Peru Birding Tour 2026

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Explore endemic birds in Peru, savour local cuisine and visit Machu Picchu.

Avian Endemics and Ancient Wonders: An Expedition for Birders and Photographers

18 Days

ENDEMICS SPECIAL. NON STOP

May 10-27

2025

$4580 +

Matchu picchu extn $ 1980

Our Peru Birding Expedition is a professionally crafted 18-day journey tailored for dedicated birdwatchers and photographers. We guide you across diverse ecosystems—from coastal wetlands and Tumbesian dry forests to cloud forests and inter-Andean valleys—targeting over 60 endemic and range-restricted species, including the Marvellous Spatuletail, Long-whiskered Owlet, and Scarlet-banded Barbet. Our tour integrates high-quality birding lodges with renowned feeder systems and prime photographic locations, ensuring consistent opportunities for exceptional viewing and imaging. Beyond birds, we include a seamless extension to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, offering cultural depth alongside continued birding in montane habitats. We maintain a serious field focus, supported by expert guidance, efficient travel logistics, and attention to detail. This expedition is designed to deliver results for those seeking a deep, structured, and rewarding exploration of Peru’s avian and cultural heritage.

Search for the elusive Scarlet-banded Barbet in remote cloud foresttage.

Photograph the Marvellous Spatuletail at its most reliable viewing location.

See Ochre-fronted and Rusty-tinged Antpittas at managed forest feeders

Join guided night walks to locate the Long-whiskered Owlet.

Visit a dramatic daytime roost site for large nocturnal Oilbirds.

Explore Machu Picchu with added chances for the endemic Inca Wren.

Wild Peru: As Seen by Endemic Explorer

A 2026 Birding and Photography Expedition Across Peru’s Endemic-Rich Landscapes, from Coastal Wetlands to Cloud Forests and the Sacred Citadel of Machu Picchu

All our private tours are highly customizable. Share your travel goals, and we’ll create a compelling itinerary together

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Day 1 (May 10): Lima Coastal Wonders & Flight to the Amazonian Foothills

Costal Birding

Arrival Lima

We will begin our Peruvian birding adventure with an early departure from Lima, heading straight south to explore coastal ecosystems shaped by the cold, nutrient-rich Humboldt Current. Our first stop is the Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge, a protected wetland oasis amid city and desert. Here we will scan the lagoons for waterfowl such as Cinnamon Teal and seek out resident specialities like the Many-coloured Rush-Tyrant.

Next, we drive to the fishing village of Pucusana for a boat trip around rocky headlands and islands. Our targets include Surf Cinclodes patrolling wave-washed rocks, the distinctive Inca Tern with its white moustache, Peruvian Pelican, Peruvian Booby, Guanay Cormorant, Red-legged Cormorant and Humboldt Penguin. The boat offers superb photo opportunities, especially of Inca Terns perched close to the cliffs.

In the evening, we return to Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport for a flight to Tarapoto. Upon arrival, we transfer to our comfortable hotel, where you may rest and prepare for the next stage in the foothills where the Andes meet the Amazon basin.

Day 2 (May 11): Aconabikh Foothills & Huallaga Valley Dry Forest

Koepcke's Hermit Conservation Area

We begin the day by driving into the lower Andean foothills to visit Aconabikh Reserve (also known as Koepcke’s Hermit Conservation Area). Here, we will explore humid forest patches and flowering gardens in search of the endemic Koepcke’s Hermit, a hummingbird that thrives on these slopes. While watching these delicate birds, we will also keep an eye out for forest dwellers such as the Golden-headed Manakin.

In the afternoon, we descend into the rain shadow of the Huallaga Valley near Bellavista, entering a small enclave of dry forest shaped by Tumbesian influences. This starkly contrasts with the surrounding Amazonian lowlands and offers a chance to encounter specialists adapted to arid conditions. Our targets include the local form of Northern Slaty-Antshrike, the White-browed Antbird, Rufous Casiornis and Ashy-headed Greenlet. Photographers should prepare for the differing light—softer, dimmer conditions in the humid patches and brighter, more direct illumination in the dry forest.

Day 3 (May 12): Journey to Plataforma - Realm of the Barbet

Birding in Flor de Cafe

scarlet banded barbet

Get ready for an adventurous day as we head to Flor de Café, known locally as Plataforma. We will depart early from Bellavista in our 4WD vehicles, navigating a challenging, often muddy road that climbs to about 1,500 metres in the Cordillera Azul foothills.

Although the distance is short, the drive may take several hours, giving us chances to spot birds en route in different forest types – perhaps the bizarre Hoatzin along lower river sections or the Yellow-billed Nunbird. On arrival in the remote settlement of Plataforma, we will begin searching for the Scarlet-banded Barbet, rediscovered only recently and known from very few locations. As dusk falls, we can try owling for foothill species such as Foothill Screech-Owl or Band-bellied Owl. Tonight’s accommodation is simple, reflecting the site’s remoteness.

Day 4 (May 13): Full Day Birding Plataforma's Cloud Forests

PlantaformaBirding

We will spend the whole day exploring the cloud forests around the village of Plataforma. This area only gained fame among birdwatchers recently, when the Scarlet-banded Barbet was rediscovered here, and then in 2016 the entirely new Cordillera Azul Antbird was found just off the same trail. These two local species remain our top priorities. We will take our time in the known territories, seeking the fruiting trees favoured by the barbet and the shaded understory preferred by the terrestrial antbird. Although these forests face pressure from deforestation, they still support many uncommon foothill and cloud-forest birds.

We will watch for mixed flocks of tanagers and flycatchers, and aim to find other special species such as Chestnut-tipped Toucanet, Scaled Fruiteater, Rose-fronted Parakeet and several manakins—including Yungas, Blue-rumped and Jet. Photographers can expect static shots of barbets in fruiting trees, while capturing the antbird in the dark understory will be a more exciting challenge

Day 5 (May 14): Plataforma Departure & Journey to Moyobamba

Final Day In Plataforma

We will spend our final morning in the forests around Plataforma, seeking any remaining target species or savouring better views of birds we have already encountered. Afterwards, we will undertake the demanding 4WD journey down to Bellavista and the main highway near Tarapoto. From there, we turn north towards Moyobamba, often called the City of Orchids and the gateway to the Alto Mayo region. En route, we will stop at a bridge where a large colony of Oilbirds roost by day—a remarkable sight, as these nocturnal, fruit-eating birds gather in a dark, cavern-like setting. Photographing them will call for high ISO settings or cautious use of flash, in line with local guidelines. We expect to arrive at our comfortable lodge near Moyobamba in the late afternoon or early evening.

Day 6 (May 15): Waqanki Wonders - Hummingbirds & Lowland Forest

Birding In Hummingbird County

Night Birding for owls and nightjars

Today brings a welcome change from the rigours of Plataforma as we explore Waqanki Lodge and the surrounding forests. The lodge is famous for its hummingbird feeders, which attract an incredible variety and number of these tiny jewels. We will dedicate plenty of time here, enjoying close views and great photo opportunities for species such as Rufous-crested Coquette, White-chinned Sapphire, Golden-tailed Sapphire and, if we are fortunate, Many-spotted Hummingbird.

Once we have savoured the feeders, we will follow trails through nearby foothill and lowland forest patches in search of other local specialities: Huallaga Tanager, Black-bellied Tanager, Bluish-fronted Jacamar and even the elusive Koepcke Hermit. As evening falls, we may try some owling for Stygian Owl or Rufous Nightjar. A lodge-based day at Waqanki combines comfort with truly high-yield birding

Day 7 (May 16): Arena Blanca Feeders & Ascent to Abra Patricia

Arena Blanca Reserve & Owlet Lodge

High Altitude Birding

We will set off early from Moyobamba for Arena Blanca Reserve, a private conservation project known for its specialised feeding stations that attract shy ground birds. Our morning will be spent quietly observing these areas, hoping to see species such as Cinereous Tinamou, Uniform Crake and Rufous-breasted Wood-Quail. The reserve also maintains hummingbird feeders where we may encounter Wire-crested Thorntail, Many-spotted Hummingbird, Green-fronted Lancebill or the localised Ecuadorian Piedtail. These feeding stations give us a rare chance to watch and photograph birds that are otherwise very hard to find.

