
Birdwatching Tour in Huacarpay from Cusco
Experience an incredible birdwatching tour in Huacarpay from Cusco. Discover over 130 species in a stunning natural environment. A unique experience for nature and photography lovers!
Tour Itinerary
Start (04:00-05:00 AM): Hotel pickup in Cusco and transfer to the Apurimac Valley.
Breakfast: Typical breakfast en route to recharge.
Pomacanchi Lagoon: Visit to the beautiful lagoon at 3,600m with time for photos.
Q'eswachaka Bridge: Exploration of the Inca hanging bridge with historical explanation.
Lunch: Traditional lunch on the way back.
End: Comfortable return to Cusco at the end of the day.
Birdwatching Tour in Huacarpay
3,050m asl - Huacarpay LagoonWe start very early with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco. Then, we head in private transport to the lagoon, where we will begin our birdwatching route.
After a short walk, we arrive at the first viewpoint (a cozy cabin) from where you can observe species such as the White-tufted Grebe, the Torrent Duck, and even Chilean flamingos in their natural habitat 📷.
After a photo and observation session, we will enjoy a box lunch breakfast in the open air. We then continue to the southwest side of the lagoon, a special area for spotting unique hummingbirds, such as the Bearded Mountaineer (Oreonympha nobilis) and the Giant Hummingbird (Patagona gigas).
Finally, we return to the city of Cusco at noon, with a heart full of nature and a camera full of incredible memories.
Are you a lover of birds, nature, and authentic experiences? 🧐💚 Then this tour is for you. We take you to live an incredible day of birdwatching in Huacarpay, one of the best high-Andean wetlands in Peru, home to more than 130 unique species of aquatic, migratory, and endemic birds. 🦆🦜
Essential Information
Valley
Cusco
approximately
🙋♀️ Frequently Asked Questions
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General Information
Service Type: Private (min 2 people)
Duration: Approximately 6 hours
Start: 5:30 am
Maximum altitude: 3,050 m a.s.l.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Guide Language: Spanish and English
Description
We start very early with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco. Then, we head in private transport to the lagoon, where we will begin our birdwatching route. After a short walk, we arrive at the first viewpoint (a cozy cabin) from where you can observe species such as the White-tufted Grebe, the Torrent Duck, and even Chilean flamingos in their natural habitat 📷.
After a photo and observation session, we will enjoy a box lunch breakfast in the open air. We then continue to the southwest side of the lagoon, a special area for spotting unique hummingbirds, such as the Bearded Mountaineer (Oreonympha nobilis) and the Giant Hummingbird (Patagona gigas).
Finally, we return to the city of Cusco at noon, with a heart full of nature and a camera full of incredible memories.
Highlighted Sites of the Tour Places and experiences
- 🏞️ Saylla
This small town is known for its local gastronomy, especially the Cusco-style chicharrón 🐖. Although we don't make a long stop here, we pass through it on our way to the natural area of Huacarpay, with beautiful Andean views along the way.
- ⛪ Tipón
We pass through the district of Tipón, famous for its Inca archaeological site and its irrigation terraces. It is a fertile and green area, surrounded by mountains, ideal for enjoying the morning landscape as we approach our destination.
- 🥖 Oropesa – The town of bread
Known as the Capital of Cusco Bread, Oropesa is a charming town where artisanal breads are still made in clay ovens. Passing through here is a cultural experience in itself, framed between hills and agricultural fields.
- 🌄 Lucre – Gateway to Huacarpay
Before reaching the lagoon, we pass through Lucre, a traditional town that marks the entrance to the wetland area. Here begins the true contact with nature: fresh air, open skies, and birds flying over the fields.
- 🌊 Huacarpay Lagoon – Main site of the sighting
Located at 3,050 meters above sea level, the Huacarpay Lagoon is the central point of the tour. This high-Andean wetland is part of the RAMSAR Network for its ecological importance. It is home to more than 130 species of birds, many of them endemic or migratory.
Why choose this experience? Advantages and reasons
- Birdwatching in a unique ecosystem Huacarpay is one of the best places in southern Peru to observe high-Andean, migratory, and endemic birds, all in one tour. Ideal for birdwatchers of all levels.
