PERU BIRDING – LUCRE-HUACARPAY WETLAND 1/2 DAY

PERU CUSCO BIRDING

Peru cusco Birding in Huacarpay begins with the walk to the first viewpoint, a small cabin in a very special and hidden place. In fact, there we can observe birds and take photos without disturbing them. However, there we will be able to observe aquatic and high Andean birds. For example, white grebes (Rollandia Rolland), torrent ducks (Merganetta armata), Chilean flamingos (Phoenicopterus chilenis), Puna ibis (Plegadis Ridgwayi), common gallinules (Gallinula galeata), Andean gulls (Chroicocephalus serranus), etc.

First, we will observe a unique hummingbird on the southwest side of the lagoon: the bearded mountaineer (Oreonympha nobilis). What’s more, this hummingbird can be found only in Peru and the high-altitude subtropical scrub around the lagoon suits it. We can also observe the giant hummingbird (Patagona gigas), the largest of the hummingbird family. In addition, its weight ranges between 18 and 24 g, its length is about 23 cm and its wingspan are about 21.5 cm. However, another common bird in the area is the multi-colored tiger tyrant (Tachuris rubrigastra), a small perched South American bird that belongs to the tyrant flycatcher family.

In fact, bird watching is a tour for all people who love birds and want to have an unforgettable experience in observing different species of migratory and endemic birds of Peru. The Huacarpay lagoon is the appropriate place for bird watching since it is located 30 kilometers south of the City of Cusco, it is a wetland designated as a Ramsar Site on September 23, 2006 it is estimated that there are more 70 species of birds, also a variety of arthropods, mammals and fish, since it is an ecosystem with great biological diversity, during most of the year.

PERU-CUSCO-BIRDING

CUSCO – HUARCARPAY LAGOON – LUCRE VALLEY – CUSCO

Between 5 and 5:30 am, we pick you up from your hotel. Then, we go on minivan towards the Huacarpay Lagoon that is being surrounded by wetlands – an ideal place to bird-watching. It is very important to arrive early morning because waterfowl and high-Andean birds leave their nests in this time to feed in the middle of the lagoon.

Upon arrival, we walked to the first viewpoint. There we will be able to observe aquatic and high Andean birds. For example, white-haired grebes (Rollandia Rolland), torrent ducks (Merganetta armata), Chilean flamingos (Phoenicopterus chilenis), Puna ibis (Plegadis Ridgwayi), common gallinules (Gallinula galeata), Andean gulls (Chroicocephalus serranus), etc. . .

Then, we have our box-breakfast on the shores of the lagoon: The bearded mountaineer (Oreonympha nobilis). This hummingbird can be found only in Peru and the high-altitude subtropical scrub around the lagoon suits it. Except that, we can observe the giant hummingbird (Patagona gigas). Its weight ranges between 18 and 24 g, its length is about 23 cm and its wingspan is about 21.5 cm. Another common bird in the area is the multi-colored tiger tyrant (Tachuris rubrigastra).

Later, we get back in the minivan to travel for 20 minutes to the Lucre Valley. It is a special place for the observation of the eagle owl (Bubo virginianus), which reaches a length of 43 to 64 cm, with an average of 55 cm. After all these incredible experiences, we return to the city of Cusco arriving around 12 pm. At the end of the Peru Birding – Lucre-Huacarpay Wetland tour, we take you back to your hotel.

PERU BIRDING – LUCRE-HUACARPAY WETLAND

CUSCO – HUARCARPAY LAGOON – LUCRE VALLEY – CUSCO

• 5:30 am (approx.) – pick-up from your hotel.
• Transfer on minivan to the Huacarpay Lagoon.
• At around 6 am – arrival at the lagoon.
• 1-minute walk to the first lookout to appreciate and take pictures of waterfowl and high-Andean birds.
• Breakfast at the lagoon.
• Walk to the south-west side of the lagoon to observe hummingbirds unique for this area.
• 20-ride towards the Lucre Valley to watch big Andean owls.
• Around 12 pm – return to the Cusco City.
• Transfer to your hotel.
• End of service included in the Peru Birding – Lucre-Huacarpay Wetland tour.

INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PERU CUSCO BIRDING:

• All equipment to bird watching.
• Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco.
• Private transport during all the Peru Birding – Lucre-Huacarpay Wetland.
• A professional English-speaking Tour Guide specialized in ornithology.
• Guide Assistant (for groups of over 5 participants).
• Meals: 1x box-breakfast – a vegetarian option available upon request.
• Walking stick.
• First aid kit.
• Drop off at your hotel.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PERU CUSCO BIRDING:

• Lunch.
• Beverages (apart of breakfast).
• Tips to local staff.
• Hotel in Cusco.
• Any flight tickets.
• Travel insurance.

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU IN THE TOUR PERU CUSCO BIRDING?

• • • Small backpack;
    • Comfortable or sport clothes in green or nature-like colours (e.g. shorts, T-shirt and sweater);
    • Rainy coat or poncho (especially, from November to April);
    • Comfortable/sporty shoes;
    • Camera and/or video camera;
    • Binoculars;
    • Extra batteries and/or power bank (there is no electricity on the trek);
    • A peak/hat;
    • Sun glasses;
    • Sun protection cream;
    • Insect repellent (we recommend DEET 35 or higher);
    • Bottled water;
    • Pocket money in Soles (in any case of emergency or to buy some souvenirs).

The price depends on the number of participants, travel dates and other preferencies. Please inquire about a personalized price.