.
The best practical schedule for the expected light and viewing conditions.
Whether weather, wind or visibility could affect the experience.
Photography planning tip: Allow flexibility for observing condor flight patterns and photographing birds against the canyon landscape. Do not promise close-up flight images or a particular number of condors.
B. Machu Picchu — Inca Heritage and Landscape Photography
Purpose: Photograph Machu Picchu's archaeological architecture, surrounding mountains and landscape.
Before confirming the tour, verify:
Entry tickets for the intended date and route.
The selected circuit and available entry time.
A private guide for the confirmed circuit.
Train tickets between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu Pueblo.
The hotel for the night before the visit.
The return train and transfer to Cusco.
Applicable photography rules and restrictions.
Whether the selected circuit suits the clients' priorities.
Photography planning tip: Machu Picchu is primarily a cultural and landscape photography stop in this itinerary. Bird photography may be possible in the surrounding environment, but the visit should not be sold as a guaranteed birding session.
C. Abra Málaga Pass — High-Andean and Cloud Forest Bird Photography
Purpose: Explore high-elevation habitats and the transition toward cloud forest environments.
Before confirming the excursion, verify:
The route and road conditions for the planned date.
The locations where roadside stops are safe and permitted.
The realistic time available for bird photography.
Whether local specialist guiding is required.
The expected temperature and weather conditions.
Whether the route includes suitable stops in both high-Andean and cloud forest habitats.
The onward transfer to Ollantaytambo and the accommodation check-in time.
Private Tour Prices Per Person:— 2027
1 person $9,950
2 people $6,450
4 people $5,250
6 people $4,750
What the pricing should cover
The final package price should be calculated to include:
12 nights of accommodation.
Private ground transportation for the itinerary.
Professional birding or bird photography guiding, as specified.
Chonta Canyon Andean Condor photography excursion.
Abra Málaga Pass bird photography excursion.
Machu Picchu entrance tickets and private guiding.
Train tickets and required transfers for Machu Picchu.
Confirmed bird photography gardens and their applicable fees.
Meals specified in the itinerary.
What's Included in Your Private Peru Bird Photography Tour?
Your 13-day private expedition combines Andean bird photography, Andean Condor photography at Chonta Canyon, high-Andean bird photography at Abra Málaga Pass, Machu Picchu, and selected cloud forest photography locations along the Manu Road.
The tour is organized exclusively for your party, with a personalized itinerary designed around bird photography, wildlife observation, landscape photography, and cultural experiences.
Tour Inclusions
1. Private Transportation
Private ground transportation for the scheduled itinerary.
Airport pickup and drop-off in Cusco, according to your confirmed flight schedule.
Transportation to Chonta Canyon for the Andean Condor photography excursion.
Transportation to Abra Málaga Pass for high-Andean and cloud forest bird photography.
Transfers between Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, and other scheduled destinations.
Private transportation along the Manu Road and between confirmed lodges and photography locations.
Driver services, fuel, and standard vehicle operating expenses for the agreed itinerary.
2. Accommodation — 12 Nights
Accommodation for 12 nights in the hotels and lodges specified in the final itinerary.
Double or twin accommodation for two guests, subject to availability and confirmation.
Accommodation in Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu Pueblo, Wayqecha, and selected Manu Road lodges, according to the confirmed overnight schedule.
Breakfast and other meals where explicitly included in the final accommodation and meal plan.
Important: The final accommodation list, room categories, meal arrangements, and availability must be confirmed before the booking is finalized.
3. Professional Guiding
Private birding or bird photography guiding, according to the service level specified in your quotation.
Guidance at the scheduled bird photography locations.
Assistance identifying bird photography opportunities and planning sessions around light, weather, and wildlife activity.
Local specialist guides where required and included in the confirmed itinerary.
Cultural guiding at Machu Picchu, including the services specified in the final booking.
4. Chonta Canyon — Andean Condor Photography
Scheduled excursion to the Chonta Canyon area.
Transportation to and from the agreed departure point.
Time for observing and photographing Andean Condors and the surrounding canyon landscape.
Local guide or entrance fees, if specified as included in the final quotation.
Andean Condor sightings and photographic opportunities depend on natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed.
5. Abra Málaga Pass — Bird Photography
Scheduled excursion to Abra Málaga Pass.
Transportation along the agreed route.
Time to explore selected high-Andean and cloud forest habitats.
Opportunities to photograph birds and landscapes in the region.
Specialist local guiding or access fees where specified in the final quotation.
Bird sightings depend on weather, habitat conditions, and wildlife activity.
6. Machu Picchu Tour
Machu Picchu entrance ticket for the confirmed date and circuit.
Professional guide for the Machu Picchu visit.
Train tickets between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu Pueblo, according to the confirmed schedule.
Required transfers between the train station, accommodation, and other scheduled points.
Return transportation to Cusco as specified in the itinerary.
Tickets, train services, circuits, entry times, and transport arrangements are subject to availability and must be confirmed at booking.
7. Bird Photography Gardens and Manu Road
Scheduled visits to selected bird photography gardens and locations along the Manu Road.
Photography time at confirmed hummingbird, tanager, and other bird photography locations.
Visits to locations such as Mariano's Hummingbird Feeder, Manu Birds Sanctuary, Manu Tanager Garden, Ensifera Garden, Sacred Garden, Bambu Lodge, Inka Amazonia, and Pico de Hoz Mirador, only where confirmed in the final itinerary.
Photography access fees where explicitly included in the quotation.
The final itinerary will specify which gardens are confirmed, whether they require separate reservations, and which fees are included.
8. Meals
Breakfasts and other meals explicitly listed in the final itinerary.
Meals provided by participating lodges according to their confirmed meal plans.
Packed meals or early breakfasts only where arranged in advance and confirmed.
Lunches, dinners, drinks, and meals not specifically listed as included are excluded.
9. Booking and Trip Coordination
Pre-trip itinerary planning and coordination.
Assistance arranging confirmed hotels, transportation, guiding, train services, and entrance tickets.
Coordination of scheduled photography stops.
Assistance with practical travel information before departure.
10. Applicable Taxes
Taxes specifically identified as included in the final quotation.
Any mandatory fees that have been identified and incorporated into the agreed package price.
The final proposal will state the total price, currency, applicable taxes, payment deadlines, and cancellation conditions.
What's Not Included?
Unless explicitly added to your quotation, the following are not included:
International flights to or from Peru.
Domestic flights not listed in the itinerary.
Travel insurance, medical expenses, or emergency evacuation.
Personal expenses, laundry, souvenirs, and telephone charges.
Alcoholic beverages and drinks not specified as included.
Meals not listed in the final itinerary.
Tips for guides, drivers, lodge staff, and other service providers.
Camera bodies, lenses, tripods, memory cards, and other photography equipment.
Additional nights caused by flight changes, personal preferences, or circumstances outside the agreed itinerary.
Optional excursions not specified in the confirmed program.
Additional photography sessions or entrance fees not included in the quotation.
Services not explicitly listed in the final written proposal.
Additional costs resulting from itinerary changes requested by the clients.
Important Information for Bird Photographers
Wildlife sightings: Birds are wild animals, and no particular species, including Andean Condors, hummingbirds, tanagers, or antpittas, can be guaranteed.
Weather: Rain, fog, wind, temperature changes, and road conditions may affect photography opportunities and travel schedules.
Photography access: Access to feeder gardens, reserves, lodges, and private photography locations depends on the applicable rules, opening schedules, fees, and prior confirmation.
Itinerary flexibility: The guide may adjust the order of photography stops when practical and safe. Any substantial change that affects the agreed services or price will be discussed with the clients.
Private service: This tour is designed exclusively for your booked party. It is not a shared group departure. The final quotation will specify the vehicle, guide arrangement, accommodation, and services provided for the selected group size.
Booking confirmation: The tour is confirmed only after the required deposit has been received and the relevant suppliers and services have been secured according to the booking terms.


Contact
Email: phototourperu@gmail.com
Phone: +51 940188346
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