Birdwatching and Historical Machu Picchu Tour
Cusco - Málaga Pass - Cloud Forest - Machu Picchu
Duration
4 Days
Max. Altitude
13.878 ft - 4.230 m.
Activities
Photography, Birdwatching, Historical Tour, Medicinal Plants, Traditions, Machu Picchu.
Difficulty
Mild
Transport
Van and Train
Tour Description
The perfect tour designed for travelers who want to combine birdwatching tour, photography and culture. On this trip we will explore different and very interesting habitats such as high Andean lagoons where we will find a variety of aquatic and migratory birds, going deeper into the foot of the Sacred Valley we will explore part of the Polylepis forest looking for endemic birds and beautiful hummingbirds having the opportunity to take the best pictures, then we will ascend to the Abra Málaga, an extreme habitat where we will find unique birds and stunning landscapes then little by little we will descend towards the Cloud Forest walking in the deep forest searching for endemic birds finally we will visit one wonders of the world Machu Picchu which is located in the middle of a rich and diverse habitat in flora and fauna thus ending this magnificent adventure.
Trip Highlights
- Birdwatching and Pictures in the Sanctuary of Hummingbirds.
- Exploring through the Abra Málaga looking for unique birds adapted this high.
- Walk into the deep Cloud Forest looking for endemic species.
- Observe the stunning and panoramic views of the andes.
- Spotting the amazing cock-of-the-rock, considered our national bird.
- Historical tour in Machu Picchu wonder of the world.
Itinerary
1st Day
2nd Day
3rd Day
4th Day
1st Day
Cusco – Sacred Valley
Leaving Cusco in the morning we will visit a series of high Andean lagoons located at 3445 meters surrounded by an impressive landscape is an important habitat for resident and migratory waterfowl, perfect place for photography and birdwatching as well as being surrounded by ancient traditional towns such as Chinchero where they preserve their original culture and traditions.
Continuing with the tour we will arrive at the Hummingbird Sanctuary, a preserved place designed for lovers of photography and bird watching where we will enjoy a delicious lunch with local and natural organic products, ending the day we will go to Ollantaytambo where we will spend the night.
2nd Day
Ollantaytambo – Abra Málaga – Cloud Forest
This day we will ascend to 13,878 ft – 4,230 m. the highest part of the Abra Málaga, one of the famous birdwatching areas in Cusco region, is an extreme habitat that houses unique birds that have managed to adapt to the climatic conditions of the place, being a special hotspot to find endemic birds such as Chesnut-breasted Mountain-Finch, White-tufted Sunbeam, Rusty-fronted Canastero and Creamy-crested Spinetail, a great variety of hummers such as Giant, Black and Green tailed Trainbearers, Great Sapphire-wing, Shinning Sunbeam, Sparkling violetear, Tyrian metatail, Sword-billed and various others, additionally it is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and sacred snow-capped mountains such as La Veronica or “Wakaywillca” (means sacred tears) located at 19.202 ft – 5,850 m.
Then we will go down the road and passing through various habitats such as the polylepis forest and cloud forest, we will arrive at our lodge to find nocturnal birds and owls.
3rd Day
Cloud Forest to Machu Picchu
This morning we will birdwatching exploring the paths of the lodge in the cloud forest to try to find endemic species such as Inca wren, Marcapata spinetail, Unstreaked tit-tyrant, Cuzco brush finch, Parodi’s Hemispingus, Vilcabamba tapaculo, also according to the season we can find some native orchids and characteristic flora of the place.
After the activity we will continue our journey following the Urubamba or Vilcanota river until we reach Machu Picchu, the wonder of the world.
4th Day
Machu Picchu – Cusco
The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is located in the heart of the Cloud Forest, a natural and important habitat, protected by the Peruvian Government, the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu has a big extension of more than 35,500 hectares, which is the habitat of endangered species of animals such as the Andean Bear, Puma, Andean Cat and a great variety of Bird Species, making it the perfect place for travelers who want to enjoy knowing and learning about the history and nature of Peru.
That´s the reason the activities begin early in the morning looking for Birds of Machu Picchu and then ascend and make the guided tour of the Inca citadel, visiting the main temples, astronomical observatories and squares, finally we will return to the city of Cusco by train.
Included:
- Naturalist Guide.
- Tour Transport (van, bus and train).
- Entrances fees.
- Meals
- 3 nights lodge at cloud forest and Machu Picchu.
- Mineral water + Snacks.
Not included:
- Tips, Extra expenses.
- Binocular, Alcoholic drinks,
- First Breakfast and last day dinner.
- Original passport.
- Binoculars.
- Flashlight and extra batteries.
- Small back pack and confortable shoes.
- Rain jacket or poncho (December – April).
- Three complete change of clothing.
- Sport sandals or water shoes.
- Personal hygiene products.
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun.
- Sun block (sun protection cream).
- Insect repellent.
- Snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, etc.
- Camera, plenty of film and batteries.
- Sunglasses
- Extra Money (soles).
- Swimwear.
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.
Can I design my own trip?
Absolutely. If you want you can change the program according your interest, just let us know and the Neotropic Travel Designer is going to give you more options.
Are flights included?
Unfortunately no. Neotropic Peru does not include flights for this trip.
How many people will be part of my tour group?
Our organized itineraries like this 4 Day tour through Cusco region are typically done as individual bookings. While others may join you if interested in the same day, the groups will always be small up to 12 people max. Private groups are very easily accommodated as well.
Can I bring my luggage to Manu?
All larger luggage should stay in Cusco and can be stored either at your hotel or with us at our deposit.
Which Vaccines Do I Need for Peru?
Vaccines for Peru vary based on your specific itinerary. A Passport Health travel specialist will help you decide which vaccines are best for you. The CDC and WHO have recommended that travelers receive the following vaccines:
- Yellow Fever
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
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