Past Trips

Reviews

BK
Benson K
May 15, 2026
We had a great guide Wiliam, a capable driver Horatio, who also joined us on every birding walk and was great in spotting birds. The accommodations were comfortable and many were located in good birding spots. We were well fed and taken care of from start to finish. Highly recommended!
Birding in Northern Peru - Fixed Departure 2026
YT
YOICHI T
May 13, 2026
This tour was truly fascinating. Both the guide and the driver were extremely knowledgeable about birds, and they showed us many species found only in Peru. If I ever get the chance, I’d love to visit Peru again with them as my guides.
Birding in Northern Peru - for Nobuo Matsumura Final Payment
JW
James W
Apr 17, 2026
An absolutely unforgettable birding tour in Northern Peru—this route is simply unmissable, packed with truly spectacular species. Seeing the Marvelous Spatuletail was extraordinary, and searching for the Peruvian Plantcutter and Little Inca Finch felt like a long-awaited dream finally realised. Danny was a brilliant guide. His depth of knowledge, especially his ability to identify birds by ear, was exceptional, and his natural interpretation added a great deal to the overall experience. Everything was very well organised, and Alicia’s support from the office was consistently helpful—she made sure we were comfortable and confident throughout, which was greatly appreciated. Whether you’re new to birding in South America or a more experienced birder with specific targets like us, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Manakin Expeditions.
Birding in Northern Peru - 12 days
aa
arleen a
Apr 09, 2026
Our trip through Manakin was wonderful; the whole experience was a true pleasure. Our guides did a fantastic job of fulfilling all of our requests and taking us to the most interesting places of cultural relevance; their knowledge of the Peruvian culture and locations was endless. I wish we had had more time to absorb. We could not have had as comfortable and stress-free an experience on our own. Everything was so well planned for us. Accommodations were excellent, and the food was great. Our van driver knew how to travel us safely and comfortably even on some pretty rough roads! These are the people to book with!!!
Machu Picchu Tickets & Train Adjustment
KS
Karin S
Apr 08, 2026
Danny Vargas put together an amazing trip. From the highlands in Manu National Forest to the Amazon Basin and along the Tambopata River. The lodge accommodations were terrific and very delicious. Danny is a brilliant guide. His hearing and siting were beyond expectations. We saw 270 species in 9 days, not to mention many mammals. I have only rave reviews to offer for Manakin Tours! Karin Suskin
MANU ROAD AND TAMBOPATA BIRDING TOUR for Rick and friends

References

RS
Robert S
21 Dec, 2025
Danny Vargas and his crew hosted six of us for a 13-day trip devoted mainly to birding in the region around Cusco, including Huacarpay, Abra Malaga, Vilcabamba, and Urubamba in the high Andes but also down the Manu road to Manu biological station in the Amazon basin. The travel arrangements, lodging, and food were all excellent. Danny’s expert knowledge not only of the birds and other wildlife but also of the archaeology and history of the region contributed to making the entire trip an extremely entertaining, educational, and memorable experience. The group saw over 370 species of birds altogether, including 44 species of hummingbirds and nearly 30 species of tanagers; and as an aging birder with declining eyesight, I was especially grateful for Danny’s solicitous care in ensuring that every member of the group had a good chance of seeing every bird. In addition to the birding, Danny provided extremely interesting tours of several key Inca sites, including Sacsayhuamán near Cusco as well as Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Vilcabamba. I unreservedly recommend Danny and Manakin Expeditions to anyone planning a similar trip.