12 Endemic Birds You Can’t Miss in Cusco
Cusco, the heart of the Inca Empire, is world-famous for Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and its rich cultural traditions. But beyond archaeology and history, Cusco is also a paradise for birdwatchers.
With more than 1100 bird species recorded, Cusco is home to some of Peru’s most extraordinary treasures: Cusco endemic birds that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world.
For travelers who dream of combining Machu Picchu birdwatching with cultural exploration, this region offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Whether you are an experienced birder or a curious traveler visiting Peru for the first time, adding birdwatching in Cusco to your itinerary will enrich your journey with color, sound, and unforgettable encounters.
Why look for endemic birds in Cusco?
Endemic birds of Cusco have evolved exclusively in this unique landscape, shaped by the Andean mountains, cloud forests, and valleys. Their limited distribution makes every sighting a special experience. For passionate birdwatchers, these are “must-see species” for any Peru birdwatching tour. For cultural travelers, it is the perfect complement: imagine exploring Machu Picchu in the afternoon light after spending the morning spotting rare hummingbirds or colorful tanagers in their natural habitat.
Below we present 12 endemic birds you can’t miss in Cusco—species that are relatively more common and easier to observe during birdwatching tours in Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Balcón del Diablo, and Abra Málaga.
Birdwatching in Machu Picchu
1. Masked Fruiteater – A striking green bird with a black mask, often seen in the cloud forests surrounding the sanctuary. A highlight for Machu Picchu birdwatching tours.
2. Green-and-White Hummingbird – One of Cusco’s most beautiful endemic hummingbirds, commonly found around flowers in valleys and forest edges.
3. Cuzco Brushfinch – Frequently spotted around the Inca ruins, this endemic brushfinch is one of the easiest to see right inside Machu Picchu.
4. Inca Wren – A true jewel for birders, this shy species hides in bamboo thickets. Its song often gives away its presence before it is seen.
Birdwatching in Balcón del Diablo
5. Rusty-fronted Canastero – A brownish bird with rufous tones, found in scrubby Andean habitats. Common but always rewarding to spot.
6. Creamy-crested Spinetail – Recognizable by its pale crest, this spinetail is one of Cusco’s iconic endemics and a favorite for photographers.
7. Chestnut-breasted Mountain Finch – A colorful high-Andean finch with chestnut underparts, often found in rocky areas and farmlands.
Birdwatching in the Sacred Valley
8. Bearded Mountaineer – Perhaps the most famous endemic hummingbird of Cusco, with long tail feathers and a shimmering beard. A must-see for any Peru birdwatching tour.
9. White-tufted Sunbeam – A spectacular hummingbird with iridescent plumage and a characteristic white tuft on its chest. Found at higher altitudes in the valley.
Birdwatching in Abra Málaga
10. Marcapata Spinetail – A bamboo specialist, this secretive spinetail requires patience but is one of the highlights of Abra Málaga birdwatching tours.
11. Unstreaked Tit-Tyrant – A small flycatcher, plain in appearance but rare and endemic to this part of Peru.
12. Parodi’s Hemispingus – A colorful tanager-like bird, restricted to Andean cloud forests, often moving in mixed flocks
How to combine birdwatching and culture in Cusco
One of the greatest advantages of Cusco birdwatching tours is that they can be easily combined with cultural visits. Travelers can spend the morning observing endemic birds in Machu Picchu and then visit the archaeological site in the afternoon, when the light is softer and perfect for photography. The same applies to the Sacred Valley and other natural hotspots near Cusco.
This balance allows travelers to enjoy the best of both worlds: cultural tourism in Cusco and birdwatching in one of the most biodiverse regions of South America.
Plan your Machu Picchu birdwatching experience
If you are planning a trip to Peru, don’t limit yourself to archaeology alone. Cusco is one of the best places for birdwatching in Peru, and its endemic birds are a unique attraction. From the Masked Fruiteater in Machu Picchu to the Bearded Mountaineer in the Sacred Valley, these species will add a deeper dimension to your journey.
At Machupicchu Cusco Birding, part of Peru Unique Destination Travel Agency, we design customized Cusco birdwatching tours and Machu Picchu birdwatching experiences for travelers who want to combine nature, culture, and unforgettable memories. Whether you are a birder adding species to your life list or a traveler looking for a unique way to experience Cusco, these endemic birds will make your journey truly extraordinary.
Check a little about this paradise in this episode: