Tour details
DAY 1: CUSCO – WAYQUECHA BIOLOGICAL STATION
we start early morning in cusco and our Birding in Manu Road start in huacarpay lagoon 30 minutes fron Cusco City, wish is surrounded by Inca, and pre-Inca ruins. Here we will see a variety of birds some of them endemics like: Bearded mountaineer; Rusty-fronted Canastero; Streak fronted thornbird and also many water birds such as: Puna teal ; Yellow-billed and Cinnamon Teal, Yellow-billed Pintail, Andean Duck and other wetland birds. White-tufted Grebe; Andean Coot; Plumbeus rail; Many-Colored rusht-tyrant; Yellow winged black bird; Birding in Manu Road Andean negrito; lesser and grater yellow legs; puna ibis; Etc.
Then we continue our journey through the Andean mountains and valleys making stops for more endemic and special Birding in Manu Road such as: Chesnut-breasted Mountain-finch (endemic), Andean Hilistar, Andean flyker, some Miner and later the next stop will be close to the last pass of the Andes called Ajanaco where we can see: Creamy creasted Spinetail (endemic), black throated flower piecer, white throated tiranolet, etc. for Ajanaco next to three crosses we may find; scribble-tailed and Lined-fronted canasteros, Diademed and Puna Tapaculo. Birding in Manu Road
Then we started the descent by the east slope of the Andes through a more continuous low forest, looking for; Gray-breasted Touca, Rupes Antpitta and perhaps groups of mixed flocks of tanagers, flycatcher, flawerpiecers and others. In the afternoon we arrived at our accommodation in the biological station of Wayquecha at 2800 m.s.n.m.B. L.D
DAY 2: WAYQUECHA BIOLOGICAL STATION FULL DAY
The plan is flexible this day after breakfast depending on what we need to see we will explore the beautiful wet forest of Wayquecha starting very early in the morning at the tree line where we will try to see: Gray Breasted -mountain Toucan, Golden-collared Tanager, tit-like Dacnis, Puna Thistletail, Marcapata-spine Tail (endemic), Mixed floats of tanagers, Flaycatcher, Tyranolets, ect.
In the afternoon after lunch, we will go through the road to the lower part, which is a warmer climate to see: Red and White Antpitta (endemisc), Mixed flocks of Hooded-mountain, Grass-green, scarlet-bellied and other Tanagers; Barred Fruiteater, Black-throated Tody-flaycatcher, Whte-throated and White-banded Tyrannulets, Streaked Tuftedcheek, treehunters, Swallow-tailed Nightjar, etc. In the afternoon we return to our Lodge Wyquecha. B.L.D.
DAY 3: BIOLOGICAL STATION OF WAYQUECHA – SAN PERDO ( COCKOF THE ROCK LODGE)
After breakfast we continue on our trip; in the morning looking for birds maybe we could not see previous days like: Marcapata Spinetail, (endemic), Red and White Spinetail (endemic), Rufous Antpitta. For this beautiful route of rainy cloud forest we will look for more birds like: White throated Antpitta, White Throated and Banded Tyrannulets, Barred and banded Fruiteaters, Bar-bellied and Crimson Woodpeckers, Ocher-breasted Flycatcher, Andean Guan, Scaly-napped Parrot, Andean Potoo , Inca Flycatcher (endemic). Hummingbirds as: Purble-backed Turnbill, Amethyst-throated Sunangel, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Collared Inca, Chesnut-breasted Coronet, White-fronted Starfrotled. By the lodge warblers and many more Tanager. We spent the night in San Pedro at 1800 m.s.n.m. in Cock of the Rock Lodge or Paradise Lodge depending on the availability. B.L.D.
DAY 4: SAN PEDRO FULL DAY (COCK OF THE ROCK LODGE)
very early after breakfast we start to do our activity, San Pedro is a pristine cloud forest on the edge of the mountains of the Manu National Park very close to the high jungle at an average height of 1800 m.s.n.m. A few minutes from the hostel you will find a Camuflada house in a spectacular place to see Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola peruviana) which is a Peruvian national bird, in a mating or courtship activity, which is usually seen in the mornings and in the evenings. In these hours we will see this spectacular activity, the rest of the day we will look for: Golden-headed and Crested Quetzal, Masked Trogon, Highland Motmot, Blue-banded Toucanet, Streak Puffbird, Olive-backed and Montane Woodcreeper, Olive Woodpecker, Spotted Barbtail, Montane Foliage-cleaner, Uniform and Variable Antshrike, White-throated Spadebill, Fulvous-breasted Flatbill, Amazonian Umbrellabird, Inca Flycatsher (endemic), Yungas Manakin, Yellow-rumped and Slate Antwrens, Azaras and Cabanis Spinetail, Rufous-screech and Rufous- Banded Owl, Lyre-tailed Nightjar. We return to the lodge to spend the night. B.L.D.
DAY 5: SAN PERDRO ( COCK OF THE ROCK LODGE) – GUADALUPE LODGE / PICO DE HOZ GARDEN
This day after breakfast we continue our trip to Amazonia Lodge. On the route we pass small settlements of Patria and Pilcopata, which are the majority producers of agriculture and tree felling on a smaller scale. On the route we will look for: Mylitari and Blue Headed Macaw, Black-capped Tinamou, Blakish Rail, Bucley’s Forest Falcon, Wattled Guan, Bluish-fronted Jacamar, Chesnut-capped Puffbird, Fine-barred Piculet, Dark-breasted and plain-backed Spinetail , Red-bill Scythbill, Dasky chested Foliege-cleaner. In the afternoon we arrive at the fluvial port of Atalaya from there take a motorized boat to take us to Amazonia Lodge, here in the afternoon we enjoy beautiful garden watching the hummingbirds: Rufous-crested Coquete, Festive Coquete, Golden-tailed Sapphire, Sapphire- Espangled Emeral and other birds more. B.L.D.