After making the most of our time at Arena Blanca, we will drive up into the Alto Mayo cloud forest, climbing to the famous Abra Patricia pass. Here we will check in at Owlet Lodge, our base for the next two nights, situated at 2 450 metres amid prime cloud-forest habitat.

Day 8 (May 17): Owlet Lodge - Cloud Forest Jewels & The Owlet Quest

Birding In Abra Patrica Cloud Forest

We have a full day to explore the Abra Patricia cloud forest from our base at Owlet Lodge, run by the conservation group ECOAN. We will follow trails through moss-covered trees and tangled vines, watching for mixed-species flocks of tanagers, flycatchers and furnariids. Our key targets include the endemic Yellow-scarved Tanager and the tiny Lulu’s Tody-Flycatcher along the roadside.

A highlight of the day will be the lodge’s antpitta feeding station, where patient waiting often brings Chestnut Antpitta into view. At the hummingbird feeders, we can expect high-altitude specialists such as Sword-billed Hummingbird, Collared Inca and the local Royal Sunangel.

As dusk falls, we will set out on a guided night walk in search of the elusive Long-whiskered Owlet, rediscovered here only recently after decades unseen. We will also listen for Cinnamon and White-throated Screech-Owls. This day promises both comfort at a well-equipped lodge and unforgettable encounters with some of Peru’s rarest birds.

Day 9 (May 18): Fundo Alto Nieva Antpittas & Transfer to Pomacochas

Birding In Fundo Alto Nieva

Ant pittas and pufflegs

We will set off at dawn for Fundo Alto Nieva, a nearby private reserve celebrated for its conservation efforts and birding facilities. Its feeding stations are superbly managed, drawing in antpittas that are notoriously shy elsewhere. Here, patient observation often rewards us with the endangered Ochre-fronted Antpitta and the Rusty-tinged Antpitta—both endemic to this region.

The hummingbird feeders at Fundo Alto Nieva are equally impressive, regularly hosting the spectacular Royal Sunangel, the Peruvian Racket-tail and other cloud-forest jewels such as the White-tailed Hillstar and Greenish Puffleg. After a highly productive morning among these feeders, we will descend through the cloud forest towards the Utcubamba Valley, making for Pomacochas. This lakeside town will serve as our base for tomorrow’s exploration of the nearby hummingbird haven at Huembo.

Day 10 (May 19): Huembo Reserve - The Marvellous Spatuletail!

A Day For Marvellous Spatuletail Hummingbird

Today we focus on one of the world’s most remarkable hummingbirds: the Marvellous Spatuletail. We will make the short drive to Huembo Reserve, where ECOAN and the local community have created a site dedicated to the conservation of this endemic treasure. Huembo is universally recognised as the most reliable location to observe the Spatuletail.

We will spend ample time at the feeders and explore the surrounding gardens and trails. The male Spatuletail, with its crossed tail rackets and display flights, is an unforgettable sight. Photographing it can be challenging—feeders may be shaded, light can be low and the birds often appear only briefly—so patience, fast shutter speeds and, if permitted, gentle use of flash will be essential.

While our main target is the Spatuletail, Huembo also attracts other hummingbirds such as Little Woodstar, Purple-collared Woodstar and White-bellied Hummingbird. Nearby trails may yield additional species like Buff-bellied Tanager. This focused outing offers an exceptional opportunity for both observation and photography of one of Peru’s most celebrated endemics.

Day 11 (May 20): Descending into the Marañón Valley Endemic Hotspot

Searching For Marañón River Valley Endemics

Explore the andean canyon

We start today with a significant change of habitat. We drive west and descend into the dry Marañón River Valley, a deep Andean canyon that acts as a natural island for many endemic birds. Its role in supporting species found nowhere else makes it a vital area for bird diversity and conservation.

