If you're a birder visiting Cusco, you're in for a treat with the City Tour for Birders. This unique tour offers an exceptional blend of nature and culture, making it a perfect one-day trip to experience the best of Cusco.
The morning will be spent at the beautiful Huacarpay RAMSAR wetland, which is renowned for its native and migratory bird species. With its diverse habitats ranging from dry intermontane valleys with scrubs to Andean lakes with marshes and rushes, Huacarpay is a must-visit for any birding enthusiast. You'll have the opportunity to spot a wide variety of waterfowl, hummingbirds, endemics, and even the largest hummingbird in the world! Look out for Puna Tinamou, Yellow-Billed Pintail, Puna Teal, Andean Lapwing, Plumbeous Rail, Andean Negrito, White-tufted Greebe, Puna Ibis, Bearded Mountaneer (Endemic), Rusty-fronted Canastero (Endemic), Giant Hummingbird, Many-colored Rush-Tyrant, Streak-fronted Thornbird, Black-tailed Trainbearer, Andean Lapwing, White-crested Elaenia, Variable Hawk, and many more.
After a delicious lunch, we'll head out to explore the cultural side of Cusco. We'll visit the most important Inka temple in Cusco, the Qoricancha, where you'll learn about the ancient history and culture of the Incas. Then, we'll make our way to the magnificent megalithic site of Saqsaywaman, located just outside the town. This hidden gem is a great site to appreciate the skills of the pre-Hispanic cultures in the New World. And of course, there are birding opportunities here too, with sightings of Peruvian Sierra-finch, Andean Flicker, Chestnut-breasted Mountain-Finch (Endemic), Creamy-crested Canastero (Endemic), Black-throated Flowerpiercer, Yellow-billed Tit-tyrant, Tyrian Metaltail, and more.
The pace of the tour is moderate, allowing you to enjoy both the nature and culture without feeling rushed. This one-day tour is perfect for those who want to experience the best of birding in Cusco and learn about the ancient history and culture of Peru. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore the City of the Incas!