Peru
Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Birding Tour (3 Days)
Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Birding Tour (3 Days)
Duration
3 days
Start/End
Cusco
Tour type
Private · Group
Level
Easy to moderate
Overview
This journey combines expert-led birding with Peru's most iconic Inca sites. In the Sacred Valley, at Machu Picchu and in the cloud forest of the Urubamba Valley we target more than 15 endemics and specialties – including the Inca Wren, Bearded Mountaineer, Sword-billed Hummingbird and Masked Fruiteater. At the Ensifera Camp hummingbird sanctuary you watch the bird with the world's longest bill. At Machu Picchu we bird in the early light before the crowds arrive, and along the Urubamba River we look for Torrent Ducks and mixed-species flocks. Your bilingual birding guide carries a spotting scope and local recordings. Private transport, panoramic train, Machu Picchu bus and entrance, 2 nights in Aguas Calientes and all meals as per itinerary are included.
Tour Code
Tour Language
English, SpanishMaximum altitude
Travel Program
Day 1
Cusco – Ensifera Camp – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
approx. 3 h birding at Ensifera Camp · walk through Ollantaytambo
Panoramic train Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
At 5:30 am we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco in private transport and descend into the Sacred Valley. Around 7:00 am we reach the Ensifera Camp hummingbird sanctuary, where we spend three focused hours at feeding stations and native flora looking for the Sword-billed Hummingbird, Shining Sunbeam, White-tufted Sunbeam, Giant Hummingbird, Chestnut-breasted Mountain-Finch, Undulated Antpitta and Tyrian Metaltail. After a farm-to-table lunch with Sacred Valley ingredients, we explore the stone alleyways and terraces of Ollantaytambo in the afternoon, scouting for Green-tailed Trainbearer and Andean Hillstar along native Polylepis trees. At 4:30 pm we board the panoramic train along the Urubamba gorge to Aguas Calientes. After check-in we have dinner and prepare the species checklist with your guide. Meals: lunch, dinner.
Cusco – Ensifera Camp – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Day 1
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
approx. 3 h birding at Ensifera Camp · walk through Ollantaytambo
Panoramic train Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
At 5:30 am we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco in private transport and descend into the Sacred Valley. Around 7:00 am we reach the Ensifera Camp hummingbird sanctuary, where we spend three focused hours at feeding stations and native flora looking for the Sword-billed Hummingbird, Shining Sunbeam, White-tufted Sunbeam, Giant Hummingbird, Chestnut-breasted Mountain-Finch, Undulated Antpitta and Tyrian Metaltail. After a farm-to-table lunch with Sacred Valley ingredients, we explore the stone alleyways and terraces of Ollantaytambo in the afternoon, scouting for Green-tailed Trainbearer and Andean Hillstar along native Polylepis trees. At 4:30 pm we board the panoramic train along the Urubamba gorge to Aguas Calientes. After check-in we have dinner and prepare the species checklist with your guide. Meals: lunch, dinner.
Day 2
Machu Picchu & Mandor Cloud Forest
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Birding at Machu Picchu · 2–2.5 h guided tour · walk in Mandor
At 5:30 am we take an early bus up the Hiram Bingham switchbacks to Machu Picchu (2,400 m / 7,874 ft). Before the crowds arrive we bird around the orchid gardens and outer terraces, looking for the Inca Wren, Green-and-white Hummingbird, Masked Fruiteater, Sclater's Tyrannulet and Pale-legged Warbler. Your guide then leads a 2 to 2.5-hour tour of the main temples, plazas and astronomical structures. Around midday we descend to the valley floor for a quiet walk through the Mandor Gardens and bamboo thickets, home to the Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Highland Motmot, Ocellated Piculet, Variable Antshrike and mixed tanager flocks. In the evening we have dinner in Aguas Calientes and review the day's checklist. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Machu Picchu & Mandor Cloud Forest
Day 2
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Birding at Machu Picchu · 2–2.5 h guided tour · walk in Mandor
At 5:30 am we take an early bus up the Hiram Bingham switchbacks to Machu Picchu (2,400 m / 7,874 ft). Before the crowds arrive we bird around the orchid gardens and outer terraces, looking for the Inca Wren, Green-and-white Hummingbird, Masked Fruiteater, Sclater's Tyrannulet and Pale-legged Warbler. Your guide then leads a 2 to 2.5-hour tour of the main temples, plazas and astronomical structures. Around midday we descend to the valley floor for a quiet walk through the Mandor Gardens and bamboo thickets, home to the Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Highland Motmot, Ocellated Piculet, Variable Antshrike and mixed tanager flocks. In the evening we have dinner in Aguas Calientes and review the day's checklist. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 3
Urubamba River – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Birding along the Urubamba River
Panoramic train to Ollantaytambo, private transfer to Cusco
At 6:00 am we walk the Urubamba River rail corridor, where fast-flowing water cuts through subtropical cloud forest. Here we look for the Torrent Duck, White-capped Dipper, Inca Flycatcher, Torrent Tyrannulet, Black-streaked Puffbird, Andean Solitaire and Mitred Parakeet. After a farewell lunch in Aguas Calientes we board the panoramic train to Ollantaytambo at 2:30 pm and continue by private transport to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 7:00 pm. Meals: breakfast, lunch.