Our morning begins with stops along the road near Balsas and other easy-access spots, seeking Marañón Spinetail, Little Inca-Finch, Marañón Crescentchest, Marañón Gnatcatcher, Marañón Thrush, Buff-bridled Inca-Finch, Grey-winged Inca-Finch, Chestnut-backed Thornbird and the striking Yellow-faced Parrotlet.

After lunch in Jaén, we continue birding in the Tamborapa area, aiming for the Chinchipe Spinetail. The open, arid landscape brings strong light and wide views but also wary subjects and occasional heat haze—features that add both challenge and reward to photographing these special species.

Day 12 (May 21): Jaén Birding & Crossing the Andes at Abra Porculla

Birding In Abra Porculla

high altitude birding

We will spend the morning exploring around Jaén, searching for any Marañón Valley endemics we have yet to see, such as the Ecuadorian Ground Dove or the local form of Rufous-fronted Thornbird that may soon be recognised as a separate species. In the afternoon, we depart the Marañón drainage and climb towards Abra Porculla, the lowest pass across the Peruvian Andes at 2,145 metres. This remarkable pass marks a transition zone: although lower than other Andean crossings, it separates distinct bird communities and supports species adapted to semi-humid montane scrub.

Our primary goal here is the endemic Piura Chat-Tyrant. We will also search for the ‘Porculla’ form of Grey-chinned Hermit, Line-cheeked Spinetail, Chapman’s Antshrike and Black-cowled Saltator. From the pass, we descend into the Tumbesian-influenced dry lowlands and conclude the day in the town of Olmos.

Day 13 (May 22): Bosque de Pómac & Chaparri - Tumbesian Dry Forest Treasures

Dry Forest Birding At Tumbesian

We dedicate today to the Tumbesian dry forest, a globally threatened ecosystem that supports a unique suite of endemics. Our morning begins at Bosque de Pómac Historical Sanctuary, where one of the best remaining stands of Prosopis (algarrobo) forest surrounds ancient Sicán pyramids. Here we seek Peruvian Plantcutter, Rufous Flycatcher and Tumbes Swallow.

In the afternoon we move on to Chaparri Ecological Reserve, a pioneering community-managed project celebrated for returning White-winged Guan from the brink of extinction. This large cracid often appears near the lodge, offering exceptional views. Chaparri also hosts Tumbes Tyrant, Elegant Crescentchest, Cinereous Finch, Pacific Hornero, Tumbes Hummingbird and White-tailed Jay. Keep an eye out for mammal encounters too—Sechuran Fox and Spectacled Bear have been recorded here. This day promises a rewarding immersion in one of South America’s most distinctive dry-forest avifaunas.

Day 14 (May 23): Chaparri Birding & Tinajones Reservoir Wetlands

Last Day Of Birding In Northen Peru

We will spend our final morning in Northern Peru back at Chaparri Ecological Reserve, where we can seek the White-winged Guan and other dry-forest specialists along the trails and near the lodge. At dawn, we might visit the hummingbird bathing stream by the dining area, where several species gather, or settle into an observation hide to watch waterholes and the vulture feeding station.

In the afternoon, we shift to a very different habitat at Tinajones Reservoir. This large, man-made lake has become a key wetland amid the arid landscape. We will scan its waters and shoreline for waterbirds such as Great Grebe, Comb Duck and Black-faced Ibis, look for migrants (season permitting), and search surrounding fields for the Peruvian Meadowlark. This contrast between dry forest and wetland will showcase the remarkable variety of birdlife in this region.

Day 15 (May 24): Machu Picchu Extention

Flights to Cusco & Transfer to the Sacred Valley

THE EPIC JOURNEY TO MACHU PICCHU

We begin the day with one last early-morning birding session around Chaparri before transferring to Chiclayo Airport (CIX). From there, we take two flights—first to Lima (LIM) and then onward to Cusco (CUZ), the Inca Empire’s historic capital at around 3,400 metres.

