Full Day Birding Tour in the Sacred Valley
Cusco - Huaypo Lagoon - Ensifera Camp
Duration
Full Day
Max. Altitude
11,200 ft - 3,413 m.
Activities
Birding, Photography, History
Difficulty
Easy
Transport
Van
Birding Tour Description
A short but very productive and pleasant tour through the Andes, high Andean lagoons and polylepys forest, in this full day birding tour we can find various species of acuatic birds such as Andean Goose, Puna Teal, Andean Duck, White-tufted Grebe, Silvery Grebe, Cinnamon Teal, Yellow-billed Pintail, Yellow-billed Teal, Andean Gull, Neotropic Cormorant, Puna Ibis, as well as some endemic birds like Rusty-fronted Canastero, Bearded Mountaineer, Creamy-crested Spinetail, White-tufted Sunbeam are some of the birds that we can find in the lagoon and around the vegetation, in some cases and depending on the season it is possible to observe some migratory birds.
Then we will arrive at the Ensifera Camp hummingbird sanctuary where we will have the opportunity to observe and take the best pictures of the strangest and most beautiful hummingbirds at the same time as the Sword-billed Hummingbird, Giant Hummingbird, White-bellied Woodstar, White-bellied Hummingbird, Shining Sunbeam, Tyrian Metaltail, White-tufted Sunbeam, Bearded Mountaineer.
Finally after to have a great birding day tour we will return to your hotel in the city of Cusco.
Itinerary
Cusco – birding in Piuray Lagoon & Ensifera Camp
9,908 ft – 3,019 m.
In the morning we will start with our tour through the Andes, high Andean lagoons and polylepys forest, in this full day birding tour we can find various species of acuatic birds such as Andean Goose, Puna Teal, Andean Duck, White-tufted Grebe, Silvery Grebe, Cinnamon Teal, Yellow-billed Pintail, Yellow-billed Teal, Andean Gull, Neotropic Cormorant, Puna Ibis, as well as some endemic birds like Rusty-fronted Canastero, Bearded Mountaineer, Creamy-crested Spinetail, White-tufted Sunbeam.
Then we will arrive at the Ensifera Camp hummingbird sanctuary where we will have the opportunity to observe and take the best pictures of the strangest and most beautiful hummingbirds at the same time as the Sword-billed Hummingbird, Giant Hummingbird, White-bellied Woodstar, White-bellied Hummingbird, Shining Sunbeam, Tyrian Metaltail, White-tufted Sunbeam, Bearded Mountaineer, stunning hummingbirds of the andes, very territorial and aggressive in some cases, they are flyling looking for nectar around the gardens of Ensifera Camp.
Finally in the late afternoon we will come back to Cusco.
Included:
- Birder Guide.
- Picnic Lunch
- Snacks, Mineral Water.
- Private transport.
Not included:
- Tips, Extra expenses.
- Binoculars.
- Binoculars.
- Small back pack and confortable shoes.
- Rain jacket or poncho (December – April).
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun.
- Sun block (sun protection cream).
- Snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, etc.
- Camera, plenty of film and batteries.
- Sunglasses
- Extra Money (soles).
Altitude
As soon as people book their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco, they start wondering about altitude sickness. The air at high altitudes contains less oxygen than at sea level and forces your body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs. Over several days at high altitude, your body adjusts to the lower amount of oxygen in the air.
With altitude sickness, you may first feel like you have the flu or a hangover. You may have a headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, trouble breathing during exercise. If any of these effects become severe, please contact our office and we will help you get to a doctor.
Most of the time, these symptoms will be mild. We always recommend easing into activity slowly, allowing your body to adjust. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or coca tea. Coca tea has been used since ancient times to help prevent altitude sickness. Leaves from the coca plant contain alkaloids which helps bring oxygen into your blood, helping your body avoid the effects of altitude sickness. Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol and coffee. They will cause you to urinate more often and become dehydrated. Avoid smoking. Smoking makes it more difficult for your body to get oxygen. Avoid sleeping pills. They may cause shallow breathing at night, making it more difficult for your body to absorb oxygen while you sleep.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe medicines, such as acetazolamide and dexamethasone, to help prevent altitude sickness. Start the medicine two days before you get to a high altitude. Continue to take it while you are at high altitude.
Weather
Of course weather is unpredictable. Typically the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December – just be prepared. No matter what month you are doing the trek, please make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho and waterproof gloves.
Also prepare for four seasons. Many of the treks through the Andes involve many micro-climates and you will need to be prepared for all seasons. Layers are always key as they are easy to adjust to the different temperatures. And evenings will always be cold, so please be prepared with a warm, winter-weight jacket.
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