Andes and Amazon Birding Tour
10D / 9N
- Departure
Cusco
- when
From April to November
- Difficulty
Moderate
- type
Private
overview
The Manu Biosphere Reserve is home to the highest diversity of life on Earth and is a key conservation area. This tour is a complete birding experience, showcasing a wide range of habitats—from Puna grasslands and cloud forests, where you can find Spectacled Bears and Cock-of-the-Rocks, to untouched Amazonian lowland, home to 14 monkey species and giant otters. Traveling to Manu means exploring one of the world’s last great wilderness areas, with over 1,000 bird species recorded. On this tour, we typically spot over 550 of birds species, and you might even see the elusive Jaguar. Imagine walking along forest trails filled with diverse bird flocks and encountering a troop of Black Spider Monkeys, or quietly paddling on a catamaran in an oxbow lake surrounded by giant otters and abundant birdlife. It’s truly an incredible experience!
daily summary
Day 1
Cusco – Wayquecha Biological Station
Our adventure begins in the exciting Jungle of Manu, we will pick you up around 4:30 am from your hotels in Cusco in our private transport. Today’s destination is the lush cloud forest region where the Andes meet the Amazon basin. It’s a day of scenic drama and striking contrasts. Our first stop is Huacarpay, a mountain wetland habitat, with numerous bird species such as the endemic Bearded Mountaineer, Rusty-fronted Canastero as well as non-endemic flycatchers, coots, teals, egrets, hummingbirds, raptors, and seedeaters, between the Cusco Valley and the Paucartambo valley. Our next stop is for the endemic Creamy-crested Spinetail, before arriving at the last Andean pass – Acjanacu. On a clear day, we’ll be able to look out from the last range of the Andes over the Amazon basin stretching into the distance. A side stop may find us Scribble-tailed and Line -fronted Canasteros and maybe Puna and Diademed Tapaculo. In the afternoon we will bird the upper limits of the eastern slopes. Working our way down the eastern slope of the Andes, the forest becomes more continuous and we will spend the afternoon birding to our accommodation at 2800 meters above sea level above Pillahuata. Possibilities are many but we hope to encounter mixed-species flocks of Mountain Tanagers, Flycatchers, and Ovenbirds. Gray-breasted Mountain Toucan, Collared Jay, and Mountain Cacique are among some of the many species we may find. In the evening we will go to a favorite spot where we have had luck calling in Swallow-tailed Nightjar. Night at the Wayquecha Biological Station. B: L: D
Highlights:
1. Birdwatching at Huacarpay Lake: Begin the day at this mountain wetland habitat, searching for the endemic Bearded Mountaineer and Rusty-fronted Canastero, along with various waterfowl and raptors.
2. Scenic Stop at Acjanacu Pass: Enjoy breathtaking views over the Amazon basin from the last Andean pass, with opportunities to spot Scribble-tailed and Line-fronted Canasteros.
3. Afternoon Birding on the Eastern Slopes: Explore the continuous forests as you descend, targeting mixed-species flocks, including Gray-breasted Mountain Toucan and Collared Jay, before an evening search for the Swallow-tailed Nightjar at Wayquecha Biological Station.
Day 2
Wayquecha Biological Station full day Birding
After breakfast, we will be greeted with a varied dawn chorus and Red and White Antpitta should be calling. We will spend all day birding from the biological station at 2800 meters to our next stop at 1300 meters. This is a pristine forest on a short bus drive. Some of the special birds on this stretch which we will look for include: White-rumped Hawk, Trilling Tapaculo, , Andean Guan, a wide variety of Hummingbirds including Collared Inca, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Violet-throated Startfrontlet and Amethyst-throated Sunangel, Purple-backed Thornbill, Scaled Metaltail, White-bellied Woodstar, Mountain Parakeet, Andean Pigmy Owl, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, the endemic Marcapata Spinetail, Andean Parakeet, White-throated Antpitta, Barred and Band-tailed Fruiteaters, White-throated Tyrannulet, Ochraceous-breasted Flycatcher, Barred Becard, Pale-footed Swallow, Mountain Wren, Citrine Warbler and many Tanagers. Night at Wayquecha Biological Station B: L: D
Highlights:
1. Dawn Chorus Experience: Start the day with the vibrant dawn chorus, listening for the calls of the Red and White Antpitta as you enjoy breakfast.