To ease the effects of altitude, we descend immediately into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, enjoying a scenic 2½-hour drive to Ollantaytambo, situated at roughly 2,800 metres. We settle into our comfortable lodge in the valley and spend the afternoon relaxing and acclimatizing. If time and energy allow, the lodge gardens often attract hummingbirds such as Bearded Mountaineer and Giant Hummingbird, offering a gentle introduction to high-Andean birding.

Day 16 (May 25): Machu Picchu - Wonder of the World & Cloud Forest Birds

Visit Machu Picchu

Explore the wonder oif the world

We will rise early and board the scenic train from Ollantaytambo, following the Urubamba River into the mountains for the 1 hour 40 minute journey to Aguas Calientes. From there, we will take a 30-minute bus ride up the winding road to the entrance of Machu Picchu at about 2 430 metres.

Once inside the citadel, we will spend several hours exploring with our guide, learning about Inca history, architecture and cultural significance. Although the focus is on the archaeology, we will keep watch for birds such as the endemic Inca Wren foraging among the ruins. After a lunch break in Aguas Calientes, we may stroll along the nearby railway tracks in search of riverside species like Torrent Duck and White-capped Dipper before catching the return train to Ollantaytambo.

Day 17 (May 26): Sacred Valley Hummingbirds & Return to Cusco

Birding In Urubamba

HIGH ANDEAN HUMMINGBIRDS

We begin our morning in the Sacred Valley with a transfer to Urubamba, where our focus is the specialized hummingbird garden at Ensifera Camp. Here, carefully placed feeders and native plantings attract an impressive array of high-Andean hummingbirds. We will look for the garden’s namesake, the remarkable Sword-billed Hummingbird, alongside Giant Hummingbird, Shining Sunbeam and Great Sapphirewing. Ample time at the gardens provides superb viewing and photographic opportunities with these elusive species.

Having savoured the hummingbird activity, we embark on the scenic drive back up to Cusco. In the afternoon, we will explore the city’s historic heart, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We can wander its cobbled streets, admire the seamless integration of Inca stonework and colonial architecture, and pause at the bustling Plaza de Armas to soak in the local atmosphere before our evening gathering.

Day 18 (May 27): Cusco Exploration & Departure

Last Day Of Expedition

Cultural Sites ,shopping and departure

On the final day, your time in Cusco may be tailored to suit your international flight schedule. Guests may choose to explore Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, or examine the massive stone walls of Sacsayhuaman with its sweeping city views. A visit to San Pedro market offers an opportunity to browse locally made crafts and regional produce. Alternatively, a gentle walk along the ancient cobbled streets allows immersion in the high-Andean atmosphere. In the afternoon, transfer to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) for the flight to Lima (LIM), where you will connect with your homeward departure. You will carry with you lasting impressions of Peru’s diverse birdlife, landscapes and cultures.

Tour Highlights

Comprehensive List of Birds:

Rock Pigeon, Eared Dove, Tropical Kingbird, Cinnamon Teal, White-cheeked Pintail, Many-coloured Rush-Tyrant, Surf Cinclodes, Inca Tern, Peruvian Pelican, Peruvian Booby, Guanay Cormorant, Red-legged Cormorant, Humboldt Penguin, Hoatzin, Yellow-billed Nunbird, Scarlet-banded Barbet, Foothill Screech-Owl, Band-bellied Owl, Cordillera Azul Antbird, Chestnut-tipped Toucanet, Scaled Fruiteater, Rose-fronted Parakeet, Yungas Manakin, Blue-rumped Manakin, Jet Manakin, Oilbird, Koepcke’s Hermit, Golden-headed Manakin, Northern Slaty-Antshrike, White-browed Antbird, Rufous Casiornis, Ashy-headed Greenlet, Rufous-crested Coquette, White-chinned Sapphire, Golden-tailed Sapphire, Many-spotted Hummingbird, Huallaga Tanager, Black-bellied Tanager, Bluish-fronted Jacamar, Stygian Owl, Rufous Nightjar, Cinereous Tinamou, Uniform Crake, Rufous-breasted Wood-Quail, Wire-crested Thorntail, Green-fronted Lancebill, Ecuadorian Piedtail, Chestnut Antpitta, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Collared Inca, Royal Sunangel, Long-whiskered Owlet, Cinnamon Screech-Owl, White-throated Screech-Owl, Ochre-fronted Antpitta, Rusty-tinged Antpitta, Peruvian Racket-tail, White-tailed Hillstar, Greenish Puffleg, Marvellous Spatuletail, Little Woodstar, Purple-collared Woodstar, White-bellied Hummingbird, Buff-bellied Tanager, Marañón Spinetail, Little Inca-Finch, Marañón Crescentchest, Marañón Gnatcatcher, Marañón Thrush, Buff-bridled Inca-Finch, Grey-winged Inca-Finch, Chestnut-backed Thornbird, Yellow-faced Parrotlet, Chinchipe Spinetail, Ecuadorian Ground Dove, Rufous-fronted Thornbird, Piura Chat-Tyrant, Grey-chinned Hermit, Line-cheeked Spinetail, Chapman’s Antshrike, Black-cowled Saltator, Peruvian Plantcutter, Rufous Flycatcher, Tumbes Swallow, White-winged Guan, Tumbes Tyrant, Elegant Crescentchest, Cinereous Finch, Pacific Hornero, Tumbes Hummingbird, White-tailed Jay, Great Grebe, Comb Duck, Black-faced Ibis, Peruvian Meadowlark, Bearded Mountaineer, Giant Hummingbird, Inca Wren, Torrent Duck, White-capped Dipper, Shining Sunbeam, Great Sapphirewing, Cattle Tyrant, Southern Lapwing.

Tour Cost

Tour Cost Breakdown

Main tour + Extension

- Main Tour Price: USD $4,250 per person (twin-sharing basis)
- Single Room Supplement (Main Tour): USD $520
- Machu Picchu Extension: USD $1,950 per person
- Single Room Supplement (Extension): USD $180
Please note: Domestic and international flights are not included in the tour cost.
This is a small group, fixed-departure itinerary designed for an immersive and personalised experience.
Group size: Maximum of 6 participants plus 1 team leader.
Domestic Flight Sectors: Lima (LIM) → Tarapoto (TPP) This flight marks the beginning of your birding adventure, transporting you from the capital city to the lush Amazonian foothills of Tarapoto. Chiclayo (CIX) → Lima (LIM) After exploring the Tumbesian dry forests and Chaparri Reserve, you’ll return to Lima to connect to your next destination. Lima (LIM) → Cusco (CUZ) This flight takes you to the historic Andean city of Cusco, the gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu extension

Special Notes

Included & Excluded

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 Included
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- All ground transport and airport transfers during the tour
- All accommodations (twin-sharing basis) as per the itinerary
- All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on the final day
- All entrance fees, permits, and local reserve contributions
- Professional birding team leader and local guides throughout
- All guided birding and photography activities as per the itinerary
- Bottled water during field excursions
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket and guided visit (if opting for the extension)
- Train and bus tickets to Machu Picchu (extension only)
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Not Included
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- International and domestic airfare
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Travel and medical insurance (mandatory)
- Personal expenses (laundry, phone, drinks, tips, etc.)
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
- Single room supplement (available on request)
- Additional hotel nights before/after the tour if required
- Photography permits or flash usage fees (where applicable)
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Important Notes
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- This is an indicative itinerary, designed to reflect the expected flow of the tour. However, we reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary before or during the tour based on local conditions, weather, or any factors deemed necessary for the safety, comfort, or quality of the experience.
- While every effort will be made to locate and observe key species, wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed due to the unpredictability of nature.
- This is a small-group fixed departure tour, allowing for flexibility, individual attention, and enhanced chances of quality bird and wildlife observations.

Tour Map

Extras & Tools