Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Birding Tour: 3-Day Andean Adventure
Experience one of the best birdwatching tours in Peru with our Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Birding Tour, an unforgettable Peru birdwatching tour Machu Picchu adventure that blends Andean culture, wildlife, and incredible nature photography opportunities. This small group birding tour Peru is designed for bird lovers, nature photographers, and anyone seeking an immersive Machu Picchu birdwatching adventure deep into the Andes and cloud forests of the Sacred Valley.
Highlights of the Machu Picchu Birdwatching Tour
Spectacular Sacred Valley birding: Enjoy guided walks through the scenic Sacred Valley to spot colorful Andean species and landscape birds, perfect for Machu Picchu nature and bird photography.
Andean hummingbird photography: Visit specialized hummingbird gardens like Ensifera Camp, where you can photograph and watch rare high-Andes hummingbirds — a top hummingbird photography Sacred Valley experience.
Rich endemic birds Peru tour: On this Andes birdwatching trip, hunt for endemic highland species such as the Sword-billed Hummingbird, Bearded Mountaineer, and White-tufted Sunbeam.
Birding at Machu Picchu Sanctuary: Explore the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary with early morning birdwatching sessions where nearly 420 bird species have been recorded — making it a must-do Peru birding tours destination.
Cultural and wildlife adventure: Beyond birding, this Sacred Valley wildlife adventure includes visits to Inca sites, local Andean towns, and breathtaking landscapes — ideal for storytelling photography and nature immersion.
Guided birdwatching adventure Peru: Sessions are led by expert guides and photographers who help you identify species and capture memorable shots, making this one of the best birdwatching tours in Peru for both beginners and enthusiasts.
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Overview — Sacred Valley Machu Picchu Birding Tour
Day 1.-Sacred Valley Nightscape Tour
After pickup from your hotel, your first stop is in the Andean village of Chinchero. Here, you’ll take in mountain views, visit the main square and see an ancient church with unique floral and religious interior designs. Next, off the beaten path to the small town of Maras. This village is known as a former salt-producing center that dates back all the way to colonial time, moray boasts three amphitheater-like terraces made by the Incas. These terraces, which are carved deep into the earth in a bowl shape, were thought to be used to determine the optimal conditions for growing crops. After visiting Moray, we take a lunch break at Tunupa restaurant.
Once full of delicious food, you’ll be ready for the next part of the day trip; we continue on the tour to Ollantaytambo, home to a magnificent Inca fortress that you can explore. This historic fortress was where Spanish conquistadors lost a major battle against the Inca Empire. After you visit the fortress, you’ll have time to walk around the cobblestone streets of Ollantaytambo before heading back to Cusco.
Our birding tour starts at 06:30 am from your hotel in Cusco City and transfer to the Ensifera Camp – Hummingbird Garden. This place is located in the town of Yanahuara in the middle of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
When we arrive to Ensifera Camp we’ll go to the birds hide to start with our activity.
Hummingbirds or colibris are the smallest birds in the world and are native to the America, their long slender needle bills are adapted for reaching deep into tubular flowers to extract nectar.
Our expert bird guide will explain about the history of this place as well as the characteristics and curiosities of this small birds, and with him you will learn how to identify them. At 11:00 am we will return to Ollantaytambo town in order to take the train to Aguas calientes
If you are a Hummingbird Lover, we can start our tour a little earlier without extra cost just in order to enjoy more of this Peruvian Hummingbirds. Also, you can ask for our other Peruvian Hummingbird birdwatching Tours as well as our specialized Cusco hummingbird Tour.
Hummingbirds of the Sacred Valley:
Sparkling Violetear, Lesser Violetear, Black-tailed Trainbearer, Green-tailed Trainbearer, Bearded Mountaineer, Tyrian Metaltail, Scaled Metaltail, Shining Sunbeam, White-tufted Sunbeam (E), Violet-throated Starfrontlet, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Great Sapphirewing, Giant Hummingbird, White-bellied Woodstar, White-bellied Hummingbird, Green-and-white Humming (E). The we will drive to ollantaytambo in order to take the train to Aguas calientes.
Once at aguas calientes we will take to bus up to Machupicchu as a way to be there for the sunset.
Day 2.-Birdwatching, Photography Machupicchu
Today we will make an early start to give us plenty of time to visit this lost city, which was rediscovered in 1911. Located at the top of a steep, forested hill overlooking the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu was hidden by dense vegetation for centuries until the American explorer Hiram Bingham began to clear the sites
Today the city has been completely restored and for visitors from all over the world it is an unforgettable sight.
Our guided tour includes a visit to the temples, plazas, palaces, watercourses and residential areas of Machu Picchu and you will also have time to explore the ruins independently. Our BIRDWATCHING | Photo Expedition ends.
Day 3.-Machupicchu Sunrise Cusco
1 person: US$1190.00 per person
2 people: US$1090.00 per person
3 people: US$1000.00 per person
4 people: US$950.00 per person
5 people: US$900.00 per person
6 people: US$850.00 per person
7+ people: US$800.00 per person
Price Based Per Person:2026
Green Team Commitment – Responsible Photography with Photo Tours Peru
At Photo Tours Peru, we believe photography should protect the places we explore. Every photography expedition—from the Andes to the Amazon—is guided by a Green Team philosophy, ensuring that our tours respect nature, wildlife, and local communities.
Our goal is simple: capture extraordinary images while leaving every location better than we found it.
1. Leave No Trace Photography
Our photography tours follow the internationally recognized Leave No Trace principles, which emphasize minimizing environmental impact when traveling in nature.
Key practices include:
• Carry out all trash and waste
• Avoid single-use plastic bottles
• Stay on established trails and paths
• Do not move rocks, plants, or natural elements for photos
• Leave archaeological sites and landscapes untouched
These practices protect fragile ecosystems and help preserve natural landscapes for future generations.
2. Respect Wildlife and Natural Habitats
Wildlife photography requires patience and responsibility.
On our tours we:
• Observe animals from a safe distance
• Never feed or disturb wildlife
• Avoid loud noise or sudden movement
• Use telephoto lenses instead of approaching animals
If wildlife changes behavior, it means the photographer is too close and must move away.
3. Protect Cultural Heritage
Many photography tours visit indigenous communities and historic sites.
Our Green Team approach includes:
• Always asking permission before photographing people
• Respecting cultural traditions and sacred places
• Supporting local artisans and communities
• Avoiding staged or exploitative photography
Photography should tell respectful human stories, not exploit them.
4. Small Group Photography Expeditions
All Photo Tours Peru expeditions prioritize small groups to reduce environmental impact.
Benefits:
• Less pressure on fragile ecosystems
• More respectful interaction with local communities
• Better photography opportunities
• Lower environmental footprint
Sustainable photo tours often limit groups to ensure minimal disturbance to nature.
5. Support Local Communities
Responsible tourism helps protect destinations when local people benefit from tourism.
Photo Tours Peru supports:
• Local guides and communities
• Family-owned lodges and homestays
• Indigenous cultural projects
• Local conservation initiatives
When communities benefit economically from tourism, they are more motivated to protect their environment and culture.