Urubamba River – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Day 3
Birding along the Urubamba River
Panoramic train to Ollantaytambo, private transfer to Cusco
At 6:00 am we walk the Urubamba River rail corridor, where fast-flowing water cuts through subtropical cloud forest. Here we look for the Torrent Duck, White-capped Dipper, Inca Flycatcher, Torrent Tyrannulet, Black-streaked Puffbird, Andean Solitaire and Mitred Parakeet. After a farewell lunch in Aguas Calientes we board the panoramic train to Ollantaytambo at 2:30 pm and continue by private transport to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 7:00 pm. Meals: breakfast, lunch.
Price from
US$790.00
Services
What's included
Pre-Departure Briefing: Detailed orientation with your guide the evening before departure – in person at your Cusco hotel or online.
Birding Guide: Professional bilingual birding naturalist (Spanish and English) for all 3 days, with high-grade spotting scope and field guides.
Transport: Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Cusco and private transfers within the Sacred Valley.
Train & Bus: Round-trip panoramic train tickets Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes and round-trip Machu Picchu bus transfers.
Entrance Fees: Official entry tickets to Machu Picchu and Ensifera Camp.
Accommodation: 2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (double/twin room); 4/5-star upgrades available.
Meals: 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners; vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergy-friendly menus on request.
What's not included
Flights: International or domestic airfare to/from Cusco.
Travel & Medical Insurance: Mandatory.
Dinner on Day 3: After returning to Cusco.
Drinks: Alcoholic and soft drinks outside scheduled meals.
Tips: Optional tips for guide, drivers and hotel staff.
Personal Equipment: Binoculars, cameras and trekking poles.
Character of the trip
Condition
Easy to moderate
Altitude
Low (up to 2,870 m)
Culture / nature
Nature-focused
Fitness – easy to moderate: Short, slow-paced field walks on Andean trails, dirt tracks and Inca stone stairways. Machu Picchu involves uneven stone steps.
Altitude – low: Ollantaytambo lies at 2,870 m (9,416 ft), Machu Picchu at 2,400 m (7,874 ft) and Aguas Calientes in the cloud forest even lower.
Culture & nature – nature-focused: Endemics, hummingbirds and tanagers in the Sacred Valley and the cloud forest – combined with guided visits to Machu Picchu and Ollantaytambo.
Hotel: 2 nights in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Dates and Prices
Individual Dates
Optional
Cusco City Tour (half day)
Shared tour – you can find the private tour under "Day Tours".
US$20.00
per person
Groups of 5 or more: contact us for special rates and tailor-made options.
Travel Information
Good to know
More than a standard Machu Picchu tour: Instead of rushing through the sites, we schedule dedicated birding sessions during peak activity hours – early morning and late afternoon – with a professional birding guide and specialized optics.
Fitness: Moderate. We walk slowly on established trails, dirt tracks and Inca stone steps; Machu Picchu requires climbing uneven stone stairs.
Best time to go: Birding is good year-round. The dry season (May to October) brings clear skies and good trail conditions; November to April brings lush foliage, more bird song and breeding plumage – bring rain gear.
Dietary needs: Allergies and special diets (e.g. celiac, vegan, dairy-free) are catered for at all included meals – please let us know when booking.
Book early: Machu Picchu permits and train seats are strictly regulated by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture. Please reserve as early as possible.
Single room: A single room supplement is available on request.
What to bring
Binoculars: Waterproof, ideally 8x42 or 10x42.
Daypack: Lightweight, 20–30 L.
Clothing: Layered technical clothing for temperatures between 5 °C and 24 °C (41–75 °F) and a waterproof rain jacket.
Footwear: Sturdy walking shoes or light hikers.
Protection: Insect repellent and sun protection.
Camera: Extra batteries – cold mountain air drains them faster.
Original passport: Required for the Machu Picchu entrance and the train.