DAY 6: GUADALUPE LODGE / PICO DE HOZ GARDEN - MACHUWASI LAKE
Guadalupe Ldge is located at 600 m.s. with a tropical forest in the buffer zone of the Manu National Park about 20 minutes Pilcopata Village . This day from very early we are full activity looking for Pheasant Cuckoo, the prehistoric Hoatzin that is very common to see, Bamboo and Chesnut-backed Antshrike, Amazonian and Thrush-like Ampitta, Rusty-belted Tapaculo, Motle-backed Elaenia, Red- bill Tyrannulet, Johhanni’s, Yellow-browed Tody-flycatcher, Ornate Flycatcher, Band-tailed Manakin, Fire-capped and Raund-tailed Manakins, Black-faced Dacnis, Cuckoo Warbler, White-thighed Swallow, etc. at night Tawny-bellied Sceech-owl, Black-banded and Mottled Owls, Great Potoo, Long-tailed and Common Potoo, ferruginous Pygmy-owl. B.L.D.
DAY 7: GUADALUPE LODGE / PICO DE HOZ – CUSCO
After breakfast we return to Cusco in our private car with some small stops on the route if we see something interesting. The end of the trip. B.L.
What’s Included
- Private bus.
- Private boat.
- Ticket to Machuwasi lake.
- Entrances to the offered lodges.
- Native professional birdwatcher Guide ( Spanish and English ).
- Chef
- 3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
- Snacks (fruits, cookies, juices and sweets).
- Camping equipment such as tables, chairs, ponchos, rubber boots.
WHAT THE TOURIST NEEDS TO BRING
- Binoculars.
- Photographic camera.
- Flashlight with extra batteries.
- Mosquito repellent minimum 25% poison.
- Sunscreen.
- Toilet paper (for bush baths).
- A little money.
- Dark or camouflaged clothing.
- One whole drink or bottle of water.
- A sun cap.
- Water sandals.
- Small daily backpack.
- Towel .
- Does not include the first breakfast and the last dinner.
GROUP SERVICE
- $2300 USD per person
Frequently Asked Questions
Day 1: Cusco - Santa Maria
The Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days: begins with a hotel pickup at 6:00 am, followed by a scenic three-hour drive through the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas. As we reach Abra Malaga, the highest point of the trip at 4,316m, we will gear up and receive a briefing from our experienced guide.
We’ll then embark on a thrilling 3-hour downhill biking journey through the Andes, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and tropical forests. A support vehicle will be available for those who need a break. We’ll end the day at Eco Terra Lodge Santa Maria for a delicious lunch, optional river rafting, dinner, and restful sleep.
The adrenaline-packed biking adventure takes us from Abra Malaga to Huamanmarka, covering a distance of less than 55km and descending from 4,316m to 2,130m. The scenic route offers breathtaking views of the changing landscape, from snowy peaks to lush tropical forests.
At Eco Terra Lodge Santa Maria, we’ll enjoy a tasty lunch and have the opportunity to go river rafting on the Vilcanota River, offering a thrilling level III and IV experience. Afterward, we’ll return to the lodge for a delicious dinner and a well-deserved rest, preparing us for the exciting activities that await us the next day.
- Transportation from Cusco – Abra Malaga: 3.5 hours by private bus.
- Bicycle: – 2h – 3 h.
- Bicycle ride: 55 km – 34 m.
- Rafting: 2 hours
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner.
- Lodging: Lodge
- Difficulty: medium
- Guaranteed Adventure
- Maximum altitude: 4316 m – 14160 ft.
- Minimum altitude: – 1200 m – 3937 ft
Day 2: Santa Maria - Hot spring - Santa Teresa.
2 Embark on a 7-hour trek through the vibrant rainforest, starting with a 45-minute hike along the car route before joining the well-preserved Inca trail. This trail, the only one in good condition among the various Inca trails, once connected Machu Picchu with the final Inca capital, Vilcabamba.
Immerse yourself in the lush surroundings, encountering exotic fruits, diverse birdlife, and orchids, while enjoying breathtaking views of the Urubamba valley from the mountain’s summit. Descend for 2.5 hours to Qellomayo village for a satisfying lunch break.
Afterward, take a break in hammocks, then continue the trek for another 3 hours, passing through farms, waterfalls, and rivers (including a cable car crossing). By late afternoon, arrive at the Santa Teresa hot water springs, known as Cocalmayo, offering crystal-clear pools with different temperatures.
Relax in this idyllic setting surrounded by the river and starry skies. Following the hot springs experience, a 40-minute walk (or optional bus ride) leads to Santa Teresa town, where a comfortable hotel awaits. Enjoy dinner and socialize with fellow group members at one of the downtown bars.
- Walking: 7 hours
- Hiking distance: (15 km / 9.3 mi)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch / Dinner
- Lodging: Lodge (2, maximum 3 people per room)
- Adventure Guaranteed
- Starting altitude: – 1200 m / 3,937 ft
- Campsite altitude: – 1500 m – 4921 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