- Proximity to Cusco Located just 30–40 minutes from the city, this lagoon is perfect for a day trip without the need for long transfers.
- Specialized guide in ornithology Unlike common tours, this one includes a guide with specific knowledge of birds, which guarantees an educational, precise, and much more interesting experience.
- Ideal for nature photography Thanks to the strategic viewpoints and the early schedule, you can capture spectacular images of birds in their natural environment.
Why travel with us? Quality Guarantee
- We are tour operators in the city of Cusco
- We work professionally
- We offer 100% tourist vehicles
- We care about the safety of our visitors
- We make your trip the best experience
- We are 100% responsible
- We take care of the environment
- We are committed to quality of service
- We have our own tourist restaurant
🚌 05:30 a.m. – Pickup from your hotel in Cusco Start
We start the day very early with pickup from your accommodation in Cusco. (The schedule can be adjusted if you wish to start even earlier, ideal for seeing more active species).
🦆 06:00 a.m. – Arrival at Huacarpay Lagoon Sighting
After a brief journey of approximately 30 minutes, we arrive at the famous Huacarpay Lagoon, located in the province of Quispicanchi. This high-Andean wetland is part of the RAMSAR Network and is home to more than 130 species of birds.
🏞️ Short walk to the first viewpoint (cabin) Observation
We take a short 1-minute walk to the first observation point, a covered cabin with excellent visibility. From here we will begin the first block of bird watching in Huacarpay, with the possibility of observing: White-tufted Grebe (Rollandia rolland), Torrent Duck (Merganetta armata), Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis)
☕ Breakfast (Box Lunch outdoors) Energy
After the first sighting, we enjoy a box lunch breakfast, served in a natural and quiet environment, perfect for replenishing energy and discussing the sighted species with the expert guide.
🦜 Exploration of the southwest side of the lagoon Hummingbirds
We continue the experience in the southwest sector of Huacarpay, where the ecosystem changes and becomes ideal for observing small species such as hummingbirds. Here you can see: Bearded Mountaineer (Oreonympha nobilis), Giant Hummingbird (Patagona gigas)
🏠 Return to Cusco -12:00 PM End
We finish the tour and begin the return to the city of Cusco. Approximate arrival at noon, with a gallery of photos and memories of an incredible morning of bird watching in Huacarpay.
✅ Birdwatching Tour in Huacarpay Includes
Private tourist transport
Round trip from the city of Cusco to the Huacarpay Lagoon in a comfortable, safe, and authorized vehicle. Pickup from your hotel included.
Professional guide specialized in ornithology
Permanent accompaniment of an expert guide in bird watching, with extensive knowledge of the species in the area and the best sighting spots.
Box lunch breakfast
Light breakfast served in the natural environment of the lagoon, ideal to enjoy after the first block of observation.
❌ Not Included
Additional drinks
Drinks outside of breakfast (such as juices, additional bottled drinks, or special drinks) are not included. You can bring your own water bottle or personal drinks.
Tips
Tips for the guide or driver are completely voluntary and are not included in the tour price.
Lunch
The service does not include lunch. We recommend bringing a snack.
🌟 XTravel Recommendation
Bring binoculars and a camera to capture the best species. Discover the biodiversity of Huacarpay! 🦆
What to Bring - Birdwatching Tour in Huacarpay
- Appropriate clothing Comfortable clothing for outdoor activities and bird watching.
- Green or nature-like color Preferably colors that blend in with the natural environment for better observation.
- Sunscreen and hat Essential sun protection in the high Andean environment.
- Camera To capture the best images of the bird species.
- Sunglasses UV protection for the eyes during outdoor observation.
- Small backpack To carry your belongings during the bird watching tour.
Sitios destacados del sitio
Available Service Options
Prices in US dollars (USD) per person
Small Group (2-3 people)
More personal and exclusive experience
Medium Group (4-7 people)
Perfect balance between price and privacy
Large Group (8+ people)
Ideal for large families and groups of friends
Check your availability and secure your spot today.
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