2. Birding Along the MANU ROAD: Spend the day birding from the biological station at 2800 meters down to 1300 meters, seeking special species like the White-rumped Hawk, Andean Guan, and various hummingbirds.
3. Endemic Species Focus: Look for unique birds such as the endemic Marcapata Spinetail and other diverse species, including Barred Fruiteaters and Ochraceous-breasted Flycatchers, before returning to the comfortable Wayquecha Biological Station for the night.
Day 3
Wayquecha Biological Station - Cock of the Rock Lodge
After breakfast we will depart for long birding day, having the following species: Bar-bellied Woodpecker, Sierran Elaenia, Black-Throated Toody-Tyrant, Golden-Crowned Flycatchers, White-Crowned Tapaculo, Yellow- Throated Tananger, Common Hemisphingus, Bolivian Tyrannulet, Scaly-naped Parrot, Speckle-Faced Parrot, Stripe-Faced Wood-Quail, Black and Chestnut Eagle, White-Throated Hawk, Solitary Eagle, Spotted Barbtail, Golden-Headed Quetzal, Highland Motmot, Strong-billed Woodcreeper, Black-Streaked Puffbird, Versicolored Barbet, Blue-Banded Toucanet. During the afternoon we will arrive at Cock of the rock Lodge, we will enjoy the feeder for hummingbirds the Wire-Crested Thorntail, Green Hermit, Green Violetear, Sparkling Violetear, Speckle Hummingbird, Many-Spotted Hummingbird, Violet-Fronted Brilliant, Fawn-Breasted Brilliant, Bronzy Inca, Booted Racket-Tail. At night time we have good chance to see Vermiculated Screech-Owl, Rufescent Screech-Owl, Band-bellied Owl, and Rufous-Banded Owl. Night at Cock of the Rock Lodge. B: L: D
Highlights:
1. Morning Birding Expedition: Depart after breakfast for a full day of birding, targeting species such as the Bar-bellied Woodpecker, Black-Throated Toody-Tyrant, and Golden-Headed Quetzal.
2. Birding at Cock of the Rock Lodge: Enjoy the hummingbird feeders featuring species like the Wire-Crested Thorntail and Green Hermit in the afternoon.
3. Evening Owl Search: In the evening, look for nocturnal species, including Vermiculated Screech-Owl and Rufescent Screech-Owl, before settling in for the night at Cock of the Rock Lodge.
Day 4
Cock of the Rock Lodge full day
Cock of the Rock Lodge is situated in the pristine Cloud Forest of the Mountains of Manu just a few minutes walk from a spectacular Cock of the Rock Lek (Rupicola Peruviana) furnished with comfortable blinds (hides) which enable us to observe these colorful birds. There is trail system behind the lodge that enables you to see the under-story of the Cloud Forest first hand and facilitates seeing some species normally not seen from the road such as Chestnut-breasted Wren, Scaled Antpitta, Rufous-breasted and Short-tailed Antthrush’s, Slaty Gnateater and the endemic Cerulean-capped Manakin, Yungas Manakin, Fiery-Capped Manakin. Orchids are abundant with about 80 species recorded around the lodge. Montane Foliage-gleaner, Amazonian Umbrellabird, Uniform and Variable Antshrikes, Slaty Gnateater, Chestnut-crested Cotinga, Scaled Fruiteater, Inca Flycatcher (endemic), Uniform Antshrike, White-throated Spadebill, Fulvous-breasted Flatbill, Saffron-crowned Tanager, Yellow-rumped and Slaty Antwrens, Deep-blue Flowerpiercer, Peruvian Piedtail (endemic) and lots more. Nights at Cock of the Rock Lodge. B: L: D
Highlights:
1. Birdwatching at the Leck of Andean Cock of the Rock: Enjoy the courtship displays of Cock of the Rock males and other bird species from hidden blinds.
2. Forest Trail Exploration: Walk the lodge’s trail system to experience the Cloud Forest understory, enhancing sightings of elusive birds like the Chestnut-breasted Wren and endemic species.
3. Orchid Identification Walk: Participate in a botanical tour focusing on the diverse orchid species, with approximately 80 varieties documented in the area of the lodge.
Day 5
Cock of the Rock Lodge – Bonanza Lodge
The Bonanza Lodge is situated in the buffer zone of Manu National Park at 300 meters a.s.l., where the last low foothills of the Andes begin to flatten out into the lowland Amazon Basin. The lodge features butterfly bushes that attract various hummingbird species, including the stunning Rufous-crested Coquette, Festive Coquette, White-Chinned Sapphire, Golden-tailed Sapphire, and Blue-tailed Emerald.
In the Bonanza Ecological Reserve, our bird observation towers enable us to watch canopy flocks, including numerous species of lowland tanagers and macaws. The reserve encompasses a variety of habitats, including floodplain, bamboo, and várzea forest. Bonanza Lodge itself is an extensive private reserve, home to many species such as Black-capped Tinamou, Buckley’s Forest Falcon, Blue-headed Macaw, Pheasant Cuckoo, Koepcke’s Hermit, Rufous-webbed Brilliant, Bluish-fronted Jacamar, White-throated Jacamar, Chestnut-capped Puffbird, Striolated Puffbird, Fine-barred Piculet, Red-billed Scythebill, Dark-breasted Spinetail, Dusky-cheeked Foliage-gleaner, Chestnut-backed Antshrike, Amazonian Antpitta, Thrush-like Antpitta, Rusty-belted Tapaculo, Mottle-backed Elaenia, Red-billed Tyrannulet, Johannis’ Tody-Tyrant, Yellow-browed Tody-Flycatcher, Ornate Flycatcher, Band-tailed Manakin, and, among others. The bird list continues to grow!
Large stands of bamboo host many local and highly sought-after species, and the combination of extensive várzea, terra firme, and mature transitional floodplain forest results in an astonishing variety of birdlife. Enjoy a night at the comfortable Bonanza Lodge. B.L.D.
Highlights:
1. Hummingbird Birding :
Explore butterfly bushes to observe various hummingbird species, including the Rufous-crested Coquette and Golden-tailed Sapphire, focusing on identification and behavior.
2. Canopy Tower Experience:
Use observation towers to spot canopy flocks of lowland tanagers and macaws, discussing their ecology and adaptations.
3. Diverse Habitat Walk:
Walk through floodplain, bamboo, and várzea forests, searching for species like the Tinamous and Buckley’s Forest Falcon while learning about each habitat.
Day 6
Bonanza Lodge full day Birding
We will be searching for several species in the bamboo, including the Rufous-headed Woodpecker, Manu Antbird (common here), Flammulated Tody-Tyrant, Bamboo Antshrike, White-cheeked Tody-Flycatcher, Large-headed and Dusky-tailed Flatbills, Peruvian Recurvebill, Dusky-cheeked and Brown-rumped Foliage-Gleaners, Ihrig’s and Ornate Antwren, White-lined Antbird, Striated Antbird, and more. We will also look for the singing Rufous-fronted Antthrush, which has been located in this territory.
Additionally, we will keep an eye out for some scarcer forest species that have been previously recorded here, including Cinereous Tinamou, Great Tinamou, Little Tinamou, Undulated Tinamou, Black-Capped Tinamou, Razor-billed Curassow, Pale-winged Trumpeter, Sunbittern, Gray-cheeked Nunlet, Rufous-Capped Nunlet, Cream-colored Woodpecker, Ocellated Woodcreeper, Collared Puffbird, Rufous-Vented Ground-Cuckoo, Ruddy Spinetail, Plain Softtail, Plain-Crowned Spinetail, Striped Woodhaunter, Banded Antbird, Ash-throated Gnateater, White-throated Antbird, Black-spotted Bare-eye, Purple-throated Fruitcrow, Bright-Rumped Attila, White-Winged Becard, Black-Capped Becard, Pink-Throated Becard, Golden-Collared Toucanet, Plum-Throated Cotinga, Black-faced Cotinga, Ochre-bellied Flycatcher, Royal Flycatcher, Musician Wren, and Pale-eyed Blackbird, among others.
We will also have the opportunity for night birding, targeting species such as Mottled Owl, Black-banded Owl, Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl, Great Potoo, Long-tailed Potoo, and Common Potoo. Additionally, we will visit the large Tapir Clay Lick, equipped with a camouflaged blind located in primary forest. This site attracts not only tapirs, peccaries, and deer, but also guans, curassows, chachalacas, and various monkey species, and may even offer a glimpse of a jaguar. While we will be reluctant to leave this bird-rich area, exciting opportunities await us in the Amazon lowlands. Nights will be spent at Bonanza Lodge. B: L: D
Highlights:
1. Bamboo Birding Expedition:
Search for a diverse array of species within the bamboo habitat, including the Rufous-headed Woodpecker, Manu Antbird, and Flammulated Tody-Tyrant.
2. Scarcer Forest Species Observation:
Explore the forest to locate elusive species such as the Cinereous Tinamou, Razor-billed Curassow, and Ocellated Woodcreeper.
3. Night Birding Experience:
Engage in nocturnal birdwatching, targeting species such as the Mottled Owl and Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl. This activity provides insights into the behaviors and vocalizations of night-active birds.
Day 7
Bonanza Lodge – Blanquillo Macaw Clay Lick
Early morning birding near Bonanza Lodge will focus on species we may have missed, such as Silvered Antbird, Band-Tailed Antbird, Black Bushbird, White-throated Antbird, Hairy-Crested Antbird, Plumbeous Antbird, Sooty Antbird, Chestnut-Tailed Antbird, Banded Antbird, and Pygmy Antwren. As the day begins to warm, we will prepare for our motorized boat trip to Tambo Blanquillo Lodge after lunch. During the river journey, we will have the opportunity to observe typical riverside species such as Pied Lapwing, Collared Plover, Roseate Spoonbill, King Vulture, Greater Yellow-Headed Vulture, Capped Heron, Fasciated Tiger-Heron, Horned Screamer, Orinoco Goose, and Large-billed and Yellow-billed Terns. We may also spot various species of macaws and parrots overhead, as well as potential sightings of birds of prey. The river trip will be enjoyable as we leave the last foothills and enter the Amazon basin. We will spend the night at Tambo Blanquillo Lodge. B: L: D
Highlights:
1. Antbirds Search:
Engage in a focused morning birding session to locate elusive antbird species, including the Silvered Antbird and Plumbeous Antbird.
2. Riverside Species Observation:
During the boat trip to Tambo Blanquillo Lodge, observe and identify a variety of riverside birds such as the Roseate Spoonbill and King Vulture.
3. Bird of Prey Spotting:
Be vigilant for raptors during the riverboat journey, as this offers an opportunity to observe birds of prey along the Río Madre de Dios.
Day 8
Blanquillo Macaw Clay Lick full day Birding
In the early morning, we will have the opportunity to visit the Macaw Clay Lick (known as Collpa) and observe the spectacle of hundreds of parrots and macaws from our comfortable blinds. Here, we may see the beautiful Orange-cheeked Parrot, numerous Blue-headed Parrots, as well as Mealy and Yellow-crowned Parrots. Smaller visitors include White-eyed, Cobalt-winged, and Dusky-cheeked Parrotlets. We will also visit oxbow lakes (known as Cocha) in the area, where we can observe lakeside birds including Hoatzin, Sungrebe, Agami Heron, Greater Large-billed Seed-Finch, Silvered and Band-tailed Antbirds, Amazonian Streaked Antwren, Rufous-sided Crake, Wattled Jacana, Black-collared Hawk, Snail Kite, Channel-billed Toucan, Curl-crested Aracari, Ivory-billed Aracari, Gray-breasted Crake, Zigzag Heron, Green and Rufous Kingfishers, Green Kingfisher, American Pygmy Kingfisher, and Ringed Antpipit. We may also be fortunate enough to see one of the two Giant Otter families residing in the area. At night, we will encounter species such as the Amazonian Pygmy Owl, Spectacled Owl, Ocellated Poorwill, and Silky-tailed Nightjar, among others. Overnight at Tambo Blanquillo Lodge. B: L: D
Highlights:
1. Macaw Clay Lick Observation:
Visit the Macaw Clay Lick (Collpa) in the early morning to witness hundreds of parrots and macaws up close, including Orange-cheeked and Blue-headed Parrots.
2. Trail System Exploration:
Spend the day birding along the extensive trail system, exploring various forest types to maximize the observation of diverse bird species in the Manu region.
3. Oxbow Lake Birding:
Visit nearby oxbow lakes (Cocha) to observe lakeside birds such as Hoatzin and Agami Heron, with a chance to spot Giant Otters and various kingfisher species.
Day 9
Blanquillo Macaw Clay Lick – Puerto Maldonado
After a morning walk around and of course with more birding expericence we will start on our comfortable boat and our last look at early morning Parrot flocks. Our journey down the Madre de Dios River takes us past over the green forest until the town of Boca Colorado. It will be a great chance to see riverside birds and raptors. Leaving our boat we’ll take one hour drive in local transport to the Inambari River where our bus will be waiting on the other bank to take us, birding along the way like Black-Billed Seed-Finch, Chestnut–Bellied Seedeater, Saffron Finch, Point-Tailed Palmcreeper and more, arrival to the city of Puerto Maldonado at late afternoon, we spend the night at the hotel in Puerto Maldonado. B: L: D
Highlights:
1. Final Morning Birding on the Madre de Dios River:
Enjoy a last opportunity to observe early morning parrot flocks while cruising down the river, surrounded by lush green forests, providing excellent views of riverside birds and raptors.
2. Birding During the Drive to Inambari River:
Engage in birdwatching during the one-hour drive to the Inambari River, where you can spot species such as Black-billed Seed-Finch, Chestnut-bellied Seedeater, and Saffron Finch along the way. B. L .D.
Day 10
Puerto Maldonado – Cusco
We will begin with birding in the early morning around Puerto Maldonado and along the road to Cusco. During these few hours, we expect to encounter many new species, including seedeaters, Red-breasted Blackbird, and White-tailed Kite. Other species we will be on the lookout for include White-throated Jacamar, Black-banded Crake, Grassland Sparrow, Gray-breasted Crake, Black-faced Tanager, Barred Antshrike, Southern Crested Caracara, Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture, Small-billed Tinamou, and Rusty-margined and Sulphury Flycatchers. The Point-tailed Palmcreeper is also common in this area.
As this is the final day of our tour, you can plan to travel to either Lima or Cusco by plane, depending on your travel schedule. Please note that flight tickets are not included, but we can assist in arranging them in advance.
Highlights:
1. Early Morning Birding Expedition:
Engage in a focused birding session around Puerto Maldonado and along the road to Cusco, where you will have the opportunity to observe and identify a variety of species, including seedeaters, Red-breasted Blackbird, and White-tailed Kite.
2. Diverse Habitat Exploration:
Continue searching for a range of unique birds such as White-throated Jacamar, Black-banded Crake, and Southern Crested Caracara.
Tour Includes:
- Private Transportation
- Private boat
- Rubber boots
- Rain poncho
- Duffle bag for personal belongings
- All accommodations and Lodges
- Bird-Specialist guide from the jungle
- Professional cook
- Mineral water all the time
- First aid kit including Antivenom for snake bites
- 3 meals per day included vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian option
- Middmorning snacks
- Entrance to Wayquecha Biolofgical Station
- Entrance to Cock of the Rock Lodge
- Entrance to Cock of the rock Lek
- Entrance to Bonanza Ecological Reserve
- Entrance to Blanquillo Macaw Clay Lick
- Entrance to Tambo Blanquillo Lodge
What you need to take:
- Good Birding- binocular (you can rent with us, we have bushnell 10×42)
- Repellent with a minimum of 30-40% DEET
- Camera with extra batteries, if you like taking pictures take telephoto lens of 400mm
- Flashlight/ torch with extra batteries
- Sun lotion
- Daypack
- Pocket money
- Water bottle
- Sun hat
- Sandals (try to bring with straps)
- Small towel
- Long-sleeved T-shirt
- Cotton thick socks
- Dark color clothes
- Toiled